|
Renee M. in Michigan
True Blue Farmgirl
54 Posts
Renee
Allendale
MI
USA
54 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 05 2008 : 6:36:06 PM
|
Hi Gals,
I could be wrong, but I get the impression quite a few folks here are either new to animal husbandry or are in the planning stages of making the leap to livestock.
I can't emphasize the importance of LEARNING before you leap.
Research breeds. You will be amazed at the diversity that's out there and how some breeds will flourish in your locale while others won't handle the heat or the cold, or the forage. I would like to get sheep someday, but hated the thought of docking tails and didn't want to have to buy grain. . . In researching, I discovered that some of the old "primative" breeds like the Shetland and the Icelandic have naturally short tails and the Icelandic has been bred for centuries to finish out on grass alone. Know what is good conformation and healthy in the livestock you seek. Arm yourself with the knowledge of what to look out for too, before going to look at prospective stock.
After you have decided on what types of animals you want and the breed or type, learn what you will need to provide with feeding, housing, fencing, maintainence veterinary care, and space requirements. Besides forums like this, there's some excellent books out there to help you as well. Build up a reference library to refer to -- especially in the realm of common diseases and breeding. Also, have your housing, fencing, equipment, feed, water, etc. all in place BEFORE bringing the animals home so you aren't scrambling last minute and in the process, maybe stressing yourself AND the animals out. Also, research what plants are poisonous to the animals you want to have and then set about getting rid of it(them) beforehand.
Find out where the vets are in your area are that handle livestock and find out if they have expertise dealing with the type(s) of animals you plan to have. Have them out for a routine farm call (Spring shots, for example) so they get to know you and your animals and you them BEFORE you need to call them for an emergency.
You may find a large animal practice who will be well-versed in horse care, but maybe not pigs and goats. Or maybe you're in the middle of dairy cow country and the vets don't see too many horses or sheep. . . In the large animal practice I use, there are 10 vets, but only ONE specializes in goats, despite there being a lot of goats around!
Figure out what you are willing to do / learn how to do yourself versus what someone else will have to do for you. Some examples: Raising goats can require dehorning, castration, worming, yearly vaccinations, and frequent hoof trimming. If you're planning on raising wool sheep (as opposed to hair sheep breeds), you'll need to either learn how to shear or find someone who will come to the farm to do it for you (or where you can trailer to have your sheep sheared). Future horse owners will need to find a good, reliable farrier, and learn what type of worming schedule and vaccinations are advised for their location. I do not advocate that anyone becomes their own farrier without training -- no hoof no horse is a very true adage. Horses often require dental work as well -- even the younger ones. Some veterinarians offer this service, but it's becoming common to see equine dentists advertising. Find out what's available in your area. If you're planning on raising meat animals, know how you will get them processed BEFORE they are slaughter weight. We'd love to raise some broiler chickens with chicken tractors in our pasture, but I am having a heck of a time finding someone to process them locally. Neither my husband nor I want to tackle that job ourselves. . . So, we are holding off until I find a processing source.
Anyway, that's just some things to think about.
-- Renee M. up in the mitten
No woman ever made history by following the rules. |
|
|
ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
Posted - Jun 06 2008 : 7:28:08 PM
|
WOW Renee, some really great advice.
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
" Plant goodness, harvest the fruit of loyalty, plow the new ground of knowledge. Hosea 10:12 |
 |
|
The importance of doing your homework
