Our Animals are looking for your arrival!
Furry Friends & Farm Fun
Join us for a delightful hour-long petting zoo experience! Your visit includes plenty of time to meet and interact with all our friendly farm animals, from our charming Kunekune pigs and playful Nigerian Dwarf goats to our gentle Highland cows, adorable bunnies, and entertaining Silkie and Polish chickens. After spending time with the animals, browse our country store where you'll find alpaca
fiber products, farm-fresh goods, and unique handcrafted items to take
home as a memento of your visit. It's the perfect blend of hands-on
animal fun and shopping, making for a memorable outing for the whole family!"
Join us for the Introductory Price:
Fee: 1-4 guests: $60 for the whole group. Additional guests are $15 per
person. Can accommodate up to 60 people in a group. The fee is payable
onsite the day of the tour by venmo, cash or card.
We offer tours Monday - Saturday, 10am to 5pm by appointment.
Schedule your private tour today by calling 619 579-9114 or 619 490-9694
for emailing click here: ASimplerTimeStore.net
Here is a little about our petting zoo friends you will meet
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Silkie and Polish chickens
Here are some interesting and fun facts about Silkie and Polish chickens
Silkie Chickens:
- They
have fluffy, fur-like feathers that feel like silk or satin instead of
regular feathers, making them incredibly soft to touch - Their skin, bones, and even meat are black or dark blue due to a condition called fibromelanosis
- They have five toes instead of the usual four that most chickens have
- Silkies are known for being exceptionally broody and make wonderful mothers, often used to hatch eggs from other birds
- They're one of the most ancient chicken breeds, originating in China over 1,000 years ago
- Despite their fancy appearance, they're very friendly and docile, making them perfect pets
Polish Chickens:
- They're
famous for their spectacular "top hat" crest of feathers that can
completely cover their eyes, giving them a quirky, fashionable look - Their fancy hairdos can sometimes limit their vision, making them a bit skittish or easily startled
- Despite the name, they likely originated in the Netherlands, not Poland
- They come in a stunning variety of colors and patterns including white-crested black, golden, and silver laced
- Polish chickens are non-aggressive and quite calm, though their limited vision can make them seem more nervous than other breeds
- They're considered ornamental birds and are often kept for their beauty and personality rather than egg production
Both breeds are incredibly photogenic and beloved by visitors for their unique, almost comical appearances!
- They
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Kunekune pigs
Here are some interesting and fun facts about Kunekune pigs:
Origin & Name:
- Kunekune (pronounced "cooney cooney") means "fat and round" in the Māori language of New Zealand
- They're a heritage breed from New Zealand and were nearly extinct in the 1970s with only about 50 remaining
- They were traditionally kept by Māori people and are now considered a rare and treasured breed
Appearance & Personality:
- They're small, hairy pigs with a variety of colors including ginger, cream, brown, black, and spotted patterns
- Many have distinctive "piri piri" (wattles) - two little tassels that hang from their lower jaw
- They're known for being extremely friendly, docile, and social - often described as "dog-like" in their affection
- Kunekunes are very vocal and will grunt, squeal, and "talk" to their favorite people
Unique Characteristics:
- Unlike most pigs, they're primarily grazers and can thrive on grass alone, making them excellent pasture pigs
- They have short snouts and are less likely to root up pastures compared to other pig breeds
- They're one of the smallest pig breeds, typically weighing 140-220 pounds when fully grown
- Kunekunes are incredibly intelligent and can be trained, enjoy toys, and love belly rubs
- They're very gentle and patient, making them perfect for petting zoos and family farms
- Despite their small size, they're hardy and adapt well to various climates
These charming pigs are beloved for their sweet temperament and adorable appearance!
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Nigerian Dwarf goats
Here are some interesting and fun facts about Nigerian Dwarf goats:
Size & Appearance:
- They're true miniature dairy goats, standing only 17-23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown
- Despite their small size, they can weigh 60-80 pounds
- They
come in a stunning variety of colors and patterns including black,
chocolate, gold, cream, white, and multi-colored combinations - Their eyes can be blue, brown, or even one of each color (heterochromia)
- Both males and females can have beards and wattles
Personality & Behavior:
- Nigerian Dwarfs are incredibly friendly, playful, and social - they love human interaction and attention
- They're known for their mischievous, curious nature and will investigate everything
- These goats are natural comedians and love to jump, climb, and play on anything they can find
- They're very vocal and will "talk" to you with bleats, especially when they want treats or attention
- They form strong bonds with their owners and other goats - they don't like being alone
Unique Characteristics:
- Despite their tiny size, they're excellent milk producers with high butterfat content (6-10%), perfect for cheese making
- They can breed year-round, unlike many other goat breeds that are seasonal breeders
- Nigerian Dwarfs are incredibly intelligent and can learn their names, tricks, and routines
- They're gentle and patient, making them ideal for families with children
- They have a lifespan of 12-15 years with proper care
- These goats are surprisingly hardy and adapt well to various climates
Their combination of adorable size, sweet temperament, and entertaining antics makes them irresistible farm favorites!
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Baby Doll and Friesian sheep
Here are some interesting and fun facts about Baby Doll and Friesian sheep:
Baby Doll Sheep (Olde English Southdown):
- They're one of the smallest sheep breeds, standing only 18-24 inches tall at the shoulder - truly "baby doll" sized!
- Despite their tiny stature, they're incredibly sturdy and hardy
- They have adorable teddy bear-like faces often with black noses, ears, and legs contrasting with their creamy white wool
- Baby Dolls are known for their exceptionally sweet, gentle, and calm temperament - perfect for families and therapy work
- They're often used as "organic lawnmowers" in vineyards and orchards because they're short enough not to damage fruit or vines
- Their wool is soft and highly prized by hand spinners for its quality
- They're naturally polled (no horns) and very easy to handle
- Baby Dolls are excellent mothers and very attentive to their lambs
Friesian Sheep (East Friesian or Friesland):
- They're one of the world's best dairy sheep breeds, producing more milk than almost any other sheep
- Friesians can produce 1,000-1,500 pounds of milk per lactation - that's exceptional for a sheep!
- They originated in the Friesland region of the Netherlands and Germany
- They're larger sheep with distinctive white wool and pink noses
- Friesians have a calm, docile temperament and are easy to work with
- Their milk has high butterfat and protein content, making it ideal for cheese production (like feta and ricotta)
- They're naturally polled and have long, rat-like tails (unlike most sheep breeds)
- Friesians are very intelligent and social, forming strong bonds with their flock and caretakers
- They adapt well to various climates and management systems
Both breeds are beloved for their friendly personalities and make wonderful additions to any farm or petting zoo!
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Highland cows
Here are some interesting and fun facts about Highland cows:
Appearance & Origins:
- Highland cattle are one of the oldest and most recognizable cattle breeds,
originating in the Scottish Highlands over 1,000 years ago - They're famous for their long, shaggy double coats that can be red, black, brindle, yellow, white, or dun colored
- Their iconic long horns and thick bangs (called "dossan") give them an adorable, almost punk-rock appearance
- The long fringe over their eyes isn't just for looks - it protects their eyes from flies and harsh weather
- Despite their large horns, they're one of the gentlest cattle breeds
Unique Characteristics:
- Their double coat is perfectly adapted for harsh weather - the outer coat is
oily and sheds rain, while the downy undercoat provides insulation - They're incredibly hardy and can thrive in extreme conditions where other cattle struggle
- Highland cattle have excellent foraging abilities and can eat plants other cattle won't touch
- They're naturally disease-resistant and require minimal veterinary care
- Highlands are known for their calm, docile, and friendly temperament - they're often described as "gentle giants"
Personality & Behavior:
- They're highly intelligent and have excellent memories, recognizing people and forming strong bonds
- Highland cows are very social and form close relationships within their herd
- They're naturally curious and love attention, often approaching visitors for scratches and pets
- Despite their imposing size, they're patient and gentle, making them safe around children
- They're excellent mothers and very protective of their calves
- Highlands can live 15-22 years, much longer than most commercial cattle breeds
Their combination of majestic appearance, sweet nature, and fascinating
history makes them beloved farm favorites and social media stars! - Highland cattle are one of the oldest and most recognizable cattle breeds,
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Champagne d argent and Holland lop bunnies
Here are some interesting and fun facts about Champagne d'Argent and Holland Lop bunnies:
Champagne d'Argent Rabbits:
- They're one of the oldest rabbit breeds, originating in the Champagne region of France in the 1600s
- "Argent" means silver in French, referring to their stunning silvery coat that develops as they mature
- Baby Champagne d'Argents are born solid black and gradually "silver out" over several months, creating a beautiful salt-and-pepper appearance
- They're a medium to large breed, weighing 9-12 pounds when fully grown
- Champagne d'Argents have a calm, docile, and friendly temperament, making them excellent pets
- They're known for their intelligence and can be easily trained to use a litter box
- Their unique silvering pattern makes each rabbit look slightly different - no two are exactly alike
- They have a commercial body type but are gentle enough for families and showing
Holland Lop Rabbits:
- Holland Lops are one of the most popular pet rabbit breeds due to their adorable appearance and sweet personalities
- They're a dwarf breed, weighing only 2-4 pounds - small enough to fit in your lap!
- Their signature feature is their floppy, lopped ears that hang down beside their faces, giving them an irresistibly cute look
- Holland Lops come in a wide variety of colors and patterns - over 30 recognized varieties
- Despite their small size, they have big personalities - playful, curious, and affectionate
- They're known for being social and love human interaction, often seeking out cuddles and attention
- Holland Lops are intelligent and can learn tricks, recognize their names, and even play games
- They have a compact, muscular body and a distinctive flat face with a "crown" of fur on their head
- These bunnies are generally calm and gentle, making them perfect for children and first-time rabbit owners
- They're active and love to hop, explore, and binky (jump and twist in the air when happy)
Both
breeds are wonderful for petting zoos - the Champagne d'Argent with its
unique silvery beauty and the Holland Lop with its cuddly, adorable
charm!