Our Animals

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.

Keep your livestock healthy this summer and autumn.

New research shows it’s probably because it was daring, but a bit dim.

A practical, open air coop is also sculpture on a unique farm.

The mystery of the lumpy lamb

A little lamb has a very big lump, and a mystery cause.

The critter has a pretty significant impact in New Zealand.

Planning for common pest problems is crucial.

Treating unusual species is a regular occurrence for a lifestyle block vet, and this one had a big problem.

Connect with local farmers and food producers at during this fun, family day out.

Late summer showers can bring on a host of problems to keep in check.

9 protein-packed treats for your chooks

Poultry need specific amino acids in protein to be healthy. Here are nine easy ways to enrich their diet.

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.

When wet weather makes traditional hay making a drama, Rebecca Stewart finds making tree fodder hay a much more enjoyable process.

New Zealand has the largest known population of feral ferrets in the world.

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.

Here's how to grow a good-sized dinner and process it safely.

Probiotics can benefit your birds from birth, helping them to grow faster and preventing diseases.

A handy guide for when you find something gross.

Oils and jellies that can prevent your chooks from getting mites.

When summer is really hot, a Tucson coop with the right angles is still a cool place.

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.

When and how to safely wean young livestock.

Navigate the plethora of suggestions and pick out what's right and wrong for your chooks.

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.

A poultry specialist debunks myths about natural products for chicken health.

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.

Sheep can’t speak, but you can learn to see what they're telling you.

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.

Some goats have horns, some have none, and some fall in between.

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.

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.

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 create a first aid kit to get you through labour this spring.

Want to know which chicken feed is best for your birds? Look for the FeedSafe NZ mark.