FARM SAFETY
Butterfield Acres is unusual as far as farms go.
We are open to the public… an ‘open farm’, which means that we have many people visiting with our animals. Many farms today are bio-secure, which means that only approved staff have access to the animals. We need your help to keep everyone (our visitors, animals, and staff) healthy.
Because we are all part of the animal kingdom, there are some diseases that can be transferred from animals to humans, humans to animals, and of course human to human and animal to animal. We need your help to minimize this risk!
We make every effort to create a safe, yet realistic environment. We do not however, accept any responsibility whatsoever, for any mishaps, however caused, during your visit to our farm. Our facility is used entirely at your own risk.
Sorry, no dogs allowed.
Wise Owl’s WORDS OF WISDOM
As you would expect, a farm is not a sterile environment!
HANDWASHING is important!
It minimizes risk to our visitors, staff, and animals, Please wash your hands, especially:
- BEFORE you enter the farm,
- BETWEEN visits in different pens,
- ANY TIME your hands get soiled,
- BEFORE you eat,
- just BEFORE you leave the farm
Attention immuno-compromised folks!
It is recommended that those wrestling with HIV, chemotherapy, and the very young or very old – refrain from contact with the animals.
PETTING THE ANIMALS
Proper Petting Technique is Important!
Avoid petting areas where you may contact fecal matter (poop)… especially the tail area and feet. And, no kissing the animals! (They will love a wave tho!)
The following things are not allowed in pens
- food
- drinks
- gum
- soothers
- bottles
- toys
- chewing tobacco
- anything that might go into your mouth later!
FOOTWEAR
Sandals, flip flops and open-toed footwear are not acceptable farm wear.
Boots are always a good idea, especially if there have been recent rains.
Look for a stable broom mounted close to pen entrances – you can help us by brushing off footwear both going into and coming out of pens.
You will find Wise Owl’s Words of Wisdom posted as you walk up from the parking lot. Please read them through with your children and do your part!
Important Safety Rules
- Children must be closely supervised by an adult at ALL times.
- Move slowly and quietly with the animals.
- Animals can nibble or even bite. Be cautious and keep hands away from their heads and mouths.
- Supervise children very closely. An outreached hand is interpreted by many animals as an offering of food. This is especially important when around our bottle-fed baby animals…. watch your little people’s fingers closely. If you allow a little finger into a baby goat’s mouth, for example, the finger can end up between the back molars and when the little goat closes its mouth…. it hurts as much as an intentional bite (which it is not).
- Do not climb fences or gates.
- Be sure to fasten gates behind you.
- Do not climb on stacked hay or straw – legs can get caught, bales can fall, etc.
- Feed only food as provided and directed.
- No Smoking/Vaping. Smoking/Vaping permitted only in your vehicle.
- Hand washing is very important in the farm environment. Sanitizing gels are not as effective as soap and running water, and are not recommended by Alberta Health.
- Litter kills animals; please dispose of it properly or carry it home.
