Farm Pet Care & Feeding Guide: How to Feed and Care for Chickens, Goats, Ducks & More

Caring for Farm Pets

Farm pets — chickens, ducks, goats, pigs, rabbits, and other backyard or small-farm animals — offer unique rewards but also require dedicated daily care. Whether you're a first-time backyard chicken keeper or an experienced small-farm owner, understanding the feeding and care basics for each species is essential for keeping your animals healthy and productive.

Chickens

Feeding

• Layer hens: Complete layer pellets or crumble (16–18% protein) — about ¼ lb per hen per day
• Chicks (0–8 weeks): Chick starter feed (20–24% protein)
• Pullets (8–18 weeks): Grower feed (16–18% protein)
• Scratch grains: Offer as treats only — no more than 10% of diet
• Grit: Essential for digestion if birds aren't free-ranging on natural ground
• Calcium supplement: Crushed oyster shell free-choice for laying hens
• Fresh water: Clean water must be available at all times — hens can drink up to a pint per day

General Care

• Clean the coop at least weekly; replace bedding as needed
• Check for mites and lice monthly
• Provide 14–16 hours of light daily to maintain egg production
• Allow outdoor access when possible for foraging and natural behavior

Ducks

Feeding

• Layer ducks: Waterfowl layer pellets or chicken layer feed (supplemented with niacin)
• Ducklings: Unmedicated chick starter with added brewer's yeast (niacin supplement)
• Treats: Peas, leafy greens, watermelon, and mealworms
• Always provide water with feed — ducks need water to swallow and clear their nostrils
• Avoid: Medicated chick feed (harmful to ducks), bread, and salty snacks

General Care

• Ducks need access to water deep enough to submerge their heads for hygiene
• A kiddie pool works well for backyard ducks
• Clean water containers daily — ducks dirty water quickly

Goats

Feeding

• Hay: The foundation of a goat's diet — grass hay or mixed hay free-choice
• Grain/pellets: Only for does in milk or animals with higher nutritional needs — avoid overfeeding grain
• Fresh browse: Goats love to browse shrubs, weeds, and tree leaves — excellent enrichment and nutrition
• Minerals: Loose goat minerals free-choice (not sheep minerals — too low in copper)
• Fresh water: Multiple times daily; goats are picky about dirty water
• Avoid: Grain overload (causes bloat), toxic plants (rhododendron, azalea, nightshade)

General Care

• Hoof trimming every 6–8 weeks
• Annual deworming check and fecal egg counts
• Vaccinations as recommended by your vet (CDT is standard)
• Social animals — always keep at least two goats together

Backyard Pigs (Mini Pigs)

Feeding

• Commercial mini pig pellets: Specifically formulated — avoid regular hog feed (too high in calories)
• Fresh vegetables: Leafy greens, squash, and root vegetables as enrichment
• Fruit as treats only: High in sugar — limit to small amounts
• Avoid: Dog or cat food, high-salt foods, raw potatoes, and meat

General Care

• Pigs need rooting opportunities — provide outdoor access or a digging box
• Hoof trimming and tusk management as needed
• Pigs are highly social — consider keeping two if possible

General Farm Pet Care Tips

• Fresh water daily: All farm animals need clean water — check and refresh every day
• Regular health checks: Watch for changes in appetite, behavior, droppings, or appearance — these are early signs of illness
• Parasite management: Develop a routine with your vet for deworming and pest control
• Enrichment: Farm animals are intelligent and need stimulation — foraging, exploration, and social interaction are essential
• Veterinary care: Establish a relationship with a large animal or mixed practice vet before you need one in an emergency

Browse our farm pet supplies collection for feed, supplements, feeders, waterers, and care products for all your backyard and farm animals.