Author(s): Carol Ekarius

Self-Sufficiency

Cows and horses, donkeys and mules, sheep and goats, pigs and fowl, even Ilamas are living on small farms and in backyard barnyards, but how and where are these animals being housed? Author Carol Ekarius knows. In How To Build Animal Housing, she provides dozens of plans - with illustrated, step-by-step instructions - for species-specific shelters that are well ventilated, safe, appropriate for the animals, appealing, convenient, and a solid value for their owners. The book is essential reading for anyone interested in animal health and welfare. It includes complete plans and step-by-step, illustrated instructions for sheds, coops, hutches, multipurpose barns, and economical easy-to-build wind-breaks and shade structures. Ekarius covers new high-tech, portable structures made of plastics and fabrics, as well as more traditional alternatives, such as straw-bale structures. Ekarius wisely emphasizes the importance of careful planning, choosing an appropriate housing site, pest control and basic housing maintenance. How To Build Animal Housing is the most comprehensive and useful guide of its kind.