• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Site Index
  • Fall Homesteading
  • Shop
    • Profitable Homesteading System
    • Jumpstart Your Homestead
    • Organized Chicken Keeper
    • G.O.A.T. Herd Management System
    • The Ultimate Planner for Breeding Goats
    • Couponing for Beginners Planner
  • Nigerian Dwarf Goats for Sale
    • Nigerian Dwarf Goats
  • About

Mranimal Farm

All About Silkies, Nigerian Dwarf Goats & More

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Site Index
  • Fall Homesteading
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
  • ×
    Home

    Blog

    10+ Refreshing Watermelon Recipes For Any Occasion

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Watermelon syrup in a bowl.

    These refreshing watermelon recipes are perfect for any season or occasion. From watermelon drinks and cocktails to watermelon desserts and salads, you are sure to find the perfect watermelon dishes to use up your extra watermelon.

    Watermelon syrup in a bowl.

    Watermelon is a delicious and refreshing summer fruit. However, unlike a lot of other fruits and vegetables, it doesn't preserve super well.

    So, whether you are growing watermelon or find a great sale and want to buy a ton when it's in season, you'll need to find some creative ways to use it all up. Keep on reading to find some of the very best watermelon recipes out there.

    Watermelon Mint Lemonade

    This easy watermelon mint lemonade is a refreshing drink. With just 5 ingredients and a little blending, you can make a batch of this refreshing drink for a crowd or to serve by the glass.

    This is a perfect sipper for summer get togethers and more. Especially when you love lemonade, but want a little bit of a flavor variation.

    Watermelon Ice Pops

    If you want a sweet treat for summer, give these watermelon ice pops a try. You only need two ingredients to freeze up a batch of these sweet treats.

    These are great for kids parties, pool parties and any other hot weather occasions where you need to cool off.

    Watermelon Paloma

    A watermelon paloma is a fun watermelon flavor twist on a classic cocktail. If you are looking for an adult beverage that's perfect for summer, this is the one to try.

    You can also easily make this a mocktail by leaving the tequila out.

    Watermelon Gazpacho Soup

    Looking for a cold soup? Then this chilled watermelon gazpacho soup may be the thing to try.

    Only 10 minutes of prep are needed for this cold soup. And, it is the perfect combination of light and refreshing flavors with a little dash of spice.

    Watermelon Slush

    This watermelon slush is a nice refreshing, frozen cocktail to try for summer. It only takes a few minutes to blend this one up.

    And, if you want to make this a non-alcoholic version, you can just leave out the vodka.

    Watermelon Syrup

    Whip up a batch of watermelon syrup if you want a versatile sweetener to try in drinks, coffees, baked goods and more. This flavored simple syrup uses only 4 ingredients and is super easy to make.

    Watermelon Salad with Feta

    Give this refreshing watermelon salad with feta a try if you are looking for a light fruity salad. This salad is quick and easy to toss together.

    It has the perfect combination of sweet fruity flavors with a little spicy kick to balance things out.

    Watermelon Gelato

    If you want a watermelon dessert, then this watermelon gelato may be the one for you. With just two ingredients, this is a sweet, cool and easy dessert.

    Watermelon Pie

    This delicious watermelon pie is such a summer treat. It is light, fluffy, creamy and full of watermelon flavor.

    This is a no bake pie, with a crunchy graham cracker crust. The filling is light and creamy with chunks of watermelon mixed in.

    Watermelon Salsa

    Watermelon salsa is an easy watermelon flavored salsa that is a nice flavor twist on the classic salsa. This salsa is ready in just about 10 minutes and it is super easy to make.

    This salsa is fresh, refreshing and a little spicy.

    Watermelon Bread

    Watermelon bread is a very unique, sweet and fruity take on other sweet breads like banana bread that you are probably familiar with.

    You only need 8 ingredients for this and it's a nice addition to summer parties or as an afternoon snack. It is sweet and fruity.

    10+ Delicious Butternut Squash Recipes to Try

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Two butternut squash on a wooden table.

    Try out a few of these delicious butternut squash recipes that are perfect for all different seasons and meals. If you are looking for a wide range of ideas from breakfasts to side dishes to desserts, this list has you covered.

    Two butternut squash on a wooden table.

    Growing butternut squash is pretty easy, it's one of several types of winter squash that many people grow in their garden. And, even if you aren't a gardener, it's always nice to be able to stock up on this veggie when it's in season and on sale.

    While you can certainly just freeze butternut squash plain, that can get boring if you have a lot of it. So, try a few of these recipes to get a little more variety to eat.

    Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

    Give this easy roasted butternut squash soup a try, it's just 6 ingredients and so easy to make. This soup can be served as a side or main dish.

    If you are looking to use up a lot of butternut squash, this is a good recipe to try. And, soups can easily be frozen for later.

    Butternut Squash Risotto

    This Butternut squash risotto is a great main dish. If you are looking for a creamy, warm and filling dish, this is perfect to try.

    Whip this dish up in just under 30 minutes with very little prep time needed.

    Chicken Enchilada with Butternut Squash

    Try out a chicken enchilada with butternut squash and black beans if you are looking for a thick and filling main dish that highlights butternut squash. This dish is like a one pot meal with protein, cards and veggies all mixed together.

    This dish is another great one to make in bulk and then freeze some for later as it's easy to freeze and defrost.

    3 Ingredient Butternut Squash Soup

    Yet another soup on the list, but this one is perfect if you want something super quick, easy and no fuss. Try this 3 ingredient butternut squash soup.

    For this one, you only need about 30 minutes from start to finish. And it can be a great side or main dish.

    Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

    This is a fun twist on a classic dish. Get a veggie infused dish by trying butternut squash mac and cheese.

    Ready in under an hour, this dish is pretty easy to make. It's creamy and filling as well.

    Fall Harvest Chicken Salad

    Make something that's a little lighter with this fall harvest chicken salad. This is a great salad that's full of protein, fruits and veggies.

    This salad is packed full of ingredients that are healthy and nutritious making it a great main dish.

    Winter Kale Salad

    Toss up a winter kale salad if you are looking for a crunchy, flavorful and easy to make dish. This nutritious salad is easy to make and great to serve as a side dish for any meal.

    Butternut Squash Curry

    Heat up a bowl of this butternut squash curry if you are looking for a warm and spicy dish. This is a super easy to make dish - ready in about 20 minutes.

    This recipe uses a whole butternut squash, so it's great to try if you are looking to use up a lot of squash.

    Butternut Squash Casserole

    Skip the sweet potatoes and try a butternut squash casserole instead. This one only takes 9 ingredients to bake up.

    Topped with fluffy marshmallows, this is a sweet dish that is perfect to serve as a dessert in the fall.

    Butternut Squash Pie

    Bake up a butternut squash pie if you are looking for a little flavor twist on the classic pumpkin pie. Creamy, sweet and easy to make.

    This is a super great dessert to serve at Thanksgiving or any other fall holiday.

    Butternut Squash Breakfast Hash

    Looking for a breakfast idea? Got ya covered with this butternut squash breakfast hash.

    You only need 20 minutes to cook up a batch of this breakfast hash. And, it's filled with protein, veggies and more.

    10+ Spaghetti Squash Recipes You'll Love

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Fork in a cooked butternut squash.

    Try out a few of these spaghetti squash recipes that you are sure to love. There's a wide range of dishes from breakfast to dinner, side dishes to desserts. You will find something for every occasion.

    Fork in a cooked butternut squash.

    Growing spaghetti squash is actually quite easy to do. It's a popular type of winter squash that can result in big harvests.

    Whether you are growing your own, or just love this veggie and want to stock up when it's on sale in season at the store - you are probably looking for some creative ways to cook it up. Of course, you can always just freeze spaghetti squash plain as well.

    Keep on reading to discover some of the best spaghetti squash recipes we have tried.

    Spaghetti Squash Hash Browns

    These easy and delicious spaghetti squash hash browns are a fun twist on a classic breakfast food. Kick the potatoes out and infuse these with spaghetti squash instead.

    Spaghetti Squash Carbonara Casserole

    Looking for a whole meal in one dish? Try this spaghetti squash carbonara casserole.

    This easily can be served as a whole meal. And, no pasta is required as the squash takes its place.

    Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

    This spaghetti squash lasagna is a fun twist on a classic Italian dish. Trade out pasta noodles and mix in spaghetti squash instead.

    Make this cheesy, low carb dinner meal - it's fast and easy to make. And, you can make it in bulk and freeze a few for later.

    Cheesy, Beefy Spaghetti Squash Casserole

    This cheesy, beefy spaghetti squash casserole is another easy casserole option. It's fast and easy to make with only a few ingredients needed.

    We love to make several of these and freeze some whole to eat later.

    Spaghetti Squash Salad

    If you are looking for a lighter dish, toss up this spaghetti squash salad. This makes a great side dish full of nutritious flavors and ingredients.

    You only need about 10 minutes of prep time for this salad. This is a nice, refreshing and cold spaghetti squash dish to try.

    Herbed Spaghetti Squash

    Give this simple herbed spaghetti squash a try if you want a basic side dish with this veggie, but one that packs in the flavors. This is perfect to serve as a side dish instead of pasta.

    This recipe is super versatile as it can be served alongside meats, salads and so much more.

    Bolognese with Spaghetti Squash and Lentils

    This bolognese with spaghetti squash and lentils is fast and easy to make. It is an instant pot recipe, which we love because you can dump everything in one place and cook it right up.

    Cook this up in less than an hour. It is a thick, filling and warm dish that is a great alternative to pasta.

    Parmesan and Garlic Spaghetti Squash

    Another simple side dish to try is this parmesan and garlic spaghetti squash. Great alternative to any pasta dish, this is a filling and nutritious recipe.

    Spaghetti Squash Cake

    Bet you didn't think spaghetti squash could be a dessert! Well, it can. And this spaghetti squash cake with orange cream is here to prove it.

    Surprisingly, this cake is moist and light. It has some spicey flavors that are combined and cooled with the orange cream icing drizzled on top.

    Dark Chocolate Spaghetti Squash Cake

    Yet another surprising dessert recipe - this dark chocolate spaghetti squash cake is a must try. This is a dense, decadent and super chocolatey cake.

    Spaghetti Squash Egg Nests

    These spaghetti squash egg nests are a fun breakfast recipe to try out. You only need a few ingredients to make a whole batch of these.

    These are so easy to make and are also easy to freeze. So you can have them ready to reheat as an easy breakfast option.

    10 Best Crops to Grow in Containers To Maximize Space

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Two white buckets with blueberry bushes in them.

    Looking for the best crops to grow in containers? Here are 10 super easy container gardening crops to help you maximize your garden space even if you don't have much room.

    Two white buckets with blueberry bushes in them.

    Container gardening is essentially growing garden crops in some type of bucket or other container. It is great as you can move your crops inside if needed, or move them around to be in the right sun spots.

    Container Gardening Crops

    Container gardening can also help to maximize your space if you have a small gardening area or if you don't have land and need to have your garden on a balcony or deck. But, what are the best best crops to plant in containers? Keep on reading to find out.

    Tomatoes

    There are so many types of tomatoes and they all grow great in containers. Growing tomatoes is relatively easy and one plant can generate a pretty large harvest.

    You should stick to around one tomato plant per 5 gallon bucket. And, the bucket is really easy to add a trellis cage to.

    Peppers

    Growing peppers is super easy and they are great for most all gardens. There are many varieties of pepper - from super hot to very mild.

    It's recommended to stick with about one pepper plant per 5 gallon container, but we have gone overboard and been successful with two plants.

    Cucumbers

    There are so many uses for cucumbers and they make a great addition to any garden. Make sure you choose the right type of cucumber for what you will use it for - slicing, pickling etc.

    Cucumbers are a great spring crop or summer crop and are very prolific. You can usually get away with 2 cucumber plants per 5 gallon container.

    Green Beans

    Learning how to grow green beans is something most people do when they start gardening. Green beans are great producers and easy to grow.

    Unlike some of the other crops on this list, you can usually pack 3 - 4 green bean plants into one 5 gallon bucket. This should give you a substantial harvest and you can easily freeze green beans for later.

    Berries

    You can grow all kinds of different berries in containers. Give blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries a try.

    Growing berries in containers is great as it makes them easier to cover with bird netting or other controls so that birds, rabbits and other critters can't grab the berries before you do.

    Need some help getting your garden crops planned? Check out the Ultimate Gardening Calculators for a system that will auto-calculate for you.

    Lettuce

    There are so many types of lettuce and you can grow them all in containers. Growing lettuce is best done as a spring crop or a fall crop (though you can get away with it as a winter crop as well).

    You can typically plant about 3 or 4 lettuce plants per 4 gallon bucket which should give you a nice harvest.

    Herbs

    You can grow all kinds of herbs in containers. And, as a bonus, most herbs don't take up too much space - so you can usually plant around 5 plants per 5 gallon container.

    Try out mint, basil, thyme and any of your favorite herbs. You can dry or freeze them for later use.

    Peas

    Peas are a great garden addition and, luckily they do super well in containers. Peas don't need a ton of space and you can get away with 5 - 8 pea plants per 5 gallon container.

    Pack in several plants to get a large harvest and then you can freeze peas so you have them all year round.

    Potatoes

    You may think that containers don't work well for planting potatoes, but, in fact they do. You can usually plant about 2 potato plants per 5 gallon bucket.

    And, putting them into a container tends to make it a lot easier when it's time to dig them up to harvest.

    Summer Squash

    There are several varieties of summer squash including zucchini and yellow squash. When you think of growing zucchini or growing yellow squash, you usually will imagine it in the ground due to the large plant sizes.

    However, you can grow 1 summer squash plant per 5 gallon bucket. And, each plant when healthy tends to produce pretty well.

    If you need help getting your garden crops planned right check out The Ultimate Gardening Calculators so that you have just the amount you need, set aside the right amount of space and know exactly when to plant them.

    Access The Ultimate Gardening Calculators Now

    Gardening for Beginners: 7 Tips For A Successful Garden

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Zucchini plant in clay soil.

    Gardening for beginners can be overwhelming and filled with pitfalls if you don't do the right research and plan properly. We sure had several issues with our first garden season (such as not choosing the right crops).

    Zucchini plant in clay soil.

    Gardening can be such a fun endeavor - you get to get fresh fruits and vegetables, save money on your grocery bill and get outside. But, when you are learning how to garden as a beginner, you don't know what you don't know.

    Gardening for Beginners

    Our first year gardening, we had some accidental successes (thanks, zucchini!). But we also had several pitfalls that we just didn't know to even think about - like choosing a bunch of wrong crops and not knowing how to preserve what we planted.

    Here are our top 7 tips for new gardeners so that you can avoid some major pitfalls and have a successful first gardening season.

    Proper Planning

    Garden planning is essential to having a successful garden. There are a lot of things to think about when planning out your garden.

    Decide what you want to plant, where and how you want to plant it. But also know what dates you need to start seedlings inside, when to transplant seedlings outside and when to expect harvest.

    Keep Records

    Record keeping is essential to making your garden work well and it's something you don't typically think about when just getting started. Having records can help you in your current garden season: how many seeds did you start, when did you plant them.

    But, keeping garden records can also help you improve at each subsequent season. It will help remind you what you did that went well that you should repeat and what issues you had to avoid.

    Pick Your Garden Type

    There are so many different ways to garden. You can do raised bed gardens, container gardening, square foot gardening and more.

    Before you start throwing things into the ground, make sure you decide which type of gardening is best for you and your conditions.

    Know What You're Working With

    Don't jump in and get started on your garden without knowing what you are working with first. Identify things like your gardening zone, your soil type and where you will be planting.

    Knowing what conditions you have to work with will help you make smart crop decisions and also help you prep your garden area properly.

    Don't Go Overboard

    It's really easy to get excited about your new gardening adventure and jump in head first. But, make sure not to go too overboard.

    Our first year we WAY overplanted some crops and couldn't use them up fast enough and they went to waste. Don't get yourself overwhelmed by biting off more than you can handle.

    Need some help getting your garden crops planned? Check out the Ultimate Gardening Calculators for a system that will auto-calculate for you.

    Plant Things You Like

    When you are deciding what crops to plant, make sure to choose things you like. Don't just check out the best spring crops, or whatever season you are starting in and pick whatever is on there.

    Planting fruits and vegetables that you actually like and will use will make you more motivated to keep your garden going.

    Get Easy Wins

    Keep yourself motivated by setting your garden up for some easy wins. You can do this by choosing some easy to grow crops to add to your garden.

    Things like growing cucumbers or growing peppers are super easy and really versatile.

    Know How To Use or Preserve it

    This is one item we failed at in our first garden season. Make sure you know how to use or quickly preserve everything you are growing.

    When harvest time starts, it can easily get overwhelming and you should have a solid plan for how you will use your harvest.

    You can freeze zucchini and freeze yellow squash. There are tons of ways to use extra tomatoes and lots of good cucumber recipes. Just make sure you know what you'll be doing with all that produce.

    If you need help getting your garden crops planned right check out The Ultimate Gardening Calculators so that you have just the amount you need, set aside the right amount of space and know exactly when to plant them.

    Access The Ultimate Gardening Calculators Now

    8 Spring Garden Crops To Kick Off The Season

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Hand holding a small cucumber with a yellow flower on the end.

    Try these 8 spring garden crops so that you can get your gardening season kicked off right. Of course, different crops have different growing seasons, so it's important to know which ones to plant during what times to have the most successful garden. Spring crops tend to do well in warm, but not blazing hot conditions.

    Hand holding a small cucumber with a yellow flower on the end.

    Spring is usually the season that everyone thinks of when thinking about gardening. And, there are a ton of spring garden crops you can grow. To capitalize on this season, some you will need to start some seeds indoors and then transplant seedlings into the garden. Other crops are better for direct sowing.

    Spring Garden Crops

    There is a wide variety of spring garden crops and this is for a variety of reasons. Depending on where you are located) spring usually starts out with having still cold temperatures - some frost - and be late spring it can be pretty hot.

    This wide variety of temperatures means that you can usually get away with planting some cool weather crops at the start of spring and then warm weather crops in late spring. Do make sure that you know your gardening zone and your last frost dates when deciding timing for planting.

    So, let's jump into some of the very best spring garden crops to try.

    Summer Squash

    There are lots of different types of summer squash such as yellow squash and zucchini. These crops can typically be started in late spring as they usually need soil temperatures of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Growing zucchini and growing yellow squash is pretty easy and they are both super common garden crops to try. Plus, you can easily freeze zucchini and freeze yellow squash.

    Zucchini is known for being super prolific and you may need to have some ways to use extra zucchini so you don't get bored of eating it through the season.

    Tomatoes

    Tomatoes are typically good to plant in mid to late spring. They need a soil temperature of at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit and usually need a good amount of direct sunlight every day.

    As long as you have the right conditions, growing tomatoes is pretty easy. As long as you keep the plants healthy, they will keep producing as you pick them.

    There are many different varieties of tomatoes. You can pick different ones depending on how you plan to use your tomatoes.

    Cucumbers

    Cucumbers are a warmer weather crop. You can usually plant them in mid to late spring (depending on your location).

    There are several different types of cucumbers. However, no matter what type you choose, growing cucumbers is relatively easy. They continue to produce throughout the season.

    Plus, you can freeze cucumbers or use them in a variety of different cucumber recipes as you harvest them.

    Peas

    Peas are a prolific crop as they can keep producing as you harvest. They are best planted in early spring as soon as you can work the soil.

    Peas will continue to grow well as temperatures warm up, but don't tend to do well if it gets too hot (over 85 degrees Fahrenheit or so). And, you can freeze peas to preserve them.

    Green Beans

    Growing green beans is easy. They are typically a really productive crop and continue producing throughout the season.

    Green beans can usually be planted in mid to late spring. You need to be sure that you are past your last frost date. But they usually only need soil temperatures of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

    You can easily freeze green beans as a means to preserve them. Which means you can have the to enjoy year round.

    Lettuce

    Lettuce is a cooler weather crop and it will start to bolt if temperatures get too warm (usually above 75 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the type of lettuce). Growing lettuce is relatively easy as long as you adhere to it's temperature restrictions.

    Plant your lettuce early in the spring, as soon as you can work the soil. And, you'll be able to harvest for several months before it gets too hot outside.

    Melons

    Melons like Watermelons, Cantaloupe and Honeydew are warm weather crops. Depending on your location, you can usually get these into the ground in late spring when there is no longer any chance of frost.

    They will then grow through the warm weather in the summer and be ready to harvest usually about 3 months after planting.

    Peppers

    Peppers are one of the easiest crops to grow. They are highly prolific and can stand up to some harsh conditions.

    Growing peppers is mostly done in warm temperatures usually around 70 degrees Fahrenheit give or take. But they can be started inside in early spring and then transplanted once outside temperatures have warmed up.

    Plus, there are so many types of peppers - sweet, hot and in between. They are a versatile vegetable. And, you can easily freeze peppers to preserve them.

    If you need help getting your garden crops planned right check out The Ultimate Gardening Calculators so that you have just the amount you need, set aside the right amount of space and know exactly when to plant them.

    Access The Ultimate Gardening Calculators Now

    Seed Starting Problems + Their Solutions

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Started tomato plants in a seed tray.

    Seed starting problems can really put a damper on your gardening excitement. Without healthy seedlings, you won't have a strong start to your garden. You don't get stuck with leggy, stunted or discolored seedlings if you follow these tips.

    Started tomato plants in a seed tray.

    An essential part of garden planning usually involves deciding which of your crops you want to start inside. Learning how to start seeds inside helps to jump start your gardening season. Being able to transplant started plants ensures a quicker start to harvesting as well.

    Common Seed Starting Problems

    Of course, all of this good planning can be thrown off track if your started plants aren't strong or healthy. We learned this the hard way the first year we started seeds inside - we ended up with super leggy tomatoes that were falling over.

    But, if you know what seeds starting problems to look out for (and how to fix them if you start seeing signs), you can produce super strong and health plant starts that will kick your garden season off right.

    Leggy Seedlings

    Leggy seedlings look just how they sound. They are tall and spindly with stems that are not very strong. This is typically caused from access to light issues.

    You can get leggy seedlings when they are reaching up or over towards a light source that is far away or in one direction. Also, if they are overcrowded, they can start getting leggy as they grow up trying to compete for the light.

    To prevent this issue, we like to use a shop light hung directly above our trays just a few inches up. This way they have access to light straight above and don't have to lean towards a window.

    We also like to add a small fan next to the plants that helps them to grow stronger stems and also prepares them for being transplanted outside.

    Incorrect Temperatures

    Soil temperature can make or break your seeds germination and subsequent healthy growth. This is why there are winter garden crops and spring garden crops - some seeds and plants do better in warmer or cooler soil temperatures.

    For example, growing green beans you will need warmer soil temperatures, while growing beets you will need much cooler soil temperatures.

    If your soil temperatures aren't right it can cause seeds to not germinate at all. Or, it can cause severely stunted growth in seedlings and plants.

    You can provide a heating mat if you need to warm the soil temperatures up. And you can store your seedlings in cooler areas like a basement if you need to keep soil temperatures down.

    Over or Under Watering

    Both over and underwatering can have dire consequences for your seeds and seedlings You want to ensure that soil is just barely damp - it should never be wet or soggy.

    Overwatering can cause issues with plants getting enough oxygen, root rot, mold or other fungal growth issues and more. Underwatering can cause drooping/wilted leaves, stunted growth and more.

    To prevent these issues, just make sure to monitor the wetness of the soil daily and water only if need be.

    Need some help getting your garden crops planned? Check out the Ultimate Gardening Calculators for a system that will auto-calculate for you.

    Discolored Leaves

    When you see your seedling leaves get discolored - typically turning yellow this can be caused by a few things. First, nutrient deficiency - make sure to use a good potting soil to start your seeds in. If you didn't, you may need to add in fertilizers or other soil amendments.

    You can also get discolored leaves from overwatering. You never want the soil to feel soggy or wet which can prevent your plants from getting oxygen. Soil should just be barely damp to touch.

    Dampening Off

    Dampening off disease is usually caused by fungal issues. It is usually the culprit if you have fast growing, healthy seedlings that seem to suddenly die off right at their base.

    To help prevent this issue, make sure you use clean soil and new or disinfected seed starting trays. Also, try to avoid overwatering, overplanting and high temperatures as all of these things can promote fungal growth and spread.

    No Germination

    Although seeds not germinating can be attributed to some of the above mentioned issues (over/under watering, incorrect temperatures), we thought it was important to spike out on it's own as well.

    Some other reasons that your seeds may not germinate at all include incorrect planting depth or that they are too old. Make sure that you are following all of the instructions for each plant and that you keep your seeds in a cool, dark place and check dates on the packages.

    If you need help getting your garden crops planned right check out The Ultimate Gardening Calculators so that you have just the amount you need, set aside the right amount of space and know exactly when to plant them.

    Access The Ultimate Gardening Calculators Now

    9 Chicken Raising Mistakes That Can Be Deadly

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Cuckoo colored silkie sitting in the grass.

    If you want to keep a healthy flock, then you have to be aware of these chicken raising mistakes that can be deadly for your birds. Raising chickens can be easy as long as you know the essential things to give them in order to keep them healthy and safe.

    Cuckoo colored silkie sitting in the grass.

    Whether you are just getting started raising chickens, or you have had chickens for a while you need to know the key things to avoid in order to keep your flock healthy.

    Chicken Raising Mistakes to Avoid

    From proper planning to monitoring health, there are some common things that people overlook or just plain get wrong when they are raising chickens.

    When we got our first chickens, I am afraid to admit that we fell into at least 3 of these chicken raising mistakes. And, though it was unfortunate, we did learn a lot from going through them and the issues they caused.

    But, hopefully you won't have to learn the hard way like we did.

    Improper Coop Setup

    Although you can use lots of materials and different chicken coop plans that fit the right standards, it's important to make sure your coop has some essential characteristics so that it is a safe and health place for your birds.

    For example, you want to ensure your coop is draft free and has enough nesting box space for each of your birds.

    Using a Heat Lamp

    Yes, when raising baby chicks they do need a heat lamp or other source of heat like a heat plate. However, you don't want to ever add heat lamps to your coop.

    Heat lamps pose a significant fire hazard and when added to a coop where full sized birds are flapping around and they are hanging over bedding like straw - it's just not worth it. Plus, when raising chickens in the winter, you'll find they keep themselves warm with their feathers.

    No Daily Health Checks

    All those feathers on the chickens are great for helping the to stay warm and insulated, but they also can easily mask health issues. It's easy to miss chickens losing weight, having parasites and other issues if you aren't looking them over closely.

    Make sure to do daily health checks quickly on each birds to ensure they don't have any issues starting to creep up.

    Quickly and easily assess your flocks health without missing a step by using this free download: The Chicken Care Checklist.

    Run + Coops Being Too Small

    Chickens don't need a ton of room, but is essential to make sure they have sufficient space. Standard sized chickens need at least 4 sq feet per bird in the coop and 10 sq feet per bird in the run.

    Coops and runs with not enough space can easily become too dirty, have parasite issues and cause chickens to peck more at one another.

    Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

    No Predator Proofing

    Predator proofing your chicken coop and run is super essential to the health and safety of your flock. There are so many other animals that prey on chickens - from stray dogs to racoons, bears and more.

    Give your birds a safe home by making sure you are thoroughly protecting them from the main predators in your area.

    Not Counting Chickens At Night

    This is one we learned the hard way. Even if your chickens aren't free ranging, make sure that you count them at night when you lock them up.

    Sometimes they can be sneaky and get out of the run, or be hiding somewhere you don't see. Chickens left out at night are often times grabbed by nighttime predators.

    Regular Egg Collection

    Make sure that you are prepared to collect eggs at least on a daily basis. A few times a day is best if you have a large flock.

    Leaving eggs out for more than a day can cause a variety of issues from egg eating and broken eggs to attracting predators that want to eat the eggs.

    Proper Cost Estimates

    Ever heard of chicken math? For real, this can impact you quickly. Make sure that you know how much it costs to feed your chickens, how much their supplies cost and how much it costs you to keep them overall.

    This way, you can be sure that you are only maintaining a flock that is the size you can financially support. It's easy to add a few birds here and a few birds there and end up with a feed bill you didn't expect.

    Not Quarantining Birds

    If you are bringing new birds into your flock, it is important to always quarantine birds before introducing them. Even if you have gotten your new chickens from a trusted source, don't skip this step.

    Chickens can look and appear healthy, but it is common for underlying issues to bloom and come through when they go through stress (like relocating to a new home). Avoid transmitting any potential sickness like chicken lice and mites to your current birds by just implementing a quarantine period for any new additions.

    If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

    Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

    10+ Gardening Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Harvest

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Tilled square of soil in a garden surrounded by grass.

    Whether you are a beginning gardener or a seasoned one, you want to be sure that you avoid these common gardening mistakes that can ruin your harvest. Don't do all the work for your garden and not reap the benefits - make sure you start your garden off right and get as much from it as you can.

    Tilled square of soil in a garden surrounded by grass.

    Gardening can be super fun, but it is also a ton of work. So, the worst thing that can happen is you spend a ton of time planting crops and then don't get that much of a harvest.

    Usually, you can avoid major gardening pitfalls if you know the mistakes to look out for and plan around. I know that our first garden season we didn't get near the harvest we wanted simply because we picked the wrong crops (hint - more on that below).

    Gardening Mistakes to Avoid

    So, let's jump right into some of the most common gardening mistakes we have seen from fellow gardeners - and some solutions for them so you can grow your best garden yet.

    Choosing the Wrong Crops

    Making sure you know your gardening goals and choose the right crops to meet them is so important. Our first year we decided to plant lots of black beans because we eat them a lot. Well, it just wasn't the best use of our limited space and the other crops that we missed out on planting we could have really used.

    So, whether you like unique crops to grow or want things to happen fast by choosing fasting growing crops. Make sure you pick the right ones that suit your needs, space and time.

    Improper Spacing

    Look, I get it - measuring out spaces to plop your seeds in may not be fun or fast. But, you'll thank yourself later when you don't have so many cucumber plants in one box that you can't reach them all or find the vines to trellis properly (ask me how I know).

    Making sure your plants have enough space between them not only allows you room to work in the garden it also allows them enough room to grow properly and have enough nutrients to produce high yields.

    Incorrect Soil

    Soil is a very important factor in getting big, healthy, high yielding crops. Make sure you know what kind of soil you have and if you need to add anything in to help your plants.

    For example, we have hard, red clay here and our first year we didn't really do anything other than till it up. You can probably guess how that went. The next year we added in some soil amendments and boy did we get a larger crop yield.

    Over & Under watering

    Your garden needs just the right amount of water or your plants can easily die. One year we had such a hot, dry season that by afternoon everyday all of our plants looked like they were melting and they needed a good watering to perk back up.

    However, overwatering can be a significant issue also - you never want to get your soil so wet that it has puddles or is sopping wet to the look or touch.

    Need some help getting your garden crops planned? Check out the Ultimate Gardening Calculators for a system that will auto-calculate for you.

    Not Planning Ahead

    It's important to have a good garden gameplan so that you know what you want to plant, how much you want to plant and how you are going to use it.

    That way you can just execute on your plan instead of getting caught up with details like that while you are trying to keep your crops alive and harvest them.

    No Record Keeping

    Not keeping records season to season is a big mistake. Knowing how much you planted, when and where you planted and how much you harvested is key to helping you make the right choices for the next season.

    Record keeping can also significantly help you in the current season - like knowing exactly when you started seeds, how many of each plant you started and the like.

    Over or Under planting

    We have been guilty of this many, many times. Let's just say I am an overachiever and commonly bite off more than I can chew. Did we REALLY need 10 zucchini plants for 2 people? Probably not.

    Make sure that you know approximately how much each crop will produce and how much of that crop you plan to use over the year. That way you can plant the right amount. Our gardening calculators can help you figure this out automatically.

    Not Enough Time

    Let's face it, gardening does take time. You need to have both time to plant your seeds, keep up with weeding, watering and pest control.

    And, then, when you start getting veggies you need to be able to use or preserve them before they go bad. So, make sure that you have enough time carved out during garden season to get all the chores done.

    Planting too Early

    It's definitely easy to get super excited and try popping those seeds or seedlings into the ground as soon as possible. This becomes an issue if you haven't seen your last winter frost yet.

    Young plants can easily be destroyed if they are just getting started and then temperatures dip down too low.

    Planting too late

    Unless your are planting fall garden crops or winter garden crops specifically, you need to be sure that you get your seeds started with plenty of time to grow and harvest before the weather gets too cold out. Many crops thrive in warm soil temperatures and won't produce or thrive when the weather starts to cool off.

    If you need help getting your garden crops planned right check out The Ultimate Gardening Calculators so that you have just the amount you need, set aside the right amount of space and know exactly when to plant them.

    Access The Ultimate Gardening Calculators Now

    Feeding Chickens Without Chicken Feed

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Chicken eating kiwi out of a persons hand.

    Cutting costs is something most of us want and need to do. So, learning about feeding chickens without chicken feed for free or super cheap is probably something you're interested in. We use multiple different feed sources in order to decrease our feed bill as much as possible.

    Chicken eating kiwi out of a persons hand.

    Feeding chickens can get quite expensive. You should always know about how much chicken feed to give your chickens so that you make sure you have enough on hand and know what your feed bill will be like.

    But, if you are looking to cut down on expenses or want to add more chickens without adding to the costs you may need to look at some other options to decrease or eliminate your chicken feed bill all together.

    Feeding Chickens for Free

    Before we jump into the ways you can feed chickens without buying chicken feed, it is important to note that if they don't have a wide variety of different options then they won't get the nutritional balance they need. Therefore, you may want to still offer a small amount of feed for them to eat when they need it.

    In our experience, they prefer most of these other options and will utilize these feed sources before diving into a bucket of store-bought chicken feed.

    Free Ranging

    We love free ranging our chickens - not only does it give them ample space, sunlight and exercise, but it also allows them to go gather their own food. This way they can pick and choose the things they like and need the most.

    Growing Fodder or Sprouts

    Grow your chickens their own fodder and sprouts. These are highly nutritious and super cheap to get started. Plus, these really help fill in the gaps of missing chicken feed.

    Chicken Garden

    Give your chickens their own chicken garden. When you are doing garden planning, set aside a section for your chickens. You can simply toss in some seeds for veggies that they can eat and then once they are growing let your chickens in to eat it up.

    Compost Pile

    Let them loose in your compost pile! We love to use our compost in the garden every year, but I admit we aren't as good about turning it over as we should be.

    So, we started letting our chickens into it and they do all the work for us!

    Quickly and easily assess your flocks health without missing a step by using this free download: The Chicken Care Checklist.

    Garden Cleanout

    When your garden is wrapping up for the season - don't spend your time and energy digging everything up. Release your chickens into the garden and let them turn over the soil and eat up all the leftover plants.

    Just make sure you remove anything that isn't safe for them to eat first!

    Extra Eggs

    If you are getting tons of eggs and have been freezing eggs and making recipes that use lots of eggs, but still have leftovers - feed them back to your chickens! We like to cook ours so they don't turn into egg-eaters (when we don't want them to be) before feeding them.

    You can even cook the crumbled shells right into the eggs for extra calcium.

    Kitchen Scraps

    Don't throw out your kitchen scraps! This is one way that we use everything on our homestead - we try to repurpose as much as possible. Feed all those kitchen scraps to your chickens and they will enjoy them.

    Sunflowers

    Sunflowers can be a great and easy addition to gardens. They are also an awesome source of food for chickens. Buying a whole pack of seeds to grow your own is relatively cheap and you can have huge sunflowers ready for feeding to your chickens in no time.

    Maggots + Bugs

    You can create your own maggot or worm bucket pretty easily. These high protein bugs are a great source of nutrients for your chickens. And, other than the small start up costs to get the bucket or bin going - is free food.

    Fermenting Feed

    Although this idea doesn't completely eliminate the need to buy chicken feed, it does significantly decrease it. We always ferment chicken feed and it drastically decreases the amount they need while increasing the available nutrients in the feed. By using this method, we have cut our chicken feed costs almost in half.

    If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

    Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

    Delicious Pumpkin Bread ANYONE Can Make - even if it's your first time!

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Got some extra pumpkin hanging around? You should learn how to make pumpkin bread.

    closeup of finished pumpkin bread loaf in pan

    Maybe you're like us and always buy waaay too much food around the holidays. Then you do a pantry challenge and during your pantry inventory you find a can or twelve of pumpkin. Kinda like when we had extra bananas for banana bread and zucchini noodles for our zucchini bread.

    Pumpkin bread is super easy to make and is one of our favorite recipes when we're craving something a little carby.

    How to make pumpkin bread from scratch

    You will likely already have everything you need, but here is a supply list:

    What you will need

    large mixing bowl

    electric hand mixer

    spatula

    bread pan

    canola spray (or any flavorless cooking spray)

    Ingredients

    ½ teaspoon cloves

    ½ teaspoon of ginger

    1 teaspoon baking soda

    1 teaspoon baking powder

    1 teaspoons cinnamon

    1 teaspoons nutmeg

    2 teaspoons vanilla

    1 stick butter

    1 can pumpkin pie filling (puree 15 oz)

    2 cup sugar

    3 cups flour

    3 eggs

    how to make pumpkin bread ingredients displayed

    Directions

    First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Now combine all of your small portion spices and dry ingredients. That includes your baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. Put them all in a small dish and set them to the side.

    Melt your butter in the microwave or on the stove top. It only takes a minute or 2 in the microwave so we usually go that route.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine your butter, sugar, vanilla, and eggs. Use your hand mixer on the lowest setting and blend everything together. You will want to go easy so you don't whip your eggs too much. Just whip enough to get everything good and mixed together.

    mixing pumpkin into sugar/butter mix

    Now you will add in your can of pumpkin. You can also use fresh pumpkin as long as you have 15 ounces pureed. Using your mixer, mix this into the butter/sugar mix.

    After mixing in the pumpkin, add your spices into your flour. Pour them all into your pumpkin batter and hand mix. You can use a spatula during this part.

    mixing flour into the pumpkin mix

    Hand mixing is preferable here for 2 reasons. The first is it will keep you from over whipping the eggs in the mixture. The second is you don't want to turn a spinning machine loose in a pile of powder. Trust me on the second point.

    Pull out your loaf pan and spray it with your choice in cooking spray. Now, pour your batter into the loaf pan. It should flow freely but you may need to use your spatula to get everything into the pan.

    Put the pan into the already preheated oven and set your time for an hour and 10 minutes. You will want to check on this periodically to make sure it is not burning.

    pumpkin bread baking in oven

    When you think it is getting close, stick a butter knife or toothpick into the center of your bread. If it comes out with batter still on it, add a few more minutes. Repeat until the knife/toothpick comes out clean.

    Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Once your bread is cool you can place it in your bread slicer and use a bread knife to cut thick slices.

    pumpkin bread sliced on plate

    Common Questions

    Is pumpkin bread healthy?

    In moderation it is not too terribly bad for you. Obviously, everyone's body and nutrition requirements are a bit different. You can decrease the amount of sugar in the recipe and make a bit healthier as well.

    Why is my pumpkin bread dry?

    Most often, dryness is due to being overcooked. If your bread is coming out dry, decrease your cooking time and check regularly with a toothpick or knife to make sure your bread is not cooking too quickly.

    Can I freeze pumpkin bread?

    You can. Just allow it to cool before cutting. Then put the slices into a large freezer safe bag, seal, and place in freezer. You can put it in the fridge overnight to thaw.

    pinterest image with pumpkin bread loaf in pan with text reading, "How to make the best pumpkin bread. it's super easy too."

    13 of The Fastest Growing Vegetables to Maximize Your Garden's Yield

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Fresh carrots and beets being held over a wooden table.

    I don't know about you but patience is not one of our virtues. That's why when we plant a garden we look for the fastest growing vegetables we can find.

    Fresh carrots and beets being held over a wooden table.

    After a few years, we decided to compile a list of some the crops with the quickest turnaround time from planting to harvest. We split our list into timelines of 20 to 30 days and 30 to 60 days.

    The fastest growing vegetables you can plant

    20 to 30 Days until Harvest

    These veggies have a super fast turnaround time. You can expect to eat these within a month of planting. ONE MONTH! That's crazy. You may as well install a drive-thru window directly into your garden.

    Green onions

    Green onions may truly be THE fastest of the fastest growing vegetables. They are great because they are quick to grow AND are so versatile. You can harvest after growing them in between 20 and 30 days of planting.

    green onions

    They have a variety of uses and go great on things like soup, roasts, salads, potatoes. You can also cook them or just eat them raw.

    Radishes

    Like, green onions, radishes are in the 20 to 30 day range from planting to harvest. You will want to plant Spring Radishes if you are looking for the quickest turnaround time.

    radishes

    You can usually have them fresh in your salad in 3 to 4 weeks. When growing radishes, they love a lot of sunlight and a lot of moisture.

    30 to 60 Days until Harvest

    This next group of vegetables take a little bit longer but are still pretty quick. You can expect a harvest time of about a month or two.

    Kale

    Growing kale is maybe one of the healthiest crops you can grow. You can expect a yield anywhere from 30 to 65 days with the White Russian variety. They have a sweet flavor which makes them perfect for salads and as a base for your smoothies.

    kale

    You can directly sow them into your garden. They also prefer wet soil and partial sunlight.

    Arugula

    Another leafy type of veggie for your garden. Growing Arugula is different than other types of leafy crops. They have a more peppery flavor which makes them perfect for an extra oomph in your salad or on a sandwich. You can also eat their flowers as an extra snack.

    arugula

    They are ready to harvest in 35 - 50 days. Cool weather is not a problem for them. In fact, they will thrive without a lot of heat. Make sure the have access to partial sunlight and you're good to go.

    Lettuce

    You'll notice, many leafy variety plants are some of the fastest growing vegetables you can plant. Growing Romaine lettuce is probably one of our favorite types of lettuce. You can grow it in as little as 28 days, but no more than 58. It's sweet taste is what give Caesar salads their signature flavor.

    romaine lettuce

    Romaine lettuce is also super resistant to heat and some mildews that can harm your garden. They like partial sunlight but can handle full sun.

    Cucumbers

    If you love pickles, you have to try growing cucumbers. Watching them climb a trellis is really exciting. They will mature in about 56 days but will regenerate as you pick them throughout the season.

    featured image for growing cucumbers. cucumber still on vine with yellow blossom still attached.

    Again, they make great pickles but are also perfect for your salads and sandwiches. They are also resilient to mildew and appreciate full exposure to the sun.

    Green Beans

    We prefer blue lake bush beans when we grow green beans. You can plant them throughout the season and almost always have a full harvest basket when you go inside.

    green beans

    These bush beans also have a really fast maturity time. You can go from plant to harvest in just under 60 days.

    Baby Carrots

    So, the baby carrots that we are all used to seeing in the store don't typically grow in the way we see them. A lot of times they are just large carrots cut down to a smaller size. If you want to grow baby carrots, there a few different methods.

    The first method, is to harvest full size carrots early; in the 50 to 60 day range. They will be small in size and will serve the purpose of baby carrot for your snacking needs.

    baby carrot

    The second method is to plant miniature varieties of carrots. Some of the more popular strains are mega mini carrots, broccoli carrots, little divas, and turnip carrots.

    Yellow Squash

    Here at the MrAnimal Farm we love growing yellow squash. In particular, the straightneck variety. They plants are big and lush. The blossoms are beautiful, in their own right. And you can harvest them as quickly as 42 to 56 days.

    yellow squash

    They are pretty sensitive to frost so you will plant them accordingly. But, they really like warm soil and you can grow a ton and you can freeze yellow squash that you don't use to eat in the off season. Interesting fact, that yellow squash are actually fruits.

    Peas

    We promise, these are fast growing peas and not a protest song from the 60's. Progress #9 peas will be on your table for dinner in 58 to 65 days. Sure 65 is technically over the 60 day criteria we set, but they are just too sweet to leave off.

    peas

    Growing these peas will produce early and will give you high yield all through the season. They love sunlight so you don't have to worry about shade. And they will support themselves so you don't even have to stake them.

    Beets

    Skip your trip to Schrute Farms and grow your own beets in your own garden. Aside from their gorgeous deep red and violet color, these beets are high in folic acid.

    beets

    The Bull's Blood variety of beets will mature in 35 to 60 days. Make sure they have full sunlight.

    Zucchini

    It is well documented that we can not get enough out of growing zucchini on our farm. We especially love the black beauty strain of zucchini. A full plant will grow and mature in 50 to 60 days.

    zucchini

    Black beauty zucchini has a wide variety of uses. You can make zucchini bread, zucchini noodles, zucchini nachos, zucchini lasagna, and a whole host of other zucchini based recipes. You can even eat the blossoms from the male plants in your salad. And, if you grow too much, you can freeze zucchini for the off season.

    Spinach

    Wanna grow up strong like Popeye? While our childhood forearms never quite got to those proportions (in retrospect, that's a good thing) we do still love our spinach.

    spinach

    The verdil type of growing spinach will mature in 50 days. They are an excellent over winter or early sping crop. They are very hardy in cold weather and are resistant to bolt. Once you harvest you can use them in salads, steaming, or a number of other great dishes.

    Turnips

    Turnips seem to get a bad rep as being a bad tasting vegetable. We are not sure who is running the anti turnip agenda, but we want to put a stop to it.

    turnips

    Try out growing turnips yourself. They will mature in 45 to 65 days, so it isn't a huge time investment. The purple top variety is beautiful. They are purple above ground and white underground. You will produce a large turnip but it will also stay sweet and tender. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.

    Turnips are easy to freeze so you can grow a crop that will last you for the whole year if you want even.

    What are some of your favorite fastest growing vegetables? Let us know in the comments below.

    pinterest image for fastest growing vegetables. Packet of zucchini seeds. Text read, "12+ of the fastest growing veggies"

    How to Grow Zucchini Like A Pro!

    By MrAnimal Farm

    zucchini in wooden basket sitting in the grass

    Produce can be expensive. Especially if you don't like the use of pesticides and prefer you fruits and veggies to be organic. These are the three biggest reasons why we choose growing zucchini in our own garden.

    full harvesting basket after growing zucchini

    If you haven't been able to tell from our other posts, we love zucchini. We love zucchini bread, zucchini nachos, zucchini lasagna. We love that you can freeze zucchini and use it for any number of zucchini based recipes.

    With zucchini being such a versatile food, we decided to see if we could grow it ourselves. This way we would always have zucchini and we could sleep better at night knowing we would not run out.

    Did I mention we love zucchini?

    Growing Zucchini Is Easy

    Is it easy to grow zucchini? It is definitely easier than growing green beans, but isn't any more difficult than most other item in your garden. But, just like gardening in general, it takes some effort to maintain healthy and productive plants.

    We don't like pesticides but we also don't like to weed our garden either. Every season is a race to harvest as much as we can before the pests take the plants over and kill them.

    There are, of course, other techniques to deal with zucchini growing problems, but to each their own. We think we do pretty well, if we do say so ourselves.

    zucchini compared to the size of a small dog

    How to grow zucchini

    Zucchini is a summer squash. That basically just means it has a softer skin than winter squash, like acorn squash.

    Interesting fact about zucchini: while most consider it a vegetable, it is actually a fruit. There are several other vegetables that are fruits as well.

    The first thing you will want to do is get yourself some zucchini seeds. When you are looking for seeds, we really like Black Beauties. They grow well in our region and grow fairly large (see picture of dog sized zucchini above.

    We only mention the detail about Summer Squash and Black Beauty labels so you don't get frustrated if you can't find a seed packet with the actual word "zucchini".

    packet of zucchini seeds with pile of seeds next to it

    How to plant zucchini

    Depending on where you get your seed, they may have directions on the back of the packet. If not, you can just check out this guide and leave it open as a reference when you are ready to plant.

    back of seed packet with grow and care instructions

    Just like growing yellow squash, zucchini is nice because you can sow it straight into your garden or you can get a jump on the season and start it inside. We like to start ours inside so that we can make sure the plants are ready for the outdoors and the weather.

    You can start plants inside using some organic potting soil and a starting tray When to plant zucchini really depends on your specific gardening zone's last frost date. You will want to start your seeds about a month prior.

    If you decide to sow them directly into your garden, you'll want to make sure the soil temperature is at least 70 degrees but not over 95.

    Do zucchini plants need a lot of sun?

    Your plants are able to withstand full sun exposure so you do not need to worry about having a shade for them.

    Do zucchini plants need a trellis?

    They do not. Your plants are mostly upright and will spread out instead of up.

    How much space do your plants need?

    We like to use a method called square foot gardening. Essentially, you make planting squares about 3-4 ft x 3-4 ft and make a 3 x 3 or 4 x 4 grid. Each box should be 1 square foot.

    string used to make a square foot gardening planting box

    Zucchini should be planted 12 - 18 inches apart. We typically would put 2 or 3 seeds in each square to see what comes up and what looks healthiest. Germination is usually 6 - 10 days. So around the 2 week point you will know which plants to cull.

    When you plant, you will want to plant each seed about ½ - 1 inch deep. What we would usually do is put the seed in your planting box and just gently press it into the soil until the dirt is up to your first knuckle past your fingernail.

    How many zucchini plants should I plant?

    Remember when we said we love zucchini and never wanted to run out? We planted WAAAAY more than we needed. When it came time to cull our plants, we decided to leave them. They still grew extremely well and we had a huge harvest.

    long shot of garden in early stages of growth

    A single plants can produce up to 10 pounds of fruit in a single season. In our 3 x 3 grid planting boxes we had the initial 9 and then another 5 or 6 we decided to keep. And did I mention we had 2 boxes of them? Our goats and chickens ate well that entire season even after we froze zucchini for after the gardening season.

    What we're trying to say is, they are super prolific. If you have a single planting box and plant 18 inches apart, you will still have plenty of zucchini. The plants also grow to be about a foot or so tall but will grow out several feet.

    When can I harvest my zucchini?

    Zucchini is actually one of the fastest growing vegetables we grow and will reach maturity at around 2 months, give or take a week. Keep an eye on your plants to check for pests and disease and you will get a very nice yield.

    Also, when you are harvesting, be thorough when checking for zucchini. We have managed to pass over some that were low to the ground only to find a massive (dog sized) zucchini later.

    pile of 8 zucchini of various sizes

    You will want to harvest your zucchini when they are around 6 inches long. This is when they are at peak flavor. If they get much bigger than that, they tend to lose flavor and taste almost watered down. You can also learn how to freeze zucchini if you have an especially large yield.

    Give your zucchini gardening skills a shot this season and let us know how it goes in the comments below.

    pinterest image with harvest basket of zucchini. Text reads, "How to grow zucchini. The ultimate guide."

    Master the Art of Perfect Banana Bread with This Foolproof Recipe

    By MrAnimal Farm

    close up shot of banana bread slice

    Wanna use up your overripe bananas? Learn how to make banana bread!

    Close up of slice of banana bread

    Maybe you have a bunch of bananas sitting on your counter that you forgot about and they are about to go bad. Maybe you were doing the pantry challenge and during your pantry inventory and found some frozen bananas.

    Wanna Know How to Make Banana Bread?

    Banana bread is just one of those recipes that we love to make here. It's a tasty treat, similar to how to make pumpkin bread or how to make zucchini bread, that is easy and you probably already have the ingredients in your pantry. It also makes your house smell delightful.

    So, let's get to it.

    Ingredients

    3 large over-ripe bananas

    2 large eggs

    1 ¼ cup flour

    ½ cup butter

    1 teaspoon baking soda

    grind of Himalayan pink salt (to taste)

    non-stick cooking spray

    (optional) 1 cup chocolate chips

    peeled banana

    Directions

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees. I always do this first before I start ingredients, otherwise I will forget and then have to wait.

    Use ½ cup of softened butter. Add in 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 cup of sugar.

    With an electric mixer, mix everything together on a low setting. You don't want to whip this up too much. You just want it to be well blended.

    electric mixer mixing batter

    Now take 3 large over-ripe bananas. You can tell when they are over-ripe when they are a deep yellow color with large brown spots. They will also start to feel a bit softer.

    You just want to make sure they are still ripe and have not gonna bad. But the softer the better.

    Peel your bananas and place them in a bowl separate from your butter/sugar mix. Using a potato masher, start mashing your bananas into a mushy mess.

    Once you have a good banana paste, you can start to pour it into the large mixing bowl with your butter/sugar combination. You will also add your 2 large eggs at this point.

    2 large eggs over bowl of banana bread batter

    Mix everything together again with your electric mixer until well blended. Again, you want to be well blended but not finely whipped.

    Now pour in 1 ¼ cup of flour and a grind of Himalayan pink salt. Table salt is also fine. The salt is really just to add a bit of flavor but not completely necessary.

    Now, you will want to use a spatula and hand mix the flour and salt into your banana base. Gently fold your flour into the bananas until everything is mixed well together and you do not have any dry pockets of flour leftover.

    Pull out your bread pan and spray it with Canola oil, or whichever non-stick baking spray you prefer.

    Pour your banana bread mix into the bread pan and place onto the center rack of your already preheated oven. Set your time for 50 minutes and walk away.

    pouring batter into bread pan

    Remember, cooking times can vary depending on your geographic location, you may want to check on your banana bread around the 45 minute mark depending on your elevation.

    After your timer has gone off, use oven mitts and pull your delicious banana bread from the oven and place on your stove top or cooling rack. Allow your banana bread to cool. You don't want it to tear apart while cutting.

    Once your banana bread has cooled for a bit, run a butter knife or spatula between the loaf and the inside of the bread pan. You can then flip the bread pan upside down onto a sheet of parchment paper and the loaf should pop right out.

    You can use a bread slicer and bread knife to cut your banana bread into measured slices. Typically this recipe will make around 8 thick slices.

    Delicious variations

    You may also wonder how to make chocolate chip banana bread? It's super easy to do. Just add in a cup of chocolate chips (more or less depending on how much you love chocolate) when you are adding in your flour. Everything else is the same.

    What can you put on banana bread? Banana bread is delicious on it's own but you can make it even tastier. Some people will toast it and add butter. You can put some almond butter on it, pumpkin butter, nutella, drizzle a streussel topping, etc. Honestly, just use your imagination and try some fun stuff out.

    How do you make banana bread muffins? Do you prefer muffins to a whole loaf of banana bread? That's super easy too! Follow the same recipe as above and just swap out the bread pan for a muffin tin and cook for 20-25 minutes depending on size. Easy-peasy!

    bowl of mashed bananas

    How to Freeze Banana Bread

    Freezing banana bread is pretty simple. After you have allowed it to cool and it has been cut you can put it back on the parchment paper and slide it right into a large zip-lock freezer bag.

    Stick you bag into your freezer. Your bread should be frozen in a few hours and should not lose much quality over 2-3 months. We wouldn't store it longer than 6 months. It may still be safe (check the FDA for their suggestions) but it will likely suffer in quality.

    How to thaw

    When you're ready to thaw just remove it from freezer and put in refrigerator. Should thaw in a few hours. Serve cold or heat for 20 seconds in microwave.

    How do you keep banana bread moist after freezing? We keep ours in a sealed bread bag in the refrigerator. The fat from the butter will generally keep the bread nice and moist when stored properly. And, honestly, our banana bread never lasts long enough in the house to go stale.

    Pinterest image of sliced loaf of banana bread. Text on image says "Easy Banana Bread Recipe with ingredients you already have!"

    Delicious, Moist Zucchini Bread You'll Make Again & Again

    By MrAnimal Farm

    close up slice of zucchini bread with bite taken out

    Looking for something new and different to do with your zucchini? Learn how to make zucchini bread.

    close up slice of zucchini bread with bite taken out

    This recipe is the best if you have a sweet tooth as it is similar to our banana bread and pumpkin bread recipes.. You can also add this to your arsenal of other great zucchini recipes, like zucchini lasagna and zucchini nachos.

    This easy recipe will also work if you freeze zucchini or we've made it with store bought (even zucchini noodles we found on sale). If you haven't already, you can also try growing zucchini on your own.

    How to make zucchini bread

    What you will need

    large mixing bowl

    electric hand mixer

    spatula

    bread pan

    canola spray (or any flavorless cooking spray)

    Ingredients

    1 teaspoon baking soda

    1 teaspoon baking powder

    2 teaspoons cinnamon

    2 teaspoons nutmeg

    2 teaspoons vanilla

    1 stick butter

    1 ½ cups shredded zucchini

    2 cup sugar

    2 cups flour

    3 eggs

    how to make zucchini bread ingredients

    Directions

    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

    The first thing we like to do when gathering our ingredients is to combine anything we can right away. So put all of your baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a small dish. Set this to the side.

    Next, you will want to melt a stick of butter. You can melt it on your stove top or in the microwave. Usually about 1.5 - 2 minutes in the microwave will do it.

    Take out your large mixing bowl and combine your sugar, vanilla, melted butter, and eggs. Using your hand mixer on the lowest setting, mix everything together. Be careful not to whip the eggs too fluffy. You just want everything mixed together.

    Once it is mixed thoroughly, add in your spices and mix. Now add in your flour and, using a spatula, gently fold everything together.

    mixture of sugar, butter, vanilla, and spices

    After you have a nice thick dough, drop in your shredded zucchini. Still using your spatula, mix thoroughly until you have a nicely mixed dough with no visible white flour spots.

    Pull out your bread pan and spray the bottom and sides with Canola oil. Again using your spatula, gently spread your dough from the mixing bowl into the bread pan. Depending on thickness, you may need to spread the dough into the pan to completely fill it.

    dough in bread pan

    Alternatively, you can also add your dough to a muffin pan and make zucchini bread muffins instead. You may just need to adjust the cook time a bit.

    Place the pan into your already preheated oven and set your timer for 60 minutes. Check periodically to make sure the top is not burning. It is normal for some bits of zucchini to become charred on the surface of the bread.

    baked loaf of zucchini bread

    Your bread is finished cooking when you can insert a butter knife or toothpick into the center of the loaf and pull it out clean. If there is still dough on the knife, allow to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes depending on the amount left on knife.

    Once cooked, leave in pan and allow to cool. Once cool, you can use a bread knife and bread slicer to cut into thick slices.

    zucchini bread in bread slicer

    Common questions

    Can you freeze zucchini bread?

    You can. After it has cooled and you have cut it, just place it in a freezer safe gallon bag, seal, and stick in the freezer. It should stay fresh for 2-3 months.

    How long is zucchini bread good for in the refrigerator?

    If you want to keep it long term, it is best to freeze. But if you plan on eating it pretty quickly, you can keep zucchini bread in the fridge for about a week before it starts to degrade in quality.

    Should I peel zucchini or take the seeds out when making bread?

    You can peel if you like but we have not found it necessary. Since you are shredding the zucchini you ed up removing the seeds anyway.

    double panel pinterest image. top image: closeup of zucchini bread in pan. bottom image: sliced loaf on plate. middle text box reading, "The best zucchini bread. Easy to follow recipe"

    

    10+ Zucchini Recipes to Make the Most of Your Garden Harvest

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Zucchini noodle casserole in a dish.

    These quick and easy zucchini recipes are great for using up your garden harvest or for making the most of seasonal sales at the store. From baked goods to appetizers, main dishes to sides you're sure to find a recipe or three that you will love.

    Zucchini noodle casserole in a dish.
    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    We absolutely love zucchini here. In fact, learning how to grow zucchini in your garden is super easy - it is a prolific producer. But, even if you don't have a garden, this type of summer squash is great to buy in spring and summer as it is super versatile.

    There are a wide variety of zucchini recipes from baked goods like muffins and bread to casseroles and side dishes. We have hand selected the best easy zucchini recipes to include based on: ease of making, overall flavor, ability to freeze for later. So, scroll on down and pick a few to try out.

    close up slice of zucchini bread with bite taken out

    Zucchini Bread

    Make yourself a wonderfully sweet treat. This zucchini bread recipe, along with our banana bread and pumpkin bread recipes, is one of our favorite things to make.

    Why it's good: The best part is you probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry. This is a cheap recipe to make and a good way to freeze zucchini for later.

    Zucchini Chips

    You can slice up your zucchini into round chips and use them in place of regular chips.  These can be made into a variety of dishes. We really love to use zucchini chips to make zucchini nachos.  

    Why they're good: They are easy to make, delicious and they re-heat really well if you want to make enough and freeze zucchini for a few meals all at once.

    Zucchini Noodle Salad

    This refreshing zucchini noodle salad incorporates tomatoes, bell peppers and more for a fresh and light veggie packed dish. It is perfect for spring and summer.

    Why it's great: zucchini noodles are another great way to freeze your zucchini, so you can use some you have saved to make this year round. It only takes about 15 minutes.

    Zucchini Rolls

    These cute and easy zucchini rolls are super yummy. Stuffed with hummus, crab and spices they can be an appetizer or snack or a main lunch dish.

    Why they're good: you can easily customize by stuffing with your fillings of choice. They take about 10 minutes to make.

    Spinach Tomato Zoodle Bowl

    This spinach tomato zoodle bowl is easy and light - perfect for a spring or summer main dish. Zoodles - zucchini noodles - are a great way to have a light and veggie packed version of pasta.

    Why it's good: easy to customize this one by tossing in your favorite spices or protein. Also, pretty cheap to put this together with only 6 ingredients.

    Taco Zucchini Boats

    These taco zucchini boats are super cute and also delicious. Zucchinis cut in half and topped with beans, corn and spices - yum!

    Why they're good: this is a great veggie based dinner that is quick to put together and just pop in the oven. They also freeze well if you want to make a bunch and save some for later.

    Grilled Zucchini + Yellow Squash

    This simple grilled zucchini and yellow squash is a great way to combine two in season veggies. Anyone can make this dish and it is a great side to serve with dinner.

    Why it's great: just the right amount of seasonings to make this extra tasty, but still a quick and easy recipe.

    Easy Homemade Beefaroni

    This easy homemade beefaroni is a good way to sneak those veggies in to a meaty comforting dish. Tossing shredded zucchini in with the tomato sauce give you an extra punch of veggies without having a super veggie heavy flavor.

    Why its good: if you are sick of zucchini and veggies, this is a good way to use it up without having it overpower the flavor of the dish. It only takes 6 ingredients and 35 minutes to bake this up.

    Easy Zucchini Muffins

    This easy zucchini muffin recipe is perfect to serve as breakfast or a snack. These are moist and lightly sweet.

    Why they're good: perfect for making as a large batch and freezing some for later. Plus you can customize the nuts or other add ins to flavor them how you like.

    Sausage and Zucchini Casserole

    This sausage and zucchini casserole is warm, hearty and delicious. Topped off with cheese - yum - this is perfect for most any occasion.

    Why it's good: it is the ultimate comfort food, but lighter without actual pasta. Only takes about 40 minutes to toss together and bake up - and you can make it as a large batch.

    Air Fryer Zucchini

    This air fryer zucchini is perfect when you are looking for a quick snack or side dish. The garlic and parmesan cheese flavors are a great combination.

    Why it's good: easy to customize this with different flavors and toppings. And, it's super fast to make - ready in only 15 minutes.

    Small Space, Big Harvest: Mastering Square Foot Gardening

    By MrAnimal Farm

    We switched over to square foot gardening a couple of years ago and have never looked back. Honestly, it made our gardening experience so much simpler by using less space, being quicker to weed, and much easier to harvest that we love it.

    square foot gardening grid in garden

    Does square foot gardening really work? In a word, yes.

    We have found that square foot gardening makes planning our garden a lot easier. It saves us a ton of space. And it generally keeps your back and knees in a whole lot better shape because you don't have to work as hard to get your plants to produce like you want them to.

    grid made with stakes and twine

    What is Square Foot Gardening?

    Square foot gardening is a method designed originally by Mel Bartholomew. He wrote a book called Square Foot Gardening. The intention behind square foot gardening is to use less space, less water, and require less work. In our experience, we can confirm that to be true.

    To follow Mel Bartholomew's method, he requires three key components; raised beds, a specific soil blend that he calls Mel's mix, and a 4 x 4 foot grid.

    In our experience, found success using only one of the three. Can you do square foot gardening without raised beds? We were able to have pretty positive results without raised beds and without using Mel's mix.

    If you do use raised beds but want a cheap way to fill your raised garden beds there are many different materials you can use.

    Why you should give it a try

    We really can't recommend square foot gardening enough. If you don't have a lot of land or you just have a small area in which you can garden, square foot gardening will help you maximize your space so that you can get the most gardening bang for your gardening buck.

    Since you will be spending less time waiting and more time being able to tend to your plants, you will almost always experience a bigger yield. Typically, you can expect to feed one person for an entire season on 100 square feet.

    Our favorite part of square foot gardening? The ease in which you can harvest. Since each planting box is only 4 x 4 feet, you will never have to reach further than two feet from any point of the box to reach your crops. Trust us, if you have a stool from our gardening supplies list your knees and back will thank you for not having to dig further into a garden just to harvest.

    trellising with square foot gardening

    Potential cons

    So if you read around online for reviews on square foot gardening, the one consistent negative is that it can be a bit pricey to get started. This is true if you are building your own raised beds and using a very specific soil mix.

    However, we have found that if you want to just get started cheaply and see if you enjoy square foot gardening you don't need raised beds. And you can use your own soil and compost pile.

    Need some help getting your garden crops planned? Check out the Ultimate Gardening Calculators for a system that will auto-calculate for you.

    How to start a Square Foot Garden

    The first thing you want to do is get a gardening planner and figure out what exactly you want to grow this season. With a planner you can plot what plants are going to go where, what you're going to grow next to each other, and if you're into it, you can even plan out further seasons on how you will rotate your crops.

    If you're not sure when to start your plants, this Ultimate Gardening for Beginners will help you out!

    Next, you'll want to set up your garden area. If you are following Mel Bartholomew's method and building raised beds, you will plot out where everything is going to go. You will also want to start building your raised beds. Remember, you do not want to use treated wood as those chemicals can leach into your soil and your plants will then absorb those chemicals.

    You can use bricks, cinder blocks, galvanized steel, or food grade plastic to build your raised beds. However, as we mentioned, you can also use this method directly on the ground in your existing garden area.

    When preparing the soil for your garden, you can use Mel's mix. This soil mixture is just peat Moss, vermiculite and compost. It's a really easy ratio. You just use equal amounts of each.

    If you're using raised beds, you will need to figure out how deep you want your soil to be. We used a wheelbarrow to make our mixture and then just dump the right amount and depth into each of our garden squares.

    Next, you'll need a grid. You can purchase a grid that you can just assemble from a local hardware store, gardening center, or online. Some people will purchase a grid for each of their raised beds or gardening squares.

    We used the same DIY grid for each of our boxes and just moved it after planting. More details below for making your own grid.

    Finally, just plant your plants. You follow the same spacing directions as you would follow in normal row gardening. You just plot them in your single square foot blocks.

    How to make a square foot gardening grid

    As we said above, you can make your very own Square foot gardening grid. You can make your grid out of a couple of stakes and some string. You can also use PVC pipe to make a pretty sturdy grid.

    We made our grid out of wood. Go to your local hardware store into their lumber department and find their 1 x 2 strips of wood. If you can find the ones that are 8 feet long, grab three of them and cut them in half.

    Next, arrange the six pieces into a grid. You can use 1 ½ inch wood nails or screws and secure them at each cross section. Viola! You have your own Square foot gardening grid.

    transplant plants into square foot gardening grids

    What can you grow using this method?

    Anything! Seriously though, you can grow pretty much anything using this method. We've grown tomatoes in cages. We've trellised vining cucumbers (there are lots of trellis ideas that work in this method). We've grown Bush beans. We've even grown zucchini and squash.

    Best plants for square foot gardening

    Growing tomatoes in a square foot gardening box is really easy. How many tomatoes can you plant in a square foot? We will usually plant one plant per square foot.

    You can easily grow cucumbers in a trellis in a square foot panting box. How many cucumbers can you plant in a square foot? We are able to plant 4 to 6 in each box.

    You can grow a lot of strawberries. In a full 4 x 4 planting box you can grow as many as 32 plants!

    How many lettuces are in a square foot garden? Depending on what type of lettuce you can grow lettuce 2 to 4 in each square.

    When growing yellow squash and growing zucchini the plants can get pretty large. We tend to plant 1 plant every other space.

    Spinach is pretty prolific. You can grow up to 9 in each square!

    Let us know about your square foot gardening experiences in the comments below.

    If you need help getting your garden crops planned right check out The Ultimate Gardening Calculators so that you have just the amount you need, set aside the right amount of space and know exactly when to plant them.

    Access The Ultimate Gardening Calculators Now
    pinterest image with square foot gardening grid. text reads, "how to start squarefoot gardening"

    15+ Winter Garden Crops to Grow All Year

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Beets and Kale laying on a wooden table.

    Make sure to add some winter garden crops to your gardening repertoire so that you can have fresh veggies throughout the whole year. Even though spring and summer are traditionally garden season, with a few tips and the right crops you can keep your harvest going even in the cold weather.

    Beets and Kale laying on a wooden table.
    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    What Vegetables Can Be Planted for a Winter Harvest?

    Surprisingly, there are actually quite a few different vegetables that can be planted and harvested in the cold temperatures of winter. Some of these include: Root Vegetables, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Garlic and many different leafy greens.

    Garlic

    Garlic is not one of the fastest growing vegetables out there. In fact, it takes months to be ready to harvest. Garlic is best planted when soil temperatures are around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

    This crop can handle quite cold temperatures once it has been established. In fact, it can handle up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Cabbage growing in a garden.

    Cole Crops

    Cole crops include Broccoli, Kale, Cabbage, Cauliflower, turnips and radishes. These are great additions to a winter garden as they provide a ton of nutrients and can easily be frozen and saved for later as well.

    Most of these types of crops can handle just below freezing temperatures. Though their leafs may be a little frost bite, typically they can keep producing even down to 26 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, many of these crops do best when harvested after a few small freezes.

    Hand holding bunch of red leaf lettuce over a wooden table.

    Leafy Greens

    Common leafy greens are: Spinach, Lettuce, Mustard greens and Collard greens. One great thing about these crops is that you can continue to harvest them by just plucking leaves off them as you need. These are great to grow year round as they can be grown in spring, summer and are also a great fall garden crop.

    These crops can tolerate temperatures that drop as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Though sticking in the 20 degree range is safest. In fact, cool or cold weather actually helps bring out the flavor of these crops.

    Parsley

    Parsley is a nice herb that can be used in a wide variety of different dishes. It is relatively fast growing in about 60 - 90 days. Additionally, you can just pick leaves as you need to get an ongoing or continual harvest.

    This crop can handle temperatures all the way down to around 10 degrees Fahrenheit, so it can be grown through the winter in most places. And, it is easy to grow in containers in case you need to pop it indoors for a few days.

    Scallions

    Scallions, otherwise known as green onions, are super fast to harvest, taking only about 50 - 60 days from plant date to harvest date.

    This crop can handle pretty cold temperatures, down to 10 degrees. However, one thing to keep in mind is that they do need soil temperatures of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit when planted.

    Bunch of carrots on a wooden table.

    Root Vegetables

    Carrots, Parsnips and Beets are all root vegetables that thrive in cool weather. Root vegetables are simply crops that grow under the ground - but often will have their leaves or greens above the ground.

    Though these root crops do handle cold weather up to about 28 degrees Fahrenheit, they are not a crop that can handle super freezes or several freezes.

    Need some help getting your garden crops planned? Check out the Ultimate Gardening Calculators for a system that will auto-calculate for you.

    Factors to Consider When Planting Winter Crops

    If you want to have a successful winter garden, it is important to take into account a few things: how cold can the crops withstand, will they have time to get established, how can you protect them when need be.

    How Cold Can They Handle

    Before you get to planting your winter garden, you will need to make sure you are choosing crops that can withstand freezing temperatures. Some crops will be able to just handle freezing, while others (like Spinach) can go way below freezing.

    First Frost Date

    Even though they handle cold well, it is still good to get them started before it's too cold so they have time to get established. Otherwise, you may have fresh new plants getting hammered with frost and they won't get a big and hearty as possible.

    So, when planting, try to get them in a bit ahead of your first frost date so that they can sprout and get their roots under them before that first big cold snap.

    Extending the Harvest

    Additionally, using things like row covers or even planting in containers so you can move or easily cover during very hard frosts can help to extend your harvest through the winter. With that, let's hop straight into the list of our favorite winter crops.

    In Conclusion

    Though you may not associate cold temperatures with growing a thriving garden, it is totally possible to do. Just make sure that you choose the right crops, give them enough time to get started and support them as needed.

    If you need help getting your garden crops planned right check out The Ultimate Gardening Calculators so that you have just the amount you need, set aside the right amount of space and know exactly when to plant them.

    Access The Ultimate Gardening Calculators Now

    DIY Goat Hay Feeder Ideas

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Swiss marked buck goat eating out of a hay feeder made from an old chicken coop.

    Over the years we have tried out all of these DIY goat hay feeder ideas (and more - some of which were epic fails). From using cattle panels across the corner of a stall or repurposing chicken coops, here you will find the run down of many different ideas to try for your herd.

    Swiss marked buck goat eating out of a hay feeder made from an old chicken coop.
    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    Hay Feeder Must-Have's

    Contrary to popular belief, goats will NOT eat anything and everything. In fact, they can be quite picky - hay on the ground, no thanks. Now that's not to say we haven't had a few odd balls trying to eat zip ties and plastic (looking at you Onyx!)

    No matter what hay feeder you decide to use for your goats, there are a few important things to think about:

    1. Keep the hay up off the ground - hay that sits straight on the ground can become wet and moldy. Mold is super dangerous for goats. So, keep that hay high and dry.
    2. Keep out the elements - same principle as keeping it off the ground, you want it covered or contained so that it can't get wet if it rains or snows.
    3. Don't make them reach too high - you want to be sure the feeder isn't too high where they have to stand on their back legs and stretch to get in it. This can become dangerous if they get their heads stuck.
    4. Try to prevent waste - goats will yank that hay right out, drop it on the ground and then refuse to eat it. There are a few tips and types of feeders that help prevent waste - and keep a little more money in your pockets.

    Hay Feeder Ideas

    With all of that said, you can really use tons of different things to make your own goat hay feeder. Or, you can simply purchase a pre-made metal feeder or cloth bag feeder.

    Here are a few of our favorite hay feeders that we have used with our herd.

    Three goats eating at a corner cattle panel hay feeder.

    Cattle Panel in The Stall Corner

    This one is super easy to make. Simply clip a cattle panel to fit into the corner of your stall. Then use fencing staples to attach it to the stall walls.

    A few watch out's here - make sure that where you clip the cattle panel it doesn't leave sharp edges. Also, we like to put a small board across the top of the feeder if it's low and goats can jump over and in.

    It's also good to cut a pallet down and set it into the bottom of the feeder, or you can use a small drywall pan. This way the hay isn't sitting straight on the ground.

    Pros: Cheap and easy to make.

    Cons: Since it goes into the corner of a stall, it's not terribly big and you may need to make several or add other feeders if you have a large herd. They do tend to waste a bit in this set up.

    Goat sticking his head out of a trash can hay feeder.

    Big Plastic Trashcan

    Seriously though, I know you may be thinking this seems weird, but it works great for a small herd. We have used this type of feeder in with our bucks.

    Simply buy a large plastic trashcan - the kind you would have that you put out on the curb for trash pickup. Cut a hole in the side - add chicken wire or cattle panel if desired to cut down on waste.

    Pros: Fast and easy to make. You can fit an entire square bale right into the trash can. It's full contained and can be set outside the stall and easily moved.

    Cons: Not great for more than a few goats. And, over time, they will tear it up and it will need to be replaced - ask me how I know.

    Swiss marked goat eating from a chicken coop hay feeder.

    Repurposed Chicken Coop

    These work with those small chicken coops made for about 4 - 8 chickens that are just a rectangle on legs. They're about the perfect size for a bale of hay and you don't really have to do anything to them.

    The little hatch on the front that's open is a great fit for goats to reach in and grab mouthfuls of hay out. We have used these several times from coops we made, but would work from store-bought ones as well.

    Pros: Fully enclosed so it can be kept in or out of the stall and easily moved. Fits a bale of hay whole.

    Cons: Not worth buying or making from scratch as it's timely and costly. So, this only works if you have an old one sitting around. It's only sized for a few goats to use.

    Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

    Hand in front of a dog crate filled with hay.

    Large Dog Crate

    We first used a large dog crate as a hay feeder sort of on accident. We had set up an isolation stall and needed something quick. Looked around and grabbed a small dog crate and popped some hay into it.

    After we saw that it actually worked well, we started using an extra large one (think Great Dane size) in our kidding area. Flip it up on it's end that way the bottom with bigger holes is exposed and the gate is open on the top so you can just drop the bale into it.

    Sit it up on a pallet to keep the hay off the ground and prevent any moisture from getting into it.

    Pros: this works best for not too many goats. It's super fast, easy and portable.

    Cons: There is quite a bit of waste since they can't reach their heads all the way in.

    Hand pointing to the corner of a cattle panel goat hay feeder.

    Standing Cattle Panel Feeder

    This is great if you have a large herd. Simply take four cattle panels, secure them together into a square or rectangle. Zip ties, bailing twine or anything else you want to use will secure it well.

    Then, place pallets into the bottom to raise the hay up some - this makes it so that they have to stick their heads into the feeder reducing waste. Place drywall pans onto the pallets to keep the hay dry and then add your hay.

    Pros: Can be made any size you need for your herd. Waste is reduced since they stick their heads in to eat.

    Cons: This can be big and bulky and take up a lot of room in a stall. Or, if put outside, it will need a top and protection on the sides.

    Conclusion

    You don't have to buy expensive hay feeders to have a nice feeding set up for your goats. These 5 examples we have here are ones we have tried that have worked super well for our herd over the years.

    If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System - worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

    Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

    What To Do With Lots of Tomatoes

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Tomatoes on the vine on a cutting board.

    Figuring out what to do with lots of tomatoes may be an issue you face during garden season. Tomatoes are one of the easiest crops to grow and often times you will end up with extra tomatoes. Here we have you covered with ways to use extra tomatoes from salads to sauces and everything in between.

    Tomatoes on the vine on a cutting board.
    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    There are many different types of tomatoes that you can grow in your garden (or purchase at the store). Tomatoes are a prolific crop and you may be wondering how to use up all those tomatoes you're bringing in. (Or, you may find a great sale at the store and want to stock up when they are at rock bottom price.)

    We have carefully selected over 15 recipes to help you figure out what to make with lots of tomatoes so that your harvest doesn't go to waste. These selections are based on: how many tomatoes they use, speed to make them, ability to preserve for later.

    Salads with Tomatoes

    Want to use up those tomatoes, but still looking to eat them fresh? Try out some of these super yummy salads with tomatoes.

    Tomato Caprese Salad

    This delicious and easy tomato caprese salad uses just 5 ingredients. It is full of fresh flavors like mozarella, basil, and tomatoes (of course).

    Why it's good: you can use any tomatoes you want - though heirloom are recommended. It's so fast to make - ready in just 5 minutes and you can easily make a large amount and snack on it for a few days.

    Lettuce Cucumber Tomato Salad

    A Lettuce cucumber tomato salad is the perfect way to use up lots of things you grow in your garden. Its fresh, crunchy and can be customized however you like.

    Why it's good: this is fast and easy to make - ready in under 15 minutes. You can use any variety of tomato you have on hand.

    Tomato Onion Salad

    This light and refreshing tomato onion salad is super yummy and easy to make. Plus, it uses 2 pounds of tomatoes so it'll really make a dent in your pile.

    Why it's good: easily customize it by adding different herbs or some cheese. No cooking necessary, this is ready in under 10 minutes.

    Sauces, Soups & Salsas

    Tomatoes are often used as the main base for pasta sauces, salsas and creamy soups. Here you will find a variety of different tomato based recipes for these foods.

    Homemade Pizza Sauce

    Homemade pizza sauce with tomatoes and peppers is super tasty and involves roasting the veggies to make them even more flavorful. It's perfect to use on your own homemade pizza dough with any of your favorite toppings.

    Why it's good: it will help you use up about 6 tomatoes per batch of sauce. You can easily freeze the sauce and store it for later.

    Freezer Marinara Sauce

    Looking for a sauce that you can store for later? This freezer marinara sauce has you covered. This is a versatile sauce that can be used on a wide variety of foods from pizzas to pasta.

    Why it's good: uses up to 14 tomatoes! Plus it's an easy sauce recipe that you don't have to can to store, simply fill up your jars or bags when it's done and pop it into the freezer.

    Spaghetti Sauce with Fresh Veggies

    Looking for a chunky and robust sauce? Try this spaghetti sauce with fresh veggies. It's a lightly sweet sauce full of tomatoes and other vegetables like mushrooms and peppers.

    Why it's good: easily customize it with different vegetables as you prefer. It uses a whopping 4.5 pounds of tomatoes.

    Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce

    This flavorful oven roasted tomato sauce is extra easy as you don't have to stand over the stovetop simmering the sauce. Simply prep your ingredients and pop them into the oven to roast.

    Why it's good: this sauce will help you use up 3 pounds of tomatoes. And, it's super easy to freeze so you can save it for later.

    Homemade Salsa

    This homemade salsa is flavorful and a little spicy. It has onions, garlic, jalapenos and more mixed in with fresh tomatoes. You can use it for dipping chips, Mexican dishes and more.

    Why it's good: you can refrigerate this or can it and store it for later. This recipe will help you get rid of over 8 tomatoes.

    Vegan Tomato Soup

    This list wouldn't be complete without a tomato soup recipe. This yummy vegan tomato soup is rich and creamy. It's perfect for serving on it's own or pairing with a grilled cheese sandwich.

    Why it's good: this is an easy one pot recipe made in about 10 minutes. You can serve it fresh or easily bag it, freeze it and store it for later.

    Need to get all your food preserved easily? Check out the Ultimate Guide To Freezing Food so that you can fill your freezer without in minimal time.

    Main & Side Dishes

    These main and side dishes that are packed with tomatoes range from casseroles to bruschettas. Whip up a few of these tomato heavy recipes to serve for dinner or appetizers.

    Quinoa with Zucchini and Tomatoes

    This delicious quinoa with zucchini and tomatoes helps you use up two garden crops at once. It incorporates a light, lemon based dressing that really helps bring out all the fresh flavors.

    Why its good: this is a light and fresh dish that is full of summer flavors. You can make it as is or make extra servings to refrigerate for later.

    Tomato Pie Casserole

    Looking for a southern favorite? Look no further than this easy tomato pie casserole. Layers of tomatoes, onions, crackers and cheese. Note: this recipe calls for a can of diced tomatoes. You can easily roast and dice your fresh tomatoes.

    Why it's good: this is comfort food at it's finest. It's easy to make and can be frozen for later.

    Whipped Goat Cheese Bruschetta

    This whipped goat cheese bruschetta is a great snack or light lunch. It's creamy goat cheese, toasty baguette and fresh tomatoes, herbs and light dressing.

    Why it's good: it's easy to customize the flavors to be just what you love. It uses around 5 tomatoes.

    Dump & Go Chilli

    This super easy and inexpensive chili in the slow cooker is super yummy. Note: the recipe calls for a can of diced tomatoes, but you can easily dice and use fresh ones.

    Why it's good: though the cook time is long, it only takes 15 minutes of prep to get it going and then it just sits and cooks. This is super easy to freeze to save for later.

    Dehydrated, Roasted and More

    Looking for super simple ways to use your tomatoes? Got ya covered here with sun drying, dehydrating, roasting and more.

    Dehydrated Tomatoes

    Dehydrated tomatoes is a great way to use up your extras. You can use this method for any type of tomato.

    Why they're good: you can serve them plain as snacks, in salads, as part of pasta sauces and more. They can be stored like this for over around a year.

    Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

    These easy roasted cherry tomatoes are flavorful and delicious. They're quick and easy to make taking about 35 minutes.

    Why they're good: you can use them in a variety of ways - eat them as is, serve on salad, pasta, pizza and more. Or, you can freeze them and store them for later use.

    Sun Dried Tomatoes

    Whip up a large batch of these sun dried tomatoes when you have your harvest basket overflowing. They're great to use as snacks, on pasta and in salads.

    Why they're good: this recipe shows you how to make these with your regular oven (no expensive dehydrator needed). You can make a super large batch easily and store or freeze for later.

    Italian Style Smoked Tomatoes

    Try some of these flavorful and delicious italian style smoked tomatoes. Smokers aren't just for big slabs of meat - they can also make flavorful veggies.

    Why they're good: they're versatile with their herby and smoky flavor. You can eat them as a side on their own or toss them in salads or pastas to spice them up.

    Confit Tomatoes

    Garlic, rosemary and roasted tomatoes are all combined into these delicious confit tomatoes. Add these to sandwiches, pastas or salad to give your dishes a little extra pizazz.

    Why they're good: this recipe uses 5 cups of tomatoes. Plus, you can keep it in the fridge, or save it for longer by freezing it.

    In Conclusion

    Whenever you get a boat load of tomatoes (either from a bountiful garden harvest, or at a banging sale in the store), don't let them go to waste. Whip them up in a few of these tomato recipes and eat some now and store some for later.

    If you need more help getting your foods frozen, check out the Ultimate Freezing Food Guide for a complete quick start reference so that you can have a well-stocked freezer.

    Access the Ultimate Freezing Food Guide Here

    15+ Fall Garden Crops For a Longer Harvest

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Fresh carrots and beets being held over a wooden table.

    With the heat of summer comes a bountiful harvest, but don't let it end there. Plant some of these 15+ Fall garden crops to keep your harvest going almost year round. From leafy vegetables to root vegetables and more, you're sure to find some of your favorites on this list.

    Fresh carrots and beets being held over a wooden table.
    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    What Vegetables Can Be Planted For A Fall Harvest?

    There are actually a lot of different vegetables that can be planted for a Fall harvest including: Root vegetables (like carrots, turnips, beets), Leafy greens (like lettuce, spinach, Bok choy), Peas, and Brassicas (like cauliflower, Brussel sprouts and broccoli).

    Sugar snap peas on a wooden table.

    Peas

    Peas are a great crop because they continue to produce as you harvest. They are also a pretty fast growing crop. Peas usually need about 50 - 70 days to harvest.

    One thing to note about peas is that there are tons of varieties: sugar snap, snow peas and english peas to name a few. Each variety will have it's own requirements, so make sure you read your specific seed package.

    Green Onions

    Green onions are one of the fastest growing vegetables. They take on average about 50 - 60 days from start to harvest.

    They need warmer soil temperatures for seed germination. Typically onions need about 75 degree soil temperature, so these can usually go right into the ground.

    Fresh lettuce in a collander.

    Leafy Greens

    Leafy greens, is of course, more of a category than one single vegetable. Here you can include vegetables like spinach, lettuce, bok choy, collard and mustard greens.

    This group of vegetables tends to mature fast and need cooler soil temperatures for germination. For example, when growing lettuce you need soil temp from 45 - 60 degrees and about 45 - 60 days to harvest.

    Though each specific vegetable in this group may have slightly different requirements, they all are generally in the same range as lettuce is.

    Kale

    We have included kale as it's own entry because most consider it to be a leafy green. However, Kale is actually a brassica crop.

    Like other brassica crops, kale needs a lower soil temperature to germinate. But it is pretty fast to mature - usually in 60 days or a little less.

    Brassica Crops

    Brassica crops are those like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussel sprouts. Though exact time to maturity will vary from vegetable to vegetable, in general these all take longer than some of the others on this list. The general range is 60 - 100 days.

    So, when planting some of these crops, be sure to plant them a little sooner. However, brassica crops do tend to have a good cold tolerance down to freezing temperatures. Therefore you may be able to keep them going even after the first freeze or two.

    Fresh beets being held over a wooden table.

    Root Vegetable Crops

    Root vegetables are ones where the part we eat grows under the ground. Good cool weather root vegetables include: Carrots, beets, radishes and turnips.

    Days to maturity for these root vegetables tends to be 50 - 70 days. But can depend on the exact crop and variety you have chosen.

    Need some help getting your garden crops planned? Check out the Ultimate Gardening Calculators for a system that will auto-calculate for you.

    Factors to Consider When Planting Fall Crops

    When you are planning and planting your fall crops, it is important to consider a handful of things. These include: soil temperature (for germination), date to maturity and first frost date.

    Soil Temperature

    Many of these crops will need to be planted in August (or June/July depending on your zone). Which is the time of year that soil temperature tends to be super hot.

    Different seeds need different soil temperatures, but some cool weather crops on this list tend to need cooler temperatures under 70 degrees. So, make sure that you monitor your soil temperature before planting.

    It may be easier to create a more controlled environment for by starting seeds indoors. That way you can make sure that they germinate and get a good start before transplanting the plants outside.

    Date to Maturity

    It is important to know how long it will take the crops you plant for a fall harvest to mature and be ready to be harvested. This is because you will need them to be ready before it gets too cold out.

    A good rule of thumb is to try and target plants that are ready in about 60 days. This way it doesn't take them more than 2 or so months. If you are planting in say, August, that gives you a harvest starting in October.

    First Frost Date

    Be aware of the first frost date for your area. You can then work backwards from that date to figure out when the latest start date for your chosen crops are.

    Keep in mind that overall cooler fall weather can cause plants to take a tad longer to mature, so you may want to give yourself a 1 - 3 weeks buffer between date to maturity and first frost date.

    However, most of the cooler weather crops can handle a little dip in temperature. And, you can extend their harvest season by giving them a little frost protection during the first frost or two.

    In Conclusion

    Your garden growing season definitely doesn't have to end when the hot days of summer do. With a little planning you can keep on harvesting crops like cauliflower, lettuce and carrots well through the fall months.

    If you need help getting your garden crops planned right check out The Ultimate Gardening Calculators so that you have just the amount you need, set aside the right amount of space and know exactly when to plant them.

    Access The Ultimate Gardening Calculators Now

    What To Do With Extra Cucumbers

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Counter full of jars of pickles.

    Wanna know what to do with extra cucumbers? Cucumbers are one of the easiest garden crops to grow and you might get overwhelmed with your harvest, but don't let them go to waste. From drinks to sandwiches to pickles (of course).

    Counter full of jars of pickles.
    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    There are so many different types of cucumbers, and growing cucumbers tends to be pretty easy. So, it's common to end of with excess cucumbers and need to use them up before they go bad.

    Of course, you can freeze cucumbers to store them for later. But sometimes you want to eat them right away, or have a full dish made that can be frozen and made later.

    We have hand selected some of the best ways to use up cucumbers based on the following: how many cucumbers it uses, how easy it is to make, if it can be stored for later.

    Cucumber Drinks

    These easy, refreshing and delicious drinks range from juices to smoothies.

    Agua de Pepino

    This Agua de Pepino (otherwise knows as cucumber agua fresca) is a hydrating, lightly sweet and refreshing drink.

    Why it's good: it only takes about 10 minutes to mix up a pitcher. Though it doesn't use a TON of cucumbers, it's a super refreshing drink that's great for the summer heat.

    Cucumber Lemonade

    Yet another super refreshing drink, this cucumber lemonade is easy to make. It has a lightly sweet and tangy flavor, smoothed with the cucumber.

    Why its good: it only uses 4 simple ingredients and is fast to make. You can freeze this to store it for later.

    Cucumber Lime Smoothie

    This cold and refreshing cucumber lime smoothie is delicious. This is super easy to make, and you can customize the sweetness to your desire.

    Why it's good: only takes 5 minutes and 4 ingredients to blend this one up. It is a light and hydrating drink.

    Salads & Soups

    These salads range from crunch to creamy. All are full of fresh vegetables and lots of cucumbers.

    Easy Balsamic Cucumber & Tomato Salad

    This cold and refreshing balsamic and tomato cucumber salad. This one is quick and easy as well as relatively inexpensive.

    Why it's good: this is super easy to customize with cheeses, dressings, beans and more. It takes only 15 minutes to make.

    Cucumber Avocado Salad

    A little creamy and a little crunch, this cucumber avocado salad has a nice citrus tang added in as well. It's light and refreshing with a little bit of spice added in.

    Why it's good: it's super easy to customize with different herbs, corn, dressings and other items. It's super fast to make - ready in under 15 minutes.

    Sweet Pepper Cucumber Crunch Salad

    This sweet pepper cucumber crunch salad is packed with flavor and lots of fresh vegetables. It's a crunchy salad with a kick of spice added in.

    Why it's good: it uses a whopping 8 cucumbers. You only need 10 minutes and 8 ingredients to get it together.

    Cucumber Vinegar Salad

    This cucumber vinegar salad is crunchy, refreshing and has a little zing to it. The crisp texture mixes tow well with the bite of the vinegar.

    Why it's good: It uses 3 - 4 cups of cucumbers. You can easily make big batches of this in a short amount of time.

    Creamy Cucumber Salad

    This creamy cucumber salad is the perfect mixture of creamy sour cream dressing and crip and crunchy cucumbers and onions. Add in the dill flavor and you have a flavor packed dish.

    Why it's good: no cooking needed, so this is super fast and easy to make. It uses 1 pound of cucumbers.

    Cold Cucumber Soup

    Looking for a soup based option, but want to stick with the cool, refreshing summer vibes? Try this creamy and cold cucumber soup.

    Why it's good: this soup is super easy to make and you can easily freeze it to save for later.

    Dips & Appetizers

    Here you will find sandwiches, dips and fun appetizers for when you want something a little more substantial to serve.

    Spicy Tuna Cucumber Bites

    Spicy tuna cucumber bites have a little crunch, a little spice and a little cream. They are easy to make and perfect as a snack.

    Why they're good: these are super easy to make and only take about 5 minutes. They are a budget friendly snack.

    Cucumber Sandwiches

    Ok, so cucumber sandwiches don't use a TON of cucumbers, but they're fresh and delicious. They have a crunch combined with cream cheese and herbs and spices.

    Why they're good: use your favorite bread to change up textures and flavors. You can use your favorite herbs and spices to change up flavor as well.

    Avocado Goat Cheese & Cucumber Appetizer

    These are super cute, bite sized avocado, goat cheese & cucumber appetizers. They have a light flavor with a little bit of citrus mixed in.

    Why they're good: these are super easy to make - they only take about 15 minutes.

    Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread

    This fun and delicious cucumber cream cheese spread is a versatile snacking option. It has a creamy and refreshing flavor.

    Why it's good: it's so easy to make with just 5 ingredients, you can have it mixed up in about 10 minutes. It's great to use on a variety of items from crackers to sandwiches to burgers.

    Need to get all your food preserved easily? Check out the Ultimate Guide To Freezing Food so that you can fill your freezer without in minimal time.

    Layered Greek Dip

    Layered greek dip is great for serving with so many different foods from pretzels to pita chips to fresh veggies. It is light and flavorful with a variety of textures.

    Why it's good: you can customize the flavor in so many different ways to make it exactly how you like. It only takes 10 minutes to make it.

    Pickles and More

    Of course, we couldn't have this list without at least some pickles. Check out a few different types of pickles as well as some dehydration recipes.

    Pickle Relish

    This tangy and sweet pickle relish is the perfect addition to hot dogs, hamburgers and more. It's the perfect flavor combination of apples, onions and cucumbers.

    Why it's good: it uses up 8 pounds of cucumbers. And, there are canning instructions, so it is preserved for later use.

    Pail Pickles

    Sweet, crunchy and tangy these pail pickles are so good. You can make this your own by using additional vegetables in there as well to vary the flavor.

    Why they're good: there's no cooking necessary and only takes 15 minutes of prep work. Plus, this uses 5-6 pounds of cucumbers.

    Garlic Bread and Butter Pickles

    Lightly sweet with a punch of garlic, these homemade garlic bread and butter pickles are easy to make. They are great for snacking, sandwiches and more.

    Why they're good: this recipe uses a total of 8 cucumbers. Though they aren't canned, they stay good in the fridge for a few weeks.

    Cucumber Chips

    These easy cucumber chips are crunchy and easy to make. You can use a dehydrator or just use your oven.

    Why they're good: you can customize with any flavor additions you want. You can make big batches and store up to a year.

    Air Fryer Dehydrated Cucumbers

    Air fryer Dehydrated Cucumber Chips are just another way to make cucumber chips. These are a great substitute for regular potato chips.

    Why they're good: they only take about 10 minutes of prep time. The cooking time is passive as they are in the air fryer.

    In Conclusion

    Whether you have a plethora of cucumbers from the garden, or want to stock up at the store when they are on sale there are a ton of yummy ways to use them up.

    If you need more help getting your foods frozen, check out the Ultimate Freezing Food Guide for a complete quick start reference so that you can have a well-stocked freezer.

    Access the Ultimate Freezing Food Guide Here

    Can Goats Eat Cauliflower

    By MrAnimal Farm

    goats grazing in field

    Whether you have extra cauliflower from your garden or a big sale at the grocery store you might want to know if you can share it with your goats. Before you just go take it out to your herd you'll want to ask yourself, can goats eat cauliflower?

    Goats cannot eat just anything. There are certain foods that are toxic to them and other foods that while not toxic are not good to feed to them

    Continue on to find out all the details about feeding cauliflower to your goats.

    goats grazing in field
    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    Can Goats Eat Cauliflower

    Yes, goats can eat cauliflower. In fact goats can eat raw, cooked, roasted and all parts of the cauliflower plant.

    While goats can eat cauliflower without any issues, it is important to know that it should be a small part of their diet and fed only as a treat. In addition to the fact that all treats should only be fed in a 10 to 20% of the daily diet anyways, cauliflower contains glucosinolates which can cause goats some issues when eaten in excess.

    In fact, all plants in the brassica family ( such as broccoli) contain these glucocinolates.

    It has been shown that these glucosinolates when not fed in moderation can cause issues in livestock. Some of these issues include goiters, GI upset, decreased appetite as well as stunted growth.

    Despite these potential issues, cauliflower is still a healthy and nutritious treat to feed your goats with many benefits.

    Cauliflower is packed with a variety of different nutrients including vitamin c, vitamin k, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. Is nutrients can provide a variety of health benefits including increased immune system function, improved digestive health, decreased inflammation, and even reduced risk of cancer.

    In addition to these very nutrients, cauliflower is actually also high in water content. Which means that it can help to keep your goats hydrated. This is great to know especially in hot summers or when your goats are not wanting to drink as much water as they should.

    Can Goats Eat Raw Cauliflower

    Yes, goats can eat raw cauliflower. In fact, goats love to crunch on their treats and so raw cauliflower can be a good choice to feed them.

    Just make sure if feeding raw cauliflower, that you make the pieces small enough that your goats do not choke on them.

    Can Goats Eat Roasted Cauliflower?

    Yes goats can eat roasted cauliflower. In fact goats can eat any type of cooked cauliflower including steamed, boiled, or baked.

    One thing to remember though, is it if you're cooking the cauliflower you do not want to include any type of seasonings or other additives.

    Can Goats Eat Cauliflower Plants?

    Yes, goats can also eat cauliflower plants and leaves. So, if you have leftovers in your garden or if you're sneaky ghost just break into your garden it's okay if they get a hold of your cauliflower.

    Additionally, there's no need to waste the leaves are stems on the cauliflower that you buy from the store, as you can feed this to your goats.

    Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

    How to Feed Your Goats Cauliflower

    First, you want to make sure that your cauliflower is fresh ripe and doesn't have any mold or rot on it. Once you know that the cauliflower is okay to eat, you can start getting it prepared for your goats.

    If you are feeding raw cauliflower, all you need to do is wash the cauliflower with water and then chop it up. Do make sure that you make the pieces of cauliflower small enough that the goats can shoot them without choking on them.

    It is important to note that ghosts can be overzealous when eating treats so air on the side of smaller rather than larger. Especially until you know how your goats are going to react.

    If you are feeding some version of cooked cauliflower then you again want to start by washing it. Once a cauliflower is washed you can go ahead and cook it in the manner that you want such as steaming, boiling, baking or roasting.

    Been feeding cooked cauliflower, again, you want to make sure that the pieces are small enough that your goats don't choke. However cooked cauliflower is a lot softer than raw cauliflower and is less of a choking hazard.

    as always, make sure to start with just a small amount of cauliflower to see how your goats do with it. Once you know that they both like the cauliflower and do well eating it you can start to feed them a little more over time. Again, it should only be fed as a treat not as a diet replacement.

    Goat Eating FAQs

    What vegetables can goats not eat?

    There are some vegetables that goats cannot eat like kale. Additionally, while goats can eat tomatoes, they are on of many vegetable plants that goats can eat only the flesh or fruit of and not the vines or actual plant.

    What vegetables can goat's eat?

    Goats can and will eat an entire variety of different vegetables. They enjoy lots of different vegetables. Goats can eat broccoli, goats can eat asparagus, goats can eat lettuce and more.

    If you are feeding vegetables to your goats as treats it's good to try to feed them a mix of different kinds so they get a variety of textures and nutrients added to their diet.

    Overtime and with some trial and you will inevitably figure out which vegetables your goats like the best.

    If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System - worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

    Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

    Can Goats Eat Cantaloupe

    By MrAnimal Farm

    goat eating grass

    Goats love to get special treats. In the summer it can help keep your goats hydrated to give them treats that have a high water content. One such food is a Cantaloupe. So, can goats eat cantaloupe?

    An old fallacy if it go to have iron stomachs and can eat anything and everything. Quite frankly this is not true. You must be careful the only feed your goats treats that are safe for them to eat.

    Keep reading to find out all the ins and outs of feeding cantaloupe to your goats.

    Can Goats Eat Cantaloupe

    Yes, goats can eat cantaloupe. In fact they can eat cantaloupe rinds seeds and plants without any issues.

    Cantaloupe is a healthy and hydrating tree to give your goats. Similar to when goats eat watermelon or when goats eat pineapple, cantaloupe should only be fed in moderation.

    Cantaloupe is high in sugar like most other fruits and so you want to make sure you don't overfeed it to your herd.

    This fruit is particularly high and several different nutrients that are very beneficial for your goats. In cantaloupe you will find nutrients such as beta carotene, vitamin c, folate, fiber, and potassium. (Source)

    These nutrients play a variety of important roles such as eye health, immune system support and health, electrolyte balance, and even prevention of certain cancers.

    Can Goats Eat Cantaloupe Rinds?

    Yes, good can eat cantaloupe rinds. Plain rinds are not their favorite things. As they are kind of tough and bland.

    However, it is perfectly safe for them to eat the rind. And you can certainly leave rind on with some of the flesh and they will Chow down.

    Can Goats Eat Cantaloupe Seeds?

    Yes, those can also eat cantaloupe seeds. If you are feeding cantaloupe to your goats there is no need to remove the seeds.

    Can Goats Eat Cantaloupe Plants/Vines/Leaves?

    Yes, goats can eat cantaloupe plants Vines and leaves. These are not the most tasty parts of the plant of course. And they do not have the majority of the nutrition.

    However, if you are growing your own cantaloupe in your garden and your goats get into the garden and eat the plants that is totally safe. 

    Additionally, it's good to use your goats to clean your garden out. And so if you have cantaloupe plants left in your garden at the end of the season it's totally fine to let your goats go in and graze.

    Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

    How to Feed Your Goats Cantaloupe

    Feeding your goats cantaloupe is done just like you would do most other goat treats. The first thing you want to do is make sure that your cantaloupe is right and free of mold or other potential issues.

    Once you've identified that you have a fresh and ripe cantaloupe, you can prepare it to feed it to your goats. You can include the rind and seeds when feeding to your goats so there's no need to scrape the seeds out or separate the flesh of the fruit from the rind.

    You will want to make sure that you cut the cantaloupe carefully into bite-size trunks so that the goats do not try to bite off more than they can chew. Go ahead and make sure to also wash the rind with some water to be sure to wipe off any pesticides.

    Once you have washed and chopped your cantaloupe into bite-sized chunks you can take it out to your goats to feed to them. You can either put the cantaloupe into a feed bucket or you can feed them this treat by hand.

    when feeding the cantaloupe to your goats and sure that they are not having trouble chewing the size chunks you have made. If they seem too big you want to cut them into smaller pieces.

    As with and any other treat that you feed to your goats, you want to make sure that you feed this in moderation. It's generally accepted that treats should make up no more than 10 to 20% of your goats overall diet.

    FAQ

    What fruits are healthy for goats?

    There are whole variety of fruits that are healthy for goats to eat. Whenever feeding any fruits keep in mind that most do have a high sugar content so they should be a low percentage of your goats overall diet.

    However, when fed in moderation, fruits can make a great healthy treat to include in your goat's diet. Goats can eat many fruits such as apples, bananas, pineapple, and a variety of melons.

    What fruits can goats not eat?

    Most fruits are actually safer goats to eat. Some though you need to be more cautious with than others.

    For example, citrus can affect their rumen more than some other fruits so should be fed sparingly. Additionally, the leaves and plants of some fruit such as cherries are poisonous to goats. Although the cherry fruit itself is not.

    Do goats eat melons?

    Yes goats can and do eat melons such as watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew. These melons are a great hydrating and vitamin rich snack to provide your herd.

    If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System - worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

    Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

    Can Goats Eat Tomatoes

    By MrAnimal Farm

    tan goat in pasture with tall weeds

    Tomatoes are a common plant that many people grow in their gardens. And, they are pretty easy to grow. Whether you have excess tomatoes or, perhaps your goats broke into your garden, you may find yourself wondering can goats eat tomatoes?

    After all, it’s been a joke for decades that goats will eat anything. You probably even remember cartoons that show goats eating parts of clothes. This couldn’t be further from the truth though as goats, like most mammals, don’t actually have an iron stomach that can tolerate poisonous or foreign substances.

    Keep reading for all the ins and outs about safely feeding tomatoes to your goats.

    tan goat in pasture with tall weeds

    Can Goats Eat Tomatoes 

    Yes, goats can eat ripe tomatoes, but it shouldn’t make up a large percentage of their diet. Goats should not eat unripe tomatoes or any part of the tomato plant as it can be toxic.

    Just like with other treats like celery, asparagus and broccoli, tomatoes should be given in moderation. But ripe tomatoes in moderation can provide a healthy and delicious snack that your goats will enjoy.

    Can Goats Eat Tomato Plants? 

    No, the tomato plant itself should not be consumed by your goat. In fact, the tomato plant is even considered to be toxic to humans. You will even find on the ASPCA’s website that these plants can affect other mammals due to the fact that they are part of the nightshade family and produce solanine.

    Solanine is an alkaloid that can cause serious damage to a goat's body. The only reason the ripened fruit is edible is because its solanine level greatly reduces as it becomes ripe. Even humans can’t take eating a large portion of a tomato plant without facing issues such as an upset stomach and heart damage.

    If you are growing tomato plants, be sure to keep them far away from your goat enclosure. If you let your goat wander, place your tomatoes inside of a fence that your goat can’t access. The best way to ensure that your goat isn’t eating something that will make them sick is by putting in preventive measures.

    Goats can’t recognize that tomato plants are toxic on their own and will likely take a bite if given the chance.

    Can Goats Eat Tomato Flowers? 

    No, goats cannot eat tomato flowers. The flowers are not safe to eat as they still contain toxins.

    Can Goats Eat Tomato Vines? 

    No, goats cannot eat tomato vines. The vines contain solanine as well and should be avoided.

    Can Goats Eat Tomato Leaves? 

    No, goats cannot eat tomato leaves. Even the tomato leaves themselves are dangerous.

    Signs Your Goat Has Eaten Tomato Plants? 

    If you suspect your goat has consumed a tomato plant, then there are several signs that you should watch out for.

    • Fever
    • Diarrhea
    • Lethargic behavior
    • Vomiting
    • Confusion
    • Trouble breathing
    • Seizing
    • Coma
    • Death in rare cases

    If you suspect your goat has eaten a tomato plant, don’t panic. Check the plant to see how much they have consumed. If they have only plucked a couple of leaves, they should be fine, but still keep a close eye on them.

    Do keep in mind that veterinary costs for a house call, much less saving a goat's life from poisoning, can be quite costly. The best medicine is always prevention.

    Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

    How to Help Your Goat If they Eat a Tomato Plant 

    If you have found that your goat has consumed a tomato plant. Try to seek out veterinary help if possible. If you can’t get in touch with a vet, then there are quite a few steps you can take to try and help your goat through the process of expelling the toxins.

    • Immediately check your goat's mouth for any remaining plant. If you see some, remove it.
    • Keep water available.
    • If possible, get your goat to a safe area to rest. This is extremely important if bad weather is approaching or it’s getting dark.
    • You can try giving your goat one teaspoon of baking soda every hour to try and dilute the toxins in their body.

    Keep in mind that your goat is likely stressed, and you will need to be cautious when handling them, especially when checking their mouth. Even a gentle animals can become hostile when they are in pain or not feeling well. Be sure to wear thick gloves and keep a close watch on the animal's temperament while interacting with them. Never let small children interact with a sick or injured animal.

    How to Feed Your Goats Tomatoes 

    Ripe tomatoes, like any other treat, should not make up more than 20% of your goat's diet at any point in time. There are a variety of ways you can feed a goat Tomatoes depending on the size.

    You can blend it up into a sauce, cut it up into small pieces, or, if you are dealing with a smaller tomato, give it to them whole. Just be sure to wash it off to get rid of pesticides.

    Tomatoes do contain several beneficial vitamins like folate, Vitamin C, and potassium. Potassium is good for tissue, folate helps with red blood cell formation, and Vitamin C helps with collagen and tissue repair. When given the correct amount of treats like tomatoes, you can actually help your goat live a healthier life.

    If this is the first time you have ever fed your goat tomatoes, then be sure to monitor them for any adverse effects. Once you know your goats handle the tomatoes well, you can feed as a regular treat.

    FAQ 

    Can goats eat cherry tomatoes? 

    Yes, as long as the cherry tomatoes are ripe, your goat can eat them.

    Can goats eat grape tomatoes? 

    Yes goats can eat grape tomatoes are safely as long as they are ripe.

    Can goats eat tomato sauce? 

    Yes, goats can eat tomato sauce, IF it is just mashed up tomatoes that you made yourself. Avoid tomato sauces your purchase from the store as they can have other ingredients mixed in like high amounts of sugar that aren’t healthy for your goat.

    What vegetables can goats not eat?

    The biggest thing you need to avoid is feeding your goat unripe fruits and veggies. Raw potatoes can also cause an issue, as can the popular superfood kale. Even avocados shouldn’t be given to goats. When in doubt, do some research to ensure that you are feeding your goat a safe treat.

    If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System - worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

    Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

    Can Goats Eat Celery

    By MrAnimal Farm

    young goat eating grass

    Looking for a fun and easy snack for your goats? There are so many to choose from. You might find yourself thinking can goats eat celery? They might enjoy it as a crunchy snack.

    As an owner, it’s up to you to be aware of what foods your goats can and can’t consume. Celery has long been known as a healthy food for humans, so it’s no surprise that you may want to feed it to your four-legged friend. Before doing so though you need to know just how good or bad celery is for your goat.

    Keep on reading to find out all the details on feeding your goats celery in a safe way.

    young goat eating grass

    Can Goats Eat Celery 

    Yes, goats can eat celery as a treat. In fact, your goat can eat every part of the celery plant without having any ill effects occur, making it one of the safer plants to feed them out there.

    You can choose to let them eat the stalks or leafy top, either way nothing bad will happen. Just keep in mind that celery doesn’t give them all the nutrients they need.

    To keep them healthy, you will need to limit just how much celery they are taking in their bodies. Even healthy vegetables can cause problems when given in large doses.

    How to Feed Your Goats Celery 

    You should feed your goat no more than 20% of their diet in treats and this includes celery.   

    Before you go throwing in a whole stalk though, you're going to want to rinse the plant off as it’s likely that pesticides were used in growing it. Once you have thoroughly washed the celery off, begin cutting it up into small bite-sized chunks for your goat to snack on.

    Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

    If you have bought celery sticks, you may still want to cut them up depending on how long they are to avoid any choking potential. Goats can get overzealous when eating, which can lead to choking. The best prevention is to prepare their food in a safe manner, especially if it’s a treat they get excited over.

    You should also look out for any signs of mold or rotting on the celery. Giving your goat bad food can cause them to get sick and even lead to a costly vet bill once everything is said and done.

    Celery contains several vitamins that are good for your goat (source: WebMD). Celery has Vitamin A, which helps to keep the immune system up and running.

    It also contains Vitamin C, which helps with tissue repair, and Vitamin K, a vitamin that helps the blood to clot when there is an injury. You will also find folate in celery which helps with the formation of red blood cells, and potassium which helps with tissue health.

    Celery is also rich in water but does have a large amount of sodium in comparison to other vegetables. This makes it all the more important to sparingly feed this treat to your goat.

    If a goat happens to eat too much celery, they will likely end up with an upset stomach. If they continue to eat too much of the plant, then they can have a deficiency in the nutrients they need as celery isn’t a natural food for goats. While it is rich in fiber, it’s not going to replace their hay.

     As with any food, if this is your first time giving your goat celery, monitor them closely and start with a small portion. Once your goat is cleared and decides they like the snack, you can begin giving them larger portions to snack on.

    FAQ 

    What vegetables can goats not eat? 

    Goats should avoid vegetables that aren’t ripe like tomatoes as they have toxins. You will also want to avoid kale, which is another poisonous plant, even though you might have heard about how good it is for humans.

    If you are going to feed your goat a new treat, do some research or check with a vet before giving it to them. There is both a large list of foods that goats can and can’t have.

    Can goats eat celery leaves? 

    Yes, the leaves of the celery plant are perfectly safe for your goat to consume. Even if your goat went into your garden and ate your celery up, you wouldn’t have much to worry about other than an upset stomach that they will naturally get from unbalancing their regular diet.

    Can goats eat celery juice? 

    Yes, goats can eat celery juice. If you blend up the celery yourself, then giving the juice to your goat shouldn’t be a problem. You should avoid giving them store-bought celery juice though, as there is a high chance that other ingredients that may be harmful to your goat have been added into the drink to better flavor or preserve it.

    Can Goats Eat Celery sticks?

    Yes, your goat can eat chopped-up celery sticks. Just make sure you wash them off before giving them the treat. If you have bought pre-prepped celery sticks at the store, you may still want to do a bit of trimming to make them bite-sized and wash them off just to ensure that they are healthy for your goat to consume.

    If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System - worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

    Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

    Can Goats Eat Watermelon

    By MrAnimal Farm

    five goats eating tall weeds

    If you have goats and are looking for a good summer treat for them, you might consider feeding them some watermelon. But, can goats eat watermelon safely?

    It’s no secret that watermelons aren’t a part of a goat's natural diet. But they are a delicious and refreshing summer treat. If you have a bit of watermelon during a hot summer day, then you may be wondering if it’s safe to share a bit with your goat.

    Keep reading to find out all the details about feeding your goats watermelon.

    goats eating tall weeds

    Can Goats Eat Watermelon 

    Yes, goats can eat watermelon. In fact, goats can eat all parts of the watermelon: flesh, rind, seeds, vine and leaves. It makes a wonderful and hydrating treat for your goats. Do be sure not to overfeed it though, as it is a fruit with a high sugar content.

    Watermelon is not a fruit that will harm your goat in any way. You should still limit how much watermelon they eat though, as it should never make up the largest part of their diet. This is simply due to the sugar content as well as wanting your goats to keep a well balanced diet.

    You may even be surprised to learn that some goat owners actually use watermelons to help keep their goats better hydrated during the summer months. This is because around 90% of a watermelon is made up of water.

    Since the fruit still has a treat-like taste though, you can tempt goats into consuming it which will keep their bodies full of water on hot days. Just make sure that you keep their water bowls full as well, just to ensure they have access to all the water they need.

    Can Goats Eat Watermelon Rind? 

    Yes, goats can eat watermelon rind. The rind is the outer shell of the watermelon and it’s surprisingly rich in nutrients. Rind is a great treat for your goat but some owners have pointed out that their goat will just pluck off the flesh and leave the rind alone.

    If you are worried about the toughness of the rind, your goat should be able to chew through it with ease. Just make sure to give them smaller chunks so that they don’t try to down it all at once.

    Keep in mind that the rind likely has pesticides sprayed on it as it’s the outer protective shell of the fruit. Be sure to thoroughly wash it off before letting your goat consume it. The best way to encourage them to eat the rind is by leaving the flesh on it and letting them naturally take some extra bites.

    Can Goats Eat Watermelon Vines? 

    Yes, unlike some other plants (like when feeding goats tomatoes and feeding goats potatoes), the watermelon vine is completely safe to eat. In fact, they may even enjoy munching on them.

    Like the rind, the vine is likely to have pesticides so you will want to wash them off. If your goat ends up loving watermelon vines, then the safest thing to do would be to grow some melons of your own.

    If your goat accidentally breaks into your watermelon patch then there isn’t much to worry about aside from an upset stomach from consuming too much of a treat. 

    Can Goats Eat Watermelon Seeds? 

    Yes, goats can eat watermelon seeds. You don’t need to scoop all of the seeds out of the watermelon’s flesh before giving them to your goat.

    Feel free to give your goat chopped-up watermelon as is, no need to waste your time trying to get every little seed out. Keep in mind that watermelon seeds aren’t going to help your goat keep hydrated or even be an incredibly nutritious snack.

    Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

    How to Feed Your Goats Watermelon 

    While you may just want to place a watermelon down and let your goat go to town, you should chop up the fruit and portion it. Be sure to thoroughly wash off the outer layer of the watermelon and then begin cutting it up with a clean knife.

    Bite-sized chunks are best and if your goat is picky, then you can even go the extra mile and just make chunks of the flesh.

    While your goat isn’t likely to choke themselves on large chunks, some animals do get overzealous while eating and a watermelon is a larger plant in general. Even some of the mini watermelons can be a choking hazard especially if you are feeding it to a kid.

    You should make sure that the watermelon you have chosen is ripe and doesn’t have any signs of rot or mold. If you see anything that makes you question whether the watermelon may have gone bad or not, you probably shouldn’t feed it to your goat. 

    Try not to feed your goat any more than 20% of its diet in watermelon. No matter how healthy this fruit may seem, it should never become a huge part of your goat's diet. It will not provide their bodies with the nutrients they need and will eventually lead to an upset stomach and a deficiency in vitamins.

    Watermelons, in general, are a healthy treat and has fiber in it, a vitamin that should make up a large portion of a goat's diet. There is also Vitamin A that can help with the immune system and Vitamin C that helps with tissue repair.

    Potassium is also present, which can help with the operation of tissues in your goat's body. These benefits can all stack on top of the fact that the watermelon can help keep your goat hydrated, as mentioned above.

    The flesh and vines aren’t going to be that stacked with nutrients, especially due to the flesh’s high water content but the rind is a great snack if your goat will eat it. If this is your first time feeding your goat watermelon, then be sure to observe them.

    It’s always best to start out feeding your goat a small amount of a new treat to see how they like it before giving them a large portion.

    FAQ 

    How much watermelon do goats eat? 

    Try not to give your goat more than 20% of its daily diet in treats. Of course, if it’s an extremely hot day and watermelon can help keep your goat hydrated, there can be a small bit of wiggle room until you figure out how to get them to drink more water.

    Can Goats Eat Watermelon candy?

    No, you should not give your goat any watermelon candy. For starters, the watermelon flavoring used in many popular candies is artificial and the candies themselves are made of tons of ingredients that aren’t healthy for goats to consume. A candy can even cause a goat to get sick if it contains the wrong type of ingredients.

    Even if it says it’s made with natural watermelon, check the label 99% of the time. It’s going to have a list of other ingredients mixed in.

    Can goats eat other watermelon-flavored food?

    Like with candy, you should never trust flavored foods. They tend to have a whole slew of added ingredients most of which aren't healthy for your goats. This is especially true for watermelon flavored drinks which have high amounts of unhealthy ingredients like sugar and sodium.

    If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System - worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

    Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

    Can Goats Eat Oranges

    By MrAnimal Farm

    black and tan goat in tall weeds

    If you have goats, you may want to give them something a little extra as a treat now and then. Whether you are just looking for a sweet treat for your herd, or maybe you grew a large harvest of oranges on your own, you may wonder: can goats eat oranges?

    Goats, like any other type of animals, have their typical diet and then they have other foods they can have as treats. However, they also have foods that can be dangerous as well. So, before you start handing out any non-typical goat foods to your herd you need to be sure they are safe to eat.

    Below we go over everything you need to know about whether you should or should not feed your goat oranges.

    black and tan goat in tall weeds

    Can Goats Eat Oranges 

    Yes, goats can eat oranges and orange peels. Oranges are a safe, healthy and nutritious treat for your goats.

    You're goats probably aren't going to encounter oranges while grazing about unless you live somewhere nice and warm and have some of these citrus trees on your property. However, they are a nice treat to buy and share with your goats occasionally. Goats tend to really enjoy the sweet and juicy taste of the orange.

    Like with any type of treat out there, you will need to limit consumption. Goats who have their diet thrown off will end up with an upset stomach.

    Can Goats Eat Orange Seeds? 

    Yes, goats can eat orange seeds. There is no reason for you to try and scoop the seeds out. They won’t harm your goat. 

    Can Goats Eat Orange Peels? 

    Yes, goats can eat orange peels. In fact, the orange peel actually contains a higher dose of Vitamin C than the flesh of the fruit does. Orange peels are the healthiest part of the Orange. If you can get your goat to chow down on them, it’s a huge plus.

    As you can probably tell from the answers above, it’s safe to let your goat eat every part of an orange. Just remember that too much of a good thing will upset their stomach.

    Can Goats Eat Orange Leaves? 

    If your goat somehow manages to chow down on leaves from your orange tree, there is no need to worry. Unlike some other types of plants like potatoes, the orange tree is safe to consume and won’t place toxins inside of your goat's body.

    With that being said, the leaves aren’t the most nutritious thing that your goat could be eating, and their munching can damage your tree.

    It’s best to keep your fruit trees, and your goats separate when possible. If you let them wander around, consider keeping a fence around your tree to discourage any midday snacking that might occur. Trust me, they will devour your fruit trees, we have a lot of experience with this!

    How to Feed Your Goats Oranges 

    If you would like to treat your goat to some oranges, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. For starters, while a goat can safely consume all parts of the orange, many fruits are sprayed with pesticides that are harmful to both humans and goats when they are ingested.

    The best way to ensure that your goat isn’t taking in any toxins is to thoroughly wash the orange off. You should also make sure to remove any stickers that have been placed on the fruit and get off any sticky residue they leave behind.

    Once you are done washing the fruit, you should cut it into slices to serve to your goat. While they can and will eat an orange whole, this is a choking hazard.

    Dividing the orange into bite-sized chunks is also a good way to make your goat think that they are getting more treats.

    Oranges should never make up more than 20% of your goat's diet, and you need to be careful as they are quite high in sugar. You may actually want to try feeding your goat a bit less as citrus fruits are known for easily upsetting a goat's stomach.

    Oranges contain a large boost of vitamins that can help keep your goat healthy when fed in an appropriate amount. Vitamin A is present, which helps boost the immune system, and so is Vitamin E, which helps increase the health of your goat's body. Vitamin C is what oranges are best known for and can help remove free radicals from your goat's body as it’s actually an antioxidant.

    Oranges also have Fiber and Folate Acids that helps cells to divide. Calcium is also present, which can help with your goat's bone health. Finally, oranges have Potassium, which helps with heart and muscle functions.

    Keep in mind that the orange peel has the highest concentration of vitamins and if you can get your goat to snack on them, it is a great way to keep them healthy.

    If it’s your first time feeding your goat an orange, give them a small piece and monitor them closely. Once you verify that your goat isn’t having an adverse reaction to the fruit, feel free to start feeding them more.

    Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

    FAQ 

    Can goats eat orange trees? 

    Yes, goats can eat orange trees. If a goat somehow decides to start munching on the bark of a tree, they should be ok. Of course, this isn’t preferable due to the fact that they can easily kill a tree off if left to eating it too long.

    If they are just eating the leaves or plucking off oranges, they should be fine. You just want to ensure that they aren’t eating enough to upset their stomach. Fencing is a great way to keep goats out of your produce.

    Can goats have orange juice? 

    If you make the orange juice yourself, everything should be fine. Steer clear of any store-bought juices as even the organic ones usually have preservatives or extra sugar added in. These ingredients aren’t made for goat consumption and should be avoided at all costs.

    You also will want to be careful with the amount of juice they ingest as it can be easy to lose track of how much sugar they are taking in.

    Can goats eat mandarin oranges?

    Yes, if you bought the oranges yourself and washed them off, it should be fine. Avoid canned mandarin oranges, though, as these will have a high amount of sugar and will likely have harmful preservatives that your goat shouldn’t ingest. 

    You also may still want to slice small oranges up, to ensure there is no choking risk.

    What fruits can goats eat?

    Goats can actually eat a large range of fruits without worry. Goats can eat blueberries, goats can eat pineapple and goats can eat watermelon to name a few.

    You do need to make sure to wash them off and be careful of the amount of fruit you are feeding them, especially if they are high in sugar. Avoid giving your goat fruits that aren’t ripe, especially if you are giving them something like a Tomato that has toxins in it until it fully ripens.

    If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System - worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

    Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

    Can Goats Eat Potatoes?

    By MrAnimal Farm

    goats eating long weeds

    Potatoes are known for being a healthy dish when eaten in moderation by humans. In fact, the potato is one of the most common vegetables to be made into human snack food. Goats, with their ravenous hunger, would surely enjoy potatoes too right? But can goats eat potatoes safely?

    As with many food items, you can’t just start feeding your goat potatoes without a bit of research to ensure they are safe and how to prepare them. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about goats and potatoes.

    goats eating long weeds

    Can Goats Eat Potatoes 

    Yes, goats can safely eat potatoes as long as you cook them first. While they are able to stand a small bit of raw potato, this isn’t recommended as it can easily upset their stomach.

    This means that your goat can enjoy a serving of plain mashed potatoes without a problem. You should also never feed your goat a green potato as they contain Solanine, a toxin.

    Can Goats Eat Potato Plants? 

    No, goats cannot eat potato plants. Potato plants are toxic and should never be in an area where your goat can reach them. If you grow potatoes make sure they are in a safe or fenced-in area. Goats can be sneaky eaters and will munch down on the plants if they are not kept out.

    If you suspect that your goat has gotten into your potato plants monitor them closely for toxicity signs and get into contact with your local vet.

    Can Goats Eat Potato Leaves? 

    No, goats cannot eat potato leaves. Potato leaves (just like the rest of the plant) are toxic to goats. Goats can’t tell that potato leaves are toxic, and if they have access to a garden with potato leaves, there is a decent chance that they will eventually make their way over to them.

    Can Goats Eat Potato Skins or Peels? 

    Goats can eat potato skins and peels if the skins are cooked. There’s no guarantee that a goat will want to eat cooked potato peels that don’t contain the fleshy part of the vegetable, so it may not be easy to feed them any leftover scraps.

    We have found these to be hit or miss with our herd. But it's always worth a try to get your goats an extra treat.

    Signs Your Goat Has Eaten Potato Plants? 

    If your goat has gotten into a potato plant, then there are probably going to be some signs of poisoning these are:

    • Lethargic Behavior
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Fever
    • Confusion
    • Breathing issues
    • Seizure
    • Coma
    • Death in rare cases

    If you suspect your goat has consumed a potato plant, contact your vet immediately. Be sure to keep them well hydrated, especially if they are vomiting, and provide a quiet place for them to rest.

    It’s best to choose a place that is warm, dry, and where they can easily reach the water. If they aren’t able to move around easily, use a bowl to give them easy and constant access to a water source. You should also check their mouths and remove any leftover parts of the plants that you see.

    Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

    How to Feed Your Goats Potatoes 

    If you want to feed your goat potatoes, you will want to start by thoroughly washing off the vegetable to ensure that there are no pesticides left over. Once it’s washed, you will want to cook the potato by either baking or boiling it until it is no longer raw. You can choose to leave the peel on or remove it depending on the preference of your goat.

     If you cook the potato whole, make sure to chop it up into small bite-sized chunks before serving it to your goat to avoid a choking hazard. Make sure to avoid giving your goat any cooked potato dishes that you’ve made for your family unless they are butter and salt-free. You will also want to be careful to ensure that you aren’t using canned potatoes or store-bought potatoes as a treat, as they usually contain extra ingredients.

    Potatoes should never make up more than 20% of your goat's diet. Potatoes contain several vitamins that can be beneficial to your goat's body.

    Vitamin C is present, which can help to boosts your goat’s immune system. Vitamin B6 is a lesser-known vitamin that is a pyridoxine. It helps with metabolism and the creation of red blood cells. Potassium is also present, which helps a goat's tissues, and potatoes also contain fiber.

    If this is your first time feeding your goats, give them a small bit of cooked potato and monitor them closely. Once you verify that it’s safe, you can continue to feed your goat more cooked potatoes.

    FAQ 

    What should goats not eat? 

    Goats can not eat tomato plants, potato plants or any plants that make Solaine. You should also avoid feeding your goat any crops that aren’t ripe, as they are likely to contain toxins or make your goat sick. 

    Keep in mind that goats are herbivores and shouldn’t be eating anything outside of the plant family. Meats and sweets should be avoided. Before feeding your goat any new food, be sure to ask a vet or do research to verify that it is safe.

    What vegetables can goats eat? 

    Goats can eat broccoli, goats eat asparagus, squash, and goats can eat lettuce, just to name a few. Make sure that these veggies are always ripe, as raw vegetables can hurt your goat and upset their stomach.

    Can goats eat mashed potatoes? 

    Yes, as long as you make the mashed potatoes yourself and don’t add in any additional ingredients. Canned mashed potatoes should be avoided as they often contain butter and other extra ingredients that can be harmful to goats. You may also notice that there is a high amount of salt present in many store-bought mashed potato dishes.

    If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System - worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

    Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

    Can Goats Eat Asparagus?

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Despite their reputation for having iron stomachs there are plenty of food that you need to avoid feeding your goat. While vegetables and fruit may seem like a safe choice to feed your goat, not all of them are going to be safe. So what about plants that are known for being extremely healthy for humans, like asparagus? Can goats eat asparagus, or will it end up making them sick?

    Goats are happy to eat any plant that they can get their mouths around. It’s not surprising that they will gleefully accept any type of treat you are trying to give them. So keep reading to see if asparagus is something your goats can handle.

    two goats eating food our of hands

    Can Goats Eat Asparagus 

    Yes, goats can eat asparagus. It can be a nutritional treat when given in small amounts. In fact, if you find that your goat has made their way into your garden and eaten your asparagus crops, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about.

    Remember that while it isn’t harmful in small amounts, giving a goat too much of any food outside of their regular diet will cause an upset stomach.

    As with other veggie treats like celery, broccoli and lettuce, you should feed asparagus in moderation. Always measure out the treats that you are giving your goat each day to ensure that they don’t exceed 20% of their diet.

    Can Goats Eat Asparagus Leaves 

    Yes, goats can eat asparagus leaves. In fact, goats can eat the whole asparagus plant. It does seem a bit common for goats to not enjoy eating this part as much as the main plant. Your mileage may vary when trying to figure out which part of the asparagus is your goat's favorite.

    Can Goats Eat Canned Asparagus 

    Goats should not eat canned asparagus. You should avoid feeding your goat anything you buy from the grocery store in a can. If you look on the nutritional label, you will likely see salt, sugar, or preservatives listed.

    These are harmful to goats and should be avoided at all costs. Even the cans that say all organic may use preservatives, so it may be best to avoid using canned vegetables as treats altogether.

    Can Goats Eat Frozen Asparagus 

    Goats can eat frozen asparagus, if it doesn't have other added ingredients. You should be careful when feeding your goats any food you buy from the grocery store that isn’t fresh. Preservatives or salt are often added into frozen dishes, so you need to check the ingredients label before thawing the asparagus out and giving it to your goat.

    Make sure to properly warm up the asparagus if it’s safe to share with your goat. They likely won’t appreciate biting into a partially frozen snack.

    If you freeze your own asparagus, double check to make sure there is no freezer burn and that the vegetable is still good to eat.

    Can Goats Eat Grilled Asparagus 

    Goats can eat grilled asparagus if it doesn't have other ingredients added to it. If you have grilled the asparagus yourself and haven’t added in any seasoning, including salt, then it should be safe to give to your goat.

    You will also want to ensure that the cooking surface you are grilling on doesn’t have any residual charcoal that is going to cling to the asparagus. Don’t be surprised if they aren’t too keen on the taste, though. After all, grilled veggies aren’t natural parts of their diet.

    Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

    How to Feed Your Goats Asparagus 

    Before feeding your goat any asparagus, there are some rules that you need to know. For starters, never give your goat a vegetable that you haven’t personally grown without washing it off first. This ensures that all the harmful pesticides are washed off and don’t make their way into your goat's body.

    Next, you should ensure that you don’t ever feed your goat more than 20% of their diet in treats.

    You may want to cut the asparagus up into bite-size chunks depending on the stalks size. This ensures that your goat won’t have a chance to choke if they get a little too excited about treat time. Having smaller chunks also encourages your goat to eat slower and may make them think that they are getting more food than they really are.

    If you are planning to boil or grill the asparagus, make sure not to add anything else in. Seasoning as simple as salt will upset your goat's stomach is not good for your goat’s body in general. Asparagus is not a vegetable that you need to cook to give to your goat, and they may not appreciate the change in taste.

    Asparagus is a healthy treat rich in fiber, but it does not meet the everyday nutritional needs of a goat, and if fed in excess, will make them sick. Some benefit that they will receive from eating asparagus as a treat is a healthy boost of vitamins.

    Asparagus has Vitamin A, which helps to boost the immune system, and Vitamin C, which helps protect cells from free radicals. This can be beneficial since goats spend a lot of time in the sun. Asparagus also has Vitamin K, which helps blood clot and which helps red blood cells form. 

    As with any new food, make sure to observe your goat closely after giving them the first piece of asparagus. Once you verify that your goat doesn’t have a negative reaction to the asparagus, you can give them a larger portion.

    FAQ 

    Can baby goats eat asparagus?

    Generally, you should avoid giving a baby goat any type of treats until they are between 6 to 8 weeks old. Before this point, they are still developing teeth and getting milk from their mom. You should also be working on getting them onto a normal diet before trying to feed them treats.

    Once you have your baby goat eating solid foods, you can slowly start to introduce treats to their diet. Make sure to chop the asparagus up into tiny chunks to make sure there isn’t a choking risk, as baby goats may be even more excited over a treat than their parents.

    If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System - worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

    Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

    Can Goats Eat Blueberries

    By MrAnimal Farm

    goats eating from a bowl

    Blueberries are healthy fruit snacks, and if you are eating them, you may wonder about sharing a few with your goat. Goats love to eat all kinds of treats even ones that aren't good for them. So, can goats eat blueberries?

    .It's important to know which foods you can safely feed your goat and which ones you should avoid. Keep reading to find out just how safe are blueberries for your goat to eat, and will they end up making them sick?

    goats eating from a bowl

    Can Goats Eat Blueberries 

    Yes, goats can eat blueberries and, in fact, love them. Blueberries are a healthy treat full of antioxidants and a variety of vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Potassium. Fruits like blueberries have a lot of sugar, so ensure they don't overeat them. 

    Just like other treats goat should never eat more than 20% of its diet in blueberries. And you need to be cautious that they don't get too much sugar. Just like when feeding goats watermelon, feeding goats oranges and feeding goats pineapple.

    Can Goats Eat Blueberry Plants or Bushes? 

    Yes, goats can eat blueberry plants or bushes. Unlike some other plants in the fruit family like tomatoes, blueberry plants are safe to eat.

    One year, our herd got into our berry patch and quickly plucked EVERY SINGLE berry off the bushes and then also promptly chopped the bushes themselves down.

    If your goat happens to break into your blueberry patch, then you don’t need to worry too much as there isn’t anything that is going to poison your goat. The biggest worry you should have is if you sprayed pesticides on the plant, as you don’t want those toxins making their way into your goat's body.

    The plant part of the blueberry probably won’t be your goat's favorite part, and they will be more interested in consuming the fruit itself.

    Can Goats Eat Blueberry Leaves? 

    Yes, goats can safely eat the leaves of a blueberry plant without worry. Like with the plant itself, though, you need to be cautious if you have used pesticides on your plants.

    Make sure to wash any leaves off thoroughly before giving them to your goat. Like with the plant itself, your goats will likely prefer the fruit over chowing down on the leaves.

    If you do use pesticides, make sure to use fencing to ensure that your goat doesn’t get into your plants. This can save you a trip to the vet if things take a turn for the worse after your goat treats itself to a plant buffet.

    Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

    How to Feed Your Goats Blueberries 

    Blueberries will need to be thoroughly washed off before you give them to your goat. This is due to the fact that most plants you buy in the grocery store have had pesticides used on them.

    Pesticides are toxic to goats, so you will want to avoid allowing them to ingest these chemicals at all costs. You will also want to be careful of what type of blueberries you are feeding to your goats.

    Canned blueberries, as well as frozen ones, will likely contain extra ingredients like salt or preservatives that can further upset your goat’s stomach. In addition, there are tons of blueberry fillings that are made for making sweets like pies. These are not suitable for goat consumption and often contain chemicals that can lead you to visiting the vet.

    If it’s made to be a sweet snack, then you shouldn’t give it to your goat. Goats aren’t able to identify which foods they should and shouldn’t eat. If you put something in front of them that looks tasty, they will eat it regardless of the eventual outcome.

    This also extends to blueberry-filled products like pastries and items like muffins that contain blueberries. These also contain other ingredients that won’t agree with your goat's body.

    A blueberry pop-tart is extremely high in sugar, for example, and even humans shouldn’t be eating a large quantity of them or even trying to consume them every single day.

    Watch out for any signs of an upset stomach and your goat getting diarrhea when you are feeding them berries. This is a good sign that they are eating too many or that the amount of sugar they are intaking is too much for their body to handle.

    If you see either of these signs, make sure to dial back how many blueberries you are giving them and give them some time to let their tummy calm down before trying to feed them treats again. Generally, this isn’t a huge sign for concern. Just provide your goat with plenty of water to keep them hydrated and give them time to recover.

    Luckily, Blueberries tend to be a small food, so you don’t need to worry about cutting them up unless you want to. This does help to get your goat to consume the blueberries slower and will make them think they are getting more treats than they actually are.

    You should never surpass 20% of your goat’s diet in treats. If you feed them more and continue to do so each day, then they will have a nutrition deficiency which will eventually cause you to need to call a vet and most likely cut out treats altogether for quite some time. You also need to be cautious of blueberries and other high sugar fruits in particular.

    In addition, blueberries have antioxidants. These help to stop free radicals from having reign in your goat's bodies. In fact, blueberries are well known for the fact that they contain antioxidants, and it’s one of the reasons why they are always presented as a healthy fruit choice.

    Keep in mind that several other treats like broccoli and spinach also contain antioxidants and can be a great treat.

    Blueberries do contain a high amount of nutrients that can be beneficial to your goat when fed in proper portions. For starters, blueberries do contain fiber, which is a natural part of your goat's normal diet.

    Blueberries contain Vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system, and Vitamin K, which helps your goat's body to make proteins needed for causing blood clots. Potassium is also included in blueberries which is needed to help keep tissues in your goat's body healthy.

    Blueberries are also extremely low in fat, which means you don’t need to worry about having an overweight goat.

    As with any new food that you are feeding your goat, you should be cautious. When you first give your goat any new treat, only give them a small portion and keep a close watch on them for any signs of sickness.

    Once some time has passed without any type of negative reaction, you can begin to feed your goat more blueberries without worry. Also, keep in mind that blueberries should not be given to a goat below six weeks of age, as their diet is extremely limited.

    FAQ 

    What fruits can goats eat? 

    Goats can eat a large variety of fruits like oranges, apples, bananas, and peaches and pineapples. Before feeding your goat any new treat, make sure to double-check with your vet and do your own research to ensure that they can eat it.

    Some healthy food items like potatoes can be deadly when given to your goat before they are ripe and when they are still raw. Prior research is the best way to ensure that your goat is healthy.

    If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System - worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

    Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

    Can Goats Eat Lettuce

    By MrAnimal Farm

    goats standing on hay bale

    Goats are curious creatures that love nothing more than snacking the day away on any plants that they can find. You can quickly become best friends with your goat by feeding them and giving them treats on the side. So, you may wonder, can goats eat lettuce?

    Many of the veggies and fruits that are healthy for us will seem like a great source of food for your goat as well. The truth is that goats have a very particular diet, whether they want to admit it or not, and a lot of foods don’t agree with their stomachs.

    Keep reading to find out all the details on what lettuce goats can or cannot eat.

    goat standing on hay bale

    Can Goats Eat Lettuce 

    Yes, goats can eat lettuce without you having to worry. In fact, there are several different types of lettuce out there that you can choose from as a treat for your goat. Just remember that despite lettuce’s healthy nature, you should never feed your goat more than 20% of its diet in lettuce.

    Lettuce has a variety of different nutrients including fiber, water and several vitamins that help them maintain a healthy diet. You can feed lettuce to your goats as a treat on it's own, or you can mix it with other vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, celery or tomatoes for a more well-rounded treat.

    Can Goats Eat Iceburg Lettuce? 

    Yes, Iceberg lettuce is perfectly safe for you to feed to your goat. Sadly, it is made up of a high percentage of water, so it’s not going to be as nutritious as some other types of Lettuce.

    This shouldn’t deter you from sharing some with your goat, though. This type of lettuce may be good for giving your goat a small boost in hydration, though.

    Can Goats Eat Romaine Lettuce? 

    Yes, goats can eat romaine lettuce. Romaine lettuce is actually considered by many to be the healthiest type of lettuce out there. This is because it has the highest nutritional value out of the other types of lettuce you will encounter.

    So, this lettuce variety would be a top choice to give to your goats.

    Can Goats Eat Bibb Lettuce? 

    Yes, goats can eat bibb lettuce. Like butter lettuce, bibb lettuce has a unique butter-like texture that your goat may enjoy. Bibb lettuce has been noted to have a sweeter taste, so if you have a goat with a sweet tooth, this may be their new favorite snack.

    Other Types of lettuce goats can eat.

    Goats can eat plenty of varieties of lettuce, including:

    • Arugula
    • Butterhead
    • Leaf
    • Stem

    Many of these are named from the texture or look of the lettuce and are not just special names for parts of the plant, no matter how silly they may sound. Be sure to check the nutritional value of the different lettuce types, so you know which ones are best to feed your goat.

    It may take a while for you to determine which type of lettuce is your goat's favorite. Feel free to experiment with the different types until you find one that your pet truly starts to fall in love with.

    Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

    How to Feed Your Goats Lettuce 

    If you are going to feed your goat lettuce, then you need to properly wash it off before preparing it. Many types of products that you pick up from the grocery store have had pesticides used on them.

    Pesticides are toxins that are harmful when ingested and can ultimately make your goat sick. You will also want to check to make sure the lettuce isn’t rotting and that there is no mold hiding in the leaves. Lettuce is a leafy plant, so if you’ve had it for a while, this should be a concern as the leaves can hide decay and mold.

    Lettuce is easy to portion for your goats, just pull the leaves off and don’t try to give them the entire head of lettuce. Make sure to portion it so that they never receive more than 20% of their diet in lettuce.

    Although it is a healthy vegetable, it is still a treat and does not meet a goat’s daily dietary needs. If you only feed a goat lettuce or give them too much, then they will have a nutrition deficiency.

    Never give your goat lettuce that you buy in salad bags without first checking the nutrients. Many store-bought salad mixes will have extra sugar and salt added in for taste. While many store bought pre-packaged produce may seem like a good idea, it’s made for human consumption and ease without taking animals into account.

    Lettuce does contain plenty of vitamins and is a fibrous food. Lettuce has the immune-boosting  Vitamin C and Vitamin K, which helps your goat's blood to clot when they get cut or injured. It also contains Vitamin B9 which helps with the formation of red blood cells in your goat's body.

    Of course, some varieties of lettuce, like romaine, are more plentiful in vitamins than others. If you want to know the nutrition value of new types of lettuce, then read up on them to see just how healthy they are for your goat.

    As with any new food, you should be careful when giving lettuce to your goat for the first time. The first time you give your goat lettuce, only give them a small portion and watch closely for any adverse reactions.

    Once you have verified that it is safe to feed your goat lettuce, you can give them a much larger portion. Keep in mind that goats younger than six weeks old shouldn’t be given treats. They have special dietary needs that don’t include treats.

    FAQ 

    Can baby goats eat lettuce? 

    No, you should avoid feeding baby goats lettuce until they are around six weeks of age. Baby goats have very specific nutritional needs, and their bodies are still developing.

    Can goats eat whole salads?

    It depends on what type of salad you are making and what’s in it. You will want to avoid giving goats salads with cheese mixed in or that have dressing already on them.

    In addition, you will want to double-check that all the ingredients that are in it are safe for goat consumption. Never give a goat a salad with meat, and if it’s store-bought, you will likely want to avoid it as extra additives like sugar and salt aren’t good for your goat's body.

    If you want to give your goat a salad as a treat, it’s best that you make it at home with fresh vegetables yourself.

    If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System - worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

    Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

    Can Goats Eat Broccoli?

    By MrAnimal Farm

    goat standing in long grass

    Perhaps you have a garden full of broccoli and need to do something with the excess. Or, maybe you are just looking for some healthy treats for your goats. This may lead you to asking: Can goats eat broccoli?

    Goats are known for their insatiable appetites. Many people believe that goats are bottomless pits that can consume any type of food or material without any adverse effects. This couldn’t be further from the truth, though, and even some healthy vegetables can be dangerous for goats to consume.

    Before you go trying to feed your goat a plate of broccoli, there are a few things about the treat that you need to know.

    goat standing in long grass

    Can Goats Eat Broccoli 

    Yes, goats can eat broccoli in small portions without you having to worry about issues. This is a treat that should be heavily portioned, though, as Broccoli is part of the brassica family of plants. This plant family is known to be harder to digest for goats, so depending on the individual, it may not make the best treat.

    Broccoli also naturally contains sulfur. As you probably already have guessed, ingesting too much sulfur isn’t healthy for your goat and should be avoided. If your goat ends up having too much sulfur in its body, then they want to be able to digest it. This will lead to the sulfur becoming toxic and can cause some major issues.

    These issues can range from something as small as a stomach aches to tissues in the goat’s brain dying, depending on the amount of sulfur that was ingested.

    Broccoli also contains glucosinolates that, when consumed in excess, can lead to thyroid problems and goiters. It’s extremely important to not feed your goat too much broccoli and never exceed more than 20% of their diet in this treat.

    If your goat has consumed a large amount of broccoli, then keep a close watch on them. If they show any signs of sickness like vomiting, then contact your vet and provide them with plenty of clean water.

    If you are planning to grow broccoli, then make sure your goat can’t get into your crops. To do this, put a fence around the broccoli.

    This will ensure that you don’t have any mishaps on your hand and will most likely save you a ton of money in the long run, as you won’t need to get your vet to make a house visit to treat your sick goat.

    Can Goats Eat Cooked Broccoli 

    Yes, goats can eat cooked broccoli as long as you haven’t added anything extra in. You should never serve broccoli with additives such as salt or cheese. If you have a broccoli dish with seasoning from the grocery store, do not give it to your goat, chances are that they can’t digest the seasoning well.

    Can Goats Eat Raw Broccoli? 

    Yes, raw broccoli is usually what goat owners give to their goats as treats. Just make sure to clean it off before giving it to your goat.

    Can Goats Eat Broccoli Stems? 

    Yes, goats can eat the stems of broccoli, just ensure that they are free from pesticides. You will need to experiment to figure out what your goat's favorite part of the broccoli plant is.

    Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

    Can Goats Eat Broccoli Leaves? 

    Yes, the whole Broccoli plant, including its leaves, can safely be eaten by your goat. Once again, make sure to wash the leaves off if they are bought from the store or if you used pesticides on your plants.

    How to Feed Your Goats Broccoli 

    Before you feed your goat broccoli, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First off, remember that they contain sulfur and glucosinolates, which can be toxic if your goat builds up an excess in their body.

    Next, you will want to thoroughly wash off the broccoli before you give it to your goat. Many types of store-bought produce has had pesticides used on it, which is also toxic to goats.  You will also want to check to make sure that the broccoli isn’t rotting and that there isn’t mold hiding anywhere.

    Once the broccoli is cleaned, you will want to begin cutting it up into smaller pieces, especially if you bought a larger piece. By cutting the broccoli up, you can ensure that there isn’t a choking risk.

    This can also help the treat last a little longer and trick your goat into thinking that they are eating more. Some small pieces of broccoli will come in bags. These can be easier to give to your goat as they are already bite-sized.

    Be cautious of things like canned or frozen broccoli, as these may contain preservatives or extra seasoning that are harmful to your goat. Many of these foods will contain extras like salt or sugar, so you always need to closely check nutrition labels.

    In addition, frozen dishes, especially those that are seasoned, are not good for goat consumption. Broccoli and cheese is a popular dish, but your goat's stomach isn’t made to digest the cheese, and they will likely get sick from eating it.

    It’s best to feed your goat plain broccoli that you buy from the produce aisle to be on the safe side.

    Broccoli does contain a high amount of vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to your goat. Here is a list of the vitamins in broccoli:

    • Iron: Important component of hemoglobin.
    • Phosphorous: Helps with bone health.
    • Vitamins A: Helps with vision and cell growth.
    • Potassium: Helps goat's tissues stay healthy.
    • Calcium: Helps with bone growth and strength.
    • Vitamin K: Helps blood clotting.
    • Zinc: Increases a goat's metabolism and helps with the immune system.
    • Vitamin B12: Helps keep blood cells and your goat's nerve cells healthy,
    • Thiamin: Helps your goat absorb nutrients from food.
    • Vitamin D: Helps with bone health.
    • Riboflavin: Helps with the formation of coenzymes.
    • Vitamin E: Helps keep muscles and nerves healthy.
    • Niacin: Helps with cholesterol and brain functions.
    • Vitamin B6: Helps metabolism and the nervous system.
    • Folate: Helps with cell growth and to form red blood cells.

    As you can see from the long list of vitamins and minerals, broccoli is a very nutritional treat when given to your goat in the proper portions. No treat, including broccoli, should ever make up more than 20% of your goat’s diet.

    If this is the first time you have ever given your goat broccoli, then use caution. While it is rather rare, a goat can have allergies to foods like broccoli. Start by giving them a small piece of broccoli and watch for any adverse reactions.

    Once some time has passed, and you have verified that your goat can stomach the plant, feel free to feed them a larger portion.

    Keep in mind that broccoli and treats, in general, shouldn’t be fed to a goat until they are at least six weeks of age. Young goats have very specific nutritional needs and are still developing their teeth.

    FAQ 

    Can goats eat vegetable scraps? 

    The answer is that it depends on the scraps. For example, you can’t give your goat pieces of raw potato without them getting sick (though goats can eat cooked potato). On the other hand, you can feed them cucumber scraps without having to worry about them getting sick. You will also only want to give your goat plain scraps. Scraps that have seasoning on them will only serve to upset your goat's stomach or make them sick.

    What veggies are good for goats? 

    There are plenty of different vegetables that are good for your goat to eat. For example, goats can eat asparagus and goats can eat celery. Before feeding your goat any new types of food, make sure to do thorough research or check with your vet to ensure they are safe.

    If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System - worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

    Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

    Can Goats Eat Pineapple?

    By MrAnimal Farm

    goat standing on hay bale eating hay

    Goats are curious animals that are happy to taste just about any food item they can get their mouths around. It’s not surprising that they will love you when you give them treats, so it's important to know what foods are safe for them. If you love pineapple and have it around the house, you may wonder, can goats eat pineapple?

    Goats are herbivores and love nothing more than to receive tasty plants like pineapple as a treat. Before you go feeding your goat fruit, though, there are quite a few things you need to know. If you feed your goat too much of a good thing, they can get sick, and there are some fruits that are potentially toxic to goats.

    goat standing on hay bale eating hay

    Can Goats Eat Pineapple 

    Yes, goats can safely eat pineapple without you having to worry. Pineapple contains a lot of healthy vitamins and minerals for your goats.

    Keep in mind that while goats can eat oranges, goats eat blueberries and goats can eat watermelon, these fruits, like pineapples, have a high sugar content compared to your goat's normal diet. To keep their stomach from getting upset, be sure to never feed your goat more than 20% of their diet in treats, especially when it comes to fruit.

    While it’s unlikely that most goat owners are growing a pineapple tree, if you are in an area where you can grow one and your goat eats a pineapple, you don’t need to worry unless it wasn’t ripe.

    Can Goats Eat Pineapple Rind? 

    Yes, goats can eat pineapple rind. As long as you make sure to clean the rind to get pesticides off, you can feed it to your goat. Generally, though, a goat's favorite part of the pineapple will be the flesh.

    Also, make sure the spikes on the rind aren't too big or hard as it might injure their mouths.

    Can Goats Eat Pineapple Tops? 

    Yes, goats can eat pineapple tops. The top of the pineapple won’t give your goat a lot of nutrients, but it is perfectly safe to eat.

    Can Goats Eat Pineapple Juice? 

    Yes and no, if you buy the pineapple juice from the store, there is a high chance it’s full of sugar and has tons of additives that can be harmful to your goat's body. If you want your goat to have pineapple juice, then it’s best you make it for them yourself, so you know that it is 100% safe for goat consumption.

    Can Goats Eat Canned Pineapple? 

    No, goats cannot eat canned pineapple. The general answer is no. This is because canned pineapple usually has additives and preservatives. Many types of canned pineapple are made for human consumption and used as dessert toppings.

    Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

    How to Feed Your Goats Pineapple 

    Before you give your goat pineapple, there are a few things that you should do. For starters, you need to make sure to thoroughly wash off the outer part of the pineapple if you are going to feed it to your goat.

    Make sure to thoroughly check the pineapple for signs of rot both on the inside and the outside. Once you have verified that the pineapple is fresh and free from mold, you can begin to cut it up.

    Pineapples are larger fruits, so you will want to cut them up into small bite-sized pieces for your goat to eat. This ensures that your goat won’t have a chance of choking when they start chowing down on the pineapple.

    If you are giving them the rind, this rule applies even more as it is the harder outer shell of the pineapple and much more of a choking risk to your goat than the flesh is.

    If you have picked up pineapple from a grocery store, whether frozen or in a can, be cautious. These usually have additives and preservatives added in that will upset your goat’s stomach.

    Likewise, you will want to avoid giving your goat pineapple that came out of a dessert (like pineapple upside down cake) as they are high in sugar. Unless you got your pineapple from the produce aisle, it’s probably best to skip giving it to your goat.

    Pineapples do contain several different vitamins that are great for your goat's body. Here is a list of the vitamins and minerals that are in pineapples:

    • Vitamin C: an antioxidant that among other things helps a healthy immune system.
    • Vitamin B6: Helps with keeping the immune and nervous systems healthy, as well as brain development.
    • Thiamin: This helps your goat's body absorb energy from the nutrients they ingest.
    • Niacin: Helps to lower cholesterol and helps with brain function.
    • Folate: Helps your goat’s cells to grow and their red blood cells to form.
    • Potassium: Helps to keep tissues healthy.
    • Iron: A component needed for hemoglobin.
    • Vitamin D: Helps to provide a boost to your goat’s immune system.
    • Copper: Helps to connect your goat’s tissues, gives them energy and helps with blood vessels.
    • Magnesium: Helps with nerve and muscle functions in your goat's body.
    • Riboflavin: Helps coenzymes form.

    As you can see from the list above, Pineapples can be extremely healthy when given to your goat as treats. You should make sure that no treats, including pineapples, exceed more than 20% of your goat's diet.

    If you feed your goat too much pineapple, then they will have too much sugar in their body and suffer from nutrition deficiencies.

    While rare, goats can have allergies, so you should be cautious when providing them with a new treat. Only give your goat a small piece of pineapple to start with and closely watch them to ensure they don’t have an allergic reaction.

    Once you have verified that it’s safe, you can feed your goat a larger serving of pineapple. Keep in mind that goats younger than six weeks of age shouldn’t be fed pineapple. Baby goats have specific nutritional needs that need to be met and are still developing their teeth.

    FAQ 

    Can goats eat unripe pineapple?

    No goats shouldn't eat unripe pineapple. Unripe fruits, in general, can be dangerous for your goat to eat as they are much more likely to contain toxins. If the pineapple you bought is unripe, do not feed it to your goat.

    Can baby goats eat pineapple?

    Goats that are younger than six weeks of age should not be consuming pineapple or any other treats. Baby goats have nutritional needs that are met by milk and may not be able to safely chew up the pineapple if their teeth haven’t developed far enough, making pineapple and other solid foods a huge choking risk.

    If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System - worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

    Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

    Can Chickens Eat Zucchini?

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Chicken being held next to handful of zucchini.

    Yes, chickens can eat zucchini - raw or cooked. In fact, they will love eating it AND it is good for them too! Generally speaking, zucchini, fruit, leaves, flowers, and seeds, are all safe for your chickens to eat.

    But before you start chucking all that extra zucchini you grew in your garden out to your flock, make sure you know how to feed it to them, the benefits and more.

    Chicken being held next to handful of zucchini.
    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    Is Zucchini Safe for Chickens?

    Yes, zucchini is safe for chickens. In fact, unlike when thinking about if chickens can eat tomatoes, if chickens can eat peaches and if chickens can eat mango - you can feed your chickens the entire zucchini plant.

    Growing zucchini is pretty common in gardens and it is prolific. We like to clean our our zucchini plants at the end of the season and toss the whole thing out for our chickens.

    It usually takes them a few minutes to get interested, but then they go to town and clean the whole pile up pretty quickly.

    Zucchini occasionally contains cucurbitacins. In higher concentrations it will give the fruit or vegetable a bitter taste. In humans this can cause GI upset and other issues, but it is not very common.

    How do you feed zucchini to chickens?

    • Wash it thoroughly to remove any possible pesticides.
    • You can feed it whole and let them peck it it or you can cut it in half, cubes or slices.
    • You can feed it raw or cooked.
    • Toss it out to your chickens or offer in a feed dish.

    Despite having a sweet flavor there is, surprisingly, not too much sugar in zucchini. So, you can feed them a decent amount. Unlike when chickens eat nectarines, when chickens eat cranberries, and when chickens eat raisins, which have a lot of sugar and need to be fed in very small quantities.

    If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

    Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

    Benefits of Feeding Zucchini

    Zucchini has a whole slew of nutrients that are important such as fiber, vitamin A, Vitamin C. Additionally, zucchini has a very high water content which helps to keep your chickens hydrated (chickens can eat radishes to help stay hydrate also).

    Here are what some of those nutrients mentioned above do to keep your chicken's body running right.

    • Vitamin A: immune function, vision and more.
    • Vitamin C: helps immune system, heat stress and has anti-inflammatory properties. This is also a high nutrient when feeding chickens strawberries.
    • Fiber: increases nutrient utilization, GI function and more.
    • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation; egg production and shell strength and more.

    Additionally, while we could not find any scientific studies or sources saying this is true, there are anecdotal experiences of zucchini being used as a natural dewormer, along with pumpkin seeds and some other gourds. Again, we have not been able to confirm this so keep in mind, if you do consider trying it out, your experience may vary from the experiences of others.

    Feeding Chickens Zucchini FAQs

    Can chickens eat zucchini plants, flowers and leaves?

    Yes, chickens can eat the whole zucchini plant including flowers, leaves, seeds and fruit.

    If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

    Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

    Can Chickens Eat Rhubarb?

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Edible rhubarb stalks on the wooden table.

    Rhubarb pie is an American staple. It is super tasty and that is in large part because rhubarb on it’s own is very good. Unfortunately, rhubarb gets a bad rap sometimes because people believe it to be toxic for them AND their animals. So, can chickens eat rhubarb or will they eat it and end up plant food themselves?

    Still along to find out just what happens when chickens eat rhubarb!

    Edible rhubarb stalks on the wooden table.

    [ez-toc]

    Can Chickens Eat Rhubarb?

    Yes, chickens can eat rhubarb stalks in very small amounts. However, they cannot eat rhubarb leaves due to oxalis acid contained in them. Oxalis acid can possibly lead to kidney failure and, in some cases, death.

    When feeding the stalks, it’s best to cut them into smaller, bite-size pieces and scatter them for your chickens. Rhubarb can be a good supplemental snack but only in tiny amounts fed only occasionally.

    Can Chickens eat rhubarb stalks?

    Yes, chickens can eat rhubarb stalks if fed in significant moderation. They contain many healthy vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A and Vitamin C.

    Can chickens eat rhubarb pie or crumble?

    They can eat rhubarb pie and rhubarb crumble but they really shouldn’t. The amount of sugar is much to high for your chickens and can be a potential health risk.

    Can chickens eat rhubarb flowers?

    No, chickens cannot eat rhubarb flowers due to the oxalic acid content. More information on that below.

    Can Chickens eat rhubarb seeds?

    Again, chickens cannot eat rhubarb seeds, due to the oxalic content.

    Can Chickens eat rhubarb leaves?

    Nope, chickens cannot eat rhubarb leaves. Unlike when chickens eat zucchini which the whole plant is safe, only part of rhubarb is considered somewhat safe. The rest of the rhubarb plant all fall into the potentially dangerous category.

    Oxalate poisoning, or rhubarb leaf poisoning, in humans will present itself initially through symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Your chickens aren’t going to vomit but they can get diarrhea.

    It is also sometimes possible to tell when your chickens are experiencing pain. You may also be able to carefully palpate their abdomen and see if they are tender; but this is difficult to really tell.

    Other, more chicken specific, signs you may notice during your routine health checks are lethargy, puffed up feathers, abnormal movement, or just acting differently in general. 

    Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/rhubarb-leaves

    Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

    Oxalic Acid

    Oxalic acid, while also found in rhubarb stalks, is much more prevalent in the leaves which is what makes them so dangerous. 

    For people, our bodies eliminate about 40 to 50 mg per day and only around 10” of that comes from what we eat. In general, humans take in, through diet or other means, between 200 and 300 mg a day. More than this can cause oxalate to buildup and lead to a variety of health issues. Specifically, buildup of oxalate in the kidneys can cause kidney failure. 

    Cooking will reduce the amount of oxalate content as will soaking it raw; but soaking will can also reduce other nutrients, as well.

    Rhubarb is not the only vegetable that contains Oxalic acid. There are many others, to varying degrees. Typically, you will find it in their leaves and not the vegetable itself, or at least not in very high quantities.

    Chickens can eat asparagus and it is also high in oxalic acid. Chickens can eat onions, chickens can eat radishes and chickens can eat sweet potatoes all of which also have oxalic acid.

    This chart show some vegetables that contain oxalic acid and what levels.

    VegetablesOxalic Acid (g/100g)
    Asparagus0.13
    Beans, snap0.36
    Beet leaves0.61
    Beetroot0.06
    Broccoli0.19
    Brussels sprouts0.02
    Cabbage0.10
    Carrot0.50
    Cassava1.26
    Cauliflower0.15
    Celery0.19
    Chives1.48
    Collards0.45
    Corn, sweet0.01
    Cucumber0.02
    Eggplant0.19
    Garlic0.36
    Kale0.02
    Lettuce0.33
    Okra0.05
    Onion0.05
    Parsley1.70
    Parsnip0.04
    Pea0.05
    Bell pepper0.04
    Potato0.05
    Purslane1.31
    Radish0.48
    Rhubarb leaves0.52
    Spinach0.97
    Squash0.02
    Sweet potato0.24
    Swiss Chard, green0.96
    Tomato0.05
    Turnip0.21

    Is rhubarb healthy for chickens?

    Rhubarb can be healthy for chickens, assuming they are eating a moderate amount and avoiding the leaves, flowers, and seeds of the plant. This veggie is packed with many vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep them running smoothly.

    What are the nutritional benefits of rhubarb for chickens?

    The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 rhubarb stalk (51g).

    NameAmountMeasurement
    Water47.700g
    Energy10.700kcal
    Protein0.459g
    Fat0.102g
    Carbohydrate, by difference2.320g
    Fiber, total dietary0.918g
    Sugars, total including NLEA0.561g
    Calcium, Ca43.900mg
    Iron, Fe0.112mg
    Magnesium, Mg6.120mg
    Phosphorus, P7.140mg
    Potassium, K147.000mg
    Sodium, Na2.040mg
    Zinc, Zn0.051mg
    Copper, Cu0.011mg
    Manganese, Mn0.100mg
    Selenium, Se0.561µg
    Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid4.080mg
    Folate, total3.570µg
    Vitamin A, RAE2.550µg
    Carotene, beta31.100µg
    Vitamin A, IU52.000IU

    What do these nutrients do?

    Here is a brief rundown of what some of nutrients on the table above mean for your chickens' health.

    • Antioxidants: repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
    • Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
    • Carotene, Beta (Beta Carotene): egg, feathers, skin, beak, and comb color; converts to Vitamin A
    • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
    • Carbohydrates: give chickens energy
    • Vitamin E:
    • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health
    • Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
    • Iron: prevents anemia; assists in blood circulation
    • Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
    • Manganese: bone development, immune system, breaks down carbs, cholesterol, and amino acids; controls blood sugar
    • Protein: muscle growth and development
    • Selenium: Boosts their immune system and helps with over nutrient balance in selenium deficient areas (most of the US)

    How do you feed rhubarb to chickens?

    Remove all of the leaves, strings along the stalk, and the tough ends of the stalks. Cut into small pieces and scatter. You can feed raw or cooked (boiled).

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q1. Can I overfeed my chickens rhubarb?

    We recommend only feeding nectarines around 1 to 3 times a week. This will give them all of the health benefits while also minimizing the risks that come with too much sugar.

    Q2. How much rhubarb can I feed to my chickens?

    A single rhubarb stalk, when cut into small cubes, can probably feed around 4 or 5 chickens.

    Q3. How often can I feed rhubarb to my chickens?

    We recommend no more than 4 times a week; reducing if you start to notice a change or decline in their health and temperament. We like to go by the 90/10 rule which says 90% of their diet should come from free ranging and a chicken feed with only 10% coming from other sources like snacks, treat, and supplements. 

    Q4. Can chicks eat rhubarb?

    We do not recommend feeding rhubarb to your chicks. Until they are old enough to join the rest of the outside flock, it’s best to keep them on a good quality starter/grower feed.

    Q6. What other fruits and vegetables are safe for chickens?

    Here are some popular foods that your chickens can eat.

    Fruits
    • Apples (not the seeds)
    • Bananas
    • Cantaloupe
    • Cherries
    • Figs
    • Kiwi
    • Peaches
    • Watermelon
    Vegetables & Gourdes
    • Asparagus
    • Pumpkin
    • Radish
    • Sweet Potato
    • Tomatoes
    • Yellow Squash
    • Zucchini

    Berries

    • Blackberries
    • Blueberries
    • Mountain Ash Berries
    • Mulberries
    • Raspberries
    • Rowan Berries

    If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

    Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

    Can Chickens Eat Lemons?

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Chicken being held next to handful of lemons.

    Yes, chickens can eat lemons. They can be a safe and healthy snack for your chickens when fed in moderation. Lemons have tons of health benefits (like lots of Vitamin C) and your chickens will love to peck away at them.

    Keep reading to get all the tips on how to feed them, what to look out for and more.

    Chicken being held next to handful of lemons.
    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    Are Lemons Safe for Chickens?

    Yes, lemons are safe for chickens. Despite what you may have heard about citrus fruit being toxic for chickens, there is no evidence that actually says that.

    In fact, there are studies of the benefits of citric acid being added to broilers water. As well as the immune benefits of ground lemon peels being fed to chickens.

    The truth is, with lemons acidic and sour flavor, some chickens will love them while others will not give them more than a single peck. When we offer some to our flock it's hit or miss for if they like them much.

    So, chickens can eat oranges, lemons and other citrus as well even though there has been anecdotal evidence of lethargy, obesity, and excessive preening or loss of feathers.

    The truth is, those are all common signs associated when overfeeding (especially sugars). This doesn't just apply to lemons, whether you are feeding chickens peaches, feeding chickens nectarines, feeding chickens cranberries, or feeding chickens raisins, or any other treats you want to feed them in moderation.

    If you are feeding your chickens treats, make sure to do routine health checks to keep tabs on your birds.

    Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

    Can chickens eat lemon peels or lemon rinds?

    Yes, chickens can eat lemon peels or lemon rinds. They are perfectly fine for your chickens to eat.

    They are a bit tough so they likely won't want to eat them, but it is safe for them to do so. We just recommend that you make sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any excess pesticide residue or display wax from the grocery store.

    Your chickens may enjoy using lemon peels as a chicken toy and peck at it or scratch it around.

    Can chickens eat lemon leaves?

    Yep, chickens can eat lemon leaves. If you have lemon trees on your property (or other citrus fruit trees), then your chickens are totally fine to get into them.

    Chicken eating lemons off the ground.

    How Do You Feed Chickens Lemons?

    • Make sure you have a fresh, not moldy lemon.
    • If leaving the peel on, make sure to wash it well.
    • If taking the peel off, you can remove it.
    • Cut the lemon in half, quarters or slices.
    • Seeds are safe, but you can remove them if desired (they can be a choking hazard).
    • Toss the lemon out to your chickens to enjoy.

    Benefits of Lemons

    Lemons are a healthy snack choice for your chickens. Assuming you are feeding lemons sparingly and in moderation, your chickens will enjoy a boost in their immune system from the vitamin C and other antioxidants packed into lemons.

    Here are just a few of the vitamins and nutrients and how they support your chickens:

    • Vitamin C - keeps a healthy immune system and assists with overall egg laying. For even more vitamin c, chickens can eat kiwi also.
    • Potassium - assists with temperature control, electrolytes and hydration.
    • B6 - Overall reproduction as well as growth, weight gain and more. If they need even more B vitamins, chickens can eat raspberries as well.
    • Calcium - helps to keep egg shells and bones strong.

    The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 lemon wedge (8g).

    NameAmountMeasurement
    Water7.1g
    Energy2.3kcal
    Protein0.1g
    Total lipid (fat)0.0g
    Carbohydrate, by difference0.7g
    Fiber, total dietary0.2g
    Sugars, total including NLEA0.2g
    Calcium, Ca2.1mg
    Iron, Fe0.0mg
    Magnesium, Mg0.6mg
    Phosphorus, P1.3mg
    Potassium, K11.0mg
    Sodium, Na0.2mg
    Zinc, Zn0.0mg
    Copper, Cu0.0mg
    Selenium, Se0.0µg
    Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid4.2mg
    Folate, total0.9µg
    Folic acid0.0µg
    Vitamin A, RAE0.1µg
    Carotene, beta0.2µg

    Feeding Chickens Lemons FAQs

    Can chickens eat moldy lemons?

    No, chickens cannot eat moldy lemons. They should never be offered any moldy or rotten foods.

    Can baby chicks eat lemons?

    We recommend only feeding your chicks a quality starter/grower, or other chick-specific feed, until they are old enough to be introduced to the rest of the flock. While they are small chicks they are quickly developing and you do not want to throw off their dietary balance during this time.

    If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

    Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

    Can Chickens Eat Oranges?

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Chicken being held next to a slice of orange.

    Yes, chickens can eat oranges as long as they are given in moderation. They are packed with essential nutrients. Though they can be hit or miss if chickens like them due to their slight tartness.

    Keep scrolling to get all the details on how to feed them, what their benefits are and any watchouts you should know about.

    Chicken being held next to a slice of orange.
    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    Are Oranges Safe for Chickens?

    Yes, oranges are safe for chickens. Despite what you may have read on the internet, chickens can eat lemons, grapefruit, tangerines and other citrus like oranges are with them being no more harmful than any other fruit.

    We aren't sure where the "danger of citrus" claims come from. But there are actual studies showing there are actually benefits such as immune benefits from orange peels being fed to chickens.

    Of course, whenever you feed any treats, you want to do so in moderation and do regular health checks on your chickens to keep tabs on their health. As with any fruit, especially those high in sugar, like when chickens eat peaches, when chickens eat nectarines, when chickens eat cranberries, and when chickens eat raisins, too much can become unhealthy.

    Can Chickens Eat Orange Peels?

    Assuming the peel does not have any wax or pesticide residue left on it, the peel is perfectly fine to give to your chickens. However, because of it's tough leathery texture, they will probably make use of orange peels as chicken toys rather than snacks.

    Chicken eating oranges off the ground.

    How to Feed Chickens Oranges

    It's super easy to feed oranges to chickens. Here are the steps you should take:

    • Peel the orange first (optional). If you aren't peeling it, wash the peel to remove wax and pesticides. Plus they don't like the peel much usually.
    • Cut the orange in half, quarters or into wedges.
    • Toss the orange pieces out to your flock.

    As when feeding any treats, make sure to keep an eye on your flock and notice any changes to appearance and health. Also, make sure they eat all of the treats before the end of the day as you don't want them sitting out and going bad or attracting pests.

    Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

    Benefits of Oranges

    In moderation, oranges can be very healthy. As you may already know, citrus fruits, including oranges, are rife with Vitamin C and, thus, can give your flock a HUGE boost in their immune systems.

    There is evidence to suggest that prolonged exposure to citric and ascorbic acids can weaken the strength and thickness of their egg shells. So, just be aware of this and keep a watch on their egg laying.

    Here are a few of the main nutrients in oranges and how they support your chickens:

    • Vitamin C: helps with egg laying, immune and cellular support. To provide even more vitamin C, chickens can eat papaya.
    • Calcium: helps with strong bones and egg shells. For more calcium, chickens can eat pears also.
    • Potassium: supports hydration, electrolytes and temperature regulation.
    • Fiber - supports GI health and absorption of nutrients. Chickens can eat watermelon and chickens can eat kiwi for even more.

    The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 naval orange (140g).

    NameAmountMeasurement
    Water121.0g
    Energy72.8kcal
    Protein1.3g
    Fat0.2g
    Carbohydrate, by difference16.5g
    Fiber, total dietary2.8g
    Sugars, Total NLEA12.0g
    Calcium, Ca60.2mg
    Iron, Fe0.5mg
    Magnesium, Mg15.0mg
    Phosphorus, P32.2mg
    Potassium, K232.0mg
    Sodium, Na12.6mg
    Zinc, Zn0.2mg
    Copper, Cu0.1mg
    Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid82.7mg
    Folate, total35.0µg

    Feeding Chickens Oranges FAQs

    How often can I feed oranges to my chickens?

    All treats should be given at a minimum. Try to keep it to around 1 time a week. Or, if giving super small amounts, you could give 2 - 3 times a week.

    Can chicks eat oranges?

    It's best to not feed chicks oranges. They are so small and you don't want to throw their nutrient balance off.

    Can chickens eat other citrus?

    Yes, chickens can eat lemons, tangerines, clementines and more. They can also eat mandarin oranges as long as no sugar has been added.

    If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

    Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

    Can Chickens Eat Nectarines?

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Large ripe and juicy nectarines on a wooden table. Healthy diet

    Nothing feels more summery or satisfying than biting into a fresh, juicy, sweet nectarine on a warm afternoon. It's such a pleasant experience, obviously, you will want to share it with your favorite feathered friend. But, can chickens eat nectarines or will your friendly gesture take a toll on your chickens health?

    Keep reading to find out if your chicken can enjoy a tasty nectarine or if you will turn out to be the Brutus to their Julius Caesar.

    Large ripe and juicy nectarines on a wooden table. Healthy diet

    [ez-toc]

    Can Chickens Eat Nectarines?

    Yes, chickens can eat nectarines. Not only can they, but they will wholeheartedly devour any you offer to them. You should, however, feed them sparingly as they contain a high amount of sugar which can be harmful if fed too often.

    But, when fed in moderation, your chickens will benefit from the vast amount of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients packed into nectarines. The only danger is the pit (like in peaches) can be toxic, but they are large enough that it's unlikely your chickens will eat them; but you can always remove the pit before feeding anyway.

    Is it safe for a chicken to eat a nectarine?

    There is very little danger involved when feeding nectarines to your chickens. Overall, the entire nectarine is safe for them to eat; both the flesh and the skin.

    Can chickens eat a nectarine pit?

    Nectarines, like peaches, cherries, and apricots, are stone fruits. What that means is they have a large stone like seed, also called a pit. The reason being is because it contains amygdalin. Amygdalin is dangerous because it will turn hydrogen cyanide. Cyanide, in large enough quantities, can make your chickens very sick and even, in large enough doses, be fatal.

    For the most part, this is just good information to have. It's unlikely your chickens will try to eat the pit. It is very hard and not very flavorful, especially compared to the juicy nectarine surrounding it.

    Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

    Are the leaves and nectarine tree poisonous to chickens?

    Yes, everything other than the actual nectarine is toxic. The leaves, bark, and seeds, as we discussed above, all contain cyanide and are dangerous if consumed.

    Are nectarines healthy for chickens?

    Despite the leaves, tree, bark, and pit all being toxic, the actual nectarines are a good and healthy treat for chickens. Your chickens immune systems will definitely benefit, due to the high level of vitamin C and other antioxidants. Nectarines are also full of water and can help keep your flock hydrated.

    Much like other fruits that chickens can eat like lemons, papaya and oranges, nectarines MUST be fed in moderation. Even though they have a ton of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients, they are also packed with sugar.

    Too much sugar, just like with humans, can be very harmful to your chickens. Excess sugar can lead to many health issues; one of the worst being hypoglycemia.

    Hypoglycemia in chickens

    Most of the time we think of hypoglycemia as something that happens to people with diabetes. But that is not the case. It can happen to most of us and many animals, too. Essentially, hypoglycemia just means low blood sugar.

    When your chickens eat sugar their body breaks it down and converts it into glucose. Glucose is one of the primary ways the body gets energy. By energy, we don't just mean it in a sense of having the energy to run or jump. While those are ways the body uses energy, it also takes energy to keep their internal organs running, as well.

    When the body has an overabundance of sugar, they will get a sudden spike of energy (hyper-glycemia). Think of a little kid the day after Halloween. But glucose burns very, very quickly leading to a sudden drop in their blood sugar level (hypo glycemia). Think of that same little kid about an hour later.

    That sudden depletion of glucose, depending on how severe, can throw a chicken's entire system out of whack. The result can be anything from being a little dizzy and disoriented all the way up to loss of consciousness and even death.

    We don't mean to scare you. It's easy to avoid hypoglycemia. Just make sure you monitor what your chickens are eating and they will be just fine.

    What are the nutritional benefits of nectarines for chickens?

    The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 medium sized fresh nectarine (142g).

    NameAmountMeasurement
    Water130g
    Energy67.6kcal
    Protein1.34g
    Carbohydrates14.8g
    Fiber2.2g
    Fat.397g
    Sugars12.3g
    Calcium5.88mg
    Potassium179mg
    Folate8.82 µg
    Vitamin C6.03mg
    Vitamin A35.3µg

    What do these nutrients do?

    Here is a brief rundown of what some of nutrients on the table above mean for your chickens' health.

    • Antioxidants: (Beta Carotene, Lycopene) repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
    • Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
    • Carotene, Beta (Beta Carotene): egg, feathers, skin, beak, and comb color; converts to Vitamin A
    • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
    • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
    • Carbohydrates: give chickens energy
    • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health
    • Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
    • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative

    How do you feed nectarines to chickens?

    Make sure you wash them thoroughly prior to feeding. This will make sure that any pesticide residue will be washed away. We recommend either growing your own or buying from a pesticide free farmer.

    Nectarines are soft enough that you can just toss it on the ground and they will likely pounce it. This is definitely the easiest method but is not the most efficient way to feed them.

    For one, you will run the risk of a single chicken or two fighting and getting the lion's share of the nectarine. As we now know, if they eat too much they can develop some pretty severe health issues. Next, one or two nectarines for a whole flock of chickens is going to end up in a dogpiled mess of feathers, dirt, and squashed fruit. How do you eliminate both of those problems?

    Cut it into very small pieces!

    When you cut it up into, say, 1" cubes, you can take a handful of nectarine and scatter it across a pretty wide area. That means your chickens will disperse and not get into a bare-cluckled beak fight. It's also much easier to monitor how much each of your chickens are eating, thus, avoiding hypoglycemia and other health problems.

    You can also mix chopped nectarines in with their feed and give that to them. This will make the food a little more dense and give them a larger range of nutrients when eating instead of just a huge sugar dump.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken nectarines?

    We recommend only feeding nectarines around 1 to 3 times a week. This will give them all of the health benefits while also minimizing the risks that come with too much sugar.

    Q2. How many nectarines can I feed to my chickens?

    One nectarine, when cut into small cubes, can probably feed around 4 or 5 chickens.

    Q3. How often can I feed nectarines to my chickens?

    You will likely not want to feed nectarines to your chickens more than 1 to 3 times a week. It is also a good practice to intersperse them with other fruits, veggies, and supplemental feeds.

    Q4. Can chicks eat nectarines?

    You can, but the sugar can be even more dangerous to them, due to their small size. Instead of various treats, we find it best to stick with a good starter feed until they are able to handle a wider variety in their diet.

    Q5. Other things chickens can eat:

    Here are some popular foods that your chickens can eat.

    • Bananas
    • Cantaloupe
    • Figs
    • Tomatoes
    • Yellow Squash
    • Zucchini
    • Mountain Ash Berries
    • Mulberries
    • Raspberries
    • Ticks

    If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

    Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

    Can Chickens Eat Pears?

    By MrAnimal Farm

    Chickens eating pears off the ground.

    Yes, chickens can eat pears as a nutrient rich treat. Pears are safe for chickens to eat whole, raw, cooked. The entire pear is safe to eat (except the pit), flesh, skin, seeds, and stem, so no worries about accidentally feeding your chickens something dangerous.

    Make sure to keep reading for details on the benefits of pears, how to feed them and more.

    Chickens eating pears off the ground.
    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    Are Pears Safe for Chickens?

    Yes, pears are safe for chicken. And, they love to eat them. Healthy treats are an important part of keeping healthy chickens and should be incorporated into their diet. You can feed them treats during their routine health checks.

    Much like when chickens eat oranges, chickens eat nectarines, when chickens eat raisins, and when chickens eat peaches, you need to be cautious about how much you feed. Due to the sugar content, you will only want to feed about one pear per five chickens and between two and four times a week.

    A single cup of Bartlett pear has a whopping 14 grams of sugar! That is a ton, especially when you consider the average hen weighs less than 3 kilograms.

    Overeating sugar is just as bad for chickens as it is for humans. It can lead to obesity, egg laying issues, liver problems and many more things.

    Can Chickens eat pear skins?

    Yes, chickens can eat pear skins. If you are just feeding the skins, they may not enjoy those as much as the whole fruit. The skins contain a majority of the nutrients in the pear, so you certainly dont' want to exclude it when feeding pears to your chickens.

    Can chickens eat pears whole?

    Yep, chickens can eat pears whole. Now, they aren't going to just gobble it in it's entirety. They will likely peck pieces off and eat it bit by bit.

    Can chickens eat pears raw?

    Yes, chickens can eat pears raw just like humans do. Raw pears are the most common way pears are eaten.

    Can chickens eat pears cooked?

    Yes, chickens can eat cooked pears. However, you want to ensure that they weren't cooked with dangerous additives like sugar, alcohol or other foods that chickens cannot have.

    Can chickens eat pear seeds?

    Yes, chickens can eat pear seeds, but they may be a choking hazard. You may have heard that their seeds are poisonous. And technically, like feeding chickens apples, they do contain a small amount of cyanide. However, if they get a seed or two, they will likely be OK.

    It would probably take half an orchard to amass the quantity it would take to become dangerous. Maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but I think you get the point.

    Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

    How Do You Feed Pears to Chickens?

    • Wash the pear first
    • You can toss the whole pear out to them to peck at, or you can cut it into chunks.
    • Cutting it into chunks helps make more pieces so all your chickens get some and fight over them less.

    If you want to mix things up a little you can literally mix things up by making a fruit salad or chicken treat medley. Most likely, your chickens aren't going to really care about clashing flavors so feel free to add in whatever snacks you like.

    Since chickens can eat peanut butter you can use it to make a chicken treat ball. Chickens can eat blueberries, chickens can eat blackberries, chickens can eat radishes, rhubarb, and chickens can eat unseasoned rice. Roll them all together and feed it as a treat.

    You can also take a mix of treats and string them together with fishing line. Now, hang is somewhere your chickens like to hang out and watch them have one peck of a good time with their new chicken toy!

    Benefits of Pears

    Yes, pears can be a healthy snack when given in moderation. In spite of the high level of sugar, pears contain a ton of water which will help your chickens stay hydrated. If they need even more hydration, chickens can eat watermelon and chickens can eat radishes which both also have high water content.

    Here are some of the important nutrients chickens get from pears and what they do:

    • Vitamin A: eyes, skin, immune health and stress support. Chickens can eat zucchini if they need more vitamin A.
    • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis and overall egg laying.
    • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
    • Copper: cardiovascular, bone growth, glucose metabolism and a ton more.
    • Fiber: GI health, nutrient absorption and overall growth. Chickens can eat apples and chickens can eat raisins for even more fiber content.
    • Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism, vision and more. Chickens can eat peaches if they need more.
    • Magnesium: cellular metabolism, heart health and bone strength and development. Chickens can eat sweet potatoes to get even more magnesium.
    • Manganese: bone development, egg shell quality, immune system and more
    • Potassium: electrolytes, hydration and temperature control.

    The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 cup (140g) raw Bartlett pear.

    NameAmountMeasurement
    Water118.0g
    Energy88.2kcal
    Protein0.5g
    Total lipid (fat)0.2g
    Carbohydrate, by difference21.1g
    Fiber, total dietary4.3g
    Sugars, Total NLEA13.6g
    Calcium, Ca11.2mg
    Iron, Fe0.2mg
    Magnesium, Mg8.0mg
    Phosphorus, P14.0mg
    Potassium, K122.0mg
    Sodium, Na9.8mg
    Zinc, Zn0.1mg
    Copper, Cu0.098mg
    Manganese, Mn0.045mg
    Selenium, Se0.280µg
    Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid6.160mg
    Vitamin B-60.036mg
    Folate, total8.400µg
    Vitamin A, RAE1.400µg
    Carotene, beta11.200µg
    Vitamin K (phylloquinone)5.3µg
    Vitamin B-60.2mg
    Vitamin A, IU11,500.0IU
    Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)0.4mg
    Vitamin D (D2 + D3)0.0µg
    Vitamin K (phylloquinone)1.4µg

    Feeding Chickens Pears FAQs

    Can I overfeed my chickens with pears?

    Yes, you can overfeed chickens with pears which can lead to a host of health issues. Try to stick to a 10% of their diet from treats rule.

    Can baby chicks eat pears?

    Yes, baby chicks can eat pears, but be very mindful of giving them just a tiny serving.

    In Conclusion

    Pears are a healthy snack for chickens that provide hydration, fiber and a ton of vitamins and minerals. Their sweet flavor makes chickens eager to eat the as well.

    If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

    Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here
    • Go to page 1
    • Go to page 2
    • Go to page 3
    • Interim pages omitted …
    • Go to page 9
    • Go to Next Page »

    Primary Sidebar

    kristin, justin and goat

    Hey, we are Justin & Kristin! Welcome to MrAnimal Farm where we share our knowledge on homesteading, livestock and poultry, gardening and food preservation

    More about us →

    Popular Posts

    • Differences Between Ameraucana, Aracana and Easter Egger Chickens
      The Araucana Vs Ameraucana Vs Easter Egger Chicken
    • Chickens That Lay Green Eggs - What Chickens Lay Green Eggs
      Chickens That Lay Green Eggs - What Chickens Lay Green Eggs?
    • brooder box for chicks
      Chick Brooder Plans - How to Build a Brooder in 3 Steps!
    • Curled toes in Chickens
      Curled Toes in Chickens - Causes and Treatment
    • Goat Toys
      DIY Goat Toys: Cheap Toys to Keep Your Goats Busy
    • hen or roo
      How To Sex A Chicken & Tell A Hen From A Rooster

    Fall Homesteading

    • Fresh carrots and beets being held over a wooden table.
      15+ Fall Garden Crops For a Longer Harvest
    • Molting Chickens
      Molting Chickens - What, Why & How to help!
    • two butternut squash on a wood board
      Can You Freeze Butternut Squash ?
    • Goat Breeding Planning - Using ADGA to Make the Right Matches
      Goat Breeding Planning - Using ADGA to Make the Right Matches

    Footer

    Amazon Affiliate Disclosure

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Privacy Policy

    For details on our privacy policy click here.

    Copyright © 2025 · MrAnimal Farm