Alpacas were once looked after and domesticated by the Ancient Inca people who lived in South America 6000 years ago. They were associated with the goddess ‘Pachmana’ or Earth Mother and truly respected.
Farmer Palmer says...
•A male Alpaca is called a Macho
•A female is called a Hembra and a baby is a Cria.
•Pregnancy lasts for about 11.5 months.
•They are herd animals so do not like to be alone and make excellent friends
•They will live for approximately 20 years
•Alpacas will stay the colour they are at birth for life, although it is thought that the alpaca fleece can come in 22 different colours.
Farmer Palmer's animals are traditional farm animals, together with popular pet animals like guinea pigs and rabbits. They are taken care of by our dedicated team in the Animal Barn in line with Defra's Farm Animal Welfare Council's Five Freedom Advice.
Donkeys
Hamerton Toby, the miniature Mediterranean donkey is very friendly, although he does like to get his own way.
A herd of Red Deer live at Farmer Palmer’s and you and your children can meet and feed them in our Deer Feeding experience (check timetable to see if this event is running).
We have several cows on the farm park. You can sometimes see them grazing out in the fields. Our daily animal events are advertised at the front desk, you’re welcome to take a photo of the timetable.
Farmer Palmer’s is home to lots of sheep. Each year, many of our ewes have lambs. You can see the babies out in the fields skipping and jumping. Their mums are very protective and caring.
Our ponies adore praise and are eager to please, most of the time. In the summer they live outside in the field or paddock and eat grass and a little pony food. In the winter they come in and eat hay. They must always have fresh, clean water.
Pigs do not like being muddy or dirty during the winter. In hot summer months they cover themselves in cool mud & water to regulate their body temperature – because pigs cannot sweat!