Ever wondered what it takes to care for over 13 different species before the farm opens to visitors? Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at our morning feeding routine!
Early Start: 6:00 AM
Our day starts early - really early! By 6:00 AM, our animal care team is already on-site, coffee in hand, ready to greet our residents. The animals know the routine well, and you can hear the excited chatter of birds, the soft humming of alpacas, and the enthusiastic greeting calls from our goats as we approach.
First order of business? A quick walk-through of all areas to make sure everyone made it through the night safely and comfortably. We check on each animal, looking for any signs of illness or injury, and making mental notes of who seems extra energetic or who might need a little extra attention today.
The Feeding Order
We've learned over the years that there's definitely an optimal order for feeding! Here's how we typically structure our morning routine:
6:15 AM - Birds and Small Animals
We start with our birds and smaller animals like rabbits. They get fresh water, carefully measured portions of their specialized feed, and fresh vegetables. Our turkeys are particularly vocal during this time - they like to remind us that they're waiting!
6:45 AM - Herbivores
Next up are our alpacas, llamas, goats, sheep, and mini cows. Each species has specific dietary needs:
- Alpacas and Llamas: High-quality grass hay, supplemented with camelid-specific pellets
- Goats: Alfalfa hay, grain mix, and mineral supplements
- Sheep: Grass hay and sheep-specific pellets
- Mini Cows: Grass hay, a bit of grain, and fresh produce treats
The goats are always the most enthusiastic eaters - they practically sing for their breakfast! The alpacas, on the other hand, are more refined diners, carefully selecting the choicest pieces of hay first.
7:30 AM - Exotic Animals
Our exotic residents - otters, capybaras, porcupines, armadillos, coatimundis, and tortoises - each have very specific dietary requirements. This is one of the most time-intensive parts of our morning routine because we prepare fresh meals for each species:
- Otters: Fresh fish, supplemented with vitamins
- Capybaras: Fresh vegetables, grass, and specialized rodent chow
- Porcupines: Vegetables, fruits, and bark/branches
- Armadillos: Insectivore diet with mealworms and specialized protein
- Coatimundis: Fruits, vegetables, eggs, and protein sources
- Tortoises: Variety of leafy greens, vegetables, and calcium supplements
More Than Just Food
Feeding time isn't just about providing nutrition - it's also about enrichment and health checks. While the animals eat, we're observing:
- Is everyone eating normally? A change in appetite can be an early sign of illness
- How is their body condition? We monitor weight and adjust portions as needed
- How are they moving? We watch for any signs of lameness or discomfort
- How are they interacting? Social dynamics can tell us a lot about animal welfare
Fresh Water for Everyone
While feeding is happening, another team member is refreshing all water sources. Clean, fresh water is absolutely critical for animal health. We scrub and refill water troughs, bowls, and pools - yes, our otters and capybaras need pool cleaning too!
The Pony's Morning Walk
Our ponies get a special morning routine. After their breakfast, they get some exercise time in the larger pasture. They absolutely love this morning walk, and watching them trot and play is a great way to start the day!
Stall Cleaning and Preparation
While feeding is wrapping up, the third part of our morning routine begins: cleaning! Fresh bedding for indoor areas, mucking out stalls, and making sure every enclosure is clean and comfortable. We take pride in maintaining spotless living spaces for our animals.
Final Checks: 9:00 AM
By 9:00 AM, feeding is complete, enclosures are clean, and we do a final walk-through before opening to visitors. We make sure all gates are secure, water is fresh, and everyone is content and ready to meet guests.
This is also when we set up any special enrichment activities for the day - maybe hiding treats for the capybaras to forage for, or setting up new climbing structures for the coatimundis.
Every Day, Rain or Shine
This routine happens every single day, 365 days a year, regardless of weather or whether the farm is open to visitors. Our animals depend on this consistent care, and our team takes that responsibility seriously.
Even during our winter closure (January-February when we're not open to the public), our animal care team is here every morning, following the same dedicated routine to ensure our residents receive the best possible care.
Want to See It for Yourself?
While we start our feeding routine before the farm opens, visitors who arrive right when we open at 10:00 AM can sometimes catch the tail end of breakfast time and see some of our animals munching away! It's a great time to visit because the animals are often most active right after eating.
We also offer special "Junior Farmers" programs where kids can help with feeding routines under staff supervision - it's one of our most popular experiences!
Did You Know?
- We prepare over 200 pounds of food each day across all our animals
- Each species has a customized feeding plan developed with veterinary guidance
- We source much of our hay and produce locally to support sustainable farming
- Feeding times vary slightly by season to account for changing daylight hours
- Our team includes certified animal care specialists with years of experience
We hope this behind-the-scenes peek gives you a greater appreciation for the dedicated care that goes into running Majestic Meadows. Every member of our team is passionate about animal welfare, and it shows in the health and happiness of our residents!
- Mike Thompson, Head Animal Care Specialist
Majestic Meadows Alpacas