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A Farm of My Own:  What animals do you want/have on your dream farm?  |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
 Posted - May 17 2011 : 1:14:06 PM
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I've really thought about this lately, so here goes for me. Since I only eat poultry and fish, I think that I'll be sticking to a super-dooper fowl farm . I would love to learn bee keeping and I'm considering a small cow for milk, cream and butter. I love horses to pieces, but my eyesight is too bad to ride anymore. I also love llamas and goats, but don't want to be chasing them down all of the time. In my experience, they both are expert escape artists! I just plain adore pigs, but couldn't bear to eat them, so no pigs.
So, for my farm, it'll be fowl of many kinds, bees, a cow and maybe a donkey to help me pull a cart or something =)
How about you girls? What do you want/have for critters on your dream farm???
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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Dusky Beauty
True Blue Farmgirl
1108 Posts
Jen
Tonopah
AZ
USA
1108 Posts |
Posted - May 17 2011 : 3:27:30 PM
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Annika, I suggest a mini horse. They make great pets, are really pretty to look at, pull carts, and don't eat so much as a big horse. It's all the good things about a pet horse but without the pressure of *having* to ride, or the feed bill.
As for me, I'm wanting a bevy of khaki campbell ducks for eggs and eating, a jersey cow (preferably mini, but I'll be happy enough for a smallish one and breed her down), Great Pyrenees dogs, and I'm also considering bees. I was a bit on the fence about pigs because they can be so ornery, but I've read good things about heritage breeds so I may just keep a spring pig to till my "off year" garden and fill my winter freezer.
"After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.” ~Will Rogers |
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Heartbroken farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
604 Posts
Annette
rio vista
Ca
USA
604 Posts |
Posted - May 17 2011 : 6:12:07 PM
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We have dogs and chickens. I keep pestering my DH for a goat, as my youngest is allergic to cow milk. He insists goats are mean, and will not let me have one around the kids. He wants to raise two Angus cows??? Two? Not of opposite sex, not to breed, not for milk, but to hire someone to butcher. Um, I have a chest freezer, and two side by sides, and couldn't fit two beef cows in them!! Sometimes, he makes no sense at all. LOL
I would love to have pigs. I love them. I just have a hard time connecting piggies with pork, and even our "pet" dogs work. They are pointers, and hunt well(except my chawuhuh, who looks cute to earn his keep. I know if my DH got me pigs, it would have to be with the understanding they would be on the table one day:(
We are just getting started in angora rabbits. We are building the hutch, and researching breeders as we speak. This will be new and interesting!
The tears I shed then, watered the flowers I harvest now.
www.broken908.blogspot.com
http://forums.familyfriendpoems.com/broken908
"The aim of education is the knowledge not of facts but of values."-Dean William Ralph Inge |
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FarmDream
True Blue Farmgirl
1085 Posts
Julie
TX
USA
1085 Posts |
Posted - May 17 2011 : 6:14:25 PM
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Annika- raising Tilapia fish is popular down here. Seems not too hard and they are good to eat.
The animals I would love to have are rabbits, chickens or ducks, a dairy goat, and an alpaca.
~FarmDream is Farmgirl Sister #3069
Live Today, Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow
http://naturaljulie.etsy.com |
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rksmith
True Blue Farmgirl
858 Posts
Rachel
Clayton
GA
USA
858 Posts |
Posted - May 17 2011 : 7:52:07 PM
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We've got chickens (although I want to get true Araucanas and am working on that), turkeys, quail, pheasants and a lonely chukar (working on getting him some friends), mini pony & mini donkey, dogs, and a cat; we are waiting to pick up this year's honey bees. What I'd love to add are some Welsh Harlequin ducks, Sebastopole, Canadian and Pilgrim geese, Oberhasli/Toggenburg goats, a llama/alpaca, rheas, tragopans, francolins, and swans. Also a nice draft horse team would be killer.
Rachel
Farmgirl Sister #2753
Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps, if you are not willing to move your feet--Dr. Kioni
http://madame1313.wordpress.com/ |
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embchicken
True Blue Farmgirl
1487 Posts
Elaine
Ocean
NJ
USA
1487 Posts |
Posted - May 18 2011 : 05:14:52 AM
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I don't have a farm but if I did I would love to have a big 'ol pond to stock with trout - my parents have one in Maine and boy is it fun to fish. Chickens, goats and dogs! Throw some cats in there too!
~ Elaine
Farmgirl sister #2822
"Find yourself a cup of tea; the teapot is behind you. Now tell me about hundreds of things." ~Saki
http://embchicken.blogspot.com
http://gusandtrudy.blogspot.com |
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walkinwalkoutcattle
True Blue Farmgirl
1675 Posts
Megan
Paint Lick
KY
USA
1675 Posts |
Posted - May 19 2011 : 10:42:30 AM
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We have cows, a pet steer, chickens, dogs, cats, and soon to be horses. Since I've owned/trained horses all my life, now that I'm not pregnant and a stay at home mom I've got some time on my hands, and there are SO MANY horses in need right now. :)
Hy husband has been looking into bees, and our neighbors have Alpacas, and I've told them if they need to ever re-home one I'd be more than happy to take him! ;)
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
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Edited by - walkinwalkoutcattle on May 19 2011 10:43:17 AM |
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MEWolf
True Blue Farmgirl
358 Posts
Margaret
Byers
Colorado
USA
358 Posts |
Posted - May 19 2011 : 11:25:56 AM
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Oh this is one subject my DH would say I have a definite opinion about LOL! Of course it is just dreaming now because we have as yet not bought our dream farm. We already have five horses, two donkeys, five dogs and two cats
Here is what I would like to add:
* Scottish Highland Cattle (just one breeding pair so we can raise our beef or the year)
* Chickens (both layers and meat birds)
* a few fiber goats (I am a weaver)
It is fun to dream :-D
Margaret
If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
Henry David Thoreau
Farmgirl #3020
www.grey-wolf-farm.com |
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msdoolittle
True Blue Farmgirl
1149 Posts
Amanda
East Texas
USA
1149 Posts |
Posted - May 19 2011 : 5:12:12 PM
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One of the rules of our farm is that whatever we have needs to have a 'job'. In other words, it should earn its keep.
We have meat turkeys/meat chickens (for food), laying hens, 2 Mastiffs (protection), a Brussels Griffon (our comedic relief), 3 rabbits (provide us with weed disposal services and fertilizer), 2 geese (excellent at eating grass and weeds in the orchard, several ducks (bug patrol/grass eaters), and then I DO have a 'Showgirl' roo named Ernie and we have 17 baby Silkies, whom will one day be Ernie's ladyfriends, so I can breed some Showgirls! However, Silkies make excellent mother hens, so even they have a purpose.
:0D
FarmGirl #1390
www.mylittlecountry.wordpress.com |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - May 19 2011 : 6:23:44 PM
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I don't have a farm, either - it's mostly just a dream for me... But in my heart of hearts, I would love to raise sheep like my aunt and uncle did. I'd also have a couple of cows, a couple of horses, chickens and hens, bunnies, honeybees and a couple of loveable dogs and maybe even a cat or two, too! Man - that'd mean I'd have to take a whoooole lot of allergy medication, but, oh - what a wonderful place it would be!!! :) Hugs - Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
www.papercraftingwithnini.myctmh.com
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gypsy goat
True Blue Farmgirl
673 Posts
mary jo
michigan
673 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2011 : 06:12:06 AM
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we have goats which i adore but i would like some eggs layers(which my hubby said i could have this year but still don't) and a milk cow and some bees would be cool. i would also like a baby face lamb and maybe an alpaca or llama or both! i guess the quesstion would be what wouldn't i like
farmgirl#1362 whatever you are be a good one-abe lincoln |
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homsteddinmom
True Blue Farmgirl
441 Posts
Brandee
bullard
tx
USA
441 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2011 : 09:19:31 AM
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Chickens for eggs and meat
goats for milk and meat
bull calves for meat
rabbits for meat
Homesteading Mom in East Texas. Raising chickens, Rabbits and goats here on my farm! |
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CMac
True Blue Farmgirl
1074 Posts
Connie
Ashland City
TN
USA
1074 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2011 : 09:51:24 AM
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We have had chickens (layers) and bees and will start again as soon as we move back to the new house on the farm. I want goats for milk, (drinking, cheese and soap/body products), meat chickens and a guardian dog for the goats. We have two pet dogs and two house cats. If we had a bigger place i would want to raise grass fed beef for our use and some fiber animals such as sheep and/or alpaca.
Connie
"I have three chairs in my house: one for solitude, two for friendship, three for company."
Author: Henry David Thoreau |
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acairnsmom
True Blue Farmgirl
1319 Posts
audrey
cheyenne
wy
1319 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2011 : 4:50:10 PM
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Right now all we have is one very old and very loved cairn terrier. We are working on getting a chicken coop put up so I can get some chickens definately for eggs and possibly for meat (if DH will kill). Our place isn't fenced yet but when we get it done we'd like to get some Lowlines or maybe some Miniature Herefords for meat. I'm toying with the idea of getting a miniature jersey or some small milker, for milk and possibly cheese making. Have also thought about getting some kind of hair goat/sheep. I'm a knitter and have wanted to learn spinning. We lean towards all small animals since we are in our 50's and not getting any younger or stronger, thought we might be better suited tending the mini's and it's just the two of us so don't need tons of meat/milk/cheese!
Audrey
Toto, we're not in Kansas any more! |
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desertwillow
True Blue Farmgirl
272 Posts
Betty
Inyokern
California
USA
272 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2011 : 9:15:04 PM
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| I can't say I actually have a farm since I picture a fram with rolling green hills, etc. We live in the high desert in CA and it is desert, but we have a vegetable garden and I grow roses and bearded iris but I have a German Shepherd that is almost 15 years old. I also have nine chickens (sex links, silver laced Wyandotte's and a Wellsummer. I have two outside aviaries one with canaries and parakeets and the other with finches and two Coturnix Quail. It feels like a farm when I go to the feed store. I'd like to have more and I will be getting some bantams next month but would love to have other animals too. |
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paradiseplantation
True Blue Farmgirl
1277 Posts
julie
social springs community
Louisiana
USA
1277 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2011 : 05:33:46 AM
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Currently: beef cattle; poultry (both meat & eggs); dogs, way too many cats; guineas; mallard ducks & rogue bunnies.
I dream of having: pygora goats & angora rabbits (for spinning); more pigs; and a Jersey milk cow. And a lot less rogue bunnies.
from the hearts of paradise...
1Thess. 4:11 |
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peafarm
True Blue Farmgirl
182 Posts
Penny
South Dakota
182 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2011 : 9:24:36 PM
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We're getting older so the animals are getting smaller.
I love my two mini's and my goats. (and they love me )
On my dream farm, I would like to add a very small herd of Lowline Angus cattle or maybe a miniature hereford or two.
And in my way far out there dream I would like to raise grass fed heritage pigs. That's after fencing projects and miniature cattle projects.
And then...
yep, I keep my husband busy with my dreams!
Penny
www.444Farm.com |
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Turtlemoon
Farmgirl Legend Schoolmarm
378 Posts
Tanya
Port Orchard
Washington
USA
378 Posts |
Posted - May 25 2011 : 12:07:10 PM
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I grew up on a dairy farm in VT and we also had the couple of pigs, group of goats, rabbits, chickens....
I married a city boy and am slowly converting him, but yet to have the farm. I would love some goats, chickens, bees and a couple of milking sheep. (maybe a donkey as well but not sure yet) I spin and dye yarn as well and make soap, yogurt and cheese, so would be nice. I cannot eat/digest meat so these would not be for meat.
Raggedy Ann stuck in a Barbie Doll World
FarmGirl#1737
http://www.etsy.com/shop/moonhonu |
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duckmama
True Blue Farmgirl
54 Posts
Robin
Minnesota
USA
54 Posts |
Posted - May 30 2011 : 07:11:41 AM
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Well I finally got my "Suburban boy" to allow me to return to farm life this year. It has been amusing to watch him fall in love with our growing "pack". Currently I have 2 four month old Alpine goats for future milk/meat, 6 NH Reds for meat /eggs, 5 Peking ducks ( we love to watch) for eggs and meat, 2 dogs and 2 cats. I am currently looking for guinea hens and have plans for bat houses and bee hives to be built this next week.
Duckmama
Driven 2 Distraction
driven2distraction.biz
Designing Green
Living Green |
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owwlady
True Blue Farmgirl
899 Posts
Jan
Tomahawk
WI
USA
899 Posts |
Posted - May 30 2011 : 4:17:49 PM
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| I've always wanted chickens. That was my first goal when I bought my little 2.25 acre rural paradise. Now I'm realizing that I can't go away for long if I get them. I've been taking care of my parents, so the chicken dream is on hold. No animals for now....boo |
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Jessi Lynn
True Blue Farmgirl
144 Posts
New York
USA
144 Posts |
Posted - Jun 06 2011 : 4:32:17 PM
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On my dream farm:
Dairy goats for soap and ice cream- lamnacha alpine nubian
loves some chickens for eggs-rose leg horns/americanas (aracaunas) turkens and
cuckoo maran for meat and fun eggs-they're supposed to be chocolatey
A few turkeys for holiday meals probably royal palms or slate blue
spotted orchard pigs-winter eating and for a fall pig roast
mini horses to pull carts and entertainment
a couple of short horn cattle for meat and milk
a couple of pack goats
honey bees to pollinate and to sweeten my tea
a pair of mules or draft breeds-to reduce the need for the tractor and to save fuel
love to raise American rabbits-on the critcal american livstock beeds list the culls would be for the freezer and to sell as pets
a few katahdin sheep for meat- heard they don't need to be shorn 'cause they have hair not wool and nice lean meat
My dream farm would be set back from the road so I would love some chinese geese to guard the front yard.
And maybe some guiena hens for bug control. |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Jun 06 2011 : 11:48:16 PM
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I LOVE hearing about everyone's dream critters!
I love all heritage fowl and would love to try my hand at some =) I would like a small flock of wild turkeys, some silver and gold laced wyandottes ( sp?) Cuckoo marans, seabrights, old English for show, Indian runner ducks for bug control and comedy and what ever else catches my eye. I love the taste of roast pheasant, so they are on the list too!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
Posted - Jun 08 2011 : 12:58:57 AM
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I would so love to raise a few sheep again as well as horses as I miss both of them plus I spent some time in Ghana west africa & fell in love with pygmy goats...so I would love to have a few of them as well...Plus until the day I die I will always have chickens since they are just wonderful to have & raise....plus this may sound silly but I have always loved mules & think it would be wonderful to have one out with the horses....maybe someday......Michele'
Chickens rule!
The Old Batz Farm
Hen #2622 |
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A Farm of My Own: What animals do you want/have on your dream farm? |
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What animals do you want/have on your dream farm?
