Farm animals

Many farmers here in Rwanda supplement their income from their produce by raising farm animals.  For some of them, animals actually provide the bulk of their income.  This is particularly true for those who can not handle the hard labour on the farm because they are old or infirm.  Also single mothers with small children abandoned by their husbands - which is quite common, sadly.  

Many of them cannot afford to buy the animals.  Some are provided with the starting animals by various programs from the government or private organisations, such as Caring for Children - Rwanda that we are involved in.  

Cows provide milk, a staple food in this country.  Goats and rabbits provide kids quickly, making a fast turn around.  Pigs take longer but higher value.  All provide manure. Chicken and ducks give you eggs and the young. …

Animals can also be a lot of fun.  

Young cows like to lick anything: hands, boots, pants.  But their tongues are very rough.   They also enjoy being patted on the head.  

Pigs are always curious.  Piglets will follow you around if you let them.

There is a hen which seems to be eyeing the rabbits.  Whatever is she thinking? 

Lambs are cute and playful.  But difficult to catch.  

But be ware of the ram, particularly those with big horns.  They like to head butt and can cause serious damage.