Domesticated small animals, from the cow to the rabbit, have been enjoyed by human owners around the world since the dawn of civilization nearly 12,000 years ago. From pets to beasts of burden and even just a friendly face in the barn, animals like these produce thousands of products you use around the house every day and can be a great addition to your home, property, or small farm. For anyone looking to raise such animals, though, the realities of their new furry and feathery companions can be jolting — from the care they need on a regular basis to the food they eat.
This book was written for anyone considering raising domesticated animals for family pets, producers of eggs and milk, or a source of humanely treated meat. You will learn how to care for chickens, from choosing the right breed to raising them for egg production. You will learn how to handle geese and ducks and information about choosing the correct breeds, feeding, housing, breeding, and selecting the right ones for egg production. You will also learn about egg incubation, maintaining poultry health, and how to raise them for meat. Other animals you will learn how to care for include rabbits, goats, sheep, dairy cows, and beef cattle.
Small farmers and animal experts have been interviewed in detail and their responses added to this book to provide additional insight into every aspect of raising farm animals. This includes details about how to purchase, house, feed, breed, record, and butcher animals of all types as well as how to gather milk, use goats and cows for maintaining your fields, and even keeping records of births and selling babies. Everything you need to know about raising small animals for your farm is included in this guide to provide you the first steps to raising domesticated poultry and livestock.
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