Hey, do you know that over the years animals have managed to build a closer relationship with human beings even with continuous industrialization, climate change and technology advancement.
This is why you and I now refer to them as family members or use a common term, a pet. Whichever place you are, in the countryside or urban centers,you can identify with these animals whether big or small.
These animals now have names,we shelter and some people dress them. They are beneficial to us in so many ways.
An important thing to do is to ensure they feel loved, happy and comfortable. Now here is my list.
Chicken
There are common birds in many homes and breeds like Kenbro, Isa Brown, Leghorn, Kuroiler and Silkie.
For a start you do not need a big number. The prices are fair and a cock or hen fetches not more than 1000 Kenya shillings, so you can start with about five or ten chickens.
Why You Need Chicken
At about twenty weeks they will begin laying eggs. If you have a large flock you can sell the eggs or better still you can decide on making eggs a part of your meals because they are good source of protein.
When chickens reach ages 21 to 25 weeks,try shall have matured hence you can sell some especially during holidays and towards Christmas season when they go for high prices.
Sometimes you can never know when visitors come to your home. Chicken would be a great meal for them.
You can treat yourself with one for lunch or super if you like.
Chicken droppings are a source of organic manure. After cleaning their coop, deposit their droppings on your farm.
If you love nature, then you'll love sounds like crowing, clucking from your chicken coop.
Pro Tips For Chicken
Clean your chicken house regularly to ensure its disease free and closely monitor each bird behavior.
Ensure your birds can move around freely preferably have a chain link fence around their coop where they get enough sunlight.
Cat
A domesticated specie from the cat family. Its a carnivorous mammal though can eat other food varieties such as cooked kales, cabbage, rice and even drink tea or milk.
Why You Need A Cat
First, whether you live in the country side or urban center, if rats are a menace to you, a cat will be of great help to you.
Second, cats can scare away snakes from your home. Cats can eat small snakes, hence snakes see them as predators, furthermore they have powerful claws that is fierce to snakes.
You do not require buying a certain feed for a cat, like for chickens. It can eat a variety and more they feed smaller animals and insects.
Lastly, you don't need to build a shelter, a cat can comfortably find a place to sleep be it outside or inside the house.
Take Home On Cats
A cat tends to have a sort of demanding behavior, some would say annoying. This is evident in a meowing sound, especially when its hungry, but once you understand its behavior, you will determine what it needs.
A cat is always clean and dislikes getting wet hence most of the time you will find it grooming its body.
Cats are playful attention seeking creatures. They do this to entertain themselves.
Dog
Its referred to as "man's best friend". It is able to create a bonding relationship and affection especially to person who gives it food.
With two dogs, I feed them twice a day, chain them in the morning, release them at night and free them.
Why You Need A Dog
Dogs are very sensitive and they can help you spot danger and prepare for a crisis if its bound to happen.
In upcountry, you feel safe,secure and stress free at night if you have a dog.
A dog is a good companion as one can freely walk and travel with it.
Dogs are loyal and when you train them they can help you with some tasks.
Dogs can eat a variety of food even vegetables but bones, meat are their favorite.
Dog Tips
Wash your dog if you can.
Feed your dog at least twice a day and include bones in the meal.
Build a kennel outside, though some people let their dogs stay in the house.
Do you want to train your dog, check out this guide ( Dog Trainer Bible) to kick start your dog training solutions https://413113/Homestretch/
Goat
A domesticated animal kept for meat and milk. Its easily identified by horns though some breeds do not grow horns.
You can buy a goat (if you want a dairy one or not) from farmers that rear or visit a market.
Why You Need A Goat
If its a dairy goat, you are guaranteed a nutritious milk daily.
A goat does not feed on grass alone. It can eat shrubs, sweet potato vines,corn leaves, herbal plant,banana leaves, vegetables like kale, cabbage.
Goats do not occupy a lot of space and a smaller shed can accommodate more goats compared to cows.
Goat manure will provide the required essential nutrients for the crops you grow in your farm or garden.
If you need extra cash, selling a goat can be an option for you.
Tips For Goats
Consider having a dairy goat to get benefits of meat and milk.
When starting, have a smaller number that you can manage unless you want to go commercial.
Hire someone to take care of your goats if you have a busy schedule.
Conclusion
One thing to note is that if you have these four animals, no food can never go to wastage.
Take your time to understand these animal's behavior, feed them and you'll know how loyal and friendly they can be, more so a dog.
There is a saying, treat a child the right way to go and he or she will never depart from it, therefore train,treat these animals in a friendly manner for them to have a sense of belonging in your home.
Water is essential to their health. They should have access to it.
Always give your best in any endeavor you take. These four animals have something to contribute in your home and life, so would you keep them?
Written by Peter Otieno.
Would you consider sharing any tips you have on safely harvesting a chicken, for those of us in the city that haven't?
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