From February through to May, a
succession of new lambs, kids, calves and other young animals arrive
at Mill Farm. Orphan lambs, brought in from other farms, are often
hand reared and become very tame. Small lambs require bottle feeding
several times a day, but as this has to timetabled to suit the needs
of the animal rather than those of the visitor; it's not always
possible to guarantee that your group will be able to see (or help)
with this.
The demonstration session normally
starts off in the "new life" area of the Farm, where there
are incubators, chick runs, and small, accessible pens for small
lambs and other young animals For primary 1 & 2 groups, the
session offers the chance to get close to small, friendly animals
and learn about the different inhabitants of the farm and how the
farm cares for them. More advanced groups can consider more complicated
issues such as growth and nutrition (measuring and weighing animals),
or animal husbandry and welfare.
As with all farm based activities,
it is essential that the children wash their hands as soon as possible
after handling animals, and certainly before eating and drinking.
Demonstrators will make this point several times through the session,
but we rely on the vigilance of teachers and other adult helpers
to ensure that hands are washed effectively and good hygiene practice
is maintained