Raising Animals

In summer, it gets hot here. Of course, we can go inside the house or use air conditioning to cool down, but what about our outdoor animals? Chickens swelter in their coop, rabbits hide away, goats sweat in the paddock, and our dogs dig holes to try and find some way to stay cool in …

I have been toying with the idea of introducing cows to our smallholding, but the thought of upgrading all our fences is a little daunting, to say the least. From what I’ve experienced of cows, they perceive fences primarily as scratching posts and then as items requiring mass destruction. So, that left me wondering: what …

The best goat milking machine can make life on the farm just that little bit easier! This review explains the features to look for and our 5 recommended milkers.

We all know that chickens are birds, but can chickens fly? After all, it’s not like we see flocks of chickens soaring through the skies every day! Let’s dive into the delightful world of chicken flight (or lack thereof) and settle this winged mystery once and for all! Shall we? Can Chickens Fly? Chickens can …

One of the coolest parts of raising chickens and being a backyard chicken keeper is collecting multi-colored eggs every week! Blue eggs, green eggs, pink eggs, even orange eggs! But maybe there’s a higher demand for white chicken eggs in your neighborhood – or perhaps some of your family members prefer bright, white eggs. So, …

If you’re going to a farm to look at chickens or to pick up a llama, arriving at a muddy field with a sagging gate and a flimsy sign with a faded number on it can be soul-destroying. You don’t know if you’re at the right place or even if anyone is still alive in …

As a homesteader, contemplating adding a beef cow or two to your menagerie can feel like you’re hitting the big time! It’s all fine and dandy playing around with poultry, sheep, and goats, but bringing some beef cattle into the mix starts to step everything up a gear. But if some beautiful bovines are next …

Famed for their excellent egg production, Rhode Island Reds are a popular choice of domestic chicken for backyard chicken owners. But when it comes to a Rhode Island Red rooster vs. hen – is there a big difference? And is getting a Rhode Island Red rooster a good idea, or will your hens be just …

Are you looking for new duck pond ideas and designs for your feathered friends? Maybe you’ve got a duck pond system that isn’t working for you – or you feel your ducks deserve an improved swimming area. As any duck keeper will tell you, getting the best pond setup keeps your ducks happy and reduces …

Can chickens eat cantaloupe melons? The answer is yes! However, before you stuff your henhouse with these yummy and juicy fruits, there are a few vital chicken diet nuances to consider. Because we all like to give our chickens a little treat now and again, and feeding fruits and vegetables to hens can have many …

Are you a backyard farmer or a pond owner who loves ducks? If so, you may have considered seeking floating duck house plans to provide your feathered friends with a safe and comfortable place to roost on the water. But why a floating duck house? Well, not only does a floating duck house offer protection …

Are you raising quail? It’s the new hot ticket for enterprising homesteaders – for super-nutritious eggs and meat in the kitchen and farmer’s market, to sell as livestock, and because they’re cute as kittens! Quail are also vulnerable to predators and the elements, so naturally, reliable and sturdy quail coop ideas are essential. Luckily – you can build the perfect …

We warn you that many of the following bugs that look like fleas are disgusting. And appalling! Because fleas are tiny, insidious, wingless insects. They’re infamous bloodsuckers belonging to the order of true bugs (Hemiptera). There are around 2,500 species of fleas in the world. And they’re all nasty little critters! Terrifying. Isn’t it? Luckily, only …

Goats are some of the most popular farm animals around. They’re lovable, gentle creatures that can provide milk, meat, and companionship. But if you own goats or are considering getting some for your farm, you may ask yourself about kidding frequency. In other words – how soon can a goat get pregnant after giving birth? …

Nothing is more adorable than watching your little flock of plump, full-feathered hens freely exploring your homestead! But at some point during every chicken’s lifetime, it will lose its feathers. It then appears in a downtrodden, sorry state. But why do chickens lose their feathers in the first place? And is it anything to worry …