Farm Frequently Asked Questions

Our visitors often ask good questions or give us suggestions. Here are some topics which link to information below:

• Allergies
• Helmet Sharing
• Missing animals
• Shoe washing
• Pony masks
• Breeding

Do the animal feeds contain any nuts?

I have checked with my feed supplier. They do not include any nut products in their feeds. I can provide lists of ingredients upon request.

Do the children have to wear helmets for pony rides?

We do supply helmets and require that children wear them when riding on our ponies. We would feel terrible if a child was injured and so want to take reasonable precautions. However, we understand concern about head lice and so offer several solutions. We disinfect helmets with a spray before each child wears a helmet, children can wear their own sun hat or cap under the helmet, and we provide light weight disposable surgical hair covers for wearing under helmets.

Where are Marshmallow and Sweets?

Sadly, our little goat Marshmallow became very sick with an infection in March 2008. We treated him with antibiotics but were unable to save him.

Sweets had a degenerative disease common in dairy breeds. She lost use of her hind legs but was happy to use the custom wheelchair we purchased. Sadly, she passed away in winter of 2009.

Is there somewhere we can clean our shoes?

We have a box full of spare boots for children in case their footwear isn't adequate for the barnyard. Following up from a visitor's request, we set up a shallow container filled with a disinfectant solution and scrub brush for people who would like to wash their shoes.

Why are the ponies wearing masks?

Sometimes we put fly masks on our ponies to keep the annoying flies out of their eyes. The ponies can see perfectly through these masks.

Do the animals breed?

Some of our animals have had babies on our farm, but most of the male animals have been neutered (castrated) to prevent them from breeding with their relatives. We let Billy the goat mate with Pepper, Veronica and Sweets. Then he was neutered so he couldn't mate with any of his babies. Seamus was then acquired and allowed to mate with Pepper, Veronica and Sweets but he's now been neutered. Sweets' kids, Jet, Shylo and Skipper, Pepper's kids, Sparky and Pan, and Veronica's kid, Jem have all been neutered so they can't mate with their mothers or sisters.

If we decide to breed our goats any more we will acquire a new buck.