Floyd and Jean Houston have been living east of Virden, on Jean’s parents’ farm (known as “Granny’s funny farm” to their seven grandchildren) for 14 years. The couple has always had horses, cattle, and meat birds, but over the last three years they have accumulated a more diverse collection of animals.
The farm is home to eight adult ducks, two calling ducks, four brown Chinese goslings, seven goats, two miniature horses, two rabbits, ten geese, 18 laying hens, 25 chicks, 75 meat birds, one pot belly pig, seven weanling piglets, a mare with colt and a yearling, and six cows with calves.
Jean says she started collecting animals for her grandkids to enjoy, and the grandchildren spend a lot of time with the animals when visiting. She also says her animals are great companions. Her favourites of the bunch are the two baby goats (kids) she bottle fed from birth, Rascall and Nibbles. The tame kids foAllow Jean around and even give her kisses.
Jean works full-time in Virden at Petro Canada, and then spends her off time working at the farm and with her animal family. Floyd works for the Town of Virden.
