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Heat stress can be dangerous for any animal. In horses, heat stress can lead to more severe reactions such as colic or heat stroke, which can be fatal. By recognizing heat stress and its impact, horse owners can more easily protect their equine companions and keep them comfortable when temperatures rise. When Horses Are at Risk From Heat Summer is the obvious time when horses are most at risk of heat stress, but it isn’t the only time when heat may impact a horse. Traveling can exacerbate heat stress as sunlight reflects mercilessly off asphalt and a horse trailer can...

Goats can be profitable additions to any farm or urban homestead, but parasites can dramatically reduce any goat’s productivity. Fortunately, there are many ways to boost goat parasite control to improve the health and production of any herd of goats. About Goat Parasites Small ruminants like goats are susceptible to a wide range of internal and external parasites. A variety of internal worms can affect a goat’s productivity, while external pests like flies and lice can also be a problem. A small amount of parasites are normal, both inside and out, but if a goat’s parasite load becomes unbalanced and...

Suet is an ideal food for wild birds, rich in fat and calories to provide exceptional energy just when birds need it most as temperatures drop. But what exactly is suet, and how can it be offered to backyard birds? About Suet Suet is the rendered fat from cattle and sheep, generally fat found around the animals’ kidneys. Rendering is the process of melting, straining, and cooling the fat to remove leftover bits of tendon, cartilage, bone, and muscle, to create a pure product that will stay firm at higher temperatures. Suet for birds is often mixed with birdseed, dried...

Late fall and early winter may not seem like great times to be active in the garden, but in many areas, there are still tasks that need to be completed. In regions with milder climates, November can be a great time for wrapping up autumn gardening chores, and every gardener should take steps to keep their beds in great shape right up to the first heavy snowfall. In November, gardeners should… Keep RakingAs leaves keep falling, they build up on the lawn and garden, creating thick mats that are hard to remove in spring. Raking throughout November will minimize leftover...

As the last heat wave of summer fades, bird feeders are disappearing from backyards. Most bird lovers assume that as the weather cools and mass migration sweeps in, their beloved winged friends don't need human assistance in finding food; they can forage for it themselves. Be a wise lover of birds this year; learn how to host diverse flocks  at your backyard buffet right up until winter. Offer High-Calorie Foods As they prepare to migrate, birds need nutritious foods rich in fat to sustain their energy. Be the best bird feeder on the block by offering high-calorie nibblets for them...