Our Animals

Five of the rarest sheep breeds are living reminders of New Zealand’s colonial history, but may also hold the genes to future farming success and much more.

These five feral sheep breeds are vastly different to romney breed which make up approximately 68% of this country's sheep population.  They are extremely rare and are part of New Zealand's colonial history.

A simple oat cookie that dogs can eat as an alternative to manufactured treats.

Sometimes you may need to help an injured bird, and sometimes its best to leave it alone.

Chickens with breathing problems can wreak havoc with your flock and are difficult to identify, but here are some signs to look out for.

Richard and Helen Dorresteyn are committed cheesemakers, inadvertent buffalo farmers and deserving Supreme Winner of the Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards for 2018.

Discover "real New Zealand like it was 100 years ago" on Otago's cavalcade, the high country horse ride of a lifetime.

The Auckland A & P Association is celebrating its 175th anniversary at this year’s Royal Easter Show. But the family event looked quite different at its premier in 1843.

From cluster flies to feral cats, we’ve got tips and products to help you beat the pests on your block.

Calves and rising yearlings are the main priority in autumn.

It’s a great decision time for sheep farmers as it’s time to tidy up the flock before the rams go out to start the next breeding season.

This step-by-step guide shows just how easy it is to build a basic chicken run without breaking the bank.

We look at the insects that can have population explosions in your hen house over summer.

Get a better understanding of your hens by learning about their South East Asian ancestors.

We visit a sanctuary for unloved animals and injured birds on a unique lifestyle block set up just for them.

How to protect your livestock from facial eczema and why it pays to have good shade.

Summer is the perfect time to clean out your hen house when there’s enough daylight hours and warmth to let it thoroughly dry out.

Make sure your eggs stay intact when carrying them from chook house or farmer's market with this easy-to-make DIY egg carrier.

These birds look crazy, sound crazy and can act crazy too, but no person, insect pest or predator can get past them.

Sometimes the nest box holds a little egg of horrors.

Traditional domestic duck breeds are rare in New Zealand so you will have to hunt around to find breeders in your area, or a supplier of fertile eggs.

A colourful Auckland family with a motley crew of animals are opening their garden gate for the Heroic Garden Festival.

The description of a hen being ‘egg bound’ is often mentioned but is it really egg bound? Here’s how to find out, and how you can get hands-on and help out.

Rudi Robberts stares into the eye of the bee swarm.

The doggedness of two Raglan friends - plus a supportive community - helped launch a posh pet brand

A Southland couple have turned their block into an internationally-recognised wetland of importance, and a safe haven for one of NZ's rare birds.

Spring can be a confusing season for the flock owner who wants eggs, and equally confusing for hens who want to be mothers.

Kelly Wilson back in the saddle saving the snowy brumbies

Kelly Wilson’s work with wild horses is a family affair - but it nearly didn’t happen.

Angela Beer didn't even know she was a dog person until she met her beloved Dunhill, and she had even less idea just how far that love would take her.

If you want your hens to lay eggs in the right place, the most basic requirement is a nest they'll like over all others. But hens have some odd views on what they prefer.

12 tips for sheep in spring

Getting ready for lambing is the main priority, and this means being prepared for surprises like early lambs which weren’t planned and which often die.

Sometimes a chicken bites off more than it can chew. Well, technically, more than it can grind.Sometimes a chicken bites off more than it can chew. Well, technically, more than it can grind.

Some animals in an orchard are your friends and some are a definite no-no