News

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...

Pre- and probiotics are considered “functional ingredients” that are added to horse feed to provide benefits to your horse. The environment of the intestine (a.k.a. gut) contains naturally occurring beneficial microorganisms commonly called ‘bugs’. Gut bugs are found in all species, including humans, and are essential to the digestion process. For the horse, gut bugs work to break down components of forage and feed as they pass through the digestive tract. The bugs deconstruct complex molecules within feedstuffs, which releases nutrients and allows the synthesis of energy substrates and important vitamins. Those nutrients are then absorbed through the intestines into...

Egg binding is a commonly cited problem on online forums, but what is this condition and how can you treat it? More importantly, how can you prevent it? Egg binding occurs when a hen has been straining to lay an egg for several hours. A stuck egg prevents fecal matter and other eggs from passing out of the body, and the hen will eventually die from shock or infection. Causes There are a number of factors that may cause egg binding. Eggs form with the pointy end facing the vent opening, but they are laid blunt end first, which means...

Spring is the perfect time to prepare your garden and pasture for a season of strong growth and abundant harvests. Proper soil care, the right fertilizer, and selecting quality seeds can make all the difference in your pasture’s yield and your garden’s success. Whether you're growing crops, raising livestock, or simply maintaining a backyard garden, here are the essential steps to get your land ready for spring. 1. Start with a Soil Test Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive garden or pasture. Testing your soil before planting helps you understand its pH levels, nutrient content, and any deficiencies...

As winter's chill gives way to the warmth of spring, horse owners eagerly anticipate the shift in seasons. However, this change also brings about adjustments in equine care routines. Navigating the transition from winter to spring is crucial for maintaining the health and happiness of our beloved four-legged friends. In this blog, we'll explore the seasonal changes that impact horses and provide insights on safely guiding your equine companion through the blossoming days of spring. 1. Understanding the Seasonal Shift: Spring brings changes in temperature, daylight hours, and forage availability. Understanding how these factors influence your horse's metabolism and behavior...