Lifestyle File

Practical, trustworthy articles for lifestyle farmers. Browse by species, season, or topic. New content added every week.

Selling Eggs from Your Lifestyle Block

Find out the rules for selling eggs from small flocks. Learn when MPI registration is required, what the 100 female birds limit means, and what labelling rules apply to lifestyle farmers.

Keeping ducks

Ducks are endearing creatures and they make friendly and lovable pets, even if they can be a bit messy! What's so good about them?

Dealing with an emergency (while waiting for the vet)

When an emergency strikes your livestock, quick action is key. While waiting for the vet, follow these essential steps to keep your animal safe, calm, and stable. Learn how to secure the patient, manage blood loss, and provide first aid to improve their chances of recovery.

Be ready for bird flu

Prepare your lifestyle block for bird flu. Learn how to safeguard poultry and pet birds with practical tips to prevent the spread of HPAI H5N1. Keep your birds safe from wild bird contamination and other risks with MPI's expert advice.

What You Need To Know When Rehoming Commercial Ex-layers

Discover everything you need to know about rehoming ex-commercial layer hens in New Zealand. Learn how to care for these high-laying but fragile hens, address common health challenges, and enjoy the rewards of providing a second chance for these gentle, human-friendly birds.

A Homeowner's Guide to Chicken Health Checks

For anyone caring for chooks, it is crucial to learn how to read their pain behaviors to identity issues early. From there, identifying what may be going on for the bird can be a whole other ball game. That’s where this article comes in.