A Full House: With three kids and a 35-acre farm called Roaring Acres, Rachel and her husband Nick don’t just have a full house — they’ve got a full-on menagerie. The family includes two Shetland sheep, four Kunekune pigs, four Nigerian dwarf goats, 25 laying hens, two Pekin ducks, one rescue Plott hound and three African spurred tortoises, including 9-year-old Big Ben. “Nick bought him for our son’s first birthday and is his keeper.”
Farm Life: Big Ben sleeps in a heated barn with his siblings and loves strawberries. He can often be found taking long, slow walks outside. Staying true to the simple things in life, Stallard doesn’t fuss with pet costumes or fancy things. A nice wax on Big Ben’s shell is how she dresses him up. “He looks mighty sharp with a shiny shell!”
Shell Game: All three tortoises hold a special place in Stallard’s heart. When she was five months pregnant, Stallard was setting up for her son’s first birthday party for around 75 guests. “My husband walked in holding a small tank with three palm-sized baby tortoises and asked, ‘Where is the kale?’ Big Ben and his two siblings have grown big alongside my firstborn and his two siblings.”
Animal Planet: Stallard can’t imagine her life without a house full of pets — and loves when Big Ben will patiently let her little ones pet his head and tap his shell. “Animals are an incredible stress reliever. They are always happy to see you — your biggest fan club and a physical, adorable reminder to appreciate what’s around you.”
Pet Parenting 101: Stallard recommends first-time pet parents take it slow. “Take everything one thoughtful step at a time. Enjoy each of life’s little moments.”
Follow them on Instagram: @roaringacres
