Feed for Thought

Keeping your chicken coop clean is one of the most important tasks for maintaining a healthy, productive flock. A clean coop reduces the risk of parasites, disease, and respiratory issues, while also making things more pleasant for both your chickens and you. Whether you're deep cleaning for the season or doing regular maintenance, this all-in-one checklist will help keep your coop in top condition year-round. 1. Remove All Bedding and Waste Start by taking everything out of the coop—bedding, nesting material, and droppings. Don’t forget to check under roost bars and corners where messes can collect. Use a shovel or...

When summer hits its peak and the temperatures soar, horse owners must take extra steps to protect their equine partners from the risks of heat stress. Horses are incredibly resilient animals, but excessive heat, humidity, and sun exposure can lead to dehydration, exhaustion, and even dangerous conditions like heatstroke. Whether you're caring for backyard horses, working animals, or competitive athletes, here are essential tips to keep your horses healthy and comfortable during the hottest days of the season. 1. Prioritize Hydration One of the most important aspects of summer horse care is ensuring access to clean, cool water at all...

Summer heat brings more than sun and sweat—it also brings flies. These pests can cause serious discomfort for livestock, reduce productivity, and even spread disease. Whether you manage a herd or a small backyard flock, having an effective fly control strategy is essential. Why Fly Control Matters: Flies irritate animals, disrupt grazing, and can lead to infections or illness. They’re also known to transmit conditions like pinkeye in cattle and can stress poultry and horses, impacting overall health and performance. Top Fly Control Solutions: Fly Sprays and Wipes: Ideal for horses and cattle, these provide quick relief. Look for options...

There’s nothing more rewarding (or adorable) than raising chicks in the springtime. Whether you’re expanding your flock or starting fresh, May is the perfect time to raise healthy, happy backyard chickens. Here’s your chick-raising checklist to make sure you have everything you need: Brooder Setup Brooder box – A plastic tote, livestock trough, or chick brooder works great Heat source – Use a brooder heat plate or heat lamp (with safety precautions) Thermometer – Keep temps around 95°F the first week, lowering weekly by 5°F Feed & Water Starter feed – Choose a chick-specific crumble with high protein (18–20%) Waterers...

Most pet owners are diligent about feeding their pets a healthy, nutritious diet. It can be tempting, however, to offer a pet a tasty treat, especially on a special day such as a holiday or the pet's birthday, or even as a reward for mastering a new trick or obeying a command. There are some foods, however, that can be toxic to pets and should never be offered, even in small quantities. The Effects of Toxic Foods on Pets Giving a pet inappropriate foods can have many possible consequences, from mildly uncomfortable side effects to dangerous, even deadly results. The...