Frequently Asked Questions About Our Farm Animal Program

• Do your horses live outside during the winter?

  Each horse has their own likes and dislikes, some may prefer more time inside and some may prefer more time outside. Our program is designed to accommodate each animal’s individual needs. Many of our horses arrive at our shelter under-socialized and often unaccustomed to small spaces like a stall or a barn. We find that the majority of our horses are happier and healthier in an outdoor enclosure with a warm, dry shed should they choose to take shelter from the elements.

• What does it mean when a horse is placed on “Hold”?

  Many horses arrive at our shelter in poor physical condition, with injuries or any combination of ailments. We place horses on a temporary medical hold to give them time to gain weight and heal. Medical holds can last for any length of time depending on a horse’s rate of recovery and weight gain. We like to make sure our horses are healthy and ready for life in a new, loving home before we put them up for adoption.

• Are pot-bellied pigs good with kids?

  The answer is- it depends! Pot-bellied pigs are the smartest of the farm animals and are considered highly trainable. Many pot-bellies do quite well with older children and enjoy the company and stimulation of a human friend! Here at the NHSPCA, we evaluate each one of our pot-bellied pigs to determine their individual personalities, likes and dislikes and training. We recommend consulting with our farm program coordinator if you’re interested in adopting a pig for your family.

• Do you ever have pygmy or dwarf goats available for adoption?

  Yes! We often have pygmy goats enter our shelter throughout the year. Pygmy goats can be a fun, adorable addition to any farm or backyard!

• Why are some of your horses wearing blankets while some are not?

  We have horses of all shapes, sizes and breeds arrive at our shelter throughout the year. Many horses grow thick, wooly winter coats during the colder months that protect them from wind, rain and snow. Alternately, many horses may have trouble growing thick coats or may be in need of extra warmth and protection to maintain their weight. We often blanket horses that have arrived at our facility underweight, sick or injured as well as some of our older horses that may need a little extra help keeping warm.

• What makes a pot-bellied pig an indoor or outdoor pig?

  Pot-bellied pigs are highly adaptable and can do quite well as outdoor only pigs or indoor pet pigs. Typically, an outdoor pig will spend the majority of its time in an enclosed outdoor space with a safe, secure shelter and proper fencing. Outdoor pigs may not feel as comfortable in the confinement of a home or they may be extra messy indoors. Indoor pigs enjoy the warmth and comfort of the house and are often litter box trained. When pigs arrive at our facility, we evaluate the condition of their skin/hair, their size and personality as well as any past history we may have about them to determine whether they would be happiest as indoor or outdoor piggies!

• Are all of your farm animals from cruelty/neglect cases?

  No. Many of our animals have been voluntarily surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them. While priority is given to animals seized from suspected cruelty or neglect cases, we do try to accommodate as many surrendered animals as we can.

• Do I need to fill out an adoption application to adopt a chicken?

  Yes! We require all potential adopters to fill out a species-specific adoption application so that we may ensure adopted animals will be safely housed and well cared for. Farm fowl- chickens, roosters, geese, ducks- have their own adoption application available on our website or at our adoption center in Stratham.

• How long do your animals typically stay at the shelter before being adopted?

  The length of time that a farm animal remains in residence here at the shelter varies quite a bit. Typically, farm animals that arrive in poor health tend to remain at the shelter longer to give them time to heal before being put up for adoption. Many of our aged, companion horses remain under our care for much longer than the younger, healthier or trained horses.  Usually, our horses remain at the shelter anywhere from three weeks to two years depending on a variety of factors. We feel strongly that there is a special home out there for each and every one of our farm animals and continue to take excellent care of them while they await their forever homes.