Petting farms
| March 28th, 2008It is often difficult to make money from small farms due to lack of economies of scale and high fixed overheads. This can be overcome by starting petting farms, where different types of farm animals are kept. Children in urban areas consume animal produce , but rarely see the real animals. Petting farms allow them an opportunity to actually see the animals, pet them and feed them.
Some of the animals kept in a petting farm are:
1. Cows
2. Chicken of different varieties
3. Pigs and piglets
4. Goats
5. Sheep
6. Rabbits
7. Donkeys
8. Horses and ponys
Miniature animals are more popular with the children. The animals should be familiar with humans and not harm the visitors, especially the children. Hygiene is very important and a handwashing station should be available at regular intervals. Insurance coverage may be required to protect the farm owner against legal action if any visitor to the farm is hurt by the animals