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Raising free range chickens can be a challenge, but it can be well worthwhile for a more robust, healthier, more productive flock. But what makes free range chickens so desirable, and what special needs do they have for their care? What Free Range Means When chickens or other livestock are “free range” they are allowed to roam at will, with free access to outdoor areas and fewer restrictions on their overall movements and habitat. These animals are not restricted to a small coop, barn, or pen, but instead have a much larger, more enriching space to explore. There is a...

Spring is chick season. Whether you are just starting a flock, increasing the numbers of chickens you keep or bringing new breeds home to try. Your brooder is critical to give for your chicks security, warmth and shelter they need for their earliest days. How can you set up a brooder to give your chicks the safest, healthiest start? Containers for Brooders A brooder is simply a small home for your chicks to help meet their needs and keep them safely contained as they grow. Cardboard boxes are often used as brooders, and while a large, sturdy box can be...

Weak, thin, or soft chicken eggshells can lead to loss of eggs and income, deformities in chicks, and other difficulties. There are several reasons why shell strength may degrade, and different ways to prevent it to ensure the most productive laying hens. Why Hens Might Lay Weak or Soft Eggs There can be several causes behind weak chicken eggs. While any hen might have an occasional soft egg and infrequent weak eggshells are nothing to be concerned about, if a hen is laying soft eggs regularly or with noticeably increasing frequency, she may be suffering from any of these conditions....

Just as our own dietary needs change as we get older, so do the dietary needs of our aging horses. Understanding senior horse nutrition can help you choose the best feed for your horse in its golden years, ensuring healthy meals that meet an older horse’s needs. Is My Horse a Senior? There is no single set age at which a horse is considered a senior. How each horse ages will be different, and factors such as breed, activity level, general health, and overall lifestyle will affect a horse’s senior age. Most horses start to exhibit senior needs in their...

Understanding the basic dietary needs of your equine friend is an essential part of ownership. Horses are foragers, meaning they graze. Meeting this natural characteristic is imperative.• Hay: Hay is commonly the preferred source of forage. A safe calculation is 1 pound of hay to every 100 pounds of a horse’s body weight. Allowing a horse to have access to hay all day helps promote a healthy digestive process.• Best Practice for Feeding: The amount of feed given on a daily basis should be determined by the horse’s size and work load. A normal leisure walking horse might have a...