Our Animals
How to grow bigger meat birds using wholegrains
Adding wholegrains to chicken feed boosts meat production efficiency.
7 things to know about natural worm control
Many people prefer to use natural health strategies for their livestock, but there’s a lot of misinformation on what works, and what doesn't.
Why did the chicken cross the road?
New research shows it’s probably because it was daring, but a bit dim.
Block inspiration: A beautifully-crafted chicken coop in Mexico
A practical, open air coop is also sculpture on a unique farm.
4 things you might not know about hedgehogs
The critter has a pretty significant impact in New Zealand.
Why you don't want an ostrich on your block
Treating unusual species is a regular occurrence for a lifestyle block vet, and this one had a big problem.
What's on: A farming open day for families
Connect with local farmers and food producers at during this fun, family day out.
10 farm tasks to keep livestock healthy through autumn
Late summer showers can bring on a host of problems to keep in check.
Why summer can be a toxic time for your chickens
Poultry may instinctively stay away from toxic substances and plants, but they will eat them if they’re hungry, overly curious, or just make a mistake.
Rebecca Stewart: Make tree hay while the sun shines
When wet weather makes traditional hay making a drama, Rebecca Stewart finds making tree fodder hay a much more enjoyable process.
5 surprising things about ferrets in New Zealand
New Zealand has the largest known population of feral ferrets in the world.
5 types of bloat in baby ruminants
Anyone who raises lambs or goat kids will be familiar with the dreaded bloat. Here's how to treat the different types you may see.
20 things to know when raising chickens for dinner
Here's how to grow a good-sized dinner and process it safely.
Why you should consider the gut health of your chickens
Probiotics can benefit your birds from birth, helping them to grow faster and preventing diseases.
A coop that's the epitome of summer-ready
When summer is really hot, a Tucson coop with the right angles is still a cool place.
From townies to goat cheese-makers
Seven years ago, David and Jennifer Rodrigue were townies, dreaming of the country. Today, they produce award-winning boutique cheeses and share their lives with a herd of happy princesses.
Should you believe what a chicken 'expert' is telling you?
Navigate the plethora of suggestions and pick out what's right and wrong for your chooks.
Is plasma the new gold standard for baby livestock?
Young livestock need antibodies for good immunity, but some miss out. Dr Sarah Clews outlines why they’re important, and a new option she offers.
4 natural poultry ‘remedies’ that aren’t proven by science
A poultry specialist debunks myths about natural products for chicken health.
What to learn from dead chickens
In a large flock, a sudden death rate above 2% is of great concern. But it can be far more challenging for small flock owners when one dead hen equals a 10% death rate.
How to look out for your sheep's pain cues
Sheep can’t speak, but you can learn to see what they're telling you.
New Zealand's long and fascinating relationship with eels
Eels have had a tumultuous history in Aotearoa, from being a prized food source to being declared “public vermin'. Today, these slithery creatures are a source of immense pride.
The lowdown on withholding periods for your chooks
Withholding periods – where you can’t eat the eggs or meat of poultry dosed with medication or drench – are often misunderstood and crucial for human health.
Why threats to bugs should be taken seriously
Insect numbers have declined shockingly in recent years. But perhaps the biggest problem is that most of the world doesn’t realize how alarming this is.
A couple creates a kiwi haven and bush walk on their farm
One couple’s work in making a kiwi-safe habitat near the Kaipara Harbour has grown into a project to create an ecological corridor so north island brown kiwi can move safely from coast to coast.
How to curate your animal's first aid kit
How to create a first aid kit to get you through labour this spring.