At Fabled Farms, our animals come first. We believe in providing a healthy, natural environment for each of them, and we pride ourselves on raising animals in a way that benefits both them and the land.
1. Humane Treatment and Natural Care
Our animals are treated like family. We are dedicated to offering the best care by prioritizing natural treatments first. We use herbs and home remedies whenever possible to keep our animals healthy, treating any ailments in the most gentle, non-invasive ways. If necessary, we will seek professional veterinary assistance, but we always aim to first care for them naturally.
Our quail are currently housed indoors in pens to keep them safe and comfortable. This summer, we're expanding their pen to move them outside, allowing them to enjoy the fresh air while still being protected from the elements. Our chickens currently enjoy free-ranging, but due to neighborhood dogs, we are transitioning them into a secure, enclosed area for their safety. Regardless of whether they're pets or intended for harvest, we always provide our animals with treats, making sure they enjoy a healthy, happy life. Our chickens, in particular, are so excited for these treats that they often run up to the car when we arrive!
To keep our poultry healthy and thriving, we supplement their diet with black sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and a variety of other delicious goodies.
2. Ethical Breeding Practices
We focus on ethical breeding for all our animals. Our quail are raised in healthy, stress-free environments. They breed quickly, and their eggs incubate in about 17 to 18 days, with the chicks reaching maturity in as little as 6 to 8 weeks. This makes quail a fast-growing, sustainable option for meat and eggs. We carefully select for traits that ensure strong, healthy birds.
In addition to quail, we also breed pigs, cattle, and rabbits. Our breeding practices focus on raising healthy, resilient animals that thrive in our natural farm environment. By choosing healthy breeds, we ensure that our animals are well-suited to the conditions on our farm, which reduces stress and helps us maintain a sustainable farming operation.
3. Enriching Our Soils for Better Pasture
While we don't practice rotational grazing, we are committed to enriching our soils and improving pasture quality for our animals. We plant oats and barley that sprout naturally to provide extra forage for our animals. These sprouting grains contribute to the enrichment of our pastures, and they also provide extra nutrition for the animals that roam on them.
We complement these plantings with local hay from nearby farms to ensure a balanced diet for all our livestock. The combination of natural vegetation, oats, barley, and hay helps support a healthy ecosystem for both our animals and the land.
We also supplement the feed for our pigs and cattle with pea pellets. These provide additional nutrients to ensure their growth and overall health.
4. Supporting Our Local Agriculture Community
We are proud to support local farmers by purchasing feed and supplies, including hay, from our neighbors. This not only strengthens our local economy but also ensures that our animals receive the highest quality feed. Additionally, while we currently do not offer farm visits, we are proud supporters of local youth agriculture programs like 4-H and FFA (Future Farmers of America). These programs help teach the next generation the importance of farming, sustainability, and ethical animal husbandry practices.
We believe in sharing our knowledge with others and continue to find ways to support young farmers in our community. We see these efforts as essential for the future of farming and agriculture, and we are excited to watch the next generation of farmers grow.
Why Ethical Animal Husbandry Matters
At Fabled Farms, we are committed to raising animals in a way that supports the earth, our community, and, most importantly, the animals themselves. Our practices lead to healthier, happier animals and better products for our customers.
By following ethical breeding, humane treatment, and sustainable farming practices, we’re contributing to a more responsible food system and a healthier environment. Whether we’re raising quail, cattle, or pigs, our goal is the same: to provide high-quality, responsibly-raised meat and eggs while ensuring a healthy future for both our animals and the land we care for.
Stay tuned for more insights into sustainable farming practices and ethical animal husbandry at Fabled Farms. We’re dedicated to not only raising our animals with care but also creating a positive impact on the land and community around us. Thanks for following along with our journey!
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