Locale is more than just a petting zoo
Mini Mischief Ranch between Taylor and Hutto is the kind of place where it’s no trouble at all for visitors to have a fun, interactive farm experience, says owner and operator Stacy Ham.
She had never before considered a venture like the appointment-only venue, but after owning a preschool for more than 15 years she was looking for a change.
However, she wants to make one thing clear — this is not a typical petting zoo.
Photos by Emily Treadway Instead, Ham decided to make her business private with visits by scheduled arrangement.
“I want to keep it small and intimate,” Ham said of the “urban farm” at 12000 FM 1660.
Her eventual goal is to partner with therapists and offer animalsystemic therapy.
But for now, Ham said, “I’m having fun, making all kinds of connections, meeting all kinds of people and seeing what can happen.”
Mini Mischief Ranch got its name from two of her male goats, Rip and Roper, because “they’re the first ones to get into antics and mischief around here,” she said.
The ranch boasts pigs, several chickens, miniature goats, cows and donkeys.
“(The miniatures) take up less space, they’re less intimidating. And they’re just cute,” Ham said.
All the female goats are expecting later this spring.
“And baby goats are the best,” she said.
Ham talked to friends about how to make her operation different from a standard petting zoo.
“You go to a typical petting zoo, and there are usually more kids than animals,” Ham said.
She wanted her animals to remain happy and relaxed.
“They’re my pets, I love them. At a petting zoo, that’s the animals’ job, day in, day out,” she said.
With her background in child care, Ham is prepared to adjust or modify a visit to her small ranch to suit the needs of her guests, including children with autism.
“I want to do one-onones and tailor it to the individual,” she added.
Visitors can spend time with the animals and explore the whole barnyard.
“I show children where the eggs come from. They can climb the trees and try to catch fish in the water troughs. They get to do a little bit of everything,” Ham said.
Ham also wants appointments to be affordable for families.
“I’m keeping the cost as low as I can,” she said. During the week, she charges $25 total for a one-hour appointment for a group of five.
On weekends, Ham hosts special events for adults and children, including seasonal parties and arts and crafts.
The idea for the farm came during the holidays when Ham posted on various socialmedia sites asking for leftover Halloween and Thanksgiving pumpkins and Christmas trees.
“People are going to throw those away, but my animals see them as treats,” she said.
Responses to Ham’s post took her by surprise.
“People started asking, ‘Can we come and play with them?’ And I thought this is what I’m going to do,” she said.
Appointments can be booked at minimischiefranch. com and you can follow the farm on facebook.com/minimischiefranch.
