[NoraSpinnor]

Farm animals are a vital part of a home agriculture system. Chickens give eggs, goats offer milk, ducks help with pest control, and larger animals contribute manure, meat, or labor. But keeping animals healthy and protected can be a real challenge. Predators, weather, disease, and daily care all require attention and planning.

What animals do you raise, and how do you keep them safe and healthy? What tips, routines, or hard lessons would you pass on to others starting out?

[AshleyFoster]

We’re still tucked into the suburbs for now, so my little flock of chickens is as close to a farm as I’ve got, but oh, they’ve changed everything. We have six girls, Rhode Island Reds and Buff Orpingtons, sweet as can be. They give us beautiful eggs and keep the garden beds aerated when I let them free range. But keeping them safe has been a journey…

My biggest lesson is to never underestimate a raccoon. Or a hawk. Or a neighbor’s off-leash dog. We lost our first hen early on because I didn’t double-check the coop door latch. It broke my heart… but it taught me that predators only need one mistake. Lockup every single night and install wind chimes and motion sensor lights. They get veggie scraps, fermented feed once a week, and a whole lot of love. And I talk to them daily. They know my voice, and I swear it helps them feel calm. For anyone just starting: build your coop stronger than you think you’ll need. And trust that caring for animals changes you too.

[Author]

Posts