The male Peacock, in full plumage, is a spectacular sight.  The blue-green, iridescent feathers have been prized and valued for thousands of years, as they still are today.  Peafowl originated in Southern Asia and Malaysia, and have been revered in their native countries as long as history has recorded their existence.  Peafowl were kept as exotic pets in China and later Europe by royalty and the aristocracy.

There are two breed types within the species that are classed according to their plumage differences.  The first and more common variety is the “Indian Peacock” (Pavo-Cristatus), often called the Blue Peafowl.  This variety is today the common breed of Peafowl found in North America, and hails from India.  This breed is hardier than its counterpart, and less expensive, as well as more readily available to purchase from breeders.

The second, less commonly seen variety is the “Green Peafowl” (Pavo-Muticus), which is native to the Far-East of Burma, Thailand, and Indo-China.  This variety by a lesser availability is more expensive, more rare, more susceptible to cold and generally not as hardy.  The plumage on these two varieties differ in color, but body weight and size are comparable.

The Peacock has been present throughout history, as a decorative “exotic” pet as well as a meat bird.  The Phoenicians brought Peacocks to Egypt more than 3,000 years ago to decorate the temples, where they were considered good luck.  In dream symbology, for thousands of years, the Peacock has symbolized pride and the presence of ego, and this was reflected in the motivation for ancient people’s reverence of this beautiful and almost mystical bird.  The phrase “Proud as a Peacock” is reflective of this anciently held belief.  Peafowl were kept in biblical times, and Medieval Europe, for the dual purposes of meat and beauty.

Fortunately for the Peacock, after the 16th century when domestic meat birds, such as turkeys, were imported from Mexico, the peacock was no longer used as a meat bird, in deference to the fleshier and heavier turkey.  Thus, the Peacock truly became exclusively an exotic pet in most parts of the world, allowed to simply be beautiful and die of old age.

The male Peacock exhibits a unique call during breeding, normally in the spring, and at other times in the presence of females, which sounds like the word “HELP”.  Many a person has been known to come running to that sound, finding only a proud peacock on the other end!  Males will normally only display their large and magnificent plumage in the presence of  a peahen, and it is advisable to keep one of each if an owner ever wants to see this colorful display.

Peafowl are extremely easy to keep, and are considered one of the easiest of all domestic birds to raise and care for. They can be fed game-bird or pheasant mixed grain, game bird crumbles—both available through feed suppliers—and a regular offering of a variety of greens.  These birds are naturally disease resistant, having not been over-bred or inbred as so many other domestically raised commercial poultry has been.  It is almost unheard of for Peafowl to become ill, and in healthy conditions with an appropriate diet, they can, and do, literally live for decades.

Many Peacocks are kept “wild” in parks for the enjoyment of visitors, with freedom of their own movement at will, and can breed successfully without any interference from their human caretakers. But they can also be successfully raised on a farm setting, and can be allowed to run free or kept in either open or closed-topped pens for protection from predators if that is an issue.   If kept in an enclosure, Peafowl should be given adequate room to move about, exercise, and maintain a healthy range of motion within that enclosure.

Because peafowl will rarely stray from their home territory, as long as predation is not an issue, they can be given the freedom to just hang-out on the farm and enjoy the freedom of going where they like.  They will almost never attack other poultry kept on the farm nor will they attack humans or other animals.  They have a docile personality, and are normally inquisitive and interested the goings-on around them.

Peahens are considered excellent and instinctively driven mothers.  Peachicks can also be raised just effectively in an electric brooder as with other poultry peeps.  They are considered among the easiest of all birds to raise because of their superior intelligence compared to other poultry, and because of their inborn hardiness.

Peafowl need shelter from the cold and wind, and where snow coverage or sub-zero temperatures are a factor, a coop or hutch that is insulated, enclosed and warm, as for laying hens, is adequate.  In more temperate climates, peafowl will roost on low branches of shrubbery, or find other accommodation quite easily.  As with all domestically kept animals, shelter should be offered and available at all months of the year, including the hot months of July and August to prevent heat exhaustion.

The peacock is a unique exotic, and raising these birds for the simple joy of their beauty is truly one of the pleasures of animal husbandry.  There is a good market for these birds, as a thing of beauty and joy to their owners, and rearing and caring for them is a relative breeze compared to other types of poultry.  They will bring a good price at small-animal auctions and on the private sales market.  Peafowl have the distinction of joining the ranks of those exotic livestock breeds that are allowing for the much-needed diversification in the livestock industry.

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Native to most parts of  Northern Eurasia, the largest indigenous populations of Reindeer, are found in Scandinavian countries and Russia.  Although closely related to the North American Caribou, wild reindeer (Rangifer-tarandus) have developed some adaptive characteristics allowing them to survive and even thrive in Arctic and Sub-Arctic climates.  Qualities such as the overly broad sized and flexible hooves, allow for walking on top of and digging into deep snow for forage during the long winter months in the North.

Unlike other members of the deer family (such as White-Tail, Mule-Deer, and Moose) who deliver their young in the late winter/early spring months, Reindeer carry their fetus from Sept/Oct to May/June, when spring weather is more conducive to calf survival, and when access to more abundant forage will result in a larger milk production for the calves.  Reindeer, with their thick, warm coats have every adaptive requirement to survival in the far North, where many animals would never survive such harsh elements.

In Canada and the U.S. state of Alaska, reindeer ranching has semi-domesticated these imported “exotics”.  North American Reindeer are raised for their low-cholesterol meat (called venison) and for the valuable antler velvet, which is harvested once a year in June, when it is at its prime.  The soft, dark velvet is easily and painlessly peeled off the antlers, of which both male and female of the species carry, and is shipped mainly to Asia for medicinal uses.

North American Reindeer come in a “rein-bow” of colours as well.  Commonly seen in the wild are hides of grays and browns, dappled with gold and silver flecks.  The North American Reindeer stock often appear in more of a salt and pepper coloration, than the variety of colours in the wild.

They require little in the way of housing, other than shelter from the elements, but do require 10-foot page-wire fencing to keep them in.  Even though they are typically short in stature, their jumping capabilities would allow for escape from typical 4-5 foot standard farm fencing.

In 2014, there were only eight registered reindeer ranches in British Columbia, most located in the North-East corner of the province in the Peace River District, although one closer to the lower mainland exists in the South Caribou town of Clinton, BC, owned by Art and Loretta Danielson.

At that time in B.C., there was recorded to be 350 reindeer approximately, in total, being raised domestically at this time.  As only 20-30 animals are harvested per year in total throughout the province, the goal for most Reindeer ranches is to increase breeding stock numbers and to promote the Reindeer Industry, which is still in its infancy.  Other goals also include the marketing of the well sought after distinctly flavoured meat, and the velvet exports. B.C. Reindeer farms are noted as being considered among the healthiest in the world.  Strict government policy and licensing surround the husbandry of Reindeer ranching, and more information can be obtained on this subject by visiting the offices or websites of the B.C. branch of Agriculture Canada.

And so at Christmas this year, when you hear the tinkling of bells and large, snow-shoe type hooves clattering on YOUR rooftop, you will know a little more about Santa’s Christmas Eve companions.

The post Rudolph and Company: A Portrait of the North American Reindeer appeared first on Homestead.org.

With its colorful plumage of feathers, the North American Wild Turkey is seen on many Thanksgiving decorations and emblems, depicting this season of Fall and the harvest.  Our domesticated meat birds are derivatives of these smaller wild birds, which are being raised domestically today as an “exotic” breed, for meat and for interest in the species.

Although these wild birds were prolific and abundant in the early pioneer days of North America, the intensive clearing and settling of woodlands during the 1800s resulted in a decline and eradication of these beautiful birds in the United States altogether, and the last sighting of a Wild Turkey in that century, was in 1844 in the southwestern portion of New York State.  And for over one hundred years after that time, these birds were elusive and their numbers considered to be very low in all of the Eastern seaboard states where they had once been in such abundance.

By 1957, US conservationists began relocating breeding stock of Wild Turkeys into most states capable of sustaining and proliferating a Wild Turkey populous.  The result of this program was an extremely successful story in the field of wildlife conservation.  Wild turkey populations increased dramatically, and in the state of New York alone, turkey populations have arisen from only a mere 2000 in 1959, to over 65,000 in 1990.  There were an estimated 5 million Wild Turkeys in the whole of North America at that time as well.

Although these interesting fowl are smaller than our commercially raised Thanksgiving and Christmas turkeys in North America, their meat is similar, and those raised in a domestic environment and eat the same food as a commercially raised bird, will undoubtedly taste identical.  Hunting of these birds is restricted to conservation limits, based on area, although domestic raising of these birds has now become popular among poultry fanciers.

Males are often known as toms, or gobblers, and have several gender distinguishing features that include rust, green, and copper-colored feathers, changing almost iridescently in the bright sunshine.  The female, in contrast, is dull and generally brown and camouflaged with earth tones as most female birds are.  Gobblers have long black-tipped breast feathers and commonly have beards that extend past their breast feathers that can reach 16 inches in length.  Adult males weigh in at around 25-30 pounds and females being much smaller at only 12-15 pounds fully grown.

An interesting fact is that Wild Turkeys CAN fly at speeds up to 55 miles per hour!  Unless of course, they are pinioned as young hatchlings when being raised as domestic birds.  And they can also run at least 12 miles per hour when being pursued.

In the wild, these birds rely on a diet that includes nuts, berries, grapes, grasses, ferns, and also insects.  Studies in the wild have found that these turkeys consume over 600 different species of plan and animals (insects) at any given time.  And although these native North American birds are not considered “exotic” in the wild, they are an exotic but popular choice for something interesting and a little different in the coop.

They have an interesting vocalization that has a sound differing from that of domestic turkeys, and many poultry raisers have used them as coop “watchdogs”, as their call sounding somewhere between a yodel and a screech, will sound an alarm call often if there is “trouble” in the henhouse.  Their beautiful plumage has awarded many a very lucky turkey to be a farmyard pet, and many domestic breeders of this wild variety of turkey, breed them simply for the beauty of their feathers, and the for the look of what a “real” turkey is supposed to present as.

As in any breed of animals, there are societies and organizations dedicated to the interest and educational pursuit of bettering and popularizing the species, as exists for this particular bird.

Younglings and breeding stock is available at exotic auctions, private sales, and breeding farms for those interesting in this species of turkey and wish to raise them.

So, when you are enjoying your holiday turkeys this year, remember old “Gobbler Tom”, who began the tradition of turkeys on our tables at harvest, and at Christmas, when the European settlers first came to this continent hundreds of years ago, finding in abundance these tasty and magnificent Wild Turkeys.

The post Born to be Wild: North American Wild Turkeys appeared first on Homestead.org.

The Icelandic breed of sheep is classed in the North European “short-tailed” group of sheep, with a naturally occurring short tail.  (The common practice of tail docking amongst other sheep breeds will result in disqualification from registration in North America.)

These clean-faced, silky-type, heavy-wooled animals are a mid-sized breed with short, stocky legs.  The wool is often varied in many beautiful colors such as grays, blacks, browns as well as whites and a variation of all these colors.  A spotting gene adds up to 90% of recognized and named coloration-patterns within this breed.  This is possibly the most eye-catching aspect of Icelandic sheep.

The wool of Icelandic sheep is considered a wool spinner’s dream because of the beautiful and naturally occurring coloration that distinguishes this particular breed, as well as it’s finer textured and soft feeling fiber.  The fleece is considered dual-coated, and will grow 6-8 inches in length in only six months.  The wool is also water-resistant; the topcoat or “tog”, protects the undercoat, providing the animals with much warmth and protection from the harsh winters in Iceland.  Tog is considered a true wool, and not a coarse guard hair that is normally discarded in other wool animals such as alpaca, llamas, and wooled goats.  The tog is crimped like mohair and is classed in the exotic wool variety, bringing premium prices both raw and spun.

Because this particular breed has evolved in one of the harshest climates on Earth, many breed traits have arisen from these sheep evolving and enduring centuries of temperamental weather and an unforgiving landscape.  One of the defining and most desirable of these qualities is this breed’s ability to survive on grass and browse/forage alone.  They are feed-efficient and cold-hardy with a strong immune system, and are considered very disease resistant.

Iceland is not a grain-producing country, and what little pasture and short growing season this small North Atlantic island possesses is given to growing hay for the up to 8 months of winter weather.  These sheep have a superior ability compared to other sheep breeds, in growing exclusively on pasture and hay.  In North America, pregnant and nursing ewes are supplemented with mixed grain feed, but in Iceland, the ewes are given fish meal, a readily and abundant source of protein and minerals available year-round.

Icelandic Sheep are a triple-purpose breed, used in Iceland for centuries for their meat, their wool, as well as their milk.  Sparse pastures unable to support larger animals in this cold region are unsuitable for keeping dairy goats or cows, and so these sheep were just as valued as milk-producing animals as meat and fiber.  In North America presently, the Icelandic ewe is catching the eye of the sheep dairy breeders.  The ewes produce an abundance of milk that are rivaling the commonly-used dairy-sheep breeds and are amazingly docile in learning to stand for daily milking.

Market lambs will reach their slaughter weight of 75-100 pounds by four or five months of age, without the need of expensive grain feed, making this breed an excellent choice for anyone looking to find a profit-turning sheep breed.  With the rise of the costs of grain, grass-based and dry-lot farms are on the increase in North America.  With Icelandic Sheep, the results for the amount of financial outlay, are excellent.

Icelandic ewes are excellent mothers, producing 2-3 lambs apiece, seasonally breeding in late October, and delivering normally with ease and high milk production.  Triplets are very common and the mothers are unusually adept at caring for all their offspring, unlike some other breeds that can only handle the care of no more than two lambs at a time.

One unusual factor of breeding in Icelandics lies in a gene that is specific to this breed, causing multiple births of triplets, quads, and even quintuplets which exist if the ewe carries two copies of this gene.  One copy of the gene causes milder fertility increases, but a double dose of this gene can result in more than three lambs being conceived and born in one birth.  This gene is called the “Thoka gene”, and it is named after the first ewe to carry the recognized marker.  This is similar to the Booroola gene found in the Merino sheep breed.

For superior fiber, economical feed production in meat, excellent milk yield, disease resistance, and so much more, the Icelandic sheep breed is certainly superior among its counterparts.  This breed has stood the test of time and earned a lofty position within the sheep and exotic animal communities.

The post Icelandic Sheep: Triple-purpose Breed appeared first on Homestead.org.

These long-horned, stocky animals originated and were bred for centuries in the rugged, rocky climate of the Scottish Highlands. Harsh and severe weather conditions brought about the process of Mother Nature’s natural selection, allowing for only the most adaptable, strong, and genetically superior animals to survive and carry on this sturdy breed.

As far as Scottish history has been recorded, two classes of Highland cattle were bred for centuries in the North British Isles. The first, called the Kyloe or West-Highlander, inhabited the Atlantic wind-lashed islands off the West Coast of Northern Scotland. These were normally smaller, all-black cattle as compared with the second variety, called the Highlander which was larger, due to perhaps a less severe climate inland with more forage. This variety was usually red or brown in color. The resultant breed at present-day is a melding of the two originals, and now the breed is one, known simply as the “Highland”. All colors, including whites, brindles, yellows, and silvers are acceptable in the breed, along with the traditional black and brown.

The Highland Cattle Society of Scotland was formed in 1884, and a book on the subject was published in 1885, resulting in a widespread interest in all of North America in the cattle industry regarding this hardy breed.  The purchase and importation of the first breeding stock animals of this breed followed shortly, and Highland cattle were soon imported to Canada in the 1880s, first to the harsh winter climates of Manitoba, and then to the Maritimes, where they adapted with ease and thrived, then as they say, “the rest is history”. Highland cattle became well-known for their many positive attributes throughout all of North America’s cattle industry.

Some of the special qualities these truly majestic, Muskox-looking animals possess include the ease with which they are kept.  Highland cattle are widely considered to be THE hardiest breed of cattle to be found anywhere in the world.  The success of the resulting importation of these Highlands to North America, sparked worldwide interest in exportation to Australia, South America, and the far reaches of Europe, where they are kept and thrive as they do in Canada. Cold climates have little effect on them and are found raised as far North as Alaska and the Yukon, as well as in wintry Scandinavia.   As well, warm climates are conducive to their propagation as registered breeding ranches are found today even in Texas, and Georgia in the Southern United States.

Despite their long horns and shaggy, “wild” looking appearance, both bulls and cows are notably mild-tempered.  The cows possess excellent mothering abilities and instincts, as well as very low calf mortality and ease and independence of birthing, making them an excellent choice of breed for maintenance and range purposes.

Highland cattle require little in the way of shelter, feed supplements, or extensive graining to maintain good condition. Highlands are excellent foragers and browsers, independently making the most of the scrubbiest, brush-filled land as is found in their centuries-old, native habitat. Mature bulls at breeding condition, weigh in at about 800 kgs (1,800 lbs), cows at 500 kgs (1,100 lbs.), and steers finish out at 450 kgs (1,000 lbs). In fact, to maintain leanness, steers are grown and finished on pasture over 2 years, rather than by the popular heavy feed-lot graining method over a period of only a few months.

But as gorgeous as these furry cattle are to look at, and as adorable as the calves are with their furry little heads (THIS correspondent and owner would most certainly make  PETS out of them!), the business end of any beef animal is judged by the quality of its rendering meat product. The present-day beef market demands leaner meats, and Highlands are and have always been, superior in this department as well. Mainly due to their insulating long body hair, rather than being insulated by a layer of fat on their bodies, Highland cattle produce leaner meat. Highland beef is well-marbled and flavorful, with little waste fat at all resulting in a superior beef product, with less overall cost involved in feed and forage, and less overall care and herd maintenance needed.

An interesting bit of trivia is that the British Royal Family owns a large herd of Highlands, kept at their Balmoral Castle Estate grounds, near Braemar, Scotland. Highlands are considered the beef animal of choice by the Queen, and the Royal family have been fanciers of this breed for over a century.

The Canadian Highland Cattle Association uses the services of the Canadian Livestock Records Corporation for verification purposes and the recording of all known pedigrees of registered Highland cattle in Canada, to maintain the purity of this ancient breed, for the next centuries to come. Fanciers of this breed can be found on the Internet in abundance, a testament to the popularity of this breed.

The cattle/beef industry has and is a demanding one at present day, regardless of whether the rancher has a small operation with only a few head or hundreds. Objectives for profit must be the same: to produce a fine cut of beef, with as little expense and effort possible. It is well-considered among cattle fanciers and Highland breeders, that Highland cattle will indeed produce the finest beef, with the least amount of expense or effort, being so much hardier than many other breeds, particularly for our Northern Canadian climate, where many cattle ranches are in abundance.

The ability of these cattle to thrive in almost any climate or conditions for forage, their mild temperaments, excellent reproductive characteristics, and independent survival instincts, make the Highland an excellent choice of breed to the cattle rancher.  Whether interests lie in retaining the purity of the breed standard, or for cross-breeding purposes, to increase climatic adaptability as well as many other desired characteristics,  Highlands are certainly a superior and time-tested breed.

Highland cattle are truly a breed apart, not just because of their unique appearance. Their hardiness and adaptability to our own harsh Canadian climate, has certainly earned them this prestigious title.

Belted Galloways: The “Oreo-Cookie” Cow

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These unusual birds are quite interesting in that their increasing role on the farm has taken on many purposes in today’s diversified livestock community. In addition to egg-laying and breeding stock production, one of the foremost uses for these animals today is for pest and rodent control. Guinea fowl, both male and female, are particularly adept at rooting out vermin such as mice and rats and are even known to chase down and kill snakes. As well as keeping pests out of their environment, Guinea Fowl have been incredibly successful at ridding forested properties/farms of many types of bugs, particularly the deadly Deer Tick, which can carry Lyme Disease resulting in paralysis and death amongst other forms of livestock. This purpose, in particular, has given the Guinea Fowl a widespread and excellent reputation, allowing the breed to rise above its former meat production-only function. Although raised for meat and considered a delicacy in Europe, the Guinea Fowl seem to, through their display of intelligence and multifunction, have risen above the stature of “meat-bird”.

These normally docile but alert birds have a surprisingly acute awareness of predators within their habitats, and will alert the farmer to any henhouse intrusion, day or night. A distinct and rather operatic call will be sounded upon any strange intrusion. Many Guinea Fowl breeders will attest to their “watchdogs’” ability of being able to distinguish between family members and strange and unfamiliar faces.

Guinea Fowl have been used for both pest control and as farm “watchdogs” for decades now, and one of their relatively newer uses has been to the gardener and small crop grower. Guinea Fowl have proven most successful in organically controlling pests by eating most bugs in the garden, while leaving the green foliage virtually untouched. This has garnered the Guinea Fowl not just the praise and welcome of the farmer, but that of the gardener as well. Slugs, bugs, and other thugs are their specialty and Guinea Fowl have demonstrated once again, their versatility and ability to earn a reputation of wonderful uses.

Guinea Fowl can be kept either free-range or free-run in the company of other poultry. They will usually group together if more than one of them are kept, even in a henhouse/run situation. Females often select their mate and then remain steadfast companions until death or separation. Males tend to be more vocal than females, making a sound that is described as the world “buckwheat”. Both the male and female are very similar in stature, and distinction. The only difference lies in the male possessing a slightly larger red appendage on his head; at first sight, males and females are difficult to distinguish apart from one another.

Guinea Fowl today come in a variety of colors, and Guinea Fowl breeders and enthusiasts are always breeding and looking for the newest genetic colorations. Their plumage is almost solid in color, with a fine dappling of white or cream specks. Variations in overall color range from browns, blues, violets, creams, whites, grays and charcoals.

Chicks are called “keets” and can be hatched as with other fowl, by a reliable incubator, by Bantam mother or a sitting hen of another variety. Their eggs are small, like the Bantam variety, and are hatched out in the standard 28-day cycle akin to other chickens. The suggested grower feed for the little keets is a medicated Pheasant/Turkey starter, and precautionary care with regard to warmth, drafts, and a dry environment as with other young birds is imperative. Guinea keets display themselves as very alert and hardy and seem to develop independence much more quickly than other chicks.

If you are interested in keeping something a bit different in the coop, & would like to eradicate the possibility of ticks and other harmful pests in the farmyard or garden, perhaps a pair of Guinea Fowl would be a successful addition to your own spread. Guinea Fowl will certainly be a conversational addition to any farm, and with their many successful uses around a country acreage, should result in being a hard-working member of the farm operation team.

The Secret of Inpangela: Guinea Fowl are Strong Magic for Your Homestead

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Emu young are striped, and have shorter necks than Ostriches, and most find that Emus are more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.  As well as being more docile, peaceful, and even timid, compared to ostriches, this brown and bluish-tinged bird has become increasingly popularized lately for many reasons.

Emus have been taking the exotic world by storm in the last ten years. These exotic birds are native to Australia unlike their African cousins the Ostrich, and their South American counterpart, the Rhea.  But all have in common similar appearances and physiology, and belong to a group known as “Ratites”.

Emus are raised today commercially for meat, feathers, fertilized eggs, unfertilized eggs (which are hand painted and turned into beautiful, valuable ornamental treasures), waste shells, and their hides.  Growth in the current North American industry resides mainly in breeding stock.

Canadian statistics approximate the number of farms currently raising Emus (1996 Agricultural Census first recording Ratites) at 86 registered breeders, with a count of 61,308 birds in total for all of Canada.  Certainly this number has stabilized since 1996, and the continued and growing demand, specifically for Emu-oil products, has established the Emu industry and given it a stronghold, where so many other types of exotic farming have perhaps declined in popularity.

Ratite ranching has become popular in the past few years, where production of red poultry has been a successful venture all over North America, since the 1970s.  And although Emus have been successfully raised for meat along with the larger Ostrich, Emu breeders have now discovered what has been known for centuries in the Outback of Australia.  The healing properties of the oil derivative from the fat of the Emu has become more widely popularized on a global scale for the successful treatment of many skin and pain-related ailments.  This magical oil has been used for hundreds of years by the Australian Aboriginal people but is a relatively new discovery in the Western world.

Available through health-food stores and online, Emu oil is being reported as having healing properties making many dermatologists and general practitioners take notice.  Containing Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant and healing agent, Vitamin A known for its skin-repairing qualities, as well as Sapogens for skin softening, and Terpenes for antiseptic healing, Emu oil is being used in the treatment of those with severe burns, skin ailments, Fibromyalgia, and sports injuries and many other countless skin and pain related injuries and diseases.

These reported successes with the use of Emu oil cannot be substantiated by the FDA or endorsed by government agricultural authorities, however, the testimonials and commercial success of the oil being sold for these uses supports the findings of those who’ve discovered first hand the array of benefits from using Emu oil and related products.  Such significant successes have prompted more government research to discover and isolate the active components in Emu oil.

Rich in fatty acids, the Emu fat contains predominantly mono-unsaturated oleic acid.  These oils are also used extensively in the cosmetics industry, particularly in North America and Australia.  Anti-inflammatory properties and skin de-sensitizing properties have been known to successfully treat severe burn patients, resulting in faster healing.

Certainly, the Emu industry is on the incline and is expected to continue in the very near future.  With rising costs of hay and grain for traditional commercial farming, diversification is becoming a necessity for the survival of the family farm.  Finding marketable and quality products that can be produced from a livestock venture is something many farmers are looking into.

But choosing to enter the world of Ratite farming can certainly have its own challenges.  Emus stand fully grown at a height of 6 feet, and a weight of approximately 130 pounds.  Because of their height and the high speed at which they can run, fencing must be six feet in height minimum.

Nesting of the dark green eggs, (incubation takes 2 months) if done naturally, is entirely completed by the male bird.  Most breeders choose to use a mechanical incubator, and fertilized eggs are readily available from most Emu farms for sale for this purpose.  Egg incubation can be a tricky and complicated procedure to the inexperienced, and as the cost of a single Emu egg can be as high as $30 per egg.

However, one of the largest benefits of raising Emus is that a very minimal amount of land is required for their husbandry.  They need no pasture, and housing requirements are minimal.  Emus can and do thrive in colder climates, and if one researches well and does their homework before purchasing breeding stock, a successful venture could very well be on the horizon.

Processing facilities for Emu oil in Canada are rare, and much of the oil is processed in the U.S.  As the fat must be refrigerated during shipping before the rendering process begins, shipping can be quite costly.  There exists a renderer on Vancouver Island  (Canadian Emu Oil Ltd.) as well as in Ontario however.  An adult Emu yields about 4-5 liters of oil dependent of course, on slaughter weight and feed.  Emu oil wholesales for approximately $5 an ounce, CAD.

Both the Ostrich and Emu industries seem to have reached a plateau after many uncertain years of ups and downs, and both have established themselves in terms of longevity and sustainability.

Much useful and excellent information is available online and through print sources such as Critters Magazine out of Alberta, and the Canadian Emu Breeders’ Association, which will aid anyone who is interested in learning more about or venturing into the wonderful world of Emus.

https://www.homestead.org/poultry/born-to-be-wild-north-american-wild-turkeys/

Rabbits, Rabbits Everywhere (And Look at All That Hair!)

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Galloways have a long and distinctive heritage as being considered one of the oldest cattle breeds in the world.  Belted Galloways belong to the family of Galloway Cattle which today include solid whites, and blacks.  Back in the 1700’s when this breed was first being selected and bred for its many fine qualities, other colors existed; reds, duns, spotteds and brindles were commonly seen.  However, by the mid-1800’s, cattlemen had made the decision to choose solid black as the preferred select-breeding coloration.  The Belted coloration became popular around the turn of the 19th century, and in 1921, a registry was established for the belted coloration of Galloways.

The distinguishing factors for Belted Galloways require that to be considered a true “beltie” and registered as such, the cattle must have a wide, even band of pure white fur completely encircling the animal’s mid section.  The rest of the cow, back and front, must be solid black with no white anywhere else on its body or face.  Belted Galloway breeders are watchful in selecting breeding animals to make sure that white feet, which is considered an undesirable breed marking, to be bred out.

Canada saw the first imports of this attractive breed in the early 1950’s, by H. Gordon Green.  Eastern Canadian provinces such as Ontario and Quebec today, have the largest concentration of these animals; Saskatchewan and Alberta have very few breeders, which make Belted Galloways much sought after in the Prairie and Western provinces.

This extremely hardy and dual-purpose breed are considered perfect cattle for the harsh and long Canadian winters which exist in most of Canada.  Belted Galloways are very hardy, covered in a dual hair coat that all Galloways possess.  A short, velvety and water resistant undercoat acts like a downy insulation, protecting these cows from dampness of any kind.  The long, course, and curly outer guard hairs protect them from cold, making these animals a wonderful breed for adaptation in Northern climates.  Even their ears have unusually long fur resembling attractive fringe, protecting their ears from frostbite.

Galloways are considered to be extremely superior and efficient feed converters, who will consume less and forage independently well on more varieties than many other cattle breeds.  Their meat is well marbled and known to be considerably low in saturated fat content.  Belted Galloways are also considered to be excellent milkers as well.  Their superior mothering abilities and the activeness of the newborns succeed in making for a high survival rate.  They are also distinguished for their docility and ease of handling, and for their genetic predisposition and resistance to diseases such as pink-eye, as well as the many foot problems experienced by other breeds of cattle.

One drawback of the breed is that Belted Galloways do take a longer time than other commercial cattle breeds to mature and gain their fully grown weight range of 1000 to 1100 pounds.  Because of their slower growth, cows should not be first bred until the age of two years as they will likely experience birthing difficulty resulting from their small size as a yearling.  Average single-calf weight is around 70 lbs, and a healthy, well-marked weanling can bring around $1500 and up at present market prices.  Canadian high standards of this breed have aided the production of these Canadian born offspring’s popularity in the United States, where purchases of Canadian calf crops are high in demand and often pre-sold to American breed fanciers.

Although the appearance of the Belted Galloways makes them largely a distinct hobby cattle, the breed clearly possesses many sought-after qualities aside from attractive coloration, that makes them a viable commercial venture.  Many ranchers seek to find a good dual purpose breed that will thrive and have utilitarian aspects making them worth breeding and raising; but as well, cattle fanciers looking for something that is a little different, pleasing to the eye, and unique amongst the ordinary, run-of-the-mill herd cattle will find “belties” to more than fit the bill.  Belted Galloways are certainly considered to have all the desired cattle traits by those who raise them, and their popularity and demand certainly attests to their profitability and marketability.

Belted Galloway Cattle is certainly a breed that has garnered itself this excellent reputation, for all the many wonderful qualities in the breed description.  And besides, what cattle fancier could resist the Oreo-cookie Cow?!

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History has indicated that the alpaca played a large part in the ancient Incan culture of its native South America.  Domestic to the highest plateaus of the high-country mountains of the Andes, the alpaca has been domesticated for over 5000 years.  The production of the luxurious, sought after, and highly desirable fiber, was once reserved only for the Incan royalty of ancient days.

A sad fact about alpacas is that they were subsequently almost annihilated during the invasion by the Spanish.  The survival of these highly regarded animals is historically attributed to the indigenous peoples’ love and respect for the alpaca, increasing their numbers by the protection sought high in the mountains where the harshest of weather conditions and forage availability exist, where perhaps no other type of animal could survive.  South America today is home to approximately 4 million Alpacas, and Canada is home to an imported 7000 to date.

Llamas are known in South America as the “ship of the Andes” because one of their primary uses remains to this day in being a beast of burden or pack animal.  The smaller Alpaca is raised for wool alone in North America, and therefore remains an aristocrat of the livestock community, neither for being a work animal or raised for meat.

During the 1800’s, Alpaca wool was “rediscovered” as the ultimate choice in fiber, possessing qualities of superior warmth, durability, and especially strength which is not diminished by its fine and soft quality.  Alpaca wool can often be compared to Cashmere in softness and has secured a profitable and long life in the fiber markets of the world. Successful Alpaca owners can attest to the financial viability in raising alpacas not only today but in the future.

Alpacas are one of the four members of the South American Camelid family, along with llamas, vicunas, and guanacos.  Two breeds of alpacas exist: the Huacaya and Suri breeds, the type of fiber being the distinguishing factor of each.  Huacaya Alpacas are much more common, with a more crimped and fluffed out appearance totaling 90% of the Alpaca population.  The more rare Suri Alpaca possesses a silky, hair-like quality of wool that actually drapes down in tight, ringletted locks.  Suris make up approximately 10% of the overall Alpaca populous.

Adult alpacas stand about 3 feet at shoulder height and adults can weigh in unshorn anywhere from 100-175 pounds. Shorn much like a sheep once per year, Alpacas will produce 5-10 lbs of lanolin-free fleece which can be handspun, unwashed directly off the animal.  Although North America is still a “breeders’ market”, selectively breeding for the finest wool and conformation standards, the highly marketable fiber from the Alpaca will remain the end “farm product”.

More facts about Alpacas

Animals belonging to the Camelid family are regarded commonly as the easiest to manage livestock, and certainly, the Alpaca must top the list of those regarded as the “ultimate” to raise.  Requirements suggest a one acre of pasture and room-to-roam for every 10 alpacas, with supplements of llama/alpaca formulated pellet feed (available commercially); good grass hay during winter that is low in protein—because of the evolution of the Alpaca on sparse Andean scrub grasses which are low in protein—as Alpacas require “low” protein content to produce a higher quality of healthy fleece.  Alpacas, like llamas, will not overeat and should have access to free-choice hay and grass.

As well, their softly padded, 2-toed feet, unlike hoofed livestock, are easy on pasture.  Alpacas are social herd animals, and as such should be purchased in multiples to ensure their own emotional well-being.  Like llamas, they use a communal dung pile and are extremely clean, making them the perfect ambassador animal to take into rest homes and public schools.

Another fact about alpacas is that they prefer the outdoors, but require only a 3-sided shelter as a sun-break, windbreak, and rain/snow shelter.  Regular de-worming, vaccinations, and trimming of toenails are the only other regular maintenance required besides yearly shearing.  Alpacas are not hard on fences, nor are they jumpers and escape artists like other livestock.  Alpacas are induced ovulators, where their “heat” cycle is brought on BY breeding, and as such can be bred any time of the year.  Crias (baby alpacas) weigh in at 12-20 pounds and gestation is 11 ½ months.  Twins are extremely rare, and the single birth, daylight labor rarely requires human intervention.  Alpacas have a lifespan of 15-20 years and can be raised for fun or profit, or both.

Alpacas are, will likely always be considered the easiest of all livestock to care for and manage.  With their pet-like gentility, beauty, intelligence and earth-friendly profitability, Alpacas will continue to be the ultimate exotic livestock of choice.

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A must-have and a must-read for every sheep owner is the excellent and extremely informative reference guide,  (or “Shepherd’s Bible” as many sheep ranchers call it) Raising Sheep the Modern Way, authored by Paula Simmons, a Garden Way Publishing Classic.

This wonderful, 278-page guide containing absolutely everything you could possibly want to know on the subject of caring for and raising lambs and sheep, is an invaluable resource in times of emergency or for general interest.

Its bright blue soft-cover is easily spotted on the bookshelf of your local bookseller or feed store, and is readily available in print to order, if you cannot find it on the store shelf.

Whether you have two sheep, or two hundred, and you are experienced, or perhaps a novice, this wonderful publication will guide you through every step of attaining and caring for sheep. Everything from purchasing, fencing, housing, breeding, lambing, feeding, and wool-handling is covered in detail, and several excellent sections encompass much useful and needed information as well, on veterinary care and lambing problems, hoof-care and medication. Many “exotic” breeds are covered and breed standards are delineated for each type of sheep, and will certainly give the new sheep rancher an excellent resource for choosing the breed type they may be looking for.

An experienced 30-year sheep rancher herself, author Paula Simmons is one of “our own”, residing now in British Columbia, and is involved presently in designing and manufacturing wool processing equipment. She is also the author of several published wool spinning and weaving handbooks and three cookbooks.

In Raising Sheep the Modern Way, she gives credit to veterinarian Dr. Darrell Salsbury, DVM, for the abundant and trustworthy technical and medical guidance that overflows throughout this excellent reference book. No farm library should be without it!

Some of the praises for Raising Sheep the Modern Way from very satisfied readers, (as listed on the back of the book itself)  state the obvious:

“An invaluable book. I started my sheep raising solely from using it!” -Mary Singer, Bellingham, MA

“As a beginner in sheep raising, I would never have made it without this book”. – Lenora Knox, Cottondale, AL

“Beyond excellent; my bible. A must for the beginning sheep farmer”. – E. Kenneth Beckwith, Barneveld, NY

“I can’t count how many times the book went to the barn with us, and if it wasn’t for the book, we might have lost a couple of sets of twins. I am highly recommending it…”   – Lynda Mattice, Morewood, Ont.

And I would have to agree whole-heartedly with all of the above. As a sheep owner myself, this book has indeed come with me and my husband into the barn during lambing, has not left any holes in information on raising sheep and giving quality care to these fine, woolly friends.

If you share your land with sheep, or are even just perhaps thinking about raising sheep, do yourself and your future animals a great service and become well-informed through this fact-filled and easily understood guide to sheep raising. It will truly be a well-used addition to your home agricultural library.

Generous Fruits – A Survey of American Homesteading: A Book Review

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