What you need for a sheep pen open day

A sheep pen open day needs more than food and a few tables. Visitors need a clear route, places to sit, handwashing facilities and signs, while the animals need safe fencing, feed and water set up before guests arrive. This shopping list covers the practical supplies for tours, demonstrations, refreshments and site preparation. Check quantities against your expected visitor numbers, especially for cups, plates, seating and waste bins.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Beer tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 60
Market tablesqty 3
Waste binsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Scissorsqty 3

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Portable sound system

Animal supplies

Feed bowlsqty 6
Drinking bowlsqty 6
Hay netsqty 3
Handwashing stationsqty 3
Fencing panelsqty 12
Fence connectorsqty 24

Decorations

Information boardsqty 8
Route arrowsqty 12
Buntingqty 6
Chalkboardsqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4
Work glovesqty 8

Cleaning

Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Towelsqty 12
Waste sorting binsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Whole wheat loaves - 6 loaves
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Boiled ham - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Eggs - 60 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Apples - 6 kilos
- Bananas - 4 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Cupcakes - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber disposable gloves - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan at least one reusable cup, plate and cutlery set per expected visitor, then add a 10% buffer for replacements and busy periods. Keep separate coffee cups available for the drinks station.
Allow one handwashing station at the entrance or animal-viewing area and another near the refreshments if visitors will move between those zones. Stock them before opening and check them during the day.
Use fencing panels and fence connectors to create a route that keeps visitors away from the sheep while leaving enough room for demonstrations. Bring spare connectors so a loose section can be fixed quickly.
For the coffee and cold-drinks station, prepare coffee machines, kettles, thermos flasks and coolers before guests arrive. Check extension cords and power strips in advance rather than discovering a shortage during setup.
Put information boards and route arrows at every decision point, not just at the entrance. Chalkboards are useful for the day’s tour and demonstration times, while tents or shaded areas give visitors somewhere to wait.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a sheep pen open day?: You need visitor furniture, refreshments and serving items, signage, waste bins, power equipment, handwashing stations and animal supplies. The core animal items include feed bowls, drinking bowls, hay nets, fencing panels and fence connectors.
How many cups and plates do I need for an open day?: Start with one cup, plate and cutlery set per expected visitor, plus around 10% extra. For 100 visitors, that means at least 110 of each reusable item, with coffee cups counted separately if you expect most guests to drink coffee.
How many handwashing stations are needed at a sheep event?: Use at least one station near the animal area and one near food or drinks when those areas are separate. Check and refill both before opening, then inspect them at least every hour during the event.
When should I set up the sheep pen open day supplies?: Set up fencing, signs, tables, seating and handwashing stations before refreshments. Chill refrigerated items and prepare the coffee station on the event day, allowing at least 60 minutes before opening for final checks.

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