Storey's Guide to Raising Miniature Livestock: Goats, Sheep, Donkeys, Pigs, Horses, Cattle, Llamas
Whether you want to the make most of a small plot of land or add diversity to a large farm, raising miniature livestock can be a fun and profitable experience. With expert advice on choosing a breed that suits your needs, Sue Weaver shows you how to house, feed, and care for miniature goats, sheep, donkeys, pigs, horses, cattle, and llamas. You’ll be inspired by profiles of successful breeders as you learn everything you need to know to keep your miniature livestock healthy and productive.
Reviews (107)
Kindle version charts unreadable!
This book should NOT be available for Kindle since important charts of information (like factors to consider when choosing a species) are simply not legible/readable - even with a magnifying glass. The information may be excellent, but I certainly can't rate it when I can't see it. I'll try the paper version, expecting it to be MUCH better.
It wasa informative on a miniature subject with lots of ...
It wasa informative on a miniature subject with lots of specific information./ I knew a woman briefly who was secretary of the Miniature Llamas Association. This book tellswhat we might not want to hear if we are not alrady miniature owners... They really aren't cuddly and they really suffer from the Texas heat. Maybe we should stick with cuddly heat proof goats.
Excellent Resource for those Just Starting Out
I have several of Sue Weaver's books, and I have grown to trust her on most subjects pertaining to animal care. This is another example of her work, which I have always found to be clearly and simply written, factual, and nicely toned (there are few things more offensive than reading a 'how to' guide in which the author clearly feels his audience is beneath him; Ms. Weaver, as always, comes across in a friendly and instructive manner without being condescending) This book is split into two sections: Raising Miniature Livestock and The Species. Each section is then divided into chapters. The first second is, as it is aptly titled, about raising minis. The chapters in the first section are as follows: 1 Before You Begin (basically about whether you are really ready and able to have livestock, mini or otherwise) 2 Which Species? (the title is self-evident, but, basically, the chapter compares the different miniatures available, and helps you choose which you are interested in learning more about--Section 2 of the book covers the individual species more throughly) 3 Getting Started: Education, Vets, and Where to Buy (information everyone needs to consider in preperation for any animal) 4 Selecting Miniature Livestock (This chapter helps you learn what to look for as far as healthy minis go. It also delves into the genetic issue of Dwarfism.) 5 Livestock Guardians 6 Facilities and Fences (goes over what kind of housing your livestock will need) 7 Feeding ( I did not realize before I picked up this book that miniature goats, sheep, and the rest of them have different food needs than their full-sized cousins (other than the obvious difference in porportion). But Ms. Weaver explains the different needs that Minis have) 8 Health (a very, very basic primer on healthcare, things you must know, such as worming and taking care of wounds) 9 Identification (about permanent/temporary tagging) 10 Transportation (helps you get your stock from point A to B with minimal stress and danger to all concerned) 11 Breeding (basically, how to get baby minis and a little on how to care for baby) 12 Got Milk? (fairly self-evident, but a start on dairying your minis...but you'll need more than this book if you really want to get started in that) 13 The Business End (How to market your minis so they at least pay their way) Section Two covers each of the livestock included (Mini Cattle, Horses, Donkeys, Mules, Goats, Llamas, and Sheep). This includes a section of photographs (though all the pictures are together, not spread out through the book) I found most of the information to be reliable and fair. Sue Weaver loves most animals (especially donkeys) and you can tell when reading her work. There is one little issue, though I do not hold this againist Ms. Weaver, as she is not the photographer, is that there is a photo of a goat in this book that is also in Storey's Guide to Livestock Breeds, and which the books each classify differently. I don't know how this came about, but since it is not the author's fault, one can hardly hold her accountable. All in all, I suggest this book if you are new to the miniature world. Some of the information is something that someone with a little experience wouldn't need, but it is great for beginners,and even the experienced can learn something useful!
For Me the book was a waste of time and money
For Me the book was a waste of time and money. For others it could be just what they wanted. The book was very general covering many farm animals but gives no more information that a basic website would about an animal. Was expecting something more specialized about miniatures. Would suggest some books like raising beef cattle, dairy cattle, meat goats etc. which are Storey's Guide to. These will give more specifics. General information it's Okay.
Not Just for Minis!!
I am a huge Sue Weaver fan. She is a knowledgeable and articulate writer. She has a great sense of humor and one that does not overwhelm the text. I've read all of her books. I highly recommend each and every one. Up until now, the Donkey book was my favorite. I picked up Raising Miniature Livestock because I can't decide what kind of animals to raise and minis have a lot going for them! Lo and behold, there are so many bits of wisdom here for raising all types of livestock--large and small--everyone will benefit from this book. Raising Minis is a real treasure. Thanks, Sue, for another enjoyable and immensely helpful guide. Keep up the great writing!
What a great and informative book
What a great and informative book. Love reading it about the various miniature animals. Looking l get donkeys and now also adding goats to our farm
Highly recommended
We haven’t read the book yet but it arrived very quick and came so highly recommend we know we are going to love it
Storey's are great books
Storey's guides are always very educational and nice reads. Not written like something dry and encyclopedic.
Fixin' to Buy a Mini Jersey
I wanted to learn about raising small livestock that I could handle on my own (I'm old). Lots of dependable information. Storey's are always good sources for beginners. Now if I can just come up with the $1200 for a mini jersey heifer. My neighbor has offered her acre of pasture in exchange for milk. And have two customers looking for raw milk. Checking soon with our local AG Office for detailed info.
Animal Books
I have many books related to animals and animal care. This is my primary interest and recently I have acquired several miniature species. Their care and welfare as well as their behavior is different than standard size animals and this book is very helpful in that respect. I am referring back to it constantly as its an excellent reference book.
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