Hi my name is Farmer Gemma and I have been working here at White Post Farm for 25 years. That’s right, a quarter of a century. (I know I know, I don’t look a day over 25 years old!) I am really passionate about looking after the small animals and that is one of the most important parts of my job at White Post Farm. I love it so much I wanted to tell you all about it. So here it is; a day in the life of Farmer Gemma.
My day starts by giving the hotel residents (of the furry kind) their early morning wake up call which was arranged the day before and they all are waiting eagerly but not so patiently for their 5* breakfast! This is usually snatched out of my hands before i can pop it down in front of them all the while chatting about what they would like to do today usually a binky out in their runs in the lovely weather. (A binky is a little rabbit hop! It means they are happy or excited!) I then head to the silver barn where i am greeted by the happy and excited faces of the bunnies and guinea pigs and i am even acknowledged with a squeak or two! (If only we could understand them, what would they say?) They also get their breakfast which they are very quick to get their teeth into.
Rampaging Rabbits, Mischeivous Mice and Hilarious Hamsters…
At 10am I head down and open the Pet Shop and after feeding and haying and having a good chin wag with all my friends. (The animals that is!) I set about getting the shop ship-shape and tidy ready for the customers that may visit to buy some toys and treats for their very own family friend. It makes my day to exchange funny stories about our pets with our customers. Especially when its a rampaging rabbit, mischievous mouse or hilarious hamster! I also love to chat and give advice on how best to keep their special pets happy and healthy.
Delivery day is always one of my faves and I get really excited about all the new products that we have to offer our customers. Then I can make the shop nice and full and vibrant. I often think of an ‘offer of the month’ if there’s something I really like!
Most days we have a variety of students that get stuck in and help with general day to day jobs which is great for their learning. I always try to motivate them to have fun and get involved with the animals. It is really important that they understand that the welfare of our animals is our number one priority. They are always animal lovers and they do such as great job!
Enrichment will be made a few times weekly to keep our animals minds stimulated and to make sure they are always nice and busy and entertained. I love to make enrichment from household items that would otherwise be thrown away. Even something as simple as an old toilet roll tube filled hay and treats for rabbits and guinea pigs to dig into!
The animals are checked regularly throughout the day in the shop and the pet hotel to make sure all happy and they have everything they need before I go home for the day.
My days are always full which is one of the reasons I love job here at the so much. Farmer Rebecca once asked me; “What would you do if you didn’t work here at White Post Farm?” To which I replied: “I’d try really hard to get a job at White Post Farm!” Ha! I think that says it all!
Farmer Gemma.
