We have a lovely little petting zoo that adds so much to our farm. Each with their own personality and story. Meet our zoo:
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- Dharma is a Katahdin Sheep. This breed does not produce wool but rather has wool like hair that sheds out each spring. So you may wonder why would you have sheep that don’t produce wool. This breed is raised solely for their meat. You can imagine how happy Dharma is to have escaped her life’s destiny and to be a member of our petting zoo. FUN FACT: A female sheep is called a ‘ewe”,(sounds like ‘you’)
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- The word ‘Teeka’ is a mark made on the forehead that indicates belonging or acceptance. I chose Teeka out of a herd of more than 30 babies. She was not my first choice. She was my 3rd to last choice but all of the others were boys. As a baby she was all white and rather plain but she has grown up to be a lovely 2 tone goat with a great personality. If you scratch her under her chin she grins.
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- Rumba-Her name is after an Afro-Cuban dance known as the Rumba. Rumba was added to the zoo as a companion for Timba. Although, she is actually best friends with Andre but sleeps with Timba as they keep each other warm. When I went to choose her from a group of rescued pigs I picked her for her personality. She is friendly, likeable and she always wants a belly tickle.
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- Timba-Her name is also after a Cuban dance. It is a happy, snappy little dance. Timba is very happy and energetic but likes to have her own way. She is very vocal and lets everyone know when it is feeding time. I raised Timba from a baby and like all pigs she is very intelligent. FUN FACT: Pigs are smarter than dogs or cats and contrary to popular beliefs pigs are also very clean. They do not have sweat glands so they only roll in the mud to keep cool.
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- Zen is a special hen. She is very docile and pettable. She does not mind being held like a baby and she will talk with you when she hears your voice. She is a miniature Ameraucana that lays blueish green eggs. Like any chicken her eggs are edible.
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- Guinea pigs are colorful and active. They make cute squeaky noises when they hear the garden gate open or when they hear the rustle of a carrot bag. Our guinea pigs like to dress up for the parties. They have pig, ladybug and bumble bee costumes. FUN FACT: Guinea pigs are a staple in Ecuador, Peru and Colombia.
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- Mamba is as sweet and friendly as they come! She loves treats and attention!