Frequently Asked Questions
We are answering your most moo-ving questions!
Are mini cows real?
Yes! Miniature cows are absolutely real. They're not baby cows or a digital trick—they're actual breeds of cattle that have been selectively bred over generations to be smaller in stature. Our micro & miniature Highlands and Highparks typically stand between 34-42 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown, compared to standard cattle that can reach 5-6 feet tall.
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Micro & Mini cattle can range between 500-700lbs when fully grown which sounds heavy, but in reality they are still very small compared to a standard sized cow that typically weighs between 1500-2000lbs.
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These pint-sized bovines have all the charm and personality of their full-sized counterparts, just in a more compact (and cuddlier!) package. They're perfect for small farms, hobby homesteads, and anyone who wants the joy of raising cattle without needing vast acreage. And yes, they really are as adorable as they look in pictures—come visit us for a cuddle session and see for yourself!
Are mini cows healthy & humanely bred?
Absolutely. Miniature cattle are naturally healthy animals when bred responsibly, and ethical breeding practices are at the heart of everything we do at Silvertop Miniatures.
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Our miniature Highlands and Highparks aren't created through any harmful methods—they're the result of careful, selective breeding over many generations to maintain their smaller stature while prioritizing health, temperament, and overall wellbeing. We work with established bloodlines and follow best practices to ensure our cattle are structurally sound, genetically diverse, and free from health issues.
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Every animal in our care receives proper nutrition, veterinary attention, and plenty of space to roam and express natural behaviors. We believe happy, healthy animals make the best companions and herd members, which is why we're committed to raising our mini cows and goats with the highest standards of animal welfare. We're always happy to discuss our breeding philosophy and practices—transparency is important to us, and we want you to feel confident about where your animals come from.
Are Nigerian Dwarf goats just pets?
Not at all! Nigerian Dwarf goats are actually a true dairy breed known for producing milk with a very high butterfat content. Despite their tiny size, they are heavy milkers and are one of the most popular small-scale dairy breeds.
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Their rich milk is commonly used for drinking and for making soap, lotions, candles, and other value-added products.
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That said, Nigerian Dwarf goats are also a very popular pet breed. Their small size makes them easy to work with, they come in a wide range of beautiful colors, and they absolutely love human attention. They’re known for being funny, affectionate, and full of personality—making them wonderful companions as well as productive dairy animals.
Do you still offfer event bookings?
At this time, we no longer offer off-farm event bookings, with the exception of a small number of very local, small-scale community events.
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In the past, we traveled to corporate events, birthday parties, weddings, and other private functions. However, as our farm has grown, we made the decision to shift our focus to on-farm, private cuddling sessions only, offered Friday through Sunday each week.
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Animal welfare is our number one priority. We found that traveling to events made it difficult to consistently ensure safe weather conditions and low-stress environments for our animals. To avoid unnecessary stress on them—and to prevent last-minute cancellations that could disappoint event hosts—we decided that keeping our experiences on the farm is the best path forward.
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Beginning in 2026, Silvertop Miniatures is proudly focused on providing private, on-farm experiences that keep our animals safe, healthy, and happy while offering our guests the highest-quality, uninterrupted time with them.
Are cuddle sessions indoor or outdoor?
Both! For our 2026 season, we’re excited to offer a combined indoor/outdoor cuddle space. This setup allows guests to enjoy their session comfortably no matter the weather.
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On nice days, you’re welcome to relax in the outdoor portion of the cuddle pen. If the weather isn’t ideal, you can enjoy uninterrupted time with our animals in the indoor portion instead.
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Because of this flexible space, our cuddle sessions are offered rain or shine, and weather-related cancellations are extremely unlikely.
What type of attire is recommended for cuddle bookings?
Closed-toed shoes are mandatory for all cuddle sessions. You’ll be spending time inside a pen with live animals, and while we do our best to keep the space clean, there is always a chance of stepping in urine or manure.
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Our animals are also curious and affectionate—they love to nibble and lick—so we strongly recommend wearing clothing and footwear you don’t mind getting dirty.
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For biosecurity reasons, all guests are required to wash their hands and disinfect the bottoms of their shoes before entering the cuddle pen. This helps keep our animals safe and healthy.
Being prepared helps ensure a fun, relaxed, and safe experience for everyone—two-legged and four-legged alike!
Do you sell dwarf goats or mini cows?
Yes, we sell both Nigerian Dwarf goats and mini cows.
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Our mini cow herd is just beginning to grow, so we will not have any calves available until January 2027. We do have a growing waiting list for mini cows, and anyone interested is encouraged to email us to be added.
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We have been breeding Nigerian Dwarf goats for many years. Our does kid in March each year, and the kids are weaned and ready for their new homes in June. We typically start a waiting list each fall, and once the kids are born, those on the waiting list receive first pick before any animals are offered publicly.
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If you’d like to join the waiting list for mini cows or goat kids, please email us and we’ll be happy to add you.
Do you sell merch or have a retail shop?
Yes! We sell Silvertop Miniatures branded clothing on site, including hoodies, t-shirts, crewnecks, hats, toques, and more.
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We also carry a fun selection of Highland cow and goat–themed items such as drink coasters, keychains, stickers, stuffed animals, and other small gifts.
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New for 2026, we’re excited to expand into more of a farm store experience alongside our cuddle sessions. This will include a curated selection of locally made goods and even some baked treats for guests to enjoy.
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It’s the perfect way to take a little piece of the farm home with you!
What payment options are available on site?
New for 2026, we are happy to offer credit card, debit card, and cash payments on site. Please note that a small processing fee is added to all credit card transactions.
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If you have any questions about payment options, feel free to ask when you arrive—we’re always happy to help.
Is there washrooms on site?
Yes! We’ve got farm-style facilities—aka a trusty porta potty just outside our farm store and cuddle building. Think of it as part of the full “farm experience”!