Do you have a barn, farm, or stable? If so, you’ll want to mark your calendar. The third week of September is Farm Animals Week! A local Westminster, MD vet lists some ways to celebrate below.
Adopt
One of the best things you can do is change an animal’s life. If you have room in your barn and budget, why not bring another animal in? We believe that all animals, no matter how big or small, deserve to be happy, healthy, safe, and comfortable.
Grounds Upgrade
We know, there’s never an end to chores on barns and homesteads. However, this is a good time to add some fun features for your animals. Rolling ‘cow wash’ brushes are a big hit with cows, while horses may like some stall toys. If you have goats, consider putting a playground in for them. You can also just tackle a cosmetic chore, like repainting a door or doing a deep clean.
Hosting Events
Are you interested in getting more involved with your community, or helping raise awareness about farm animals? Consider hosting an event for a local group. This can be anything from a charity barbeque to an online zoom event to a horse show.
Treats
Of course, you’ll also want to bring your animal companions in on the fun. Treats are a great way to do that! Every type of animal is different, but you may find that many of them are fond of apples and other fruits. Just be sure to stick with safe options. Ask your vet for specific recommendations. That said, we do have one recipe that always goes over well with horses, cows, and donkeys. Combine whole oats with honey, molasses, brown sugar, and chopped apples and carrots. Add some whole-wheat flour, a little olive oil, and some water to form a batter. Divide into small portions and bake. About 15 minutes at 375F should do it, though you may need to experiment a little.
Spread The Word
Farm Animals Week was really started to help spread awareness about farm animals, and hopefully add to a growing wave of support for farms and laws that protect their welfare. Spread the word! Even sharing posts and photos on social media can help.
Do you have questions or concerns about your animals’ health or care? Contact us, your local Westminster, MD animal hospital, today!
