Most of our chickens are eager to eat from your hand or a cup
Guidelines for Visiting the My Chicken Diaries Farm
The following are general rules for MyChickenDiaries "Meet and Greet the Chickens" tours.
Guidelines may vary depending upon group and activity, but these are the basics. Like eggs, they come in a dozen. If you are bringing children with you, please review the guidelines before you arrive. Thank you.
1. We want everyone to have fun and enjoy visiting. If at any time you have question or are you're not sure about something, please ask. It is the best way to learn and you may add to the fun and adventure of the whole group.
2. Wear washable, closed-toe shoes or boots and comfortable, washable clothes. As part of our biosecurity (germ prevention) measures, everyone is requirement to clean shoes soles in a biodegradable disinfecting solution. Tennis shoes are ideal for the tour. No sandals or flip-flops.
3. Our animals like having visitors. They do not like to be chased. It is NOT fun for them and often scares them. So, wait for them to come to you, or walk naturally towards them so they know you are friendly and safe.
4. Stay on the paths. In the grassy areas, chickens have their own social areas and paths. Also a hen could be laying eggs or nesting. Those are their private areas. To leave the path, you must be with Ron or Suzanne or have our permission.
5. Leave your pets at home.
6. You are welcome to feed the animals. We will give you a dixie cup to use if you don't want to use your hand. The animals, however can get too much of the wrong foods. So, if you run out of food we give you, please ask Ron or Suzanne for more. Ron and Suzanne are the only people allowed to enter into in the feed area.
7. Hens are sometimes setting on eggs to hatch into chicks. This is called going broody. If you see an egg in a nesting box or in other places on the farm, please keep in mind that this is their home and they may need their privacy and leave her/it there as you found them. Please come tell us so we can see if your discovery is ok to share with the rest of the group.
8. Show respect to the animals and the other people on the tour. Very few of our chickens like being touched. They do, however like to be near you, to follow you and to talk to you. If you try to touch them and they back off, please do the same.
9. You are welcome to bring a camera and take pictures of the animals and yourself on the farm. Ask permission before taking others on the tour. Some people prefer to protect their privacy.
10. Please note that farm tours are fully conducted outdoors and at times in areas without shade. The chicken yard ground is not always even or clean. Please plan for your needs accordingly - sturdy shoes, hat, jacket, sunscreen, etc.
11. If you draw, write or otherwise create something as a result of your time at The Farm, we sure hope you'll share it with us, and if we both agree, we might add it to our website to share with others.
12. If the gate is closed, please park your car along the road and walk in the gate walkway. If the gate is open, drive on in, but stay on the driveway. When we have rain, the ground gets soggy and you may easily get stuck.
Thank you for your cooperation and
Welcome to our little peace of chicken heaven.
