Hahndorf Farm Barn — Attraction in Hahndorf

Dear HFB Team, I want to start by saying I don’t take giving negative feedback lightly. I love animals and believe in the value of experiences that allow people — especially children — to learn and connect with them. That said, after my recent visit, I feel strongly that some concerns need to be raised, particularly regarding the care of the reptiles and a few livestock animals. Out of respect, I sought advice before reaching out. Several experienced reptile owners and specialists — some of whom have already contacted your team in the past — expressed that their feedback had unfortunately been dismissed. Given that context, I’m writing in the hope that my message may be received with openness and genuine care. My main concern lies with the reptile enclosures. The use of artificial grass as flooring presents serious risks — it’s known to harbor bacteria and mold even with cleaning. More suitable alternatives like non-adhesive vinyl or loose substrate are widely recommended by exotic vets, as they’re easier to clean and safer for the animals. I also noticed an Eastern blue-tongue skink housed with a shingleback. These species are solitary by nature and require different husbandry needs. Co-habiting can lead to stress, unequal access to food, and even injury. Additionally, the basking temperature only read around 25°C — far too low — and appeared to be measured with an analog thermometer, which is often inaccurate. Digital thermometers are a more reliable standard. While the reptiles seemed to be in healthy weight condition, improper heat and housing are serious concerns. Similar issues were visible in the bearded dragon setups, which also appeared to have insufficient heating and general enclosure setup concerns. I’m not an expert in snake care, so I won’t comment there — but I’d encourage a full review by an exotic vet to ensure best practices across all reptile species. Outside the reptile area, I also noticed some of the larger goats near the ponies appeared to be struggling to walk. Their hooves looked significantly overgrown, which may explain the limping I observed. Overdue hoof care can cause pain and mobility issues, and this seems like a matter that needs attention as well. I’m not writing this to tear down what could be a wonderful experience. In fact, I believe your facility could be amazing — with some adjustments. My concern is that incorrect setups not only impact animal wellbeing, but also unintentionally teach the public, including children and future pet owners, that this level of care is acceptable. Please understand that this criticism — both mine and from others over the years — comes from a place of genuine compassion and respect for the animals. If care recommendations from reptile keepers or specialists have been met with resistance, perhaps reaching out to a qualified exotic vet such as The Unusual Pet Vets could provide credible, professional guidance. Survival isn’t the same as quality of life. Meeting only the minimum doesn’t mean the animals are thriving. I don’t expect a response — I only hope this message helps encourage a review of current practices and a commitment to ongoing improvement in animal welfare.

Please don't take this as me being nasty or rude. It's just these reptiles need care before they...

My 3 year old grandson absolutely loved it . Do not forget to take welly boots though. Awesome beautiful views everywhere. The tractor ride was awesome when the cows came up really close to feed and pat them. However to pay $10 was a bit much as 2 people had to ride, an adult with child, $5 each. He loved the excavator play, riding the small tractor round the track and the pony ride, all which cost a further $5 each. After paying $48 to go in for 2 adults and 1 child it all added up Though we didnt stay long because of the weather and could have been there all day so its probably really worth the money paid at the end of the day if you make the most of it. We missed the milking of cows as we didnt realise it was on whilst we were on the tractor, he wouldve liked to see that im sure. The feed for the animals consisted of pellets and carrots cut up. The carrots being moist tears the paper bag so it wouldve been better if in a different type of bag. The coffee at the coffee shop is really a cup of awesome as promised. I had the latte and it was really good. I lost my spectacles and reported it to staff with my number to contact. Within the hour i was called to collect them as they were found. I was very appreciative. Staff were very friendly too. We were in the town Hahndorf at the time so it wasnt far to go back to get my glasses. The town is really worth a good look around whilst that way. We purchased an awesome cuckoo clock. My 3 year old grandson was so excited about the whole day and loved Hahndorf, the hot dog in town, the cuckoo clock and christmas shop and especially the Farm Barn. I wouldve given 5 star if we had spent more time there and really got our moneys worth. It was a bit dear $70 once including rides etc and we were only about an hour and a half there, but cant hold that against it. We will definately go back and spend longer next time and probably a weekend away to have a good look around the town too. In the last few weeks I have been to Adelaide zoo and Monarto safari park as well and this I would choose over them for...

It was fun for my 3 year old neice's birthday party, the toddlers had a great time and the workers were lovely. There was just one concern I have with safety. The Pony sign says to be careful while feeding as they may accidentally bite if you don't keep your hand flat while feeding; however, the white Pony bit my daughters fingers that were gripping the wire fence despite her having no food in that hand. I initially thought maybe the horse thought her fingers were food, so showed the White Pony I had no food in my hand, he even nibbled me nicely, until I put my hand on the fence to test whether it would bite again, and the Pony quickly (too quickly for me too recoil) bit my fingers and crushed them against the fence so hard that my fingers were swollen bruised and my pinky was numb until 7 hours later. It would not let go until I went to reach into its mouth with my other hand. I would recommend you mention on the warning sign to keep hands off the fence due to potential crush injury from biting, as I believe the damage to my fingers was exacerbated by the metal wire being forced into my knuckles. I don't hold this against anyone as it's obvious there is always risk when it comes to animals (especially ones such as horses), and I was stupid trying to see if it was just an accident or a repeatable behaviour. I just wanted y'all to know this horse may have a habit of associating fingers gripping the fence with food and to warn others of this for liability reasons. Aside from this I'd give...