Product Description
Starting a small scale farm is the dream of Americans young and old, from those who watched the majesty of the great western farm in films during their youth to those who spent their childhood actually working on a farm. However, for many of these individuals it is a matter of logistics and cost that keeps them from realizing their dreams. Raising beef cattle, ducks, rabbits, and any other small animals such as sheeps, goats, or chickens takes not only a decent amount of money to get started, but knowhow that doesn t come in textbooks while in school. This book was written with the intent of providing anyone who has ever wanted to start their own small scale farm the necessary resources and information needed to start raising small animals and cattle. You will learn everything you need to know to raise a wide variety of small animals. You will learn how to care for chickens, from choosing the right breed to raising them for egg production. You will learn how to handle geese and ducks, choosing the correct breeds, feeding, housing, breeding, and selecting the right ones for egg production. You will also learn about egg incubation, maintaining poultry health, and how raise them for meat. Other animals you will learn how to care for include rabbits, goats, sheep, dairy cows, and beef cattle. Small farmers and animal experts have been interviewed in detail and their responses added to this book to provide additional insight into every aspect of raising farm animals. This includes details about how to purchase, house, feed, breed, record, and butcher animals of all types as well as how to gather milk, use goats and cows for maintaining your fields, and even keeping records of births and selling babies. Everything you might need to know about raising small animals for your farm is included in this guide to provide you the first steps to raising domesticated poultry and livestock. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A well-rounded primer
The Complete Guide to Small-Scale Farming is a complete, no-nonsense, how-to guide to raising beef and dairy cattle, rabbits, ducks, chickens, goats and other small animals for personal or commercial consumption. (Only the raising of farm animals is covered; farming vegetables, grains, or other plants is left to other books). Chapters walk the reader through how to properly care for the different types of animals, preventative measures to ward off disease, what to do if disease or ill health breaks out, how to feed and care for animals, how to breed animals and how to humanely slaughter them when the time has come. Some black-and-white photographs and an index for quick reference round out this excellent starter guide, especially recommended for anyone contemplating raising animals as a well-rounded primer of precisely what one is getting into.

The Complete Guide to Small Scale Farming
Ever feel like time has passed by your far flung fantasies faster than the pitch you never threw in "The Bigs"?How 'bout that farmhouse on the hill crawling with critters, calves and cattle to raise, rear and reap rewards? Hold your horses cowfolk Miller warns, better be darn sure you know just what you are getting into. Like manure.Mucho manure.100 pounds a day for each cow.That's going to attract insects, pests, and flies if not cleaned right.But don't let your guard down.Here come the raccoons, skunks, deers and dogs.They can raid your feed, gobble seed and spread infectious diseases like rabies and scabies. Better start pricing out critter-proof containers.And don't throw out all that manure.If you know how to age and compost it, you won't throw out rich fertilizer.But fresh manure can also kill or as farmers say "burn" plants.Get it cowhand?Miller takes Frost's poetic advice literally:"good fences make good neighbors."But you might need that neighbor to hop the fence and show you the lay of the land.Make sure his crops and critters aren't bugged by yours.You might need a hand to help spread fertilizer so it doesn't leach into his field.There is much more to worry about but the message here is:Do your homework first.You can still make a living, eat your own homegrown, and even have a life.Vegetarians presumably are advised to grow veggies - with good neighborly fences.
Ever feel like time has passed by your far flung fantasies faster than the pitch you never threw in "The Bigs"?How 'bout that farmhouse on the hill crawling with critters, calves and cattle to raise, rear and reap rewards? Hold your horses cowfolk Miller warns, better be darn sure you know just what you are getting into. Like manure.Mucho manure.100 pounds a day for each cow.That's going to attract insects, pests, and flies if not cleaned right.But don't let your guard down.Here come the raccoons, skunks, deers and dogs.They can raid your feed, gobble seed and spread infectious diseases like rabies and scabies. Better start pricing out critter-proof containers.And don't throw out all that manure.If you know how to age and compost it, you won't throw out rich fertilizer.But fresh manure can also kill or as farmers say "burn" plants.Get it cowhand?Miller takes Frost's poetic advice literally:"good fences make good neighbors."But you might need that neighbor to hop the fence and show you the lay of the land.Make sure his crops and critters aren't bugged by yours.You might need a hand to help spread fertilizer so it doesn't leach into his field.There is much more to worry about but the message here is:Do your homework first.You can still make a living, eat your own homegrown, and even have a life.Vegetarians presumably are advised to grow veggies - with good neighborly fences.



The American tradition of the independent livestock farmer has somehow survived centuries of political, economic and environmental upheaval.A smart indie farm hand saves big bucks and small trucks by letting livestock mow the grass for munchies. Think small at first, maybe a few chickens.Despite corporate commercial takeovers, don't chicken out. A modest chicken farm can churn out those nutritious brown and off-white eggs that the fat cats - rather agri-businesses cannot. Miller makes a strong case for knowing each critter up close and personal.Pigs, poultry, rabbits, sheep and goats all require Special Ed.This wise farmer urges you to know their personalities.
Case studies of real live farm folks are scatteredlike seeds in soil. They grow into lively quotes like Minnesota game farmer Jim Meyer, who started with only 50 day-old pheasant chicks. He now takes care of 125,000 as well as 20,000 partridges, 20 workers and a 24/7 crew just for the birds. His gang markets almost a half-million chicks a year. As Miller sees it "raising pheasants is not for the weak of heart, birds retain much of their wildness." That can work for or against you. "When pheasants get loose - and they will- they fly away. He says it's like watching all your sweat equity,money, and profits fly into the sunset. Predators get intopens "and kill many, many birds in a single night and will return again and again." This game guy got game and guts. He has seen his pens collapse under the pressure of ice, snow and unforgiving winds. The birds fly free or get killed. The details are daunting but the writing is tight, well-researched and realistic.No mumbo jumbo meteorologist here, just sound advice on dealing with the weather, which plays a big role making game farms of dreams real.

For the novice and experienced
Three years ago, I went from being a girl living in a suburban neighborhood with all the modern luxuries available to a woman to living on a dairy farm with no air conditioning and a rooster for an alarm clock. When I started dating a farmer, I was anxious to learn more about the industry, and I am always trying to understand the foreign practices that my guy tries to explain to me. Since making the lifestyle change, I have gained a greater appreciation for the environment and have become more health conscious. I prefer home-raised eggs and fresh produce to manufactured "food," but many people are unaware of the pleasures that a rural lifestyle can offer.
The Complete Guide to Small Scale Farming is an informative resource for both the novice and experienced farmer, as well as those who are just interested in learning more about the culture. The book covers every crevice of livestock farming such as chickens, beef and dairy cattle, waterfowl, rabbits, goats, sheep, and pigs. This realistic guide provides information on breeding, housing, and feeding the various animals as well as health concerns and butchering. The guide goes one step further and offers a list of valuable resources and an appendix explaining how to make butter and cheese. As a fan of homemade cooking, I can not wait to make my own cheese and butter. It may seem old fashioned, but at least, I know exactly what is going into my body, and cooking is a wonderful way to bond with the family. After reading The Complete Guide to Small Scale Farming, I am able to understand more conversations with my handsome farmer, appreciate therural community around me, and am able add a few delicious recipes to my ever-growing cook book. Whether you are an experienced farmer, a newbie to the industry, or a curious soul looking for a glimpse into a different lifestyle, The Complete Guide to Small Scale Farming is a valuable resource for any one slightly interested in the world of small scale farming.

Old MacDonald Would Like This Book!
The Complete Guide to Small-Scale Farming: Everything You Need to Know About Raising Beef and Dairy Cattle, Rabbits, Ducks and Other Small Animals is one book literally summed up by its title. Therefore, should come as no surprise that this detailed how-to covers everything from selecting the best kind of animals, the care, equipment and cost (which can quickly add up), to butchering livestock and making cheese and butter from the milk produced by cows and goats.

Nelson, a veterinarian, has written an outstanding primer, that not only covers animal behavior and care needs, but such practical information on how to build a pig pen, resources for butchering supplies, different breed of cows (complete with photos) and vaccinations. Mason also provides a full discussion of diseases which can affect the various animals and several case studies show the challenges faced by several small-scale farmers.

While written for a very specific audience--people looking to raise animals on a small scale--this book is interesting and can hold the attention of anyone wondering where some of their food comes from.

Grow your own meat!
It is never too early start to planning how you are going to distribute your assets after you are no longer around. This book will hold your hand as you begin the legal preparations for your family's future. Every state regulates how wills are done differently and this book makes sure that you know what this means for you.
The first thing I liked about it was how well organized it is. If you only have questions about how to prepare a living will, you can get everything you need to know from one chapter. On that note, this book goes into great detail what you can do while alive to maximize your return to your descendants. It weighs the details of giving someone their inheritance early against waiting until death for it.
Although its always suggested to get a professional to attend to your legal needs, this book is about as informative and exhaustive as it gets. The information is well organized, and you don't need to read through the whole thing if you just want make a living will or understand how to pass on your house. It has many forms in the back of the book that help you make sense of your assets and will let you develop a coherent plan. If you are going to meet with a legal advisor, you will be well served to fill out all the information.
If you are planning your estate in Georgia, you would be well served to pick this book up. The information contained within is a great investment, and will save you costly time in legal council. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (25)

The meat in our markets is cheap for a reason
Some 20 years ago, I visited a farrowing house to see how hog farming had changed since the time I lived on the farm. The sights stuck with me, and through this book, I came to realize that I wasn't just reacting to the idiot who owned the particular site I visited. No, I was reacting to an impending crisis, the shadows of which we see now.

It'll be a long while before I subsidize animal husbandry of this ilk. The meat in our (US) markets might be some of the cheapest (at check-out) in the world, but there is an unseen price for that bargain, and we will all chip in to pay that tab one day all too soon.

Excellent read! Switch to organic now!!
Excellent read. Time for every American to switch to organic meat and foods. Drugs, pesticides and chemicals are there everywhere. If you want to protect your family, switch to organic now.

Not your family farm anymore
I was raised on a small family farm in Wisconsin. This book puts into light what "farming" has become. It shows what large producers/investing firms consider farming. It's truly a shame that without government/state guidelines, these large factory farms can set up shop under the radar. Not all large factory farms are environmentally or morally irresponsible, and anyone looking at this book may get the wrong impression. Just like any business, there is always going to be a select group that will give a black eye. If you're looking for a book that is informative with research to back it up, this is the book to read.

Where's the Beef?
I'm still waiting for this decade's version of "The Jungle". This book is not bad, lots of relevant data, but still lots more missing. The other thing is that this book will need to be updated at least every year or so.
I'll read the next one if there is one.

Read This, City Folk
This book exposes a serious, increasingly encroaching problem in our society, the ability of corporations, insensitive to personal responsibility, to run amok over our way of life. In this case, BIG CORPORATE AGRICULTURE has penetrated our society and is shoving down our throats stuff called food--and we pay for it in so many ways. More disease, more environmental degradation, more political maneuvering--all leading to incredible personal and societal costs.

The book is engaging. It tells the personal battles of some incredible citizens, fighting almost impossible odds against this invasive cancer in our society that, at its root, begins with corporate greed woven into a citizenry who are seriously uninformed about the food we eat.

The book is engaging but could have used some serious editing to cut the repetition. Important messages like this need to be more to the point if they are intended to cause change.

I fully support the author's laudable argument for more sustainable farming practices and local food production and marketing. But, he omitted one important assumption. Even if, ideally, we could return to sustainable farm practices, largely dependent on family farms and local marketing, it would eventually be self-limiting. We (by `we', I mean all the world's peoples) do not have the land and water resources to produce for our rapidly growing population the kind of food that we now eat, as long as we sustain our voracious appetite for animal protein-based foods.

I am a product of the family farm (milking cows) and began more than a half century ago a research career promoting the animal protein-based food that we produced. But our research program eventually produced findings that challenged my naivete. I learned that, collectively, we would need far less of the earth's resources, achieve far greater health at much lower disease care costs and reduce environmental degradation, if only we were to develop a dietary lifestyle that depended on our use of whole plant-based foods.

I firmly believe that the message in this book, along with a similar message in Fast Food Nation, would go much further if we altered our preferences for food, thus reducing our need for the very food that allows factory farming even to exist.

Just remember this: advanced heart disease, diabetes, obesity, several autoimmune diseases and other 'nuisance' ailments cannot only be prevented but actually be stopped in their tracks and CURED. Moreover, cancer also can be experimentally reversed by the same strategy--this was extensively investigated in our laboratory and published. ... Read more

Product Description
Cows and horses, donkeys and mules, sheep and goats, pigs and fowl, even llamas are living on small farms and in backyard barnyards throughout the United States. But how and where are these critters being housed?

Author Carol Ekarius knows. In How to Build Animal Housing, she provides dozens of plans--with illustrated, step-by-step instructions--for species-specific shelters that are well ventilated, safe, appropriate for the animals, appealing, convenient, and a solid value for their owners.

The book is essential reading for anyone interested in animal health and welfare. It includes complete plans and step-by-step, illustrated instructions for sheds, coops, hutches, multipurpose barns, and economical easy-to-build windbreaks and shade structures. Ekarius covers new high-tech, portable structures made of plastics and fabrics, such as hoop houses and hen spas, as well as more traditional alternatives, such as straw-bale structures. Always practical, she enumerates the advantages and disadvantages of ready-to-build kits and modular barnyard buildings and includes designs for watering systems, feeders, chutes, stanchions, and more--the essentials that help owners keep their animals healthy and happy.

Ekarius wisely emphasizes the importance of careful planning, choosing an appropriate housing site, and complying with local zoning regulations; pest control, basic housing maintenance, and insurance costs are also discussed. Real-world advice from farmers and veterinarians on the types of housing and facilities animals like best enliven the text throughout.

How to Build Animal Housing is the most comprehensive and useful guide of its kind. For small-scale farmers, hobby farmers, do-it-yourselfers, and animal lovers, this book is indispensable. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

It's ok, but not what I was expecting
I ordered this book thinking it would have plans that I could use for my chicken coop and I was a little disappointed when it arrived.While it does have a few good suggestions and a couple of good plans, there is not much in the way of chicken coops.It focuses more on larger animal housing and the construction aspect that it does on plans and designs.I'm in the process of looking for another book to supplement this one.It does have some good ideas for the larger animal housing.....we're just not ready for that yet.

Practical Plans, Useful Commentary
This book has clear, measured plan drawings for a variety of housing elements useful for a small-scale farmer.So far, I have adapted two plans to fit my space and materials available, and have been happy with the results.The author includes good explanations of why you should build things the way she says, which really helps when you need to modify one of her plans.

An excellent book, should really hit the spot for the new farmer, or somebody adding a new species to their operation.

I love the chickens!
An extremely useful book for any type of animals you might like to have in your backyard.

Getr' done
Great projects, concise writing, great way to add to your design ideas for building "homes" for your "crew".

Too much
This book is more for the professional builder then for the do it yourself. I would bother with this one unless you have the skills to build it. ... Read more

Product Description
Sustainable management of the world's livestock genetic diversity is of vital importance to agriculture, food production, rural development and the environment. "The State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture" is the first global assessment of these resources. Drawing on 169 Country Reports, contributions from a number of international organizations and 12 specially commissioned thematic studies, it presents an analysis of the state of agricultural biodiversity in the livestock sector - origins and development, uses and values, distribution and exchange, risk status and threats - and of capacity to manage these resource - institutions, policies and legal frameworks, structured breeding activities and conservation programmes.Needs and challenges are assessed in the context of the forces driving change in livestock production systems. Tools and methods to enhance the use and development of animal genetic resources are explored in sections on the state of the art in characterization, genetic improvement, economic evaluation and conservation.As well as enabling the preparation of this technical reference document, the State of the World process has led to the formulation of "Strategic Priorities for Action for the Sustainable Use, Development and Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture".The process of policy development for sustainable management is continuing and will provide an agenda for action for the international community. ... Read more

Product Description
This book, previously titled Impacts of Livestock Production, objectively deals with a number of important issues that are affecting livestock production and the public perception of animal production on a global basis. Some of these issues include consumption of animal products and human health, global warming, biotechnology and animal rights.The volume examines domestication of animals and their contributions to human welfare, animal products in the human diet, principles of animal nutrition and the scientific feeding of livestock, feed additives and growth promotants in animal production, environmental concerns involving livestock production, livestock grazing and rangelands issues, industrialization and globalization of animal agriculture, food quality and safety issues, bioethics, animal welfare, animal rights, and biotechnology issues, and livestock integration into sustainable resource utilization.For anyone involved with animal and poultry science. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A good book for those interested in the future of our planet
The author has good communication skills as well as lots of experience in agriculture-- a somewhat rare combination. The book deals with an extremely important topic: the impact of agriculture on planet Earth. (Let's face it. You just can't feed 6 billion people without having a big impact). Besides being important, the book is also well organized, well illustrated and interesting to read. ... Read more

Product Description
Many minerals are essential for maintaining the health and productivity of animals. Indeed, most minerals have very well-defined nutritional and biochemical roles that are considered to be essential. But minerals can also adversely affect animals when amounts in their diet or in the water they consume become excessive. Even at dietary levels that are apparently safe for animals, some minerals accumulate in their tissues at concentrations that raise concerns about the possible effects of their consumption as food. The prevention of mineral toxicities, therefore, is a fundamental part of animal nutrition and management. Updating the 1980 edition of Mineral Tolerance of Domestic Animals, this new book makes important recommendations on the toxic and tolerable levels of minerals for a variety of animal species. Preventing adverse effects of minerals on the health of animals requires the application of appropriate nutritional and toxicological principles to set limits on mineral exposure to animals.To address this need, a committee of experts in nutrition, toxicology, and veterinary medicine, thoroughly reviewed the scientific literature to identify the essential qualities of dietary minerals, analyse the effects of animals to toxic exposures, and examine how animals living in different environmental conditions metabolise minerals and tolerate toxins. This book will be essential to food industry professionals, pet and other animal food manufacturers, and animal nutritionists. ... Read more

Product Description
An experienced animal breeder, Rick Bourdon designed this book to be a modern, technologically up-to-date approach to animal breeding.Understanding Animal Breeding addresses the abstract concepts of animal breeding, presenting the necessary mathematics, but previous experience in genetics and statistics is not assumed. Well organized and readable, the book stresses application, then explains theory for an overall understanding of the material. Coverage explores the latest material on interactions and breeding objectives; performance testing; probabilities and inheritance; the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with multiple alleles; realized response to selection; breeding for uniformity; and biotechnology.For practicing animal breeders as well as those interested in breeding and agriculture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

No beautiful pictures
This is an excellent book on animal breeding.However, contrary to a previous review, it does not have any pictures at all!It has excellent charts and tables that illustrate points in the book.I just wanted to clarify this point.

One of a kind.
Understanding Animal Breeding is truly a one of a kind book. With beatifulpictures and helpful information, this book is for anyone who loves tolearn about animals or animal behavior. With over 500 pages of wonderfulstuff you'll never get tired of it. The author is a good writer with a lotof skill and has know how of animal. ... Read more

Product Description
Mathematical modelling is increasingly applicable to the practical sciences. Here, mathematical approaches are applied to the study of mechanisms of digestion and metabolism in primary animal species. Farmed animals - ruminants, pigs, poultry and fish are comprehensively covered, as well as sections on companion animals. Common themes between species, such as energy and amino acid metabolism, are explored with a worldwide approach. Leading researchers from around the world have contributed to France and Kebreab's volume to provide an integrated approach to mathematical modelling in animal nutrition. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (17)

Cute, Funny, and so touching
I am ten.This book is so amazing.It has tons of pictures and stories, and everything about farm animals!
I've read this book about five times and I love it more and more!Get this book if you love animals. It will get to your heart. Amazing.

VegNews 'Inner World of Farm Animals' Review
'The Inner World of Farm Animals' by Amy Hatkoff is the ideal book for those who love to pet their cat yet fork a calf. 'Inner World' is an unmatched bridge connecting the emotions witnessed by anybody with a companion to the intelligence of food animals. Hatkoff scours both science and psychology, offering funny, poignant, and sometimes bittersweet stories from both research and observation of the amazing feats of animals. Turkeys have different words for vulture, eagle and hawk; ducks develop regional accents to their quacks; and sheep are soothed by seeing photographs of familiar sheep. In addition to its written observations, 'Inner World' offers heartwarming pictures that superbly accentuate Hatkoff's words. This is a book you will want to re-read and share with children.

a good primer to open your eyes
The layout of this book is beautiful, with many full-color, full-page pictures of farm animals. The text is easy-to-read and flows smoothly, with short sections (at most two pages) discussing the different kinds of intelligence of the animals. It is beautiful to look at and hold, and the vocabulary is not over-the-top where the studies are concerned.

I give this book a 3-star rating because I found the level of writing to be a little too basic. If you have had any experience with animals, whether a pet-owner, a hobby farmer or anything else you probably won't be surprised by the information contained in this book, especially if you are already familiar with the basic ideas behind animal rights. The coverage is just not in depth enough to really interest me as a reader. If gives you tantalizing tidbits and then moves on. Even the studies that are repeatedly mentioned and referred to in the text are only portrayed in the briefest of overviews.

If you are completely new to the animal rights scene and have never had a personal experience with a farm animal then you may well be impressed by this book and it will probably open your eyes to the complex creatures that we routinely eat and abuse. If you are trying to broach this subject to someone who is against it, or teach older children about animals as more than food this book may be very useful to you. (I wouldn't recommend this for very young children except as a picture book, some of the terminology that is used in conjunction with the studies is a little large.)

After reading this book (relatively quick read as well, I finished it in one sitting of a few hours) I was left wanting more, more information about the studies and how they were preformed, more than the short anecdotes that filled the pages, and more than the fairly repetitive quotes that are liberally sprinkled throughout the book. I did like the fact that this book did not try to shove animal rights down your throat, it was not in-you-face and did not use scare tactics, it admitted that in many of the studies the scientists weren't sure that they were measuring things correctly and that the things they were trying to measure were very difficult to isolate. The author plainly stated in multiple places that the studies weren't perfect, but that the overarching evidence pointed to these creatures being more than mindless automatons. That gave this book points in my eyes.

It is an enjoyable book, but not a blow-you-out-of-the-water amazing book unless you have never had any kind of contact with farm animals before.

An unforgettable book.
I came across this book when I was browsing in a bookstore during our summer vacation. I spent a long time looking at it, reading about some of my favorite animals, being amazed at some of the stories and information. My favorite farm animals are cows and sheep, and I was so happy to see their "dumb" status refuted. The thought that a sheep might enjoy -- and even remember! -- my smiling face is gratifying to me on a very deep level. I've been a vegetarian since 1982, but have enjoyed being with animals of all types very much since I was a little girl. Well, I didn't buy the book last summer and I've regretted it many times. I've told people about some of the animals in the book, and now I want to have it to be able to show people not only the text but the fabulous photographs, so I'm going to order one -- from my local bookseller.

The Beauty, Plight, and Fellowship of Farmed Animals
Review by Karen Davis, PhD, President of United Poultry Concerns

I looked at the piece of animal on my plate, and it symbolized fear, pain, and death. I stopped eating it - Jane Goodall, Foreword

The Inner World of Farm Animals is dedicated "to farm animals everywhere and to all those who are standing by, with, and for them." The book combines beautiful color photographs with stories and perspectives by sanctuary directors and animal scientists showing that chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, cows, sheep, pigs, and goats possess complex emotions, intelligence, consciousness, and social skills. Like us, these animals are sentient beings. Sentience, Hatkoff explains, "means being aware of oneself, one's surroundings, one's bodily sensations, and of the emotions corresponding to that awareness. It means having an awareness of other animals as well as of humans. Research shows that farm animals have a wide range of feelings, including loyalty, sadness, joy, and fear" (p. 17).

Stories illustrating these claims begin with an account of a mother duck who quacked and tugged beseechingly at the pant leg of a police officer to get him to accompany her to a sewer grate where he discovered that her eight ducklings had fallen through the grates. The ducklings were promptly rescued and reunited with their mother. The point of the story is that the mother duck's actions on behalf of her youngsters showed conscious intention, determination, parental devotion, and distress, the same as would be found in a human mother.

The sad irony of the story is that the vast majority of farmed animals are stuck, without any hope of being rescued, in the sewer. No police officer will ever pull them out of it and no caring mothers will hear their cries, let alone be in a position to help them. Rescued farmed animals represent the lucky few - comparable to a teaspoon of ocean water - who chanced to find comfort and joy in the friendship and loving companionship of other animals in a sanctuary, in the care of compassionate people. Their stories along with the photographs are the heart and soul of this book.

The scientific contribution focuses mainly on experiments in which chickens and other animals are praised by researchers for proving they're smart enough to learn which levers and computer keys to press in order to get food or some other so-called reward. Are you surprised to learn that chickens will peck keys 100 times to reach a place where they can dustbathe but only 10 times to reach a place full of thumbtacks? Marion Stamp Dawkins, who designed this experiment, also "discovered" that the hens in her laboratory will work harder to get back to their chicks, when experimentally separated from them, than they will to get back to their adult flockmates (p. 37). ) Granting this, one wonders what application it could have to chicken farming, in which breeding flocks and hatcheries are totally separate operations.

In this generally lovely and illuminating book, to which I was pleased to contribute, I wish that the author had shunned the pseudoscience that ranks animals according to who is "smarter" than whom. At best, it's plain silly. And I wish the book had not included Matthew Scully's fusty declaration about animals in Dominion that "We are called to treat them with kindness, not because they have rights or power or some claim to equality, but because they don't."

If a purpose of The Inner World of Farm Animals is to teach people to respect farmed animals instead of patronizing and demeaning them, the Scully quotation doesn't fit. Nor does suggesting that people like Wolfgang Puck, who cook animals and make money off their misery while spouting rubbish about being against "factory farming," are benefactors of farmed animals. Fortunately, while mentioning welfare measures that are being taken to help animals raised for food, Hatkoff does not overstate their effectiveness.

The Inner World of Farm Animals, with its beautiful images and moving personal stories, should be placed in locations where ordinary people can easily pick it up, browse and be affected by the beauty, plight, and fellowship of farmed animals and want to help them. It is a thoughtful holiday gift that includes a list of advocacy organizations and sanctuaries to contact for more information. - Karen Davis, United Poultry Concerns.[...]














... Read more

Product Description
The rapid growth of organic farming has been amongst the most remarkable changes in global agriculture in recent decades. Initially, more attention was paid to the crop side of organic systems, but that has now changed and there is greater recognition of the need to understand animal health and welfare better. ... Read more

Product Description
Seven fund-raising and animal care professionals offer up-to-date, step-by-step advice on success in all aspects of fund-raising for animal-care organizations—direct mail, planned giving, capital campaigns, special events, grant proposals, on-line appeals, and more.

Fund-Raising for Animal Care Organizations is the second in the Humane Society Press Shelter Management series. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

This book is excellent.
I highly recommend this book for all those who are involved in raising funds for animal welfare non-profits.It is comprised of short and concise chapters written by seasoned experts on the vital aspects of this topic.Additionally, there is a very useful list of resources (websites, books, organizations, etc.) at the end.Currently, I'm using the techniques and strategies discussed in the book to assist the Board of Directors of a local animal shelter.

Another fantastic book from the HSUS!
This book covers every aspect of fundraising. It discusses the legal requirements to which organizations must adhere, how to lay a foundation for successful fundraising, and everything from small fundraising events to big capital campaigns. After reading this book, I feel like I have the knowledge to manage a successful, sustainable fundraising program. I recommend this book to every animal care organization that is too busy keeping their head above water to worry about anything else because this book will help you change that. ... Read more

Product Description
Volunteer Management for Animal Care Organizations, by Betsy McFarland,offers step-by-step advice on how to recruit, manage, motivate, and reward volunteers in the animal care field. It will inspire the managers of shelters or animal control agencies to explore the potential benefits of volunteer programs for their organizations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Advice For True Pet Lovers
If any shelter, rescue group or popular "Animal Welfare Group" tells you to kill a healthy cat or dog, tell them "No, I am not a murderer, and this precious soul deserves to live equally as much as you and I do."
You may be asked to leave the group, but you will have something that they dont: Dignity, courage, and a reverence for the precious lives of your fellow precious living souls.

P.S. Try to adopt, or sneak the cat or dog out of there before the murderers kill them. There are rescue groups who will find them a good home, if you cant find one.

For more info on the facts (there are alot of myths being spread by the killers) about No Kill, do a search online for "Nathan Winograd Official Site" or "No Kill Advocacy Center"

Thanks for caring about someone else's life except your own.


P.P.S. This book was written by the In-Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), who, along with PETA and the ASPCA, SUPPORT murdering shelter pets.

Excellent resource and very informative.
Great for non-profits looking to help increase their volunteer initiatives.Well written with lot's of resouces to call upon in addition to the information written.

Incredibly helpful!
As someone who is looking to get into a career in animal welfare, I found this book to be incredibly helpful. The HSUS obviously is a very well-known and well-respected institution, so I know that I can trust their advice and information about volunteer management, among other topics. It's one thing to read a book by an expert, but quite another when an organization is willing to stamp its name and reputation on the book, as the HSUS has done for this book. Not only was the book full of step by step and detailed information, but it was also a great read! I expected to be bored by it, but I actually found it to be well-written and even interesting! I would receommend this book to anyone involved with the animal welfare field, whether they are staff, board members, or volunteers. Other types of volunteer-focuses organizations may also get something out of this book as well. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Thumbs Up
Book was what I ordered and in very good condition. Price and shipping time was reasonable.

Brand new, free and fast shippings
THe book was brand new like expected. free shipping took a lil longer than ussual but quicker than i expected . ... Read more

Product Description
Environmental enrichment is a simple and effective means of improving animal welfare in any species - companion, farm, laboratory and zoo. For many years, it has been a popular area of research, and has attracted the attention and concerns of animal keepers and carers, animal industry professionals, academics, students and pet owners all over the world.

This book is the first to integrate scientific knowledge and principles to show how environmental enrichment can be used on different types of animal. Filling a major gap, it considers the history of animal keeping, legal issues and ethics, right through to a detailed exploration of whether environmental enrichment actually works, the methods involved, and how to design and manage programmes.

*The first book in a major new animal welfare series *Draws together a large amount of research on different animals *Provides detailed examples and case studies *An invaluable reference tool for all those who work with or study animals in captivity ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Environment Enrichment for Captive Animals
Environment Enrichment for Captive Animals is a great book for pet owners and animal professional alike.Easy to read and well worth the price.

Must have!
If you are interested in animal behavior and welfare, this is a must have book. Very straightforward with several practical examples based on consistent scientific knowledge.

Great Book
This book is great for anyone interested in Enviornmental Enrichment.It is easy to read and very easy to understand.The break down of the chapters is great.I would highly recommend this book to anyone. ... Read more

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This book contains the proceedings of the 43rd University of Nottingham Feed Conference held in September 2009. Authors of all chapters are international experts in their fields and have provided comprehensive analyses of the issues together with practical applications. This book is essential reading for all involved in animal production science/practice, including researchers, consultants, animal science students, legislators and practitioners. ... Read more

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Practical advice for buying, feeding, and caring for hogs, plus modern breeding and herd management. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Perfect for the First Time Pig Parent
First time my son has raised a pig for FFA.We are total novices.This book explains everything in simple terms that are easy to understand.I would recommend this book to any first time FFA or 4H member working his or her way through pig-rearing.Definitely worth the money... and then some!

Pigs
Thank you for sending the book so promptly and in good condition. I really appreciate your efforts. Thanks again.

A must for anyone with pigs!
This is the best and most complete book on swine I have found! It covers every question I had and answered some I never thought of. Excellent. ... Read more