Open fields and fresh air, a pause to the bustling sounds of the city, a weekend getaway is what we were looking for. That’s when we came across Picket fence the family farm, 50 Kms from Bangalore. With various farm activities, animal petting for kids, it was just the farm weekend getaway we hoped for.
Picket fence the family farm positions itself as charming, family-friendly animal farm, a place where visitors can interact with the animals, enjoy the outdoor spaces, becoming a popular stop for families looking to give their kids an up-close experience with animals. While it certainly offers certain delightful moments, a closer look reveals troubling concerns, particularly in the wellbeing of exotic species. In this blog, we have taken a thoughtful and honest look at Picket fence the family farm, celebrating the moments that truly shine while also shedding light on the parts that are far more concerning. Our aim is to offer a balanced review that helps you experience the good, yet stay aware of what deserves closer attention.
The heart-warming side
To be fair, the farm has its own brighter moments.
- Surrounded by green fields and refreshing air, the farm offers an ideal spot to spread out a picnic with your little ones, all while enjoying the gentle interactions with farm animals around you.
- The enclosures for goats, phonies, donkeys, and cows were well kept, and these animals seem to be kept in reasonably comfortable conditions.
- The feeding sessions are genuinely delightful, kids, especially light up with excitement as they interact with the friendlier farm animals.
- The birds, though kept in cages, were surrounded by a thoughtfully created habitat that offered a touch of natural biodiversity, enough to make their space feel calmer and more comfortable.
- The addition of children’s horse rides and the charming hands on pottery activity infused the visit with an extra layer of joy and creativity, beautifully rounding out the entire experience.
The side that leaves you uneasy
- The rabbits and guinea pigs were kept in cramped enclosures with barely any space to move, and no enrichment to support their natural behaviours. Being constantly picked up and petted by visitors only added to their stress, making them look visibly look anxious and overwhelmed.
- As the volunteer guided us around, they mentioned that the camel had been “rescued from Hyderabad”. But when we probed a little further, “rescued from what exactly?” the volunteer had no real explanation.
- Hedgehogs, naturally nocturnal and meant to be curled up and resting during the day, were instead placed under the harsh sun and repeatedly passed around for petting, leaving them visibly overwhelmed and subjected to unnecessary stress.
- Marmoset monkeys are wild animals with highly specific welfare needs, and no captive setup, least of all a petting farm, can replicate the rich, complex environment they naturally depend on. As highly social and intelligent creatures that become bored and stressed easily, being housed in grilled sheds only amplified their distress, leaving them looking unmistakably sad and out of place.
-
The sight of a silver pheasant in the aviary was deeply troubling. This is a species that cannot legally be kept for display in private farms under the Wildlife Protection Act, and its visibly distressed state only underscored the ethical and legal red flags.
-
When we inquired about the python, the volunteer casually told us it was “under maintenance” and therefore not being displayed. Yet, only a short while later, we watched the same volunteer retrieve the snake, pulled out from what looked like a resting or hibernating state, just so another group of visitors could pet it. The contrast between the explanation and the reality was unsettling, and it raised serious questions about both animal welfare and transparency.
-
Iguanas are naturally shy, solitary reptiles with highly specialized needs. Frequent handling in a noisy petting environment causes significant stress, which can weaken their immune system and trigger harmful behavioural changes. They also require precise temperature gradients, high humidity, and UV lighting to stay healthy, conditions nearly impossible to maintain in an open farm setting. Moreover, iguanas can carry Salmonella, putting visitors, especially children, at real risk.
Ask the questions that matter
If you do choose to visit, make it a point to ask the handlers where these animals come from and how they are cared for. Transparency isn’t optional, it’s essential, as it isn’t just about curiosity, but about accountability.
Exotic animals should never be acquired casually or displayed without proper permits, welfare checks, and ethical oversight. If the staff hesitate, offer vague answers, or can’t provide documentation, it’s more than a red flag, it’s an indication of deeper welfare and legal concerns that shouldn’t be ignored.
Is the 400rs ticket worth it?
At 400rs per person, the visit might feel worthwhile, if the animals were genuinely well cared for. But that’s where the experience falls short. While the farm animals appear reasonably managed, the treatment of exotic species raises serious ethical concerns. In those moments, the ticket price doesn’t feel like an entry fee to a learning experience, but feels like a contribution to a system that compromises animal welfare.
This is not a rescue centre
Despite its warm and welcoming appearance, Picket Fence Farm functions as a commercial attraction, not a genuine rescue facility. And that distinction matters. The inclusion of exotic animals in environments that fail to meet the standards of their physical and psychological needs is deeply alarming.
Farm animals may tolerate gentle petting, but wild creatures, especially nocturnal, shy, or highly sensitive species, simply do not belong in cramped enclosures, exposed to constant noise, handling, and stress. Their presence here isn’t just inappropriate. It raises serious ethical questions about welfare, oversight, and the true purpose of keeping them on display.
A final thought for parents
If you are considering an animal farm visit for your child, whether for the joy of animal petting or the excitement of animal farm activities, pause for just a moment. Beyond the smiles and photo opportunities, there’s a powerful lesson we can give our children: the gift of compassion.
Sometimes the most meaningful thing we teach them isn’t how to feed a goat or hold a bunny, but how to recognize when an animal is uncomfortable, stressed, or simply not meant for human entertainment. Children learn empathy by watching us, how we treat those who cannot speak or protect themselves.
Conclusion
A visit to Picket Fence Farm can be enjoyable on the surface with wide fields, playful farm animals, and engaging animal farm activities. But beneath the charm lies a more complicated reality. While traditional farm animals may cope well with gentle animal petting, the same cannot be said for exotic and nocturnal species confined to cramped, stressful environments.
As visitors, parents, and animal lovers, our responsibility goes beyond entertainment. It’s about choosing experiences that honour the wellbeing of every creature, not just the ones who adapt easily. When we ask questions, pay attention, and make compassionate choices, we create safer spaces for both animals and children.
In the end, an animal farm visit should be a celebration of learning and empathy, not at the cost of animal’s comfort or welfare. By being mindful, we help ensure that such places grow into true sanctuaries, not spectacles.
