Frying Pan Farm Park is one of the most popular destinations in Fairfax County. While the park is home to a country store, carousel, and wagon rides, it’s also a fully functioning farm. And what does that mean? Guests have access to the cutest farm animals in NoVA.
A family farm during the early 20th century, Kidwell Farm now sits within the 135-acre park. With dozens of cows, chickens, pigs, goats, and more, it seems like the farm is constantly welcoming new babies to the barn. According to the head farmer, Paul Nicholson, February through May and October tend to be the busiest months when it comes to births on the farm.
This spring, the farm is expecting over 60 piglets, 11 lambs, two kids, and six calves.
As May starts to come to a close, Nicholson says they are still waiting on four cows to deliver this spring. Once those calves are delivered, don’t expect any babies until the piglets come in the fall.
While it’s not guaranteed, there may be a chance to see those last babies be born. “We have let visitors watch the birthing process as long as the mother is doing OK and the crowd is not adding stress.” If the birth isn’t open to the public, guests can usually catch their first glimpse right after (except for the piglets, which Nicholson explained are born in a private warming area), or in the main barn within a week of the birth depending on the weather.
With almost 80 baby animals being born on the farm this year, you may be wondering how there is enough space for everyone in the barn. Nicholson explained, “We keep some to become future breeding moms or dads and most of the newborns stay until August, and our 4-H club works and trains them to show at the fair.”
As a working farm, they sell some of the babies to other farms and 4-H members to raise once they have been weaned and also buy and sell animals as needed to continue to breed.
And when it comes to those adorable names, it’s different for each birth. Themes are a common choice among farm staff, with DC and Marvel characters taking the cake this birthing season. The farm has even asked for the guests’ help, holding public naming contests to come up with names for those cute, doe-eyed newborns.
Those wanting to visit the baby animals can stop by the farm daily between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2739 West Ox Rd., Herndon
Feature image courtesy Frying Pan Farm Park
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