barbados sheep

Barbados Sheep ~ Everything You Need to Know

Barbados sheep, also known as the Barbados blackbelly sheep or just the Blackbelly sheep, is a domestic breed of sheep from Barbados. Raised mainly for its meat production capabilities, this breed of sheep can easily be found in South America and the Caribbean. It’s typically more abundant in Peru and Mexico. It’s believed that the Barbados blackbelly sheep is a direct descendant of the West African sheep that were introduced to the Caribbean island during … Read more

feeder pigs

Feeder Pigs ~ What They Are and How to Raise Them

Raising feeder pigs is one of the most profitable farming endeavors, provided you manage it correctly. Part of proper management involves acquiring the right kind of knowledge. This calls for answering questions such as what are feeder pigs? How long does it take to raise feeder pigs? And what are the pros and cons of raising feeder pigs? The global swine industry’s size stood at an impressive $236,112.7 million in 2019 and is projected to … Read more

fat tailed sheep

Fat Tailed Sheep ~ Everything You Need to Know

Even though the American Sheep Industry Association only recognizes 47 different breeds of sheep in the country, there are about 1,000 worldwide. The fat tailed sheep represent about 25% of the world’s sheep population. The fat tailed sheep is as unique as its name sounds. Unlike the thin-tailed European sheep, these sheep have a distinctive fat tail that makes up almost 15% of the animal’s body weight. It should be noted that, naturally, all wild … Read more

Texel sheep with lambs

Texel Sheep ~ Everything You Need to Know

The Texel sheep breed is unlike most other sheep breeds. While some sheep, such as Fat Tail sheep, are bred for their meat but still have a considerable amount of tallow (animal fat) to offer, the Texel breed is specifically bred for meat production. There are quite several Texel sheep varieties available today. These include: Dutch Texel British Texel French Texel While these sheep tend to have some minor differences among them—for example, the British … Read more

how to get rid of tomato hornworms

How to Get Rid of Tomato Hornworms with Lots of Pictures

Tomato hornworms and tobacco hornworms will wreak havoc on your garden. You may first realize you have a problem when you see bite marks on leaves along with leafless stems on your tomato plants. Damage control is the first thing you need to do. We explain how to get rid of tomato hornworms easily and for good. It’s a game of I Spy when you realize you have tomato worms or tobacco worms. Inspect the … Read more

Cinnamon Queen Chicken

Cinnamon Queen Chicken ~ Prolific Eggs Layers for Farm

If you are looking for a mighty egg producer, the Cinnamon Queen chicken is one to consider. These chickens have quickly become among the most beloved chicken breeds in the US and across the globe. This is because they are have a friendly demeanor, produce eggs at a younger age than many other standard heritage breeds, and lay large-to-extra-large brown eggs. Backyard chicken keepers find Cinnamon Queen chickens a joy to raise and nurture. Not … Read more

Water Belly in Chickens

Water Belly in Chickens ~ What It Is and What to Do About It

Commonly known as water belly in chickens, Ascites is a condition that presents itself as a swollen abdomen in chickens. While there are many other reasons why chickens might have swollen bellies, Ascites is often the go-to culprit. Learn about water belly in chickens, symptoms to watch out for, and treatment. Water Belly in Chickens What is Ascites in chickens? Ascites is a condition that causes a yellowish-colored fluid to accumulate in the chicken’s peritoneal … Read more

why can't chickens fly

Why Can’t Chickens Fly? What to Know About Their Flying

Why can’t chickens fly? It’s no big surprise that chickens can’t fly very far. If they could, we’d have to keep them in cages like pigeons and train them to find their way back home when they took flight. As is, even a low fence without a roof is enough to keep chickens enclosed and from flying off into the wild. The fences we build protect them from predators in the outside world more than … Read more

mealworms for chickens

Mealworms for Chickens ~ Tasty Treat or Bad Idea?

Are mealworms for chickens a good idea? There have been a lot of theories about raising chickens lately. Everyone is trying to find the best way to bring up the best chicks. It’s a known fact that chickens need nutritious foods to help them grow and perform a host of bodily functions well. With the right supplements, chickens can: Easily fight off infections, keeping them healthier longer Lay strong eggs Grow nice, strong bodies These … Read more

do skunks eat chickens

Do Skunks Eat Chickens ?

Do skunks eat chickens, and if so, what can you do about it? There’s a good chance that whenever you hear the name “skunk,” the first thing that comes to mind is an animal dressed like a cartoon villain capable of producing what is arguably the foulest smell in North America. However, for people raising chickens, skunks are much more than just a respiratory nuisance; they are a deadly chicken predator. While skunks aren’t typically … Read more

Black Silkie Chicken

Black Silkie Chicken Breed ~ All You Need to Know

Few chicken breeds are as highly valued as the Black Silkie chicken. Lovingly referred to as Black Silkies, this breed of chicken has a gentle disposition, great maternal instincts, and unique plumage. If you want to raise chickens but still don’t know which breed to choose, the Black Silkie chicken might be a good option. Here’s some information about this uniquely feathered chicken, including some characteristics and fun facts you might want to know. Origin … Read more

fly control for cattle

Fly Control for Cattle ~ 4 Methods to Consider Based on Your Situation

There are several good reasons fly control for cattle is important. Flies are pests that are not only bothersome to both cattle and humans but actually carry diseases. Biting flies can carry a multitude of diseases for cattle, such as bovine leucosis virus and anaplasmosis. The worst part is that different flies carry different kinds of diseases. Face flies spread Moraxella Bovis, which has been known to cause pinkeye in cattle, while relentless bites from … Read more

why do cows have hooves instead of feet

Why Do Cows Have Hooves Instead of Feet ?

There’s a popular Dad joke about cows: Why do cows have hooves instead of feet? — Because they lactose. As far as painful jokes go, this one is up there with the best of them. However, if you take the time to look at the joke, you will realize there’s a valid question. Why Do Cows Have Hooves Instead of Feet ? Let’s take a quick look at the anatomy of a cow’s foot and … Read more

herding cattle

What Is Herding Cattle and What to Know About It

What is herding cattle? Depending on who you ask, it could be all about the gentle movement of cows from one pasture to another. Or it could be a chaotic experience that comes with lost cows, exhausted cowboys, and a throbbing headache. Like most things that have been around for thousands of years, there are different ways of herding cattle. The technique you use will determine the kind of experience you have. Here are some … Read more

Shorthorn cattle

Shorthorn Cattle for Mighty Milk and Meat

Shorthorn cattle are a popular cow breed across the globe. Known for their high fertility and excellent mothering ability, this cow is reliable (in terms of milk production) and quite hardy. Having existed and grown in numbers for centuries, the shorthorn cow is now in a slow but steady decline. While this decline isn’t exactly attributed to any key medical concerns with this breed, agricultural changes over the past few years have unfortunately had a … Read more

Belgian Blue Cattle

Belgian Blue Cattle ~ Everything You Need to Know

Belgian Blue cattle go by many names depending on the circle. They are also known as Belgian Blue-White, Belgian White Blue, Blue Belgian, and Blue as Race de la Moyenne et Haute Belgique. These cows are unlike most other cattle. Originally, they were bred for their meat as well as milk. This is a massive cow that stands out wherever it goes. All you have to do is see one, and you’ll immediately know that … Read more

Rambouillet Sheep lamb

Rambouillet Sheep ~ The Breed, Origin, and Purposes for Raising

Rambouillet sheep, developed in France, was initially bred to produce wool and meat. However, it’s now frequently used as an exhibit animal. This breed has distinct traits, like its thick wool coat. If you’re looking to compare the various kinds of sheep breeds available, you’ll face many choices. Whether you are thinking about raising sheep, adding to your flock, or maybe just curious, here is information about Rambouillets and advantages and disadvantages of raising them. … Read more

why do pigs like mud

Why Do Pigs Like Mud ~ What Wallowing Does for Pigs

Learn why do pigs like mud. Wallowing in mud is a favorite pastime that cuts across all species of pigs. The adorable oinkers love luxuriating in sludge. If you’ve even seen a pig in mud, you will have seen the porcine joy that comes with wallowing. Their love for mud is one of the chief reasons several people think pigs are dirty animals, but in reality, they are some of the cleanest animals you can … Read more

what is a truffle pig

What Is a Truffle Pig

Learn what is a truffle pig, and why are they so valued for truffle hunting in culinary circles. While most people knew about truffles, mostly because of their delicious aroma and high price, few knew about truffle pigs. The movie “Pig,” starring Nicolas Cage and directed by Michael Sarnoski, effectively introduced millions of people around the world to the concept of “truffle pigs” or “truffle hogs.” In the movie, Nicolas Cage plays Robin “Rob” Feld, … Read more

Idaho Pasture Pigs

Idaho Pasture Pigs ~ Everything You Need to Know

One of the newest arrivals in the hog family, the Idaho Pasture pig, is a favorite among small-scale farmers for several good reasons. Commonly referred to as the IPP, “Pasture Pork,” “Grazing Pig,” and “Natural Pork,” Idaho Pasture pigs have quickly become a popular pig breed within the homesteading community. Let’s take a quick look at the Idaho Pasture pig and why you might consider adding it to your farm. What Is the Idaho Pasture … Read more