Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Imagine an island setting: hearing the sound of water lapping against the shore while surrounded by cuddly, fuzzy lambs fed right from a bottle.
While this might invoke thoughts of the Emerald Isle of Ireland, this experience is actually possible here in Lennox and Addington at Amherst Island’s Topsy Farm.
Running from May 16 to June 16, the popular foster lamb program is now booking spots. Up to six people can reserve a slot to help nurture some of the wool farm’s smallest-and cutest-critters.
“We invite people to come and really just hang out with the lambs,” explains Leah Murray, director of retail operations for Topsy Farms. “We have an indoor space and outdoor space and we book feeding slots and not feeding slots and people just come and snuggle with them and it’s fun for sure but a lot of people find it super therapeutic. It’s quite peaceful at times and there’s just something about holding a baby-really I think any mammal-but a baby lamb people just really, really love.”
Not only is it a great experience for all ages, but it’s a crucial chore for the family-run farm that will see upwards of 900 lambs born this time of year.
“The foster lambs are bottle fed because for whatever reason mom can’t raise them,” said Murray. “For the most part it’s because she has triplets and doesn’t have enough milk for all three. That’s kind of the more common reasons that it happens. Mostly they’re not orphaned, usually mom’s out in the field with a sibling or two. When we decide that she’s not up to the job, we bring them into the foster program and bottle feed them.”
A Topsy staff member will be on hand to assist and answer any questions.
Feeding slots are expected to open soon and can be booked at TopsyFarms.com for a cost of $35.
Founded in 1972, Topsy Farms specializes in 100 per cent Canadian wool blankets and natural products including bedding, yarn and sheepskins.
The farm is located at 14775 Front Road, Stella.