Farm and working animals: general interest Books

Book Synopsis'The most important task of the bees, apart from the preparation of honey, wax and propolis, is the healing of the atmosphere! The honey bee, apis mellifera, alone, is able to perform this task. This is its first and foremost purpose.' - Ralf RoessnerDescribing the Genius of Bees as the 'group consciousness' of the hive, Ralf Roessner presents an extraordinary commentary based on first-hand spiritual-scientific research and experience. He studies the mission of the Genius of Bees, the hexagonal structure of 'the crystalline heaven' within which the bees operate, and the healing of the world through their work. Roessner elucidates the relationships between the Genius of Bees, the elemental world and the human being. He also speaks of his personal experiences with the organic 'earth hive', giving instructions on how they are made, and offers practical advice on tackling the varroa mite. In this unique and original work, the author, '...attempts to describe the secrets of creation as far as he has experienced these himself'. As he goes on to clarify: 'Many matters, which could only be vaguely perceived in former times, can now be investigated in a spiritual-scientific manner.A secret is only a secret to the extent it escapes the individual human being's powers of consciousness'. Anyone seeking deeper insights into the world of the honey bee will be enriched by the content of this book.Table of ContentsPreface - INTRODUCTION - The Signs of Change - THE MISSION OF THE GENIUS OF THE BEES - Cosmic Fertilization - About the Physical, Etheric, Astral and Spiritual Plane - The Influence of Elemental Beings - Plant Growth Within the Mantle of Warmth Ether - The Language of Form in Plants, Cosmic Fertilization of Blossoms - Further Details on the Act of Fertilization - THE HEALING OF THE WORLD THROUGH THE GENIUS OF THE BEES - The Crystalline Heaven - The Etheric Body of the Earth - On the Origin of the Genius of the Bees - The Influence of the Heart and the Mission of the Geniusof the Bees - STRUCTURE OF THE BEES, HEXAGONAL STRUCTURE OF THE CRYSTALLINE HEAVEN - THE HUMAN BEING AND THE GENIUS OF THE BEES - The Bee, the Human Being and Elemental Beings - Communicating with the Genius of the Bees - BEE LIFE WITHIN THE EARTH HIVE - A Special Experience - What the Genius of the Bees Wanted to Tell Me - How Can the Human Being Help? - THE GENIUS OF BEES - PRACTICAL TASKS - The Earth Hive From Masuria - Proportions/Recipe - Catching a Swarm with a Brood Comb - Further Advice When Working with the Earth Hive - The Varroa Treatment - Additional Feeding - FINAL THOUGHTS - The First Encounter of Man and Bee

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Book SynopsisKeeping a few hens was once only for rural dwellers with big yards - or inner-city hippies. Now it's mainstream and an attractive proposition wherever you live. Fluffy little recycling units that eat weeds, bugs and scraps and turn them into organic eggs - what's not to love? Chickens are great backyard pets for young and old - they're a natural extension for everyone with a vegie patch, and for those who like eggs but are concerned about the welfare of commercial hens. This book is the perfect reference, whether you're already keeping chickens or an absolute beginner thinking about getting a couple of chooks. Dave Ingham offers compulsively readable advice on how to start, housing and feeding, settling chickens in with other pets, troubleshooting, and the (minimal) commitment required to keep your backyard hens healthy and happy.'This book is the what for, how to, where and why of chickens for novices and wranglers alike.' - Costa Georgiadis, ABC Gardening Australia

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Book SynopsisWhen Joanne Lefson took on a piglet at her animal shelter, the young sow proceeded to eat everything in her stable but a paint brush. In a flash of inspiration, Joanne attempted to introduce the pig to the art of painting - and thus Pigcasso was born. Starting out with a humble canvas on the sanctuary wall, Pigcasso's paintings are now owned by the likes of George Clooney, she has a Swatch watch design partnership, a wine label, and has eclipsed the previous world record holder for animal art. She's been commissioned by Nissan and has had exhibitions in Cape Town, Munich and Amsterdam. More than that, Pigcasso's art funds the food and veterinary services for all the animals at the sanctuary.Pigcasso is the story of this unique pig and of the circumstances that brought her and Joanne together to take the art world by storm and form a unique and unbreakable bond.

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Book SynopsisOrganic cattle farming is on the increase, with consumer demand for organic milk and meat growing yearly. Beginning with an overview of the aims and principles behind organic cattle production, this book presents extensive information about how to feed cattle so that the milk and meat produced meet organic standards, and provides a comprehensive summary of ruminant digestive processes and nutrition. Since the publication of the first edition, global consumers have increasingly become concerned with the sustainability of meat production. Here, Robert Blair considers the interrelationships of sustainable practices and profitability of organic herds, reviewing how to improve forage production and quality, and minimizing the need for supplementary feeding using off-farm ingredients. This new edition also covers: - Managing a recurrent shortage of organic feed ingredients, due to increased GM feed crop cultivation worldwide - Current findings on appropriate breeds and grazing systems for forage-based organic production - Diet-related health issues in organic herds and the effects of organic production on meat and milk quality. Required reading for animal science researchers, advisory personnel that service the organic milk and beef industries and students interested in organic milk and meat production, this book is also a useful resource for organic farming associations, veterinarians, and feed and food industry personnel.Table of Contents1: Introduction and Background 2: Aims and Principles of Organic Cattle Production 3: Elements of Cattle Nutrition 4: Ingredients for Organic Diets 5: Breeds for Organic Production 6: Integrating Feeding Programmes into Organic Production Systems 7: Conclusions and Recommendations for the Future

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Book SynopsisIn For the Love of Farming, Farmer Will reveals his life on the farm, season by season. It’s relentless: the mornings are early and sometimes things don’t go right, but is it fun? Would he be dancing otherwise?? Table of ContentsHello! I’m Farmer Will Meet Will Meet the Family (and the Farm) Welcome to the Farm Autumn September: Ready, Steady, Go October: A Healthy Ram Is a Happy Ram November: It’s Tupping Time! Winter December: Goodnight Sunlight January: New Year, New Ewe February: No Rest For the Wicked Spring March: In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb April: Springing and Leaping May: Back to Business Summer June: Here Comes the Sun July: Miss Piggies August: A Lamb’s Tale See You Soon Index

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Book SynopsisThe Egyptians worshipped them, the Romans dressed them in fitted coats, the Christians made the shepherd synonymous with their divine saviour. In Sheep, Philip Armstrong traces the natural and cultural history of both the wild and domestic species of Ovis: from the Old World mouflon to the corkscrew-horned flocks of the Egyptians, to the 'Trojan sheep' of Homer's Odyssey, to the vast migratory mobs of Spanish merinos - all the way to Dolly the cloned ewe and the sheep-human hybrids of Haruki Murakami. Above all else, Sheep demonstrates that sometimes the most mundane animals turn out to be the most surprising.

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Book SynopsisHave you ever walked into your living room to find an elk contentedly watching television? Meet Butter, human companion and elk extraordinaire at the Seventh Avenue Elk Ranch in Manning, Alberta. When ranchers Beverly and Carson Lein chose the unique occupation of farming elk, they didn’t count on adopting and inevitably falling in love with one. From perilous elk births to charging bulls, life is never dull at the Lein’s ranch. Experience life on an elk farm through the eyes of author Beverly Lein with An Elk in the House—a simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting story for the whole family to enjoy.

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Book SynopsisA collection of stories by a veterinarian, featuring wild horses, porcupine-quill-covered dogs, male cats in labour, an extremely ornery pygmy donkey, and many other domestic, exotic, and farm animals.

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Book Synopsis'a delightful and funny memoir of her family's crazy life in the English countryside. Perfect escapist reading for these locked-down times.' - SALMAN RUSHDIE'a heartwarming tale of country living' - SUNDAY EXPRESS'a charming memoir and a perfect choice for these unsettling times' - DEVON LIFE'A total joy... enchanting, hilarious and vivid... Beautifully written, richly informative...' - LIZ CALDER'A gem ... A heart-warming memoir of moving to the glorious Cornish countryside and taking up farming is the perfect antidote to city life.' - NIKOLA SCOTT"A love letter to the British countryside...a wonderfully earthy story of fresh Cornish air...an adventure from start to finish." - TOWN & COUNTRY"A light-hearted account of 30 years of trial and error on a Cornish farm...I loved every minute..." - SAGAEver dream of packing up and escaping to a simpler life on the land, just the Cornish landscape and a few cows and goats rising up to greet you each day? When Rosanne and her husband left city life for the Cornwall idyll they knew little of farming, the seasons and milking; but over time they found their way, rising to each new challenge and embracing all that the land gave them.Growing Goats and Girls lovingly and invitingly charts the rural, hardworking and joyfully haphazard lives of Rosanne and her husband as they escape London to live off the land. In their tumbled-down farmhouse in Cornwall, they learn to rear goats, chickens, cows, bees - and two children - get to grips with unruly machinery and cantankerous farmers, and chart the changing seasons in glorious countryside over thirty years.Heart-warming and uplifting in its celebration of the simple things, this earthy portrait of life on the land taps into our collective imagination. After all, who hasn't dreamed of new beginnings, escaping into nature and living more simply. Growing Goats and Girls reminds us to appreciate the fleeting, timeless moments of beauty, nature and the simple comforts of family life.Trade Review'A gem of a book that made me fall in love with Cornwall all over again! If you've ever dreamed of leaving it all behind, Rosanne Hodin's funny, heart-warming memoir of moving to the glorious Cornish countryside and taking up farming is the perfect antidote to the busy-ness of city life.A total joy... enchanting, hilarious and vivid... Beautifully written, richly informative...A love letter to the British countryside...a wonderfully earthy story of fresh Cornish air...an adventure from start to finish. - Town & Country

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Book SynopsisA knitting book focusing on the sheep-to-shawl process by a well-known knitter, shepherd, and artisanal yarn producer. Gain an insider''s view on fiber farming and yarn craft, from sheep to skein, all told through the eyes of shepherd and textile artisan Barbara Parry. Follow her flock over the course of a year and discover all the facets of life with sheep: from shearing day and lambing season, to preparing fiber for yarn. Along the way you''ll find projects for the fiber obsessed by top knitwear designers, essays on country life, and over 100 stunning photographs. With the growing locavore movement, the rising trend in sustainable farming, and the ever-increasing interest in crafting, this book is perfect for those who yearn for a closer connection to a rural lifestyle and who enjoy making things by hand.

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Book SynopsisCorey Mosen is a wildlife biologist working for the Department of Conservation and specialising in helping to save the endangered kea. He is passionate about conservation and photography, spending most of his holidays volunteering on various conservation projects around the world. He lives in Nelson with Ajax, his wife and twin babies.

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Book SynopsisThis is the true story of an unusual hero. Tall, dark and handsome and often surrounded by an admiring crowd, this is no film star but an eight-year old bay gelding from the Mounted Branch of the Metropolitan Police. Horses such as Merlin go through a challenging training process to prepare them for life in the force. There are three stages of training; red, amber and green. Reports from his early training show that Merlin was sometimes naughty and spirited - but once his training was complete he was disciplined enough to maintain order at some of the toughest and most high-profile events in London. This book looks at Merlin's daily life and duties and his fascinating partnership with his mounted constable, Karen Howell. When Karen first met Merlin during his training it was love at first sight and over the years she has developed an intriguing bond with this brave, eccentric and deeply individual character.

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Book SynopsisBased on the authors' considerable experience of teaching modern pig production methods to university students, this book is a concise guide to running a successful pig enterprise. Practical advice on all aspects of day-to-day management is supplemented by essential background information on nutrition, reproduction, genetics, and evaluation and testing techniques. The changing requirements of pigs as they develop are described, as are the differing demands of large and small production units. The authors wish to encourage would-be pig producers in developing countries, and have given special attention to their needs. They discuss the role of pig production in the context of other agricultural activities, and fully cover the subject of production economics. Technological issues regarding pig production are also well covered.

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Book SynopsisFilled with lively anecdotes, poems and mythological stories, Barrington sets out to map the evolution and bond between man and dog; how dogs developed from the wild into the beloved companions as we know them today.Trade ReviewI read John Barrington’s book with growing delight. This working shepherd writes beautifully about his animals, about the wildlife, trees and flowers which surround him at all times, and he paints an unforgettable picture of his glorious corner of Western Scotland. It is a lovely story of a rather wonderful life. JAMES HERRIOT on Red Sky at Night

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Book SynopsisKeeping Pigs is a task that requires knowledge, but not necessarily time. Aimed at people with busy schedules this instructive book gives practical information about how to manage a small herd and keep pigs happy and healthy under the time constraints of modern life. The Commuter Pig Keeper is all-inclusive covering various breeds both as breeding herds and food sources. Topics addressed include all aspects of pig rearing, including an in depth look at breeding, housing, and handling techniques. This essential guide also discusses the administrative and business issues of pig keeping, as well as giving advice on contingency planning for when problems occur. Written by a member of the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s Pig Expert Group, this book offers useful information for both novice and expert pig keepers.

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Book SynopsisMove over Pilates, take a hike Zumba, because there’s a new health craze taking gyms and…er… farms everywhere by storm. Goat yoga, or goga is the latest sensation to sweep the Internet. It’s a yoga workout, but with the addition of goats, and all the cool “kids” are lining up to practice their downward-facing goat and happy baby poses. In this brilliant guide, goat-yoga instructor Gus will tell you all you need to know about this hilarious fitness phenomenon and show how you too can join in the fun and flourish just like your farmyard friends. Namaste.

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Book SynopsisA new critical terms volume addressing the growing, vigorously interdisciplinary field of animal studies.Trade Review"Lori Gruen has created an intellectual cafe in which leading scholars offer their insight and wisdom, in incisive and stimulating entries, on topics central to animal studies, all the while incorporating intersections with feminist, postcolonial, disability, environmental, and anti-racist scholarship. Richly textured, inviting and empowering, this is a dream book for students, academics, and activists alike."--Carol J. Adams, author of The Sexual Politics of Meat and Burger "Lori Gruen, who is herself at the forefront of animal studies, has rounded up the leading scholars in the field, and together they have produced a text that will define the field for the next generation."--Dale Jamieson, New York University "This book's standout feature is its analysis of animal studies terms across a wide array of disciplines and theoretical perspectives, ranging from anthropology and activism to biology and law. Although animal studies has been interdisciplinary from its beginnings, this volume considerably expands and deepens that interdisciplinary vision. Lori Gruen is a highly-recognized and well-respected scholar in the field and has brought together a superb mix of authors who represent the very best of the established discourse and the most exciting members of the new generation."--Matthew Calarco, California State University, Fullerton "This volume provides an overview of the some of the most central--and some of the most contested--concepts in the rapidly emerging inter-disciplinary area of animal studies. Unlike handbooks and readers, Critical Terms for Animal Studies is not focused on a selection of definitive texts but rather on setting the terms of the language used in the field. The subject of animal studies is at a crucial stage, still being mapped out and defining itself, and this volume is very useful, given its conciseness, its all-star cast of contributors, and its breadth in providing a guide to some of the key ideas. Taken along with the editor's introduction, which nicely situates the history of animal studies and lays out some vital strands and debates, I think many animal studies scholars will see this book as an anchor text."--Colin Jerolmack, New York University

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Enlivened throughout with firsthand anecdotes of the authors and other service animal handlers, this long overdue handbook is a winner." --Booklist "This book is one of a kind. Detailed, easy to read, and well researched."--Toni Ann Eames, cofounder and president of the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners"Traveling with Service Animals prepares those traveling with Service Animals to answer the call with confidence when far off horizons beckon. These well-traveled authors share their experiences, best practices, travel tips and in depth travel information to assure every journey with a Service Animal becomes a stress free, pleasurable experience. This book is a must to have to get there!"--Sheila O’Brien, President of the North American Region of Assistance Dogs International "Traveling with Service Animals is a must-read for any service dog handler interested in travel with their four-legged partner. Henry and Chris balance relatable anecdotes with practical information, helping the reader navigate legal and logistical hurdles to ultimately open up their world."--Sarah Birman, director of training and client services, Canine Companions for Independence

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Enlivened throughout with firsthand anecdotes of the authors and other service animal handlers, this long overdue handbook is a winner." --Booklist "This book is one of a kind. Detailed, easy to read, and well researched."--Toni Ann Eames, cofounder and president of the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners"Traveling with Service Animals prepares those traveling with Service Animals to answer the call with confidence when far off horizons beckon. These well-traveled authors share their experiences, best practices, travel tips and in depth travel information to assure every journey with a Service Animal becomes a stress free, pleasurable experience. This book is a must to have to get there!"--Sheila O’Brien, President of the North American Region of Assistance Dogs International "Traveling with Service Animals is a must-read for any service dog handler interested in travel with their four-legged partner. Henry and Chris balance relatable anecdotes with practical information, helping the reader navigate legal and logistical hurdles to ultimately open up their world."--Sarah Birman, director of training and client services, Canine Companions for Independence

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Book SynopsisThe most complete text and reference on contemporary beef cattle production available. New edition merges current production technology with management and flexible marketing. Text organization reflects the industry: cow-calf (including purebred herds), stocker or growing phase, and the feedlot or finishing phase. Explains scientific basis of beef production. Describes proven management techniques for efficient production.Table of ContentsPartial table of contents: The Commercial Cow-Calf Program. Beef Cattle Selection and Crossbreeding. Matching Cow Productivity and Resources. The Purebred Program. Pregnancy, Parturition, and Care of the Calf. Principles of Feeding Beef Cattle. Forage and Roughage Utilization. Managing the Cow Herd for Reproduction. Management of Nursing Calves. Operation of the Stocker Program. Receiving Programs for Stressed Stocker and Feeder Cattle. The Cattle Finishing Program, History, Present Situation, andFuture Trends. The Importance of Age and Sex in Growing and Finishing. The Importance of Feeder Grade to Growing and Finishing. Nutrition and Management of Finishing Program. Index.

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Book SynopsisMason's World Dictionary of Livestock Breeds, Types and Varieties, now in its sixth edition, has a long history as a reliable and authoritative source of key livestock breed information. Intended as a list of livestock names and synonyms for breeds, groups, types and varieties worldwide, the dictionary aims to include all names found in the literature, 'defining' each breed or type with a brief indication of identifying characteristics, uses and source of origin. Expanded into a new edition, this established and trusted resource: Extends coverage to include yak and camelids in addition to the existing cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, horses, asses and water buffalo.Features well over 10,000 entries and cross-references on breeds, sub-breeds, types, varieties, strains and lines of species.Covers newly created and now-recognised local breeds documented over the past two decades. An important updated work, Mason's Dictionary forms a useful reference for livestock breeders and academics interested in breeds, as well as national and international organizations with interests in livestock.

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Book SynopsisA humorous and helpful illustrated field guide to avoiding interactions--both dangerous and annoying--with 50 wild animals, including survival techniques, wildlife etiquette, and other essential advice.As humans encroach on wild places, encounters with animals--from bears, bison, mountain lions, and mice to turkeys, ticks, rats, and raccoons--have become increasingly commonplace. But, wait, what are the rules for facing a moose up close? Do you run from a coyote or stand your ground? How deadly, really, are black widow spiders, rattlesnakes, and sharks? Packed with expert tips, fascinating animal facts, and harrowing true tales, Look Big is a must-have survival guide for outdoor, urban, and suburban adventurers alike. If you have ever feared the approach of a grizzly, the spray of a skunk, or an army of cockroaches in the kitchen, this book is for you.

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Book Synopsis101 Chicken Keeping Hacks from Fresh Eggs Daily will show you the finer points of how to spoil your chickens and beautify your coop with money-saving projects and hacks.Trade ReviewI was extremely happy to find several different recipes for making your own chicken feed, scratch mixes, sprouted grains, fermented feed, and more * Under A Tin Roof *

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Book SynopsisYour Backyard Farming Experience Begins Here!Whether for eggs, meat, fun, or profit, chickens are the perfect addition to any new backyard grower’s farm.Backyard Farming: Raising Chickens is your guide to successfully caring for your flock. As a comprehensive primer for first-time chicken farmers, Raising Chickens includes detailed illustrations and informative photographs that help to ease new homesteaders into the world of backyard chicken farming.Raising Chickens takes you from start to finish: from planning out your chickens’ space, to hatching and raising new chicks, to keeping your birds happy, healthy, and well-fed, to enjoying your very own farm-fresh eggs and more.With Raising Chickens, you will:• Find the ideal breed of bird for your needs• Construct a coop to minimize your workload and maximize your enjoyment• Gather eggs for food, profit, or to hatch your own birds to add to your flock• Use the freshest eggs possible in a variety of delicious recipes…and many more tips and tricks from experienced farmers to help you avoid the most common mistakes.Raising Chickens is your first big step to joining the growing movement of homemakers and homesteaders looking to make a return to a healthier, happier way of life—and it starts right in your own backyard.Backyard Farming is a series of easy-to-use guides to help urban, suburban, and rural dwellers turn their homes into homesteads. Whether planning to grow food for the family or for sale at the local farmers market, Backyard Farming provides simple instruction and essential information in a convenient reference.

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Book SynopsisGot a little space and a hankering for fresh eggs? Robert and Hannah Litt have dispensed advice to hundreds of urban and suburban chicken-keepers from behind their perch at Portland’s Urban Farm Store, and now they’re ready to help you go local and sustainable with your own backyard birds. In this handy guide to breeds, feed, coops, and care, the Litts take you under their experienced wings and share the secrets to: Picking the breeds that are right for you • Building a sturdy coop in one weekend for $100 • Raising happy and hearty chicks • Feeding your flock for optimal health and egg nutrition • Preventing and treating common chicken diseases • Planning ahead for family, neighborhood, and legal considerations • Whipping up tasty egg recipes from flan to frittata With everything that first-timers will need to get started—along with expert tips for more seasoned keepers—this colorful, nuts-and-bolts manual proves that keeping chickens is all it’s cracked up to be.

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Book SynopsisGregarious or shy, curious or placid, playful or retiring, all the animals in Traer Scott’s newest collection have one thing in common: a sparkling personality! This whimsical, soulful, and personal photo collection focuses on the lives of the farm animals we often take for granted. Scott introduces us to barnyard animals both familiar and lesser known, from cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens to Dolly the wooly llama, Bianca the Sicilian miniature donkey, Percy the Indian peafowl, and Justice the yak. Some of the animals are kept as pets; others are denizens of farm sanctuaries that Scott has visited. She shares her anecdotes about a Texas longhorn steer whose best friends are a trio of goats, a turkey who likes to snack on grapes and watermelon, and many others. Lively captions provide information on each breed, to round out this enchanting tribute to our four-legged (and winged) friends from the farm.Trade Review"Gregarious or shy, placid, playful of retiring, all the animals in Traer Scott’s newest collection have one thing in common – great looks and personality. This whimsical photo collection focuses on the lives and history of livestock both familiar and lesser known, from cows, sheep and poultry to Dolly the woolly llama and Bianca the Sicilian miniature donkey. This is an intriguing book with enchanting photography over 120 pages." -- Countryside Magazine"IN THIS new book from photographer Traer Scott, we find ourselves presented with an unusual subject. Portraits of animals are not unusual per se but these images offer us an intimate insight into animals. Cows, pigs, chickens and sheep gaze into the camera lens; all of them are farmyard animals. Any photography book that deals with a subject such as this will inevitably mention the ethics surrounding the industrial scale of meat farming, providing us with the food we consume daily. However, Scott is keen to point out that this volume is not concerned with taking sides and instead she chooses to take an objective approach to the subjects. Not all of the animals featured are kept for slaughter, some are kept as pets." -- Amateur Photographer'“Pigs,” writes the American photographer Traer Scott, in the introduction to her new book, Radiant: Farm Animals Up Close and Personal, “remind me of huge, brainy, food-obsessed toddlers.” Pictured here is a Yorkshire Cross named Ben David, born as a runt, and brought up in the care of a woman who bottle fed and potty trained him, until he was ready to stand on his own four feet. Nowadays, he lives at an animal sanctuary, where he has a new surrogate mother in the form of a sow named Honey, to whom he is, says Scott, “very attached.”' -- TheTelegraph"Ben David the Yorkshire cross pig [...] is one of 42 rescued farm animals that American photographer Traer Scott recruited for her new book, Radiant. Scott spent a year trying to capture the best side of a dwarf goat or lure chickens to her backdrop. Farm animals, she says, live in the shadows of domestic and exotic animals." -- The Times Magazine

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Book SynopsisA single, information-packed volume with everything a hobby farmer needs to know about farm animals, this newly updated and comprehensive manual to selecting, caring for, and breeding livestock brings forth the expertise of five hobby farmers, each of whom has real-life on-the-farm experience with the animals discussed. Whether you're contemplating adding a small herd of sheep or goats to your existing hobby farm or you've always wondered about the benefits of raising angora rabbits or Muscovy ducks, this must-have resource provides the kind of guidance you need to begin a herd or flock and expand your pens and fencing. With exhaustive detail, the authors offer complete coverage of chickens, ducks, goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, and rabbits, including the housing, healthcare, special needs, advantages, and challenges of each. Also provided are strategies for marketing and selling your animals' meat, milk, eggs, fleece, or feathers, plus overviews on the animals' history, their behavioral traits, personal anecdotes, and more. New to this edition is updated information across all topics for the most complete and up-to-date insight in hobby farming, from shelter, care, health, and medicine to nutrition, behavior, marketing, and profit.

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Book SynopsisA classic guide from beekeeping expert Ron Brown OBE. A charming and practical guide for anyone wishing to keep bees, accompanying the would-be beekeeper through every season of the bee-keeping year. From spring awakening and summer swarms to the autumn honey harvest and providing winter protection, this essential resource guides you each step of the way. There is extensive advice for beekeeping beginners, from siting and smoking your hives to rearing a queen and controlling your swarm. There is also in-depth information for improvers and more experienced apiarists who wish to experiment with different hive-management and queen-rearing techniques. Troubleshooting tips on protecting your hives and keeping your bees healthy are also covered. The book is also packed with practical advice on using beeswax, and of course, extracting and making the tastiest honey.

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