Please do not feed the animals
It is well-intentioned, but it can end badly for them
Gut Aiderbichl is pleased to announce that the visitor farms in Henndorf, Deggendorf and Iffeldorf are visited by so many animal lovers. All our donkeys, goats, ponies, pigs etc. are happy that numerous people walk over the meeting places and, that here and there they get a banana, a biscuit or apple slices from the baby carriages or snack boxes from the strollers.
The game of feeding
For our donkeys, goats, ponies or ducks and geese, the place in front of the entrance hall is exciting, especially in summer. There the guests sit and eat salad, french fries with ketchup, various cakes and drink beer or coffee. Sometimes a fry falls on the table - the goats have seen it, and quick as the wind they are there and grab the fry or the piece of cake.
We have just opened the Christmas market. Here you can find specialties such as mulled wine, cider and farmer's doughnuts. Like us, our donkeys like farmer's doughnuts - please do not feed them. Not even when the donkey holds its head at an angle, looking at you with the most loyal eyes in the world. The contained yeast is not compatible for the donkey.
There are people who find the little rascal pranks of our animals amusing, but also those who even appreciate the begging behavior. When the stubborn goats or donkeys come closer and closer with their little heads, it is counterproductive to hold out something edible to the animal so that it leaves the table with the "edible prey". The animal perceives this behavior as a request and comes back a short time later.
If pushing away the head of a donkey does not help, and he cunningly quickly grabs the guglhupf, it does not help to give him a slap. Donkeys have great stamina and will come back.
It is better to have your meal on the sheltered terrace in front of the entrance hall.
Standing by the pond and feeding bread to ducks and geese has something soothing for humans, but can be deadly for the animals. For birds, bread contains too much sugar and salt, swells in the stomach and can be fatal.
Many of our horses, ponies and donkeys no longer have all their teeth in their mouths, suffer from laminitis, have allergies or suffer from metabolic diseases. Here, carrots, apples or pieces of sugar can cause fatal reactions.
Lama Ernstl was very lucky
A few days ago, an animal keeper discovered just in time that something was wrong with our otherwise cheerful llama Ernstl. He was gasping and had a strangely thick ball in his throat that he couldn't bring up on his own. The keeper managed to reach into his gullet and was amazed: a whole apple was stuck in Ernstl's gullet.
Please have understanding
It is nice and comforting to feed animals. However, we ask for your understanding that for many of Gut Aiderbichl's rescued animals, uncontrolled feeding can cause major health problems.
We are happy to pass on donations of food such as apples, carrots or dry bread to our animal keepers. It is then fed to those animals that can eat it without problems.
Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely, Your Gisela
