Are You Sure?
Before you launch into a venture like this please consider all the potential for pitfalls specific to having a petting zoo. There are some big potentials for problems, the first being liability. Insurance for Petting Zoos is high, some times you can get lower insurance by looking out of state or province. Some people do not insure beyond farm insurance and have waivers against lawsuits and hope the waiver will be a deterrent.
The next potential for problems is unruly children chasing and harassing the animals, and parents who find this "cute". I suggest you have signs and point out right from the start that chasing animals will not be tolerated.
Beware of "Animal Rights" activists who may not consider what you are doing to be fair to the animals. This is particularly true if you have a sick or injured animal and they are able to photograph it and may want to slander your farm for cruelty. If you have any sick or injured animals, keep them 100% away from public viewing.
Another risk is people coming to your farm and bringing disease, this is very unlikely unless they are from a farm themselves, and why would a farm kid be visiting you? None the less it is a concern.
Because it involves live animals, there will be times when you are working many extra hours caring for your animals. Be prepared for this.
Land and Buildings
I would not even suggest you start this kind of a venture unless you have at least 10 acres, but not all of it has to be devoted to the petting zoo, some should just be places for the animals to be left alone. Depending on the number of animals, and species, you may require more land simply to meet their needs.
You will need multiple small pens set up to house the actual animals that the people can visit. Some shade is required as well, for the animals and people, if you have a covered venue, it is best because then people can come regardless of rain or poor weather conditions.
A bathroom is a must, this can even be a portable unit you rent, otherwise people will be asking to use the bathroom in your home. Another requirement is a place for people to wash their hands, in fact in some places both these things are required by law. There are portable sinks you can have with a hose attached and be sure to provide soap.
You are better off to have at least two barns, neither of which has to be fancy. I suggest you keep one barn off limits to the public, use it as a place for sick, injured, stressed, and very young animals, as well this works for a good holding area for new animals. Another barn with stalls is a good idea for the public to view animals from the alley way.
You will need to have several pens or enclosures for the variety of animals you wish to have. Make sure your fencing is safe, no nails poking out, and so on. Provide several garbage bins for people to discard their litter, I suggest a special bin for recyclable pop cans or water bottles. Make sure all gates have good latches on them.
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Animals
In order for your petting zoo to attract visitors, you need to have a variety of animals, and some of the rarer types. You also need these animals to be friendly, and gentle. If you ever have a mean animal, get rid of it quickly.
For many species of animal, neutered males are the gentlest, as well, animals who were bottle fed as babies are going to be more friendly than ones who were not.
If you are buying adult animals, buy from a reputable seller, rather than unknown animals at auctions, unless you are merely using these to increase your numbers and raise you new young animals.
You will need a variety of chickens, and other birds. Select your breeds according to temperament. Include the novelty chickens such as Silkies. Doves, novelty pigeons, and ducks are other good bird ideas. Those animals who were pets before hand, will make better additions to your petting farm.
Plan on having some Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Hedgehogs. Some petting zoos sell the offspring of their rabbits, but use caution about allowing uncontrolled breeding or you may find you have more animals than you can find homes for.
Pot Bellied Pigs are a good idea, and you may find that one is enough. Pigs are as intelligent as dogs, so the more you have, the more work you will be doing keeping them happy. They are not an animal that requires companionship of the same species, so I honestly recommend only one or two Pigs.
