At Petting Zoo to You, we prioritize the safety and well-being of both our animals and your guests. To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and respectful experience, we ask all guests to follow these feeding guidelines:

Approved Food Only

  • Feed provided by staff: Animals are only allowed to be fed the food provided by our staff. We ensure the food is safe and healthy for the animals.

  • No outside food: Guests are not allowed to bring their food for the animals. This helps us maintain proper nutrition and avoid foods that could be harmful to them.

Feeding Techniques

  • Gentle Feeding: All guests must feed the animals gently. Please avoid throwing or tossing food. Hold it out in the palm of your hand for the animals to nibble.

  • No Overfeeding: Only provide small amounts of food at a time to avoid overfeeding and ensure the animals remain comfortable.

  • Do Not Force the Animals: If an animal does not show interest in the food, do not force it to eat. Respect the animal’s choice to refuse food.

Animal-Specific Feeding Guidelines

  • Herbivores (e.g., goats, sheep): These animals enjoy fresh hay, vegetables, and fruits. They should not be fed sugary or processed foods like candy.

  • Rabbits and Guinea Pigs: Feed them leafy greens, hay, and approved pellets. Avoid iceberg lettuce or any type of cabbage, as these can cause digestive upset.

  • Poultry (e.g., chickens, ducks): Only feed them birdseed, corn, and grain-based treats. Never feed poultry processed human foods like bread or crackers.

  • Horses/Ponies: Can be fed carrots, apples, and specific horse-safe grains. Avoid feeding them chocolate, onions, or garlic, which are toxic to horses.

No Harmful or Toxic Foods

  • Avoid: Chocolate, onions, garlic, avocados, rhubarb, citrus fruits, or anything processed, salty, or sugary. These foods are harmful to animals and can cause severe health issues.

  • Educate Guests: Make sure that guests, especially children, understand what is safe to feed pets and what is not.

Proper Hygiene

  • Wash Hands Before and After Feeding: It’s important for everyone to wash their hands both before and after feeding the animals to ensure proper hygiene and prevent the spread of germs.

  • Hand Sanitizers: Hand sanitizers will be provided throughout the petting zoo area for easy access. We encourage everyone to sanitize their hands after interacting with the animals, especially after feeding.

Respecting Animal Comfort

  • Only Feed in Supervised Areas: Feeding should only occur in designated areas. Always listen to the instructions from staff members to ensure the safety of both guests and animals.

  • No Aggressive Feeding: Guests should never chase or corner animals to feed them. Allow the animals to approach you at their own pace.

Behavioral Guidelines

  • Supervision for Children: Children must be supervised by an adult at all times while feeding the animals to ensure that they are gentle and respectful.

  • No Loud or Sudden Movements: Animals can be startled by loud noises or sudden movements. Keep calm and move slowly to avoid frightening them during feeding.

Guidance from Staff

  • Ask Staff for Assistance: If you’re unsure about the correct way to feed an animal or which animals are currently being fed, please don’t hesitate to ask one of our staff members for assistance.