permaculture

278 Facilitator’s Handbook for Permaculture Workshops

Creative thinking : Animal needs

Method : Participatory small groups brainstorm

Tools : Large paper, markers

References : PC Book MOD 10 - Animal Systems

Objective : Participants create lists of needs for sustainable animal management

Preparation

Prepare small ‘animal cards’ - Draw a different animal on each card using the list of

local animals identified by the participants, e.g. cow, goat, duck, chicken, etc.

Running this exercise

Step 1 - Orientation

Go through the following ideas with the participants, encouraging them to contribute as

much as possible. Write the key points on the board.

When designing animals into a system it is very important to include all of the

things that are needed to take care of all the animal’s needs including:

• Clean water all day, every day.


• Foods with the right types and amount of nutrients – For healthy growth
  and disease resistance.


• A secure and comfortable shelter – Protection from weather and predators,
  sleeping area, feeding and watering area, egg laying area for chickens and
  ducks, and enough space to move around.


• Appropriate fencing – To manage and control animal movement.


• Shade – Animals should have access to shade, especially in the middle of the
  day.


• Medical care – Using natural medicines whenever possible. Note: Good animal
  management will minimize this need.


• Space – A good ratio of animals to land space. Too many animals on the land
  can cause environmental problems and disease in the animals.


• Appropriate choice of animal - For the environment and conditions.


• Planning for extremes in climate and conditions – so that the animals
  always have enough food and water in the dry season to keep them fat and
  healthy, and shelters that will give protection from extreme rain and wind.


• Most animals are social animals - Animals are happier and healthier when
  they have other animals to interact with, lonely animals become stressed.


• Properly designed and positioned ropes/tethers - So they don’t cause
  wounds or sores from rubbing as this can result in infections which lead to
  diseases. Treat all wounds and sores with antiseptic and as soon as possible.
  Harnesses made with natural fibre woven ropes are better.

EXERCISE

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