Country Pumpkins — Local services in Orland

It hurts to post such a bad review, because overall my experience was good. The selection was great and the people were lovely. The only thing that ruined it for me was how they kept their tarantulas.

I keep tarantulas as a hobby and while I am by no means an expert, I know how they should be cared for. I took a quick glance at the enclosures here and it was immediately obvious there were very many things wrong:

1.) There were dozens of tarantulas being kept in one enclosure. Tarantulas are not communal and should be held separately. 2.) The tarantulas appeared to be wild-caught male tarantulas, captured while they were on the lookout for females. I don't know where they got their tarantulas, but even without the abhorrent conditions these ones were in, keeping wild-caught animals is unethical and not by any means recommended. If something doesn't change, I may consider reporting it to an authority on the matter. 3.) One of the worst offenses-- there was little to NO dirt/substrate in the enclosures. All tarantulas need substrate to burrow, and the tarantulas I saw here (Aphonopelma Hentzi) are terrestrial species, which especially rely on burrowing. 4.) There were multiple large rocks and branches in the enclosures, which is dangerous to any tarantula species but especially to terrestrial species which are not built for climbing. They can easily fall and rupture their abdomen on a rock or branch like the ones in the tanks. 5.) There was NO WATER at all from what I saw. Tarantulas need hydration just like us and to not provide it is extremely unethical. 6.) The enclosures, on top of not having proper resources for the tarantulas, were dirty and poorly kept. 7.) The tarantulas overall looked malnourished and stressed out. Happy, calm tarantulas generally have a fat butt with no bald spots and they rest in one place. These tarantulas had shriveled, balding abdomens, and were frantically crawling up the sides of the enclosures trying to escape. I witnessed multiple spiders taking a nasty fall, which can literally be fatal to them. At least one tarantula was very much dead, another looked like it was on the way, and a third had several mangled legs.

I understand most of this mistreatment is likely because of ignorance and not malice, which is why I am making this review-- to spread awareness. If the owner wants to continue their tarantula exhibit, I would recommend doing proper research to make it more ethical. There are abundant, easily accessible resources on how to properly care for tarantulas and realistically it is not hard to do so. Tarantulas are easy pets and with proper care they can live for decades, eliminating the need to buy or catch dozens of new ones every year. From an economical standpoint, several captive-bred, female Aphonopelma Hentzis, kept separately and well-cared for, would be a much more efficient and ethical exhibit than the veritable shit show this business has going on now.

Some people may brush it off on the basis that "they're just tarantulas." However, they are still living creatures and very much deserving of proper care and respect. I know plenty of other tarantula and arthropod enthusiasts that would not stop at just a bad review. Again, I had a good time at this pumpkin patch and I feel bad that I have to leave such a scathing review. Hopefully the owner decides to change something...

I took my thirteen year old son to the Country Pumpkins Corn Maze, and had to watch him be publicly humiliated by a grown man working at the establishment. The man was standing on an elevated platform above the cue, he saw my son and instantly began directing everyone in line to look at him. He called him Ronald McDonald and kept making comments about his clown like red hair. He then made a reference to his weight, and said he must have eaten all the hamburgers at McDonalds. He asked if he had braces. And, said he hoped he didn't have braces on top of everything else. He then told him that since he looked the way he did, he should expect to be treated this way! I have that on video! I contacted the owners of the establishment! I am waiting to hear back from them! He is just thirteen! Such an impressionable age! And this guy did this in front of his friends! I am just heartbroken! Luckily, he couldn't hear much of what was being said because of the laughter directed at him! I didn't want to bring more attention to it and humiliate him more, so I waited until we were alone to talk about it! But, that guy is so not getting away with hurting my baby! I will never attend this event again! I am so disgusted! Bullying children...

This family farm is absolutely incredible! The Haunted Corn maze was a major hit for a group of teens we brought out. We will definitely be returning next year. They are incredibly organized for all services. Parking is abundant, snacks and treats are available. As well as some cold beverages. There are actors in costume who engage with guests and have fabulous costumes. Maze might be too much for younger children,depends on child. We've not visited here for the Pumpkin patch during the day, but I have no doubt they have a great environment for the younger kids and family. This place is well worth a drive for a day of fall fun or night of spooky fun. I didn't go into maze,but the teens were sufficiently spooked and giggling. Folks seem to be quite exhilarated as they exited maze, so they really do the spooky up right Come early for maze as there is a wait, but it moves efficiently. We will be return guests . Much appreciation to the operators of this Pumpkin patch, they must plan all year ro make this an enjoyable and memorable experience for guests. The effort wasn't lost on me. You all do an outstanding job at making this an...