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Raising farm animals helps to build resilience in children and adults. When we moved to Kentucky we only had a dog. However, we knew that our boys would benefit from the responsiblity of caring for farm animals. In Ohio the the boys had previously raised rabbits as a 4-H club project.
So, our family chose to raise chickens, pigs, goats, guinea hens, ducks and turkeys. We did not acquire all the animals at once but have gradually added them over the course of three years. Most of these animals are relatively small and easy to handle.
These animals were a new experience for them. However, the excitement of having new animals wears off as the responsiblity of caring for them settles in. The boys wouldn't trade them though because the positive experience overall surpasses the work involved. The real benefit I've seen is that it teaches responsibility and work ethic.
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