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Have you tried the "recommended code of handling for livestock"? They are written up for cattle, swine, etc. and have all kinds of info that you will be able to use and even more that you won't be able to use :lol: The ones I've read are written up for the Canadian livestock industry but a...

You can breed your doeling once she has reached 2/3s of her expected adult size. How old is she now - if she was born in Feb., she will be pretty close to breeding age or size already. I often borrow a young billy for breeding - the young ones are not as stinky and are the right size for doelings bu...

are you permitted to sell the chickens you grow to other people? We raise enough extra birds, red-veal, and pork to sell to other people and this covers the cost of the meats we keep for ourselves (as well as the costs of raising them)...It doesn't pay me for my labour though! yet!:lol:

Have you checked for worms (internal parasites)?

You have to remember I live in Ontario Canada - we have abundant restrictions but not this. At least not yet. We were very fortunate to escape the hoof and mouth tragedy here... Anyway, I have an abundance of milk and chickens, feed prices are through the roof here too, and I wanted to hear more abo...

Thomzo wrote:Yep - certainly can. TMine loved all dairy products (particularly cottage cheese).

Zoe

how did you do it? ie. what did you "serve" it in, how much at a time, other?

Could anyone tell me if feeding milk to chickens can really be done or is it just a joke to catch fools like me? My calves are about ready to be weaned off the goat milk I feed them, but my goats are still in full production which is way more than my family can consume even when I make it into chees...

"...they all want to lay in one place, and all wait patiently in line for their turn to get up there, we have seen on a couple of occasions when they could not wait, they have sat on there two up, beak to tail, laying at opposite ends." Can you show us a picture of the que for the nesting ...

I have only a few does that I breed for milk and don't keep a buck year-round. I don't want to either! There are ways around it but you still have to keep one around for a few months to make sure the does are in kid. I have a few ways to get a buck :wink: One: I have a good relationship with our loc...

I know that used oil USED to be brushed onto livestock to eliminate mange and other external parasites but that was a very very VERY long time ago (like, a few decades...). It was used only seldom and only if there was a serious infestation. The oil blocks the breathing holes of the insects and suff...

How are you doing with your new kids?

Boars are the very best, but you can "cheat' especially if you know the signs of heat well. Though heat is sometimes much more difficult to detect in gilts (you didn't say how old your pigs were). There is "boar scent" available in an aerosol can through some AI supply companies - dun...

How are you getting along with your question? Enough info yet? :lol: Have you looked at the "Fiasco Farms" website yet? It is an amazing resource! It has an excellent index and very detailed step by step instructions and good clear photos of each step too. I wish I'd known about it when I ...

You can start to milk right away, but the first milk is colostrum and not for human consumption.

Generally it is three to four days of milkings before the "real" milk come in which is what is used for human consumption.

"Maybe it is the wonderful nature here in New Zealand and the laid back lifestyle?" I've never been to NZ but heard the same from those I know who have been - one couple I know went there for an extended stay because they were unable to keep a pregnancy and lo and behold they were blessed ...