Gauteng Smallholder Dec 2016 / Jan 2017 | Page 41

From page 38 reasonably well mannered and tolerant of the attention they will be receiving . Most people who visit petting farm expect to interact with baby animals . Some petting farm operators buy baby animals that are bottle fed , raise them until their cute factor wanes , and then sell them as meat or pets , to be replaced by a batch of new babies . There are ethical issues with this practice . Also , displaying bottle babies works for some species but not others . For instance , the winsome bottle-fed llama or alpaca separated from its mother and fussed over by humans will almost certainly develop dangerous behaviour as it matures . There are two ways to consider baby animals in a petting park : house your baby livestock and poultry with their mothers in well-fenced quarters where visitors can see them , but not physically interact with or feed them , or use only adult animals in your park . ❑ Treats . Also , be aware that children tend to come to the plot armed with bread , sweets and other unsuitable goodies to feed your animals . Someone needs to meet each group at the gate and explain why these items aren ' t allowed . Explain that farm animals ' diets must be closely regulated and show them what the animals eat . Make it a fun , educational experience so that visitors don ' t mind leaving the “ treats ” at the gate . At the same time , briefly explain animal behaviour and warn visitors about the risk of disease or injury . Point out the location of hand-washing facilities and explain that everyone who leaves your facility is expected to use them . ❑ Signage . Putting up signs

BUSINESS will be necessary . Visitors Put safety first . It ' s obviously sometimes drift away from important to pick quiet wellhandled livestock for close their groups or simply don ' t pay attention , so make sure contact with visitors , but even the rules are clearly displayed . they can kick or bite unexpectedly if they get a sudden

Affix signs to individual pens , explaining the species they fright . house and the animals ' We should encourage our names . A brochure containing animals to come to us for that information is a nice patting and grooming rather touch , too . Your focus should than for food rewards . Biting be on education – entertainment is a bonus . is particularly likely if owners
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City-dwelling children may find their first encounters with livestock and horses intimidating .
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