The Homesteader's Handbook To Raising Small Livestock

by Jerome D. Belanger

how to keep and raise goats chickens sheep geese rabbits hogs turkeys guinea fowl ducks pigeons

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals

246 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Michael Wiggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is dated in some ways, notably in prices and in absence of paranoia regarding animal medicine and vaccinations. This is not a major quibble; I just found it noteworthy. I love the simple advice and largely optimistic attitude about the homesteading life. I have read sections of the Handbook several times over the years. Reading the book in its entirety is more satisfying than I would have hoped. The appendices are also very useful. If you are a homesteader or just someone who wants to have a more direct connection to your family's food sources, spend some time with a book like this.

[Chantille · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was written in the 70s and had some old school advice which is what I prefer. I only read the rabbit and bird sections as those were the only ones applicable to me.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful information, even though some was a bit outdated.

[Mark Restrepo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catch me outside milking my goats.

This book was lowkey fun to read, I picked up at my friends house just to look at and ended up actually reading most of it. No clue how outdated it is.

[Lillibet Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't too fond of Belanger's tone and felt like there was not enough real info and too much of his own opinion on raising livestock, whether it be making decisions about species selection or the value of different livestock raising endeavors economically. However, still learned some things and appreciate anyone's work in this area, and their willingness to share their opinions and experience.

[Gail Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have referenced this book many times while building my chicken coop and the runs they use to stay safe. I find it to be a good beginning but if you are going to get your own chickens then you will need to do more research than just this book.

[Erika Reyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for people thinking about starting to raise animals, though it focuses a lot on rabbits and goats. Some things are a bit outdated since technology has advanced, but things haven't changed too much that the book is irrelevant. Feed mix sections are helpful.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A guide for raising goats, hogs, and everything smaller on the small homestead. It provides basic information.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

One does not need a large piece of land to raise livestock such as sheep, goats, or hogs.