Farm Animal Facts
Farm animals are amazing and wonderful animals. They all have their own unique personalities. Some are harder workers than others and some are more playful than others. Just like us, sometimes they are grumpy, sleepy or happy, and sometimes they seem sad. Some farm animals appear to be very serious or just plain curious, and full of fun. One thing's for sure, farm animals are and fun to watch.
Pigs
Pigs are one of the most intelligent animals on earth. In fact, pigs are considered to be even smarter than dogs. They are also very friendly and enjoy being scratched and stroked behind their ears and shoulders. By 2 to 3 weeks of age, they learn to respond when they are called. Pigs are very curious, and they immediately investigate any new objects they see. They love to play with balls, old tires, and other toys. When pigs sleep, they like to cuddle close together and groom each other. Wild pigs can also run fast and swim. Many people think that pigs are messy because they like to wallow in mud. However, the truth is that pigs are very clean animals. They keep the area where they live clean, and they teach their piglets to keep clean too. Because pigs don't sweat like people do, they use mud to cool themselves and to protect their skin (which is a lot like ours) from sun and insects.
Chickens
In their natural environment, chickens are very active birds. They like to scratch at the ground, walk, run, fly, explore and search for food. Chickens like to keep themselves well groomed by taking "dust baths." When chickens "dustbathe" they flutter sand or other fine materials through their feathers to keep them fluffy and clean. Hens are very devoted mothers and courageous defenders of their young. There was once a mother hen who would "baby-sit" a group of kittens. The hen was very protective of the kittens and even when they were old enough to run and play, the hen still followed them around, fussing at them as if they were her chicks.
Cows
Did you know that all cows are cattle, but not all cattle are cows? A cow is an adult female who has had a calf and produces milk for that baby. They are known to be very gentle and patient. Adult male cattle are called bulls. Like people, it takes cows nine months to have a baby. Cows and their calves are very close, and they stay close even after the calf has grown up. Cows make great baby-sitters, too. If several calves are born in a herd of cattle, the cows will share baby-sitting duties. One or two cows stay to watch over the newborns while the rest go for food or water. Another interesting fact about cows is that if they can hear music that they like when they are being milked, they will give a lot more milk. It was found that cows gave a lot more milk when they heard the music of Elvis Presley!
Other Facts
Sheep are also like cows in some ways. Sheep and cows have good memories. Both are able to remember experiences for as long as three years. Cows, sheep and Ruminants are animals who have stomachs with three or four chambers. Cows have a stomach with four chambers and sheep and goats have three chambers. These chambers all serve a specific purpose in the process of digesting the grass and the plant fibers or cellulose in these foods. Ruminant animals quickly swallow and store their food, and are able to bring it back up to be chewed more thoroughly later. This is called chewing their cud. Cows can eat about 100 pounds of grass every day! Goats can also give milk, and in many parts of the world, goat's milk is very popular. Sheep and goats are remarkable animals. Sheep grow a thick coat or soft wool which keeps them warm and dry. Lambs also have very close relationships with their mothers. Lambs can also get very attached to people. In fact, if a farmer hangs a shirt on a clothesline - when the lambs get scared, they will run to it for protection! Sheep also have unusual eyesight. They can see things behind them because their eyes are close to the back of their heads.