Frozen water bottles and extra wash downs as Northamptonshire farm park reveals how its keeping its animals cool during heatwave
The team at West Lodge Farm Park in Desborough has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure all their animals stay comfortable and well cared for during this week’s hot weather.
Animal welfare is always the farm’s number one priority and additional measures are put in place whenever temperatures increase.
For the smaller animals, including rabbits and guinea pigs, frozen bottles of water are prepared overnight and placed safely within their enclosures to provide cool areas to rest against.
Their bedding is scraped back regularly to expose cooler surfaces and they are given extra greens and vegetables to help increase their water intake.
For the pigs - who cannot sweat – they receive extra wash downs throughout the day and are regularly sprayed with water to help them keep cool.
Fresh drinking water is constantly available to all animals and shaded areas are monitored carefully throughout the day.
The ponies are sponged down regularly and, during periods of particularly warm weather, pony rides are suspended to ensure their welfare comes first.
The chickens have access to shaded pens and all animals are provided with shelter from the midday sun wherever possible.
The Highland cattle, sheep and other grazing animals naturally seek shade beneath hedgerows and trees and they are continuing to increase the amount of natural shelter available across the farm.
One of the reasons behind the farm’s ongoing orchard planting programme is to provide additional shade and protection for animals in the years ahead, alongside the environmental benefits it brings.
Ryan Thompson of West Lodge Farm Park said: "Hot weather brings extra responsibilities and our team works incredibly hard to make sure every animal is kept as comfortable as possible.
"From freezing bottles and washing down the pigs to providing additional shade and changing daily routines, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes.
"Animal welfare always comes first and we will continue to adapt our activities whenever necessary to ensure the well-being of our animals."
Visitors to the farm may notice some changes to normal activities during periods of extreme heat, but these decisions are always made with the welfare, safety and happiness of the animals at the forefront.
For more information, visit West Lodge Farm Park or follow their social media channels for regular updates.