The Apocalypse

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Animal husbandry ​

Chickens, goats

Animal husbandry is a critical component of sustainable survival, providing reliable sources of protein, milk, and other animal products that can greatly enhance nutrition and food security. This section focuses on the basics of raising two of the most accessible and productive livestock species for small-scale and subsistence farming: chickens and goats. These animals require relatively low inputs, reproduce quickly, and adapt well to a variety of environments, making them ideal for early sustainable survival efforts.

Introduction to Animal Husbandry for Survival ​

Raising animals for food and other products is a time-tested method to supplement crop-based diets and improve resilience against famine and nutritional deficiencies. Chickens and goats are among the easiest livestock to manage with minimal infrastructure and can be integrated into small homesteads or community survival setups.

Animal husbandry involves understanding the animals’ needs for shelter, nutrition, health care, breeding, and protection from predators. Proper management ensures steady production of eggs, meat, milk, and manure, which can be used as fertilizer.

A photo of a small backyard chicken coop with several chickens pecking on the ground. The coop is made of wood and wire mesh, surrounded by green grass and a few scattered feed bowls.

Chickens: Basics and Benefits ​

Why Chickens? ​

Chickens are one of the most efficient sources of animal protein. They provide eggs almost daily and meat when culled. They require little space, can forage for many of their food needs, and reproduce quickly.

Choosing Chicken Breeds ​

For survival purposes, dual-purpose breeds that provide both eggs and meat are ideal. Examples include Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rocks, and Sussex. These breeds are hardy, good foragers, and lay a reasonable number of eggs.

Housing and Shelter ​

Chickens need a secure coop to protect them from weather and predators such as foxes, raccoons, and birds of prey. The coop should have:

  • Ventilation to prevent respiratory diseases.
  • Nesting boxes for egg laying.
  • Roosting bars for nighttime rest.
  • Easy access for cleaning and egg collection.

The coop should be elevated or have a solid floor to reduce parasite infestations.

A simple chicken coop design. The coop includes a raised floor, nesting boxes on one side, a small door for chickens, and a fenced outdoor run area.

Feeding Chickens ​

Chickens are omnivores and can eat a wide variety of foods:

  • Grains such as corn, wheat, and oats.
  • Kitchen scraps including vegetable peels and cooked rice.
  • Insects and worms found while foraging.
  • Greens like grass and weeds.

Supplementing with calcium (crushed oyster shells or eggshells) is essential for strong eggshell production.

Water Requirements ​

Fresh, clean water must be available at all times. Chickens can drink about 0.5 liters per day depending on temperature and diet.

Health and Disease Prevention ​

Common chicken diseases include:

  • Coccidiosis: Prevented by keeping the coop dry and clean.
  • Marek’s disease: Vaccination is ideal but may not be available; maintaining good hygiene helps.
  • External parasites like mites and lice: Regular coop cleaning and dust baths help control these.

Regular observation for lethargy, abnormal droppings, or decreased egg production is critical.

Breeding and Egg Production ​

Hens begin laying eggs at about 5-6 months old. A rooster is needed for fertilized eggs if you want to hatch chicks. Incubation lasts about 21 days. Broody hens will sit on eggs to hatch them, or an incubator can be used if available.

A photo showing a hen sitting on a clutch of eggs inside a nesting box, with soft natural light illuminating the scene.

Goats: Basics and Benefits ​

Why Goats? ​

Goats are versatile animals providing milk, meat, fiber (from some breeds), and manure. They are hardy, can browse on a wide variety of vegetation including shrubs and weeds, and require less water than cattle.

Choosing Goat Breeds ​

For survival, choose breeds adapted to your climate and purpose:

  • Dairy breeds: Nubian, Saanen, Alpine for milk production.
  • Meat breeds: Boer, Kiko for meat yield.
  • Dual-purpose breeds: Nigerian Dwarf, Pygmy for small-scale milk and meat.

Housing and Shelter ​

Goats need a dry, draft-free shelter to protect them from rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. The shelter should have:

  • Solid flooring or bedding such as straw to keep goats dry.
  • Fencing to prevent escapes and protect from predators.
  • Adequate space: about 15-20 square feet per goat inside the shelter, plus outdoor browsing area.

A simple goat shelter with a slanted roof, wooden walls, and a fenced outdoor pen with a feeding trough.

Feeding Goats ​

Goats are browsers rather than grazers, preferring shrubs, leaves, and weeds over grass. Their diet can include:

  • Browse such as bushes, tree leaves, and weeds.
  • Hay and dried grasses.
  • Grains and supplemental feed for lactating or growing goats.
  • Mineral blocks or loose minerals to supply essential nutrients.

Avoid feeding goats toxic plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and yew.

Water Requirements ​

Goats need clean water daily, approximately 3-5 liters per adult goat depending on weather and lactation status.

Health and Disease Prevention ​

Common goat health issues include:

  • Internal parasites: Regular deworming and pasture rotation help control worms.
  • Foot rot: Keep hooves trimmed and dry to prevent infection.
  • Respiratory infections: Provide dry shelter and good ventilation.

Vaccinations for clostridial diseases (e.g., tetanus, enterotoxemia) are recommended where possible.

Breeding and Milk Production ​

Goats have a gestation period of about 150 days. Most breeds produce twins or triplets. Milking can begin after the doe gives birth and continues for several months. Goat milk is highly nutritious and easier to digest than cow’s milk.

A photo of a dairy goat being milked by hand into a metal pail, with a rustic barn background.

Integration of Chickens and Goats into a Survival Homestead ​

Space and Resource Management ​

Both chickens and goats can be raised on limited land. Chickens require less space and can be integrated into garden areas to control pests and fertilize soil with their droppings. Goats require more space for browsing but can clear brush and improve pasture quality.

Manure Use ​

Manure from both species is valuable for fertilizing crops. Chicken manure is high in nitrogen but must be composted before use to avoid burning plants. Goat manure is milder and can be used fresh or composted.

Predator Protection ​

Predators such as dogs, foxes, coyotes, and birds of prey threaten both chickens and goats. Secure fencing, guard animals (dogs or donkeys), and nighttime sheltering are essential.

Disease and Biosecurity ​

Maintaining clean living conditions, quarantining new animals, and monitoring health reduces disease risk. Avoid overcrowding and provide adequate nutrition to keep animals resilient.

Practical Tips for Success ​

  • Start with a small number of animals to learn husbandry skills before expanding.
  • Build simple but secure housing using locally available materials.
  • Rotate grazing areas for goats to prevent overgrazing and parasite buildup.
  • Collect and store eggs daily to prevent spoilage and attract fewer predators.
  • Use natural remedies and herbal treatments when veterinary care is unavailable.
  • Record breeding, health, and production data to improve management.

Conclusion ​

Raising chickens and goats is a foundational step toward sustainable survival. These animals provide essential nutrition, renewable resources, and contribute to a closed-loop system when integrated with crop production. Mastery of their care, breeding, and management will greatly enhance long-term resilience and self-sufficiency.

For further knowledge on crop integration and water sourcing to complement animal husbandry, see Growing basic crops and Manual well digging, rain capture systems.

A photo of a small sustainable homestead showing a chicken coop, a goat pen, vegetable garden beds, and a rainwater collection barrel under a clear blue sky.