Meet Our Animals—The Best Animal Farm To Visit Near Anne Arundel County
A Family-Friendly Farm Experience For Animal Lovers
🐷 Mirabelle & Tinkerbell –
Our Snuggly Kunekune Sisters
These two gentle ladies might be small in size, but they have giant personalities! Mirabelle, our sleepy sweetheart, was born nearly blind but loves belly rubs and snuggles. Tinkerbell? She's our chatty piglet who follows you around like a puppy — and if you hear fast, happy grunts, that means she’s thrilled you're there.
But these sisters aren’t just cute — they’re clever, too. As “grazing pigs,” they love to forage, and that’s exactly what we need. Mirabelle and Tinkerbell help keep the orchard healthy by snuffling up diseased fruit before it can cause trouble. And lucky for us, one of the orchard’s biggest hazards happens to be their favorite treat. Talk about a perfect match!
🐐 Knuckles, Eugene & Remmy –
The Bros of the Barnyard
These three goofy goats are like the chill older brothers of the farm — sturdy, friendly, and always down to hang out. They came from a small farm nearby and now spend their days munching grass, striking silly poses, and playing goat tag. (They’re not jumpers, don’t worry — they’re more “let’s nap in the sun” types.).
Just don’t let their laid-back attitude fool you. These boys pull their weight! During the warmer months, they moonlight as our lawn crew — rotating around the farm to help trim the grass, tackle the weeds, and even keep the poison ivy in check. Goats with a purpose and personality? That’s a win-win.
🐓 Chickens & Ducks –
Our Fine Feathered Friends
The chickens were the very first animals to join the farm — and honestly, we think they knew they were setting the tone. Each breed was chosen not just for their charm, but for the beautiful rainbow of eggs they lay. From warm browns and soft blues to mossy greens and even pale lavender, these eggs are like nature’s Easter basket. (They may all taste the same, but they sure make breakfast a little more magical.)
You’ll also meet our cheerful ducks waddling around the pastures or splashing in the water troughs. Whether they’re quacking in chorus or strutting past like they own the place, these feathered friends are always up to something fun.
The chickens also have two very important roles on the farm. First, they help keep the bigger animals free of mites. They also control the tick and mosquito population naturally. Second, they are the recipients of our food waste collection program. Food waste that is donated to the farm is fed to the chickens. This very important task has helped to eliminate hundreds of pounds of food waste from entering the landfill each year.
🦃 Tom, Harold & Jenny –
The Turkeys With Tales
Jenny’s been here since the early days of the farm — and during the quiet of the pandemic, she even joined us on strolls down the South Shore Trail like a feathered little bodyguard. These days, she rules the roost with quiet confidence while her two suitors, Tom and Harold, spend most of their time puffing up, strutting around, and trying to impress her. (She seems entirely unimpressed, but they haven’t caught on.)
Our heritage turkeys are curious, quirky, and always up for a chat — especially if you’re bringing snacks.
🐑 Anastasia & Drizella –
The Soft-Spoken Sheep
Anastasia and Drizella came to us from a nearby farm that had to close its gates — and while they’ve settled in beautifully, they still carry themselves with a bit of royal distance. They’re sweet, gentle souls, but only the calmest, kindest hands earn the honor of a pat. (Think of it like winning the sheep lottery.)
Each spring, their thick, cozy wool is sheared and sent to a local artisan who spins it into handmade treasures like socks and hats — so their quiet presence lives on in warm, wooly hugs.
🐇 The Bunny Bunch –
Hoppers, Floppers & Soft-Nosed Snugglers
Our rabbit crew is a mixed bunch — some were adopted from the SPCA, others were rehomed from nearby farms, and a few extra-special Flemish Giants remind us of our early days showing bunnies at fairs. They're big, fluffy, and full of personality.
While we once dreamed of a free-range rabbit paradise, we quickly learned that rabbits need a little more structure than that! These days, they live in cozy, well-loved enclosures where they can safely hop, lounge, and enjoy all the snuggles (and snack time!) they could ever want. Lessons were learned. Cuteness remains undefeated.
Aurora the Goose –
The Feathered Security Team
Every farm needs a watchful guardian—and ours just happens to waddle. Aurora takes her role very seriously. She’s our self-appointed security goose, always on alert and quick to let you know (loudly!) if you’re getting too close for her comfort.
Her honk is fierce, but don’t worry—her bite is all bluff. Still, we’ve seen more than a few kiddos do a double take when she struts by like she owns the place. Off-duty, she’s Farmer Brian’s loyal shadow, following him around the farm and even curling up beside him for naps. Their bond is something special—and honestly, we all know she runs the show.
🐹 The Guinea Pig Gang –
Tiny, Tickle-y, and (Soon-to-Be) Named
Our newest additions came to us from our local Farm & Feed store — five fluffy little guys who now call the old chick hatchery home. You can peek in and say hello anytime you visit, but for now, they’re still settling in and learning to trust their human fans. (No petting yet — we’re letting them get comfy first!)
But guess what? These gentle boys still need names, and we could use your help! If you’ve got a creative kiddo (or you're a kid at heart), stop by and suggest a name or two. Who knows — you might help name our next farm celebrity!
Plan Your Visit: When & How To Meet Our Animals
🌾 Farm Visits: Come Play!
🚜 Play Day at the Farm: Wednesdays, 9–11am
Looking for something sweet and screen-free to do with your little ones? Come join us for Play Day at the Farm — a morning of sunshine, fresh air, and memory-making. From tiny toddlers to spry grandparents, everyone’s welcome to explore the garden paths, say hello to the animals, and enjoy the magic of farm life at your own pace.
Prefer to observe from the fence line? Great. Want to feed a goat or pet a bunny? We’ve got you. Each Play Day includes a hayride too (weather permitting), and best of all — it’s totally free. And if you need a little pick-me-up after all that fun, swing by our new café for coffee, snacks, and a cozy seat under the trees.
*We do ask that children under the age of 12 remain supervised at all times.
Hands-On Experiences At The Farm
Getting up close with our animals is one of the best parts of visiting — but a little prep goes a long way!
👟 What to Wear:
We recommend comfy, farm-friendly clothes and closed-toe shoes — especially if you’re planning to explore muddy spots, feed the animals, or go on a hayride. This is a working farm, after all, and a little dirt is part of the fun.
🐐 Petting & Feeding:
Our animals love attention — and snacks — but safety comes first for everyone. We’ll provide the food, and we’ll show you how to offer it safely: hold it flat on your open palm, let the animal come to you, and enjoy the gentle nibble! No fingers near mouths means no accidental nips.
🐝 Beekeeping for Beginners:
Want to learn how honey happens? From our homeschool series to our Honey Harvest Festival, bees are a big part of life here at Hansel Hill. We offer seasonal classes and hands-on experiences that’ll give you a whole new appreciation for our busiest little workers.
🐥 The “Peep Show” – Baby Chick Rentals:
Each spring, you can bring home a little slice of farm life with our rent-a-chick program. For two weeks, your family will care for baby chicks with our full support and supplies. It’s an unforgettable way to learn about raising backyard chickens — and yes, the fluff factor is off the charts.
🌿 Planning a Visit?
We offer a variety of ways to experience the farm, from drop-in play days to custom group visits and private events. Let us know what you're looking for — we’ll help create a farm visit that fits just right.
Follow us on social media for event updates, animal news, and behind-the-scenes farm life. We’d love to see you soon!
Meet Our Animals: Frequently Asked Questions
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Absolutely! Petting is part of the fun. We just ask that parents stay close to their kids and help make sure everyone — animals included — stays safe and happy.
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Honestly? The hardest part is getting started. Once your coop is set up and your chickens are settled in, daily care is pretty simple. If you’re curious, try our spring “Peep Show” — our rent-a-chick program gives you two weeks of hands-on chicken life (with all the support you need).
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It can definitely be tricky — even seasoned beekeepers lose hives sometimes. But don’t let that scare you off! Bees are essential to our environment, and we’re always excited to help new beekeepers learn the ropes. If you’re curious about beekeeping, reach out — we’ve got training, classes, and hands-on experiences to get you started.
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They sure are! Our hens roam freely all day, feasting on bugs, grass, and sunshine. We supplement with food from our food-waste collection program (and traditional feed in the winter if needed), but they spend their days living that pasture life.
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No contest. Pigs. Definitely pigs. (Don’t tell the goats.)
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Farmer Brian asks this all the time. 😄 He’s dreaming of a miniature Highland cow. But for now, cows require more space and care than our little farm can provide. Maybe someday!
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10-week Homesteading Series (dates coming soon!)
Adult Day Camp
We love teaching and sharing what we’ve learned — whether you’re five or fifty-five.
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Yes! Our happy hens lay a rainbow of beautiful eggs, and you can order them online for same-day pickup. Head over to our store here.
