Though llamas, native to the Andes of South America, have traditionally been used for pulling carts and guarding sheep, they can be great pets if cared for properly.
Good herd management will provide years of companionship, dairy products, and meat. Goats make good pets and show animals for smaller children.
Choose feed based on what your goat or herd thrives best on and the type of grass or hay your goat has available.
When choosing a goat, decide how you'll be using the goat - for milk, meat or just to show.
Keeping your goat's hooves trimmed and clean will prevent disease and crippling. To trim hooves, you will need shears, a pocketknife, a rasp and a hoof pick.
All cleaning and shaving of your goat can be done at home before the show. It is best to shave your goat a few days before the show to allow that "just cut" look to grow out.
Goat's milk can be a good substitute for people who are allergic to cow's milk. Goat's milk can also be used to make butter, cheese, yogurt and ice cream.
Remember to have fun and smile. Your goat senses it if you are nervous or upset.
Raising a 4-H pig will teach a youth valuable lessons about responsibility.
A healthy, happy show pig needs nutritious food regularly. Choose a feed that's high in energy (corn), low in fiber (cellulose) and supplemented with protein.
Looking for a show pig? Choose a breed with good body structure and one that matches your personal preference.
Work with your pig a few weeks before the show to save your animal from excess stress during the event.
This is the fun part of entering your pet pig in a show. Enjoy yourself, and remember to smile.
The type of coop you pick for your chickens depends on whether you're raising chickens for meat, eggs, or both. It also depends on how large a flock you're planning to keep.
When purchasing chicks, decide whether they'll be for meat, eggs, or both. If you're interested in hatching your own, see the related eHow "How to Hatch Chicks."
Chickens make a good 4-H project for people with limited space and younger children. The birds can also provide your family with meat, eggs and entertainment.
Chickens can be easy prey for hawks, foxes, opossums, skunks, dogs and cats. Here's how to protect your fowl from foul play.
If you're lucky, you have a hen that will handle egg-hatching duties. Otherwise, an incubator will do. Here are the basics on both hatching methods.
Chicks need feed, water, heat, light and space to grow into healthy chickens. If you're purchasing your chicks, read "How to Purchase Chicks" or "How to Hatch Chicks."
Preparing to show your chickens begins from the first day you receive your chicks (see Related eHows: "How to Purchase Chicks," "Raise Baby Chicks" and "Care for Chickens").
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The ultimate How To guide for farm animal care. From raising a show pig to learning how to build a chicken coop, eHow offers expert advice that will benefit even the most seasoned livestock professionals. Whether you need to know how to milk a cow or you’re wondering how to shave your goat, eHow can help. Discover practical care tips on a variety of subjects, including how to breed farm animals and where to buy supplies.
