Barnyard in Your Backyard: A Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Rabbits, Goats, Sheep, and Cows

By: Gail Damerow

When is the right time to shear a sheep? Is there a market for manure? What time of day is best to collect eggs? What is the correct way to milk a goat? What does a duck eat? Can a cow and a sheep share the same pasture? Which types of rabbits are easiest to raise? The perfect book for anyone who has ever dreamed of having that little place in the country, "Barnyard in Your Backyard" offers tried-and-true, expert advice on raising healthy, happy, productive farm animals: chickens, geese, ducks, rabbits, goats, sheep, and dairy cows. Each chapter focuses on a different animal, discussing the pros and cons of raising the animal, housing and land requirements, feeding guidelines, health concerns, and a schedule for routine care. Species that are easy to raise, hardy, and companionable are profiled. First-time farmers will discover simple, clear instructions for caring for animals throughout the year, as well as guidelines for processing barnyard products such as milk, wool, and eggs. Combining practical advice from real experts, easy-to-use checklists and charts, a seasonal care calendar, and detailed black-and-white illustrations, "Barnyard in Your Backyard" offers a comprehensive review of the ins and outs - the tribulations and triumphs - of living with and caring for a small barnyard.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1580174566
• ISBN13: 9781580174565
• Release Date: July 2002
• Publisher: Storey Books
• Length: 408 Pages
• Weight: 2.61 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 8.6" x 10.9"

Customer Reviews

Very Informative Guide to Raising Livestock

Over the past year, I have gotten into raising chickens, rabbits, and most recently, goats. I have used this book each time to learn about the basics of the species, housing requirements, feeding, and other issues. I am not an expert by any means (and was clueless when I started!) but this book has been a tremendous resource to get me going with animals. I think that the organization of the book is great and the writing style is clear, interesting, and easy to follow. Overall, if you think you want to start raising any of the animals covered in this book (chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, goats, sheep or cattle) I think this is a excellent, non-intimidating choice.

highly recommended

You can't get all-inclusive with this many species in one book, but this book comes awfully close. An amazing introduction to basic animal care. Definitely check this out *before* you bring home those cute chicks, or rabbits, or goats! Also excellent for cattle (beef and dairy) and more!

Excellent introduction to keeping all manner of animals

Very thorough, very easy to read. Covers a wide range of animals that you might like to consider keeping. Both high level and detailed information in one volume to suit the kind of inquiry you may be making. Excellent.