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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