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Q: What breed of chicken should I get? A: Consider the right birds for your climate! For cold climates, choose cold-hardy, dual-purpose birds, such as the Barred Rock, Buff Orpginton, and Wyandotte. Their smaller combs and wattles prevent heat loss. For warm climates, consider Mediterranean breeds like the Leghorn, Minorca, and Andalusian. Their bodies are slimmer, and they have large combs and wattles. A first-time owner may have better success with all the same breed or a flock made up of all large fowl, rather than a flock that includes bantams. See Henderson’s Breed Chart for more detailed info on...

Many broodmares are in the last half of gestation at this time. The latter part of gestation is one of the most important development periods in the life of a foal when the foal is developing in the uterus of the mare. The importance of this period was recognized in the Nutrient Requirements of Horses, Sixth Edition, when the Committee established that the nutrient requirements of the mare start increasing at the 6th month of gestation, earlier than previously believed. During the last three months of gestation, the foal may be gaining an average of one pound per day. The...

Last weekend we had the first snow of the season in northern New York. It did not last more than 24 hours, but it was a reminder that winter and cold weather are on the way, and we need to think about cold-weather precautions for our pets. Here are some safety tips: Know your pet’s limits: Pets, like people, vary in their ability to tolerate the cold based on breed, age, activity level and health. Dense-coated breeds such as Huskies, Malamutes and Chows have better cold tolerance than do short or long haired breeds. Short leg breeds may become chilled...

Cold temperatures and brisk winter air may be refreshing for a deep breath or brief outdoor walks, but winter leads to many air quality issues that can create severe respiratory problems in horses, particularly in barns. While barns may keep horses safe and warm in the winter, poor ventilation can lead to a range of health concerns. Fortunately, there are several ways to improve winter air quality and keep horses breathing easy. Winter Barn Air Quality and Horse Health Issues When horses are stabled in secure barns in winter, they are warm, but they are also at risk from poor...

Chickens are a surprisingly resilient bird where winter is concerned. This is especially true if your poultry belongs to one of the winter-hardy breeds such as Blue Andalusian, Dominique, Brahma, or Plymouth Rocks. Still, if a chicken coop is mismanaged or in poor shape during winter, the biting cold can  bring about disease and sure death to its occupants. Among the multitude of improvements and reinforcements you should make to prepare your chickens for winter, the following tips are the most essential to keep in mind. Good Air Flow Ensuring that your chickens stay warm during winter is paramount, but...