Farm Animals as Pets

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 some friendly animals in small sizes that are perfect for petting zoos and family farms.

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. From what a baby duck eats and drinks to what it needs to thrive, this guide covers everything.

The topic of letting chickens 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 raising chickens, read this to get started in a simple and cost-effective way. We are talking just the basics.

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 I plan to introduce and acclimate my new house pig to the house and to other pets in the house. Hopefully, this will provide some insight for those who have or are considering a house pig.

A fun but messy alternative to chickens, ducks can bring great joy given the proper care.

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 without buying too much or too little.

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

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.

This is our story about beginning to raise chickens. Learn from our mistakes about what to do and what not to do when raising chickens.

Some consider duck mating to be a violent and aggressive process, and it definitely can be if not done properly. This guide teaches you how to breed your ducks in a safe and healthy way.

Ducks are foraging omnivores that love to eat things, especially snacks. With so many options, which foods make the best treats?

Ever wonder what it is like to raise chickens but think that it would be too hard? Read on to see how easy it is to start your brood from an incubator.

New to raising hens? Unsure how to begin? Here are some important tips for raising hens in your back yard.

This list will help you get an idea of what threatens your flock and how to guard against predation, but it is always good to discuss the subject of predators with other chicken owners around you.

Learn how to identify and remedy egg-eating in your flock.

This article offers tips on how to utilize the natural instincts of a broody hen to incubate, hatch, and raise your chicks naturally.

Keeping your chickens in confinement doesn't have to be a prison sentence. If you can't let them go free range, here's how to do it in the most healthy and humane way possible.