An example of the homeland instinct is the well-worn paths created in most pastures and between pastures and buildings, water troughs and feed bunks. Forcible removal from a homeland area can cause animals to react unexpectedly. Considering these animal traits, it is easy to understand why animals often hesitate when going through unfamiliar gates, barn doors, and handling and loading chutes. In addition, shadows, yelling and rapid changes in lighting can further excite animals and make their behavior unpredictable. Similar problems occur when animals are moved away from feed, separated from the herd or approached by an unfamiliar person.
Animals are extremely sensitive to noise and are easily frightened or spooked.
In their attempts to move away from the direction or source of the noise, they may crash into or through objects, including people, because of their colorblindness and poor depth perception. Be cautious around animals that are blind or deaf on one side. They favor that side and can suddenly swing around to investigate disturbances. If standing too close, a person could easily be knocked down and trampled. Young farm animals can form relationships simultaneously with other animals and with human handlers.