“Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.” – George Eliot

Week 7 we continue to ensure the well-being of our animals and the maintenance of our farm. Inspect and maintain farm structures, provide care for pets, and ensure farm animals receive the attention they need. Reflect on your past practices, identify areas for improvement, and reset your goals for the year ahead. This proactive approach ensures a productive and harmonious environment for your farm and family.
Dogs
For healthy dog care, ensure your furry friend stays warm and active during the colder months. Provide cozy bedding and a warm shelter to protect them from the cold. Engage in regular indoor exercise, such as playing fetch or hide-and-seek, to keep them physically active and mentally stimulated. Incorporate winter-appropriate foods into their diet to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients. Grooming is essential to maintain a healthy coat and prevent matting. Regularly check their paws for ice and salt, which can cause discomfort. Spend quality time with your dog to strengthen your bond and keep them happy and healthy.
- Heart worm 3/1/2025
Horses
When it comes to horse care, ensure your horse has plenty of warm, dry bedding and a secure shelter to protect against the cold. Regular grooming is crucial to maintain a healthy coat and skin, especially during winter. Check their hooves frequently to prevent issues caused by wet, muddy conditions. Adjust their diet to include forage and hay, ensuring they have enough energy to stay warm. Involve the family in these tasks to teach responsibility and teamwork. This week is all about ensuring your horse’s well-being and strengthening your connection with them through consistent care and attention.
- Fluid Flex
- Pick up & put up hay
- Farrier last half January.
- Worm 3/1/2025
Goats
For goat care, provide your goats with warm, dry bedding and secure shelters to protect them from winter weather. Ensure they receive a balanced diet with plenty of hay, forage, and winter supplements to maintain their health. Regularly check their hooves to prevent issues caused by wet, muddy conditions. Groom them frequently to keep their coats clean and healthy. Involve the family in these tasks, fostering responsibility and teamwork. This week is about nurturing your goats’ well-being and enjoying family togetherness while caring for your goats.
- Replace bedding and diatomaceous earth house
- Worm 3/1/2025
Chickens & Poultry
Continue to provide warm, dry bedding and draft-free shelters to protect them from the cold. Ensure they have access to fresh, unfrozen water and a balanced diet with quality feed and supplements. Regularly check their feathers, beaks, and feet for any signs of issues. Involve the family in these tasks to make it a learning experience for everyone. This week is about nurturing your poultry’s well-being and enjoying quality family time together while caring for your birds.
- Replace bedding and diatomaceous earth nest boxes
Hobby Farm Upkeep
For overall hobby farm upkeep, keep assessing the farm’s infrastructure, ensuring all fences, gates, and shelters are in good condition. Clean and organize barns and storage areas to create a more efficient work environment. Plan and execute regular maintenance tasks, such as checking water sources and feeding systems. Reflect on your past practices, identifying areas for improvement, and set new goals for a successful year ahead. Involve the whole family in these activities, fostering teamwork and responsibility.
DIY floating planters
Floating net pots are a simple and affordable way to grow plants hydroponically, suspending…
Growing sweet potato as water plants
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a surprisingly versatile and rewarding plant to grow in…
Feeding juvenile koi
Juvenile koi under 1 year old grow quickly and do best when feeding is…
Koi spawning
Understanding koi spawning Koi spawning is one of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring events…
Conditioning koi for breeding
Conditioning Conditioning is the process of preparing our fish physically in the weeks before…
Selecting koi for breeding
Selection Breeding koi successfully comes down to genetics, health, and complementary traits. Before anything…
Cat safe plants
Cats are natural explorers, and for most of them, that curiosity extends straight to…
Koi reproduction
Koi are egg-laying fish and can reproduce prolifically under the right conditions. A single…
Koi growth rates
For koi enthusiasts, watching a fish grow from a small fingerling into a magnificent,…
Hearty equine, pet & farm links
Updated since 4/30/2017. These links are excellent resources for animal owners, providing reliable information,…
Growing food for environmental impact
Embracing sustainability in daily life. Updated since 10/29/2023. Having my own small orchard and…
First and last frost dates by U.S. hardiness zone
Work with nature for gardening success. Hardiness zones in gardening are geographic regions that…
Building a Bluebird nest box
What’s better to conserve than nature’s beauty the bluebird. Building bluebird nest boxes is…
White Peking Duck
Hardy, productive, and friendly duck. The Peking Duck breed, also known as the White…
Incubating chicken eggs
Hatching your own fluffies. Incubating chicken eggs is a rewarding way to hatch chicks…
Cayuga Duck
Black ducks with iridescent green. Keeping Cayuga ducks has been part of our little…
Silver Laced Wyandotte
Pretty friendly hens with perfect large medium brown eggs. I am a real fan…
Black Copper Maran
Black Copper Marans are renowned for their deep chocolate-brown eggs, which are highly prized…
Trimming dog nails
Trimming your dog’s nails can be a breeze with the right approach and a…
Trimming goat hooves
Regular hoof trimming keeps goats healthy and mobile. Trimming goat hooves is important for…
Turkey
Wild turkeys are native to North America, commonly found in forests, grasslands, and open…
Rider’s seat
The seat is foundational for balanced, effective communication with horses. In riding, the term seat refers…
Hoof abscess and bottom of the hoof injuries protocol
Horses can develop hoof abscesses due to various factors. Common causes include trauma to the hoof,…
Pingback: Around the Year – Weekly | Bloom Hearty