Is sheep care part of your future? Can you raise sheep in a large backyard? In some cases the answer is yes. Sheep are adaptable and can be cared for in a paddock or small field if their needs are met. It may be a little more labor intensive and take a bit more effort and management to raise our sheep this way. Here on the farm we raise a little bit of everything. Well not really everything. But we do have quite a variety of animals. We have successfully raised goats for many years, a small herd … [Read more...]
How Oregano Replaces Antibiotic Use in Livestock
When Oregano replaces antibiotic use in livestock and poultry, we all benefit. As more people are searching for clean, chemical and antibiotic free foods, farmers are beginning to see the possibility of leaving antibiotic use behind. If your goal is to raise healthy, clean food for your own family, this research is important to you too. How can a simple, common herb take the place of powerful antibiotics in the fight against disease causing bacteria? The answer is simple and complex. Oregano … [Read more...]
Raising Miniature Goats, Cows, Chickens and Sheep
Raising miniature goats, chickens and livestock is possible on a small homestead. The more people who are moving towards a simpler way of life, living more self sustainably, are still interested in having a family milk provider. When you are raising a smaller family on a smaller homestead, you don't need a full size milk producer. What makes miniature livestock a good choice? Small breed livestock need less pastured, fenced land, less grain. In addition, these miniature members of farm … [Read more...]
What is Coccidiosis?
What is Coccidiosis ? How Does it Affect Small Ruminants on a Homestead? Coccidia are actually small protozoa. In a normal healthy flock, a small amount of coccidia will not make your animals sick. So what happens to change this? As is the case with many opportunistic infections, the parasite looks for an opportunity to strike. In the right conditions and a weakened physical condition, illness will occur. When we brought Joey and Ike home last spring, they both had some minor bouts of … [Read more...]
