Our Animals

He's been enraptured with NZ birds of prey for decades

A Rotorua falconer takes flight, spreading his love for Aotearoa’s native birds of prey.

The secret to the lustrous locks of Valais sheep

When it comes to looking stylish, it turns out Valais sheep use the same conditioner as other supermodels.

Tips for happy hens this summer

Look after your chooks in the summer heat and avoid pesky red mite with these handy tips.

Are ducks the new chickens?

If you like the benefits of keeping chickens, you’re going to love having ducks.

The possible reasons your chook has dropped dead

If you own poultry, at some point one of the flock may die, seemingly for no reason.

7 tips for successful beehive placement

Location is critical for bees, and your neighbours.

The lifecycle of the honeybee

Bees might appear to be lovely insects, busy making honey, but life can be short and brutal.

6 chicken disabilities to look out for

It’s important to look for a cause of a disability so you can avoid it in the future.

How these block owners found their perfect livestock

They moved to the country to live off the land. But it took a few odd years to find the right animal for their block.

How to care for aging poultry

Old poultry require special attention, and good decisions about their care.

How to stay in charge of the pecking order

A chicken doesn’t appear to be a complicated bird, but the social structure of a flock is complex.

Build a chicken coop with a living roof

A DIY guide to creating a green chicken coop.

5 ways to avoid drench resistance

Drench resistance is a big problem on NZ farms, and you risk bringing it onto your block every time you buy livestock.

15 ways to prep the farm for summer

Here's how to keep your farm animals happy as the seasons change.

How to build an origami kiwi for Bird of the Year

This paper kiwi is an easy origami project for beginners and kids. Make one to celebrate the Bird of the Year competition.

8 causes of abnormal chicks

Keep an eye on these common factors for your best chance at a successful hatch.

Kelly Wilson: "There were things which reduced me to tears, yet also moments of joy and laughter"

Kelly Wilson spent two years camping on mountain ranges, deserts and plains across the globe observing the behaviour of wild horses for her new book, Wild Horses of the World.

4 expert tips for placing a pest trap

John Bissell is sharing his strategies on how we can be predator-free by 2050.

Can chickens and dogs be best friends?

Dog trainer Christine Nielsen shares her tips for helping your dog to see your chickens as friends, not dinner.

18 common problems with hatching eggs

Knowing the cause of a chick abnormality can help you prevent it in your next hatch.

How to get started in sharemilking

If your cow has the right temperament, she can turn grass into milk, steak, and money.

Why your chicken is losing feathers

Feather loss is normally quite natural in poultry, but it can also be a sign of a serious health issue.

5 things to consider before getting alpaca

It's all too easy to get charmed by a sweet-faced alpaca. But it pays to do some research before taking the plunge.

Meet New Zealand's very own pug saviour

A long-time pug owner opens up her home — and heart — to give rescue dogs a happier, heathier life.

Why avoiding commercial chicken feed might be doing more harm than good

A free-range diet of whole grains and grass is usually not enough to keep your poultry in good health.

Could guinea pigs be the answer for an unruly yard?

The grass in this orchard is kept neat and trim by the cutest, littlest lawn mowers.

10 late-winter tasks for the farm

Keep an eye on the pasture and young livestock as the weather starts to warm up.

4 things you need for a top-producing hen

There are four factors that must be in place if a hen is to live her best life.

Why hoverflies could be critical for future food security

Hoverflies could be our new favourite buzzy buddies.

Why heritage hens lay fewer eggs

A heritage hen's productivity is most likely linked to the breeder.

A pasture-friendly way to feed stock in winter

Break-feeding is a good strategy for rationing pasture over winter.

2 hybrid breeds for twice the number of eggs

While hybrids don't have a long lifespan, these egg-laying machines are the most economical of any poultry.

Lynda Hallinan's Blog: For whom the cowbell tolls

Lynda Hallinan's guide to what – and what not – to adopt when you live in the wops.

How to make a red mite trap at home

These useful DIY tools will help you fight the biggest, smallest pest in the poultry world.

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