Farm Animals as Pets

Winter can be a challenging time for you and your animals. Here are some ways we keep our animals safe and warm through the season.

Different chicken breeds lay eggs in many colors, including blue, green, brown, and white. The differences in color result from the pigment that permeates through the shell or is applied to the exterior of the shell.

Manure comes in all shapes and sizes (and smells). Here are some tips on how to ethically and sustainably manage manure on the homestead.

Brooding poultry chicks is a treat, and it is fun playing mother hen. Here are some "do's" and "don'ts" to keep your young chicks happy and healthy.

Chickens are great animals. Here are some reasons why they are so loved.

Nothing keeps you snug on a cold day like a good sweater. But with the wool industry blemished by questionable practices, what should a vegan farmer do with his sheep's wool?

Better than a pet pig is a happy pet pig. Here is a list of things that most pigs love to make them happy swine.

Discover the 10 most beautiful chicken breeds in the world.

These 15 sheep breeds are known for producing the highest quality and quantity of wool while demanding the least maintenance.

Heat lamps are a fire hazard that not every chicken owner knows about. This article goes over why heat lamps are dangerous and offers alternative ways to keep your chickens warm through the winter.

While the meat of some sheep breeds does not lose taste with age, others grow pretty fast, saving you time and money. The ideal breed for you will depend on the goals you have for your homestead or farm.

This is a guide detailing how we turned an old swing set into a home for our ducks that could also be used for chickens.

Here are five friendly animals in small sizes that are perfect for petting zoos and family farms. Learn what each of these mini animals needs.

I've wanted a pig for years, and I finally got one! Here's what life is like with Ramses the American Mini Pig.

There are around 570 goat breeds in the world, but only 69 of those are truly identified as "dairy breeds". Some of the best goats for milk include Saanen, Nubian, Alpine, Toggenburg, Sable and Nordic.

Meat goats are very easy to care for. They can be raised with little supplemental grain and minimal shelter. Their small size, adaptability to drastic environmental conditions, huge productivity and excellent fertility make them ideal for anyone looking to raise farm animals.

If you have an ample grassy area, a secure outdoor shelter, and a big heart for animals, you need a pair of goats. Goats are social animals that require little care other than the essentials and your love. Take a look at the goats at my daughter's farm and learn more about these amazing creatures.

When owning a flock of poultry, one needs to consider what to feed them. This is a general guide to feeding poultry and picking feed that is right for your budget, needs, and availability.

With backyard poultry becoming an ever-increasing trend, some chickens are bound to end up inside as "not-so-exotic" pets. But is this a good idea? Let's find out!

Learn how to take care of baby ducks or ducklings using this step-by-step guide covering what a baby duck eats and drinks to what it needs to thrive.

The topic of letting chickens go free-range vs. keeping them in a chicken run is frequently debated. This article will list three pros and three cons of both sides to help you figure out which option is best for your animals.

Goats make adorable pets because of their ability to form close bonds with their owners. They are fun, interesting and personable. Most goats are easy to handle and do not require a lot of feed and space. So how about having a goat pet—one like Dan Bilzerian's, the famous internet personality?

Eggs don't have to be out of reach with this handy tool made from common household items.

Six easy and inexpensive ideas to keep your chickens from overheating in the summer.

Planning on owning sheep or growing your flock? Here are over 200 sheep name suggestions to consider for your new fluffy friends!

If you have been thinking about getting chickens, read this basic guide to get started raising them in a simple and cost-effective way.

Owning chickens in the suburbs might not be for everyone, but please consider it. Here's a long list of both the benefits and detriments of keeping chickens in a not-so-rural area.

Are you excited about the world of waterfowl but just don't want a regular old duck to keep up with the Joneses? Prepare to learn the reasons why you should get out there and find a Muscovy.

How do you get your chicken coop ready for blizzards, tornadoes, thunderstorms, flooding, or hurricanes? Don't wait until severe weather is imminent to prepare your flock for the storm.

This is a summary of how introduced and acclimated my new house pig to the house and to other pets in the house. Learn exactly what to do when you first bring a new pig home.

A fun but messy alternative to chickens, ducks can bring great joy given the proper care. Learn the basics here, including pros and cons, which variety to choose, and more.

Here is everything you'll want to know before purchasing chicks for the first time.

In the equine world, the humble, patient, long-eared donkey rarely gets the respect it deserves. It may not be as elegant as an Arabian or as popular a symbol of the American West as the Mustang, but it is every bit as fascinating. Read on for some of the reasons why!

Donkeys can and do make amiable pets. These hardy critters are independent, amusing, and inquisitive. If the idea of cherishing one of your own is appealing but you don't know where to start, then this article is for you.

I have raised my fair share of bottle-fed baby goats. I own goats as personal pets and as members of our petting zoo. I want my goats to be as friendly and people-oriented as possible. There are definitely pros and cons to raising a baby goat on a bottle. Here are my thoughts.

Thinking about adopting a goat and need some help thinking of good goat names? Here are over 350 goat name ideas to graze through!

Who doesn't want to own a pet duck!? Here are more than 250 duck names for your feathered friend!

Did you know pigs actually make amazing pets?! Here are more than 250 pig name ideas for your adorable piggy pal!

Raise your hand if you've never heard about training chickens. If your hand is up, you are in good company, as not many people realize chickens are actually trainable.

Pekin ducks have been around for over 2000 years. These beautiful birds grow extremely quickly and produce a lot of meat and eggs. They also make great pets and show birds due to their unique personalities and social skills. This article includes information about diet, habitat, breeding, and more.

Whether you raise chickens or just received a baby chick for Easter, you'll find a name in this list for every breed and personality.

"How much hay do I need for the winter?" In this article, I'll discuss how I calculate how much hay to buy each winter for your goats, sheep, horse, or other livestock to avoid buying too much or too little.

Cage-free, free-roaming, and ranging rabbits for meat—does it work? Read on to learn what I did to make it work.

Build an automatic watering system for your chickens for less than $10.

Domestic ducks are ducks that are cared for and/or raised by people. People typically raise ducks for pets, eggs, meat, and show. Domesticated ducks rely on people for food and shelter.

Incubators are expensive, and they aren't always trustworthy. Read on to find out how to create one yourself that works.

So you've decided you want to keep chickens, but where to start? What breed of chickens? How many do you need? Read on to find out.

What are the best breeds of chicken for your homestead or backyard flock? Read on to find out!

Here are some tips on what to do if your hen is injured, from someone who has been through it and was completely unprepared at the time. Learn about basic chicken first aid.

With so many breeds, it is difficult to choose the best for egg production. The type of duck you choose will depend on your needs. Let's take a look at what the different breeds have to offer.