Breeding dwarf animals on the farm
The diminutive species of animals habitual for giving are an ideal solution for small plots and farms, which are treated as a hobby. Miniature farm animals grow to a third the size of common breeds, are more human-friendly, and some require less maintenance (but not all) than their full-sized breeds. In this article, we will introduce you to several of these animals.
Mini cows
Temperament
Shy to extroverted. Their small size makes them less intimidating for children. A seven-year-old can easily milk a trained and obedient miniature dairy cow.
Benefits
It produces 18 to 22 liters of milk per day, so you will always have fresh cream, cheese, butter, cottage cheese and yogurt on your table.
Care and feeding
The cows must roam the pasture, eat grass and sunbathe. A miniature dairy cow requires at least 2000 sq. m. of space. She will need a barn for feeding, milking and living. On average, she consumes about 11 kg of hay, 1 kg of grain and 27 liters of water per day with regular milking.
Dwarf cows require the same amount of energy to maintain as normal species.
Mini bulls
Dexter, Hereford, Longhorn, Jersey, Lowline (Mini Angus) and Zebu are the most popular breeds. Mini Zebu weigh between 90 and 220 kg, while Mini Dexters and Herefords reach 450 kg.
Application
Dwarf bulls are used primarily in non-mechanical farming and performing at exhibitions, fairs and parades.
Temperament
Usually calm animals are highly intelligent and capable of learning to perform a variety of tasks.
Benefits
Easily carry weights and can be used to transport hay, water, firewood and harvested leaves.
Care and feeding
An adult bull requires 4000 sq. m. for a comfortable life, 13 kg of hay every day in winter, as well as 1.5 kg of compound feed on weekdays. Provide the animal with a dry sleeping area and good protection from the cold.
A dwarf calf costs 2 times more than an ordinary calf. For the first year, set aside time every day to train him.
Dwarf chickens
The most famous among miniature chickens are dwarf bantams. They are 2 times smaller and lighter than standard poultry. On average, they weigh no more than 500 g. Bentams are often used for decorative purposes with their beautiful feathers on their legs and wide fan tails. Many common chickens have their smaller counterparts, but there are also several unique dwarf bantam breeds without large relatives. For example, Dutch and Sibright bantams.
Breeder evaluation
Some farmers note that observing the behavior of a flock of tiny chickens relaxes them and lifts their spirits.
Temperament
Dwarf bantams are like big chickens. Some of them are friendly and handy with pleasure. Others, on the contrary, are completely wild.
Benefits
Bantam eggs are about half the size of a standard chicken egg and are just as healthy.Chickens eat grasshoppers, larvae and other pests, and their droppings are an excellent compost ingredient.
Care and feeding
For a herd of 6 chickens, plan a 2m by 2m chicken coop with nest boxes, resting area and heating in winter, and an outdoor enclosure protected by a predator net. Chickens need food and water every day, and eggs must be collected every day. One hen consumes 1-2 cups of feed per day. Bantams love finely chopped vegetables, but you'll have to carefully clean up any leftovers to avoid attracting flies.
Snakes, weasels, hawks, dogs and other predators can destroy an entire herd in the blink of an eye. Bentams, like most chickens, are susceptible to disease. Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling them, both for their protection and for your own.
Dwarf sheep
Sheep are considered dwarf if their height is in the range from 48 to 60 cm. Individuals below this mark are called "toy" sheep.
Breeder evaluation
Owners find the mini sheep to be delicious. Some of these animals resemble cute stuffed animals, overly stuffed from the inside.
Temperament
Mini sheep belong to a separate species, and only over time can they become friendly and tame.
Benefits
The Cheviot and Babydolls are relatively easy to care for. They give a good return on milk, wool and meat.
Care and feeding
If you plan on raising lambs, start with one ram and two sheep per 1 to 2 hectares, divided into several sections to allow the animals to graze separately. Outside the pasture, a mini sheep consumes about 7 kg of hay per day. Provide them with a safe 2.5m by 2.5m shelter at night, and a shade canopy on sunny days. No additional heating is required in winter.
The smaller the sheep, the more vulnerable it is to predators.
Dwarf horses
After four centuries of selection, experts have managed to breed a miniature horse, whose height does not exceed 86 cm, and the weight ranges between 70 and 110 kg. These sizes are in proportion to the size of ordinary horses.
Breeder evaluation
If large horses scare you, you will find dwarfs cute and friendly.
Temperament
Mini horses are smart and easy to train. Most of them are brought up obedient and accustomed to hands.
Benefits
Some owners harness their dwarf horses to small carts or use them as pack animals for backpacking hiking trips. These animals are capable of carrying weight up to 31 kg.
Care and feeding
Two individuals can safely graze in an area of 4 square meters. km. Even after a day in the pasture, they need at least 2 cups of grain a day. In winter, each horse needs dry food in the amount of 2% of its weight daily - this is, on average, 2 kg. Provide a secure, dry shelter with good wind protection measuring 2.5m by 3.6m. Most dwarf horses grow hair to protect them from the cold. Therefore, they enjoy spending time outside on the snowiest days. No heater required even in cold weather.
A dwarf horse is not a puppy. Study the information about these animals carefully and prepare to spend time training them.
You learned about several common types of dwarf farm animals. If you study in detail the specific species that you plan to breed on the farm, then the labor costs for this process can be reduced significantly. In conditions of a lack of space and area of the site, raising miniature cows and chickens will be an excellent solution.
Farm video with dwarf cows