🦙 Become a Farm Keeper for the Morning
Give your child an unforgettable farm keeper experience at Hensting Alpacas! This exclusive behind-the-scenes morning puts children in the role of a real farm keeper, working one-on-one with our dedicated staff member to care for Piper, our gentle and friendly llama.
Unlike typical farm visits where children just look at animals, our hands-on farm experience teaches real keeper duties including feeding, mucking out, grooming, and taking Piper for a peaceful walk around beautiful Itchen Valley Country Park.
What's Included in Your Farm Keeper Experience
- 🌅 Morning Welcome: Personal introduction to your dedicated farm keeper guide (9:00 AM)
- 🥕 Feeding Time: Help prepare and deliver breakfast to Piper and our alpaca herd
- 🧹 Real Farm Work: Learn proper barn care with 15 minutes of light mucking out
- ✨ Grooming Session: Brush Piper's soft coat and learn about llama care techniques
- 🚶♀️ Gentle Walk: Take Piper for a relaxing walk around the country park grounds
- 📚 Farm Education: Discover fascinating facts about llamas, alpacas, and farm life
- 📸 Photo Opportunities: Capture amazing memories of your child as a farm keeper
- 🥪 Refreshment Break: Bring your own snacks for a short break
- 🛍️ Shop Visit: Browse our farm shop before heading home (12:15 PM finish)
🦙 Meet Piper - Your Child's Llama Friend
Piper is our friendly young llama born at Hensting Alpacas. With a calm, gentle temperament, Piper is perfect for children of all ages. She loves being groomed, going for walks, and showing off her playful personality! During the experience, children build a genuine bond with Piper while learning how to safely handle and care for a llama.
👨🌾 Perfect for Animal-Loving Kids
Our farm keeper experience is ideal for:
- 🎁 Birthday Gifts: More memorable than toys - give an unforgettable farm adventure
- 📖 Homeschool Groups: Hands-on learning about animal care, biology, and responsibility
- 🩺 Future Veterinarians: Kids considering animal careers get real keeper experience
- 💪 Confidence Building: Working with animals teaches responsibility and empathy
- 👨👩👧 Quality Family Time: Parents participate alongside children
⚠️ Important Information
Experience Times: 9:00 AM - 12:15 PM (3 hours 15 minutes)
Gates Close: 8:55 AM sharp - No late entry allowed
Age Suitability: Children aged 3+ (must be accompanied by adult)
Ticket Includes: 1 child + 1 adult (additional guests need separate tickets)
Weather: Runs in all conditions - dress appropriately for farm work
Cancellation Policy: No refunds or rescheduling after booking
What to Bring
- 👕 Old clothes that can get muddy
- 👢 Sturdy footwear or wellies (boots available to hire)
- 🥤 Snacks and drinks for break time
- 📸 Camera for photos
- 🌦️ Waterproofs if rain is forecast
📍 Easy to Find
Location: Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ
Parking: Short stay £3.30 | Full day £5.30
From: Southampton (15 mins) | Winchester (15 mins) | Eastleigh (10 mins) | Portsmouth (30 mins)
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