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Backyard Livestock

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Got goats? Sheep? Cows? Pigs? Fowl? Share expertise, questions and stories here!

Members: 87
Latest Activity: Apr 29

Backyard Chickens group is alive and well here, too.

HOMEGROWN 101: All Categories

types of goats 1 Reply

Hello... im new to the goat world. was wondering if someone can help me identify some of the breeds i have taking over my yard!!!! I know a few are prob mixed breed but with what! also proper diet…Continue

Started by Dawn Mezurek. Last reply by HOMEGROWN.org Apr 29.

Goat Share? 4 Replies

Where I live you can't just buy goats milk from a small farmer unless he is a big certified operation. So I barter for milk and no money changes hands. Hopeful the said farmer dosen't get sick of…Continue

Started by Lizz. Last reply by sue woods Jan 26.

Livestock and Severe Summer Storms 2 Replies

I was wondering- what should be done with animals in case of severe weather? This will be our first year with a few chickens and perhaps a goat/sheep/alpaca. Is it better to let them loose and…Continue

Tags: chicken, goat, tornado, lightning, thunderstorm

Started by Carrie Seal-Stahl. Last reply by will fleener Jan 3.

Getting in with the Chickens 5 Replies

Up to this point, all I know about chickens is what I have picked up from the farm store and by talking to my neighbors. I would like to raise different breeds, but a question has come to up. …Continue

Started by Mike Berry. Last reply by rachel whetzel Dec 18, 2011.

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Comment by will fleener on December 11, 2012 at 12:12pm: Buckeye are an old breed. White plymouth rocks, Partridge plymouth rocks, speckled susses,silver,golden,and columbian Wyandotte are also old breeds

Comment by Rachel Hoff on June 27, 2011 at 10:07am: Jen, we got our first set of ducks a couple of months ago. I find that I rarely use any books or even look up anything online. If you've ever raised chickens they are pretty similar in that regards. The things I have learned about them though:

Some of the domestic breeds (this hold true for our Rouens and Buffs) can't fly, let alone hop. We've got some fences that are only 12" tall that successfully keep them out of the garden.

They are messy and stinky. Brood them outside if you can. Seriously.

They must have water at all times - especially if they are eating. If you're changing out their water take their food away while you do it.

They LOVE water - duh. But I wasn't prepared for just HOW MUCH they loved water. Any little drip they will go nuts over.

They can be loud and demanding. We have a couple that are super loud. Being in an urban environment, it's weary trying to keep them happy and quiet.

We handled ours a lot when they were young and they still hate us. I'm not quite sure what is up with that.

Comment by amanda richards on June 26, 2011 at 4:31pm: I agree with Rachel. It doesn't get easier, but know that you are doing the right thing. We had our steer butchered in Feb. and I said my good-byes and a heartfelt thank you for your sacrifice as the mobile slaughter truck was pulling up. We've butchered turkeys and chickens, the sheer number and amount of work numbs you after awhile. Focus on the future and the yummy food you will receive. BTW, our beef is the best we've ever eaten!

Comment by rachel whetzel on March 21, 2011 at 7:10pm: Summer, I don't know that it gets "easier" but it become easier to accept. Anytime I start to feel like I may not want to do it, I just watch some of the YouTube videos on what Commercial Ag Slaughter and housing looks like. Then I feel pretty danged good about the life my animals had, and that they will die with dignity and respect. Michael Pollan says, every animal should only have one worst day of their lives. :)

Comment by Summer Vlietstra on March 21, 2011 at 6:28pm: Well tomorrow is the day. B day...Butcher day. I am a town girl that has moved to the country and I have to admit this is quite hard. I raised these two pigs from piglet stage and now I need to say goodbye. Please someone tell me this gets easier. I am super excited to have meat that I hand raised, but naming them and raising them with love is making it hard to say goodbye. Please think of me tomorrow as we load them up and send them off to the butcher.

Thank you!

Comment by Jen on January 17, 2011 at 10:41am: Can anyone recommend a good book about keeping ducks? I'm thinking of getting some, but I want to know what I'm getting into before I actually do it! Thanks.

Comment by Amika Cook Ortiz on November 30, 2010 at 5:24pm: Hi guys - new here.

Links to some pictures of our critters for Cornelia and crew... ;-)

Goats:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2022279&id=1512159626&...

Chickens:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053066&id=1512159626&...

Our first Silkies:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2013462&id=1512159626&...

Silkie X Cochin babies:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2038284&id=1512159626&...

Comment by Cornelia on September 2, 2010 at 1:26pm: Just posted to the HOMEGROWN blog:
Book excerpt: “Goat Song: A Seasonal Life, A Short History of Herdi...

Comment by Rachel Hoff on August 31, 2010 at 9:37am: That's awesome! Too bad it's not about 2 months sooner as our goats will be giving birth sometime in February.