Animal husbandry

Animal husbandry is all about keeping livestock healthy, comfortable, and productive, whether you’re raising a few hens in the backyard, a small flock of sheep, or dairy goats on a homestead. In this category you’ll find practical guidance on day-to-day care and long-term planning: choosing suitable breeds for your climate and space, setting up safe housing and fencing, and providing balanced feed and clean water year-round. We cover low-stress handling, basic health checks, parasite control, and seasonal routines like breeding, kidding/lambing, and managing heat, cold, and mud. You’ll also get tips for cleaner, easier management—bedding choices, manure handling and composting, pasture rotation, and integrating animals into a garden system for fertility and weed control. Expect clear advice on common problems such as predator protection, egg production dips, hoof care, and when to call a vet. Whether your goal is eggs, meat, milk, fiber, or simply resilient farm animals, this section helps you build a humane, efficient setup that supports animal welfare and a thriving smallholding.

Which vegetables can chickens safely eat every day

Vegetables make a brilliant daily treat for chickens, adding moisture, fibre and valuable vitamins. The key is to use them as a supplement to a balanced complete feed, not a replacement.

5 min read

How to Compost Chicken Coop Bedding Safely and Make Nutrient-Rich Fertiliser for the Garden

Keeping chickens produces more than eggs—it also provides a highly valuable source of nutrients for your soil. With proper hot composting, chicken bedding and manure can be turned into safe, crumbly compost that feeds plants steadily and improves soil structure.

5 min read

Dog Waste Never Belongs in Home Compost and the Reason Is Crucial

Dog poo can carry bacteria and parasites that pose a risk to people, pets and wildlife. Dispose of it the right way and avoid adding it to your home compost, where it can contaminate finished compost and soil.

5 min read

Common Mistakes When Raising Ducklings at Home and How to Avoid Them

Ducklings are charming, but they need the right heat, feed, water access and hygiene from day one. Here are the most common beginner mistakes and practical ways to prevent them.

5 min read

Want a Pest Free Garden Keep Guinea Fowl and Get Eggs and Meat Too

Guinea fowl are tough, generally healthy birds that can help control pests in the garden while providing eggs and lean, flavoursome meat. With a dry, warm coop and sensible feeding, they’re surprisingly easy to keep.

5 min read

Keeping Poultry Can Be Simple If You Set Things Up Smartly

Daily poultry care doesn’t have to feel like constant running back and forth. With a few smart DIY setups for the run, water, feed and dust baths, you’ll save time, improve hygiene and cut waste.

5 min read

The Duck That Lays 150 Eggs and Patrols the Garden for Slugs

The Indian Runner is an upright, penguin-like duck that can lay around 150 eggs from spring to autumn. Gardeners also keep it as a remarkably effective, natural slug control that stays calm and people-friendly.

5 min read

How to Get Your Chicken Coop Ready for Summer So Hens Can Handle Heat and Parasites

As spring turns to summer, heat and parasites can quickly undermine laying performance and flock health. A few timely coop and run upgrades will keep hens cooler, cleaner, and less stressed through the hottest weeks.

5 min read

How Long Do Rabbits Live and How to Help Them Live Longer and Better

A rabbit’s lifespan varies widely depending on whether it’s a house pet, an outdoor rabbit, or part of a production setup. Good hay-based nutrition, a safe clean environment, daily exercise, and preventive vet care can add years and improve quality of life.

5 min read

How to Manage Deep Litter in a Chicken Coop and Get Excellent Garden Fertiliser

The deep-litter method keeps your chicken coop cleaner with less winter work while turning bedding and manure into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. With the right balance of dry material, turning, and ventilation, you’ll end up with valuable compost for your beds.

5 min read

How to Tame Chickens So They Come When Called and Trust You

Chickens are far more observant than many people think, and with calm, consistent handling they can learn to come when called. A clear cue, timely treats, and patience are the foundations of real trust.

5 min read

Interesting Facts About Chicken Eggs from Laying to Hatching Chicks

From how an egg forms inside the hen to what affects laying, shell colour and odd eggs, this guide explains the basics in practical, keeper-friendly terms. It also covers fertilisation, broody hens, hatching, and simple ways to judge egg freshness in the kitchen.

5 min read