Funny Farm in Amherst, N.S., offers a unique home for pets and a unique experience for visitors

There are a lot of animals at Rick & Joy’s Funny Farm in Amherst, N.S., including some you might not expect to find.

“We have llamas, pot belly pigs, goats, alpacas, peacocks, emus,” said Rick Goodwin, who owns the farm with his wife, Joy.

Their farm started expanding about seven years ago when they added “a couple” goats and “a few” alpacas. Today, their backyard is filled with pens that are home to bunnies, birds and other unique farm animals that attract visitors.

“We believe in giving, so the idea was to give back to the community,” Goodwin said. “Allow kids to come venture and visit some animals and enjoy some time. Learn the responsibilities of looking after animals and what the animals are all about.”

Goodwin said not every kid has a chance to see or touch these animals and they get a lot of visitors from outside Amherst. He said the Funny Farm has attracted regular visitors over the years, including a boy Lincoln, who gave Goodwin the nickname “Farmer Rick”. Goodwin named a peacock on the farm after Lincoln in return.

“We get a lot of toddlers and then after a few years, they’re not toddlers anymore but they keep coming back to the farm to interact with the animals.”

Goodwin said the farm is their haven and the animals provide entertainment, love and mental health support.

Goodwin said the farm hosts school groups, visitors from nursing home and even people who give virtual tours to their friends in hospital.

“If you had a rough day at work, what a great way to come and spend some time with the animals, interact,” said Goodwin. “They look forward to you coming home because they’re looking forward to feed, but it’s also nice that they run up to you.”

Goodwin’s favourite animals are his peacocks and emus – Curly, Larry, Moe, Snap, Crackle and Pop – but what he enjoys more than anything is sharing his love and passion with others. He said it’s most rewarding when a guest conquers their fear of an animal.

“The greatest thing is watching the adults who have had fears walking in with birds be able to touch them and interact and then their fears kind of relax after a while,” he said.

Rick & Joy’s Funny Farm is free for visitors, but they accept donations to help cover vet bills and other expenses.

Goodwin said they are maxed out on animals with too many to count but they make sure every single one gets individual attention and lots of love.

Rick & Joy’s Funny Farm is open to the public on days when their work schedules allow. They post their visiting schedule on Facebook.

For more picture of Rick and Joy's Funny Farm click here.

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