Farm Animals as Pets

Chickens that get too fat have serious health problems, so these great tips on keeping them in shape will allow them to become productive and healthy again.

Goats are often hailed as the poor man’s cow. They are smaller than cows, easier to handle, easier to tame, and less expensive to feed and they reproduce more frequently, assuring the farmer a steady income from selling the progenies, meat and milk.

Is it worth it to keep roosters? Here are five good reasons to add a rooster to your flock.

What foods can chickens NOT eat? Chickens are famous for eating kitchen scraps, but there are some foods that are not safe for them. This article will go over several dangerous foods you should never feed to chickens.

These 7 hardy chicken breeds do well in both hot and cold temperatures. These chickens can face hot dry summers as well as cold snowy winters, and still lay plenty of eggs.

Rare and endangered sheep are a great choice for small farmers who are preservation-minded. In this article, I recommend five breeds that do well on hobby farms.

There are so many benefits to having your chickens free-range, but they can wreak havoc on your garden. Here are five tricks to help keep your chickens away from your crops.

Whether on a farm or your own personal chickens at home, there is an art to collecting chicken eggs. Read our tips to make your egg hunt go smoothly.

Rotational grazing is good for your animals and good for your land. Learn how to use an electric netting fence for your sheep, goats, pigs, and more.

This article discusses how to raise Pekin ducks as egg layers or meat birds. Pekin ducks are excellent farm animals and pets. A duckling will grow up fast from a cute little fluffball to a mature duck size in around eight weeks.

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 dos and don'ts to keep your young chicks happy and healthy.

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 quality of meat sheep breeds offer varies and the ideal breed for you will depend on the goals you have for your homestead or farm.

Did you know that you can use an old swing set as a home for ducks and chickens? Here's the process of how it can be done according to a real homesteader.

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 always wanted a pet pig for years and finally got one! Here's what life is like with Ramses the American Mini Pig, complete with tips on how to care for one.

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.

Have an ample grassy area, a secure outdoor shelter, and a big heart for animals? Then a pair of goats could work for you! Learn more about these amazing creatures and my experience with them at my daughter's farm.

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 ducklings using this step-by-step guide covering what they eat, drink and need 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, cute, 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 cool off chickens and keep them 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!

There are disadvantages to keeping chickens in the suburbs but there are also benefits. For those who are considering raising chickens in their backyards, this article presents a comprehensive analysis based on the author's personal experience.

Looking to get a duck but want it to stand out from the others? Here's why you should get out there and find a Muscovy duck.

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.

What should you do when you first bring a new pig home? Here's how I introduced and acclimated my new house pig at home and to other pets living there.

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.

Are you planning to purchase chicks for the first time? Here is everything you should know on how to raise them so you can make an informed decision.

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 make amiable pets and are independent, amusing, and inquisitive. If cherishing one is appealing but you don't know where to start, read on!

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!

Did you know that it's possible to train chickens? It's true! Here are some tips to successfully train them.

Did you know that Pekin ducks have been around for over 2000 years? These beautiful birds grow extremely quickly and produce a lot of meat and eggs. Learn more about their diet, habitat, breeding habits, 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.