Storey's Guide to Raising Miniature Livestock: Goats, Sheep, Donkeys, Pigs, Horses, Cattle, Llamas

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 Guardians6 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!

Bought for my mother in law and she loved it! We all loved the glossy pictures in the middle as well. Very well written book

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!

So far good still reading it

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.

The author knows her animals! Wow!

Very informative and good illustrations

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

great book lots of info

Great little guide. Everything is related to the American side of things, so not so useful for UK readers. But is still a good informative guide to raising miniature livestock, and many of the topics covered can be used when assessing and looking at keeping livestock regardless of location.

Great book.

Love the book series and the first books we buy when getting a new breed of critter on our farm!

Come richiesto