When the Wisconsin summer kicks in, our crew starts thinking a lot about one thing: keeping everybody cool. Many of our animals are built for chilly weather, so hot, sticky days take some planning. Here's a peek at how we (and the animals themselves) handle the heat.
Alpacas: thank goodness for haircuts
Alpacas come from the high Andes of South America, where it can get cold, and their fleece is seriously warm. That's why shearing them every spring matters so much. Without that yearly haircut, they'd be wearing a heavy sweater straight through July. Freshly sheared alpacas look a little skinny and silly for a while, but they are much more comfortable.
Alpacas can be sensitive to heat stress, so our staff keep a close eye on them during hot spells. Shade, fresh water and good airflow are a big part of summer care.
Highland cattle: shedding the winter coat
Our mini Highland cattle grow thick, shaggy coats to get through winter. As the weather warms up, they shed a lot of that fluff. They still look adorably scruffy, but they're much lighter by summer. Like most cattle, they'll happily find a shady spot to lounge during the hottest part of the day.
Kangaroos: a built-in cooling trick
Here's a fun fact: kangaroos cool themselves by licking their forearms. As the saliva evaporates, it helps cool the blood vessels close to the skin. They also tend to rest in the shade during the heat of the day and get more active when it cools down. Smart animals.
Pigs: no sweat (literally)
Pigs don't really sweat, which is where the "sweating like a pig" saying gets it totally wrong. Our Kune Kune pigs look for shade and cool ground to stretch out on when it's warm. Honestly, a pig napping in the shade is one of the most relatable things you'll see on the farm.
The basics for everyone
- Fresh water, always. Clean water is checked and refilled throughout the day.
- Shade and shelter. Every animal has a place to get out of the sun.
- Clean spaces. Our crew picks up manure multiple times a day, which helps keep flies down when it's hot.
- Watchful eyes. Our staff know these animals and notice when someone isn't acting like themselves.
Tips for your summer visit
We're open 10am to 4pm every day, all summer long. Morning visits are often cooler and the animals tend to be more active before the afternoon heat. Bring water for yourself, wear sunscreen and a hat, and dress comfortably. And if you see an alpaca flopped out flat on its side? Don't worry. Alpacas love to sunbathe and they're usually just relaxing.
Ready to plan a summer day on the farm? Check out our farm tours and come see how everyone is keeping their cool.
