It all started with chickens.
“All I wanted to do was get out of tech, relax, and have a few chickens,” says Leslie Fishlock-Corriveau. “I just wanted fresh eggs in the morning.”
But, she adds with a laugh, “Chickens are the gateway drug.”
That is, the chickens led to a goat. Then goats led to donkeys, sheep, pigs, rabbits, turkeys, ducks, and even a tortoise. Before long, it was official: Leslie and her husband Chris Corriveau had a farm.
Nearly a decade ago, Leslie and Chris left the fast-paced technology industry in San Diego, searching for open space for their rescue dogs to roam and a few hens to call their own.
They found this space on seven acres in Driftwood. In 2016, all that stood upon the land was a house, but over the years the former so-called tech nerds have poured their hearts into transforming the property into a thriving regenerative homestead and animal sanctuary. With efficient garden designs, reclaimed water systems, and a focus on minimal waste, the farm—affectionately named Fluffy Bottoms Farm—is now home to hundreds of rescued and rehomed animals living out their days safe, happy, and well-loved.
Leslie takes great pleasure in introducing others to her furry friends. Nearly every day, she leads immersive farm tours that have become a popular outing for families, homeschoolers, scouts, moms’ clubs, and even military veterans and professional groups.
Visitors don’t just look at the animals from afar; rather, they step into the enclosures for a face-to-face experience.
These hands-on encounters, allowing guests of all ages to feed chickens, hold ducks, cuddle donkeys, or cradle a lamb or baby goat, are significant. Leslie explains, “We’ve gotten so far away from that connection to the land and to nature. There are a lot of kids who grow up never interacting with a farm animal. I want to be a steward of that connection.”
At Fluffy Bottoms Farm, it’s easy to bond with the animals, each of whom has a story and personality. There's Puff Daddy, a naughty rooster currently (and ironically) in “Fluffy Bottoms jail” for his antics; Houdini, a goat expelled from a petting zoo for his escape artistry; and Lambo, a bottle-fed lamb who once went to Costco wearing a diaper and T-shirt.
Another crowd favorite is Magnolia, a sweet donkey who was injured by an unknown animal intruder. Supported by Leslie and Chris’s devoted care and generous donations from concerned neighbors, she is making a remarkable recovery.
And then there’s Thor, the impressive Anatolian shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix who patrols the property with calm confidence. “Everybody knows Thor,” Leslie says. “He’s like a god.”
But if Leslie has a soft spot, it might be for the giant Boer goat, “Petey the Sweetie who likes to eaty.” Once, Petey devoured a basket of habanero peppers. “He just burped and walked away,” she laughs. “He’s huge, but he’s very good with kids. He’s outstanding—a celebrity.”
Chris has his favorites, too: Silo the tortoise and Bacon the pig, unlikely friends who sleep together in the heated tortoise house. “They’re besties,” he says. “At nighttime, Silo will be eating lettuce and Bacon is next to us, and we all watch the sunset.”
Although the Corriveaus hadn’t intended to start a sanctuary for rescued and rehomed animals, they gladly accept this mission. “I have a big heart, and I love animals,” Leslie explains. “The whole goal is to provide a place where they’ll be safe and loved for the rest of their lives.”
Beyond caring for animals, Fluffy Bottoms produces eggs, and Leslie makes homemade goat-milk soaps and other cosmetics, Greek yogurt, baked goods, and candied pecans. All proceeds go toward feeding the animals and maintaining the property.
Fluffy Bottoms’ newest projects include Chickentown U.S.A., a spacious enclosure with several coops for the growing flock, and Ducktopia, which will feature a pond system that irrigates the garden.
Chris and Leslie have built it all themselves, from fencing and shelters to irrigation systems, learning along the way through research and practice. “We’ve taught ourselves how to do everything,” Leslie says. “Being in tech, we just research and figure things out.”
“It’s probably the hardest I’ve ever worked,” Chris admits. “But it doesn’t feel like work. It’s been an adventure.”
Leslie’s hope is to help others begin their own homesteading journeys. She envisions workshops in the barn, hosting speakers and open discussions for beginners: “I would love for people to connect to the earth and their animals, grow their own food, have their own property.”
And you don’t need a big farm to start, she says: “It’s amazing how much food you can grow on just one acre.”
She continues, “I would just like to see people have their own little piece of heaven—have their chickens, have their ducks, maybe a couple of goats for milk.”
To experience a slice of that heaven yourself, schedule a farm tour or sign up to help at one of Fluffy Bottoms Farm’s monthly volunteer days. There’s a good chance Thor will greet you at the gate; just follow the fluff.
FluffyBottomsFarm.com | @thefluffybottomsfarm
Meet the Author: Copy Editor and Staff Writer Melissa Svoboda enjoys wrangling commas and managing her own family farm, which includes husband Brian, four kids, a miniature schnauzer, and a few feathered friends. At DSCL magazine, she considers it a true privilege to share people’s stories—each one a reminder that even ordinary life holds extraordinary inspiration.
“The whole goal is to provide a place where they’ll be safe and loved for the rest of their lives.”