For many kids, the only time they are in close contact with farm critters is when they visit a petting zoo. To ensure that the animal stock is healthy and safe, each animal needs special quarters, suited to their specific breed. Keep some guidelines in mind when you're building the pens and shelters.
Instructions
1. Keep in mind the nature of the animal when building their pens. Chickens and fowl are happiest when they have a small cubicle to call their own with the ability to get out freely. A good choice is to provide traditional hen housing within an enclosed pen that provides room to walk freely. Be aware that chickens can fly short distances and you may want to put a mesh top on your pen.
2. Build rabbit hutches to house all the bunnies that children love so much. Rabbits will appreciate small hutches where they can move around, yet still feel secure. Build the hutches at chest level in a horizontal row. Consider putting one or two rabbits in a cubicle and install either an open grate floor or removable trays for easy cleaning.
3. House lambs, goats and ponies just as a farmer would. Separate stalls are required for ponies but two or three lambs and goats can share a stall if they have room to walk around and lie down. For ease of feeding, locate the stalls on either side of a walkway, provide food and water troughs along the wall closest to the walkway.
4. Use sturdy, untreated lumber to build the shelters and pens. Avoid using creosote-coated timbers in shelters and pens. Use CCA-treated lumber only where an animal will not chew on it. If you must use treated lumber in moisture prone floor areas, install a "cover board" or bar a few inches higher to prevent the animal from gnawing on the treated wood.
5. House animals separately by breed and by temperament. Animals can suffer from stress and anxiety just as humans do. An upset animal may bite or kick a child. Pay attention to animal personality conflicts and provide additional housing if two or more animals just can't get along.
6. Provide protection from the sun for ponies that will offer rides to youngsters. Always a favorite at petting zoos, the horses must not stand and walk without shelter from the sun. If your zoo is in a permanent location, a well-ventilated barn is a good choice. If not, erect a large portable sun shelter when you reach your destination.
Tags: good choice, lambs goats, room walk, shelters pens, they have