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As spring arrives and the first buds appear, gardening can be a relaxing and healthy way to pass the time. But it can also pose some potential risks to our cat and dog friends. With care and some knowledge, these risks can be avoided. Here is a list of potential concerns. Fertilizers and Pesticides: Fertilizers containing blood meal, bone meal, feather meal or iron can be tasty for dogs and particularly dangerous. Ingestion of large amounts of meal containing products can form concretions in the stomach resulting in obstruction and severe pancreatitis. Those containing iron can lead to iron poisoning...

Did you know that choosing the right chick feed can help your chicks develop healthy digestive systems? A healthy digestive system is key to a healthy chicken. It aids in the development of the immune system and promotes absorption of nutrients. Professionally formulated feeds provide your birds with proper nutrition at all stages of life. The Importance of Chick Feed Chicks need a feed that is different from adult layer feed. Chick starter-grower feed is 18% protein, compared to 16% to 18% in a layer ration. Chicks grow very quickly, and they need more protein to support their bodies in...

Cows can easily adapt to different seasons, but they can still suffer during the harshest winter months, losing condition and becoming less productive. By practicing good winter cow care, however, you can protect your herd from the dangers of the season and ensure they reach spring in top form. 8 Steps to Care for Your Cows in Winter No matter what size herd you have, whether you have a large commercial herd or just a few cows for your family’s use, they still need good care to thrive in winter. That care should start long before winter sets in, and...

It is well known even to non-horse people that horses are herbivores, but just grazing or feeding a horse a diet of hay alone will not provide them the proper nutrition. A limited amount of fat is essential for more energy, and there are many additional benefits of providing fat in your horse's diet. Fat as Energy All horses burn calories as energy, and very active horses with a heavy work schedule, athletic training routines or extensive show schedules need more energy in their diet. Gestating or nursing mares also need more energy to keep up their strength as they...

With plenty of buzz about how much healthier and more humane "free-range" poultry can be, it may seem better to forget about a chicken coop for your flock. But a well-designed coop is not a cruel way to house chickens – instead, it is a way to keep your chickens safe and comfortable, which will increase your flock's productivity and profitability. Why You Need a Coop A chicken coop is essential for many reasons, including… Safety A strong, sturdy coop will be designed to keep predators such as foxes, snakes, rats, raccoons, hawks, owls and cats away from your chickens....