If you’ve ever run your hand down your horse’s legs in late summer and noticed tiny yellow dots stubbornly stuck to the hair, you’ve likely encountered bot fly eggs. While they may seem harmless at first glance, these small eggs are the beginning of a parasite’s life cycle that every horse owner should understand. Fortunately, with a little knowledge and a consistent deworming program, bot flies can be effectively managed. What Are Bot Flies? Bot flies (Gasterophilus species)

We just hatched Coturnix quail from shipped eggs. Our hatch rate was 39% with a 50% hatch rate guarantee. Will I let the breeder know their hatch rate guarantee failed? Absolutely not. One of the biggest misconceptions about raising poultry is that every fertile egg should hatch. The reality is far different. Whether you're incubating chickens, quail, ducks, or other poultry, successful hatching is part science, part experience, and part acceptance that Mother Nature always

One of the greatest joys of ranch life is sharing the land with wildlife. Every morning, songbirds fill the air with their calls. Swallows swoop through the pasture chasing insects, meadowlarks perch on fence posts, and sparrows search the ground for seeds. They are just as much a part of the landscape as our cattle, horses, and open skies. Unfortunately, ranchers often encounter a heartbreaking reality that many people never think about. Birds can drown in livestock water tr

To many people, horses represent freedom, adventure, and a simpler way of life. They graze peacefully in the pasture, carry us through mountain trails, and become trusted partners on the ranch. But behind every beautiful horse is a dedicated owner making sure they are healthy, well-fed, and properly cared for. At Heritage Highland Ranch, our four horses are an important part of our daily life. They help with ranch work, support our future veteran wellness programs, and, most

Homesteading has a way of teaching lessons that are difficult, humbling, and deeply rooted in responsibility. One of those lessons came this week as we made the decision to process several of our young roosters. It's never the glamorous side of farming, and it's certainly not the part that makes for picturesque social media posts. But it is one of the realities of raising livestock ethically and responsibly. This group of cockerels had reached the age where hormones were taki

"A good brand tells a story. A great brand carries a legacy." If you've ever looked at a Montana ranch and admired the simple iron mark burned onto a cow's hide, you might think choosing a livestock brand is as easy as sketching a few letters on paper. We thought the same thing—until we began the process ourselves. As we build Heritage Highland Ranch, one of our goals has been to establish a livestock brand that represents our family, our Scottish heritage, and the future of

When most people think about raising healthy cattle, they focus on nutrition, vaccinations, minerals, fencing, and clean water. While all of those are essential, there's another factor that is often overlooked—and it can become life-threatening in a matter of minutes. Knowing exactly what is growing on your property. We recently experienced one of those moments that every cattle owner dreads. During a routine check, we discovered our cattle browsing on chokecherry trees. Our

One of the hardest parts of raising animals is knowing that, despite your best efforts, accidents still happen. Recently, one of our rare Shetland hens suffered a broken upper beak. It was one of those moments every poultry keeper dreads. We immediately began asking ourselves the same questions many flock owners would: Will she be able to eat? Will it heal? Is there anything we can do to help? Fortunately, birds are remarkably resilient. What Causes a Broken Beak? A chicken's

There’s an old saying that elephants never forget, but around here, I’m starting to think turkeys deserve a little more credit. Turkeys may look goofy. They strut, puff up, gobble dramatically, and act like tiny dinosaurs with feathers. But anyone who has raised them knows there is a lot more going on behind those watchful eyes than people realize. Turkeys remember. They remember faces. They remember routines. And more importantly, they remember how you treat them. On our hom

When most people see a Highland cow, they notice the sweeping horns, long shaggy coat, and unmistakable beauty that has made the breed famous around the world. But beneath that iconic appearance lies something even more fascinating—genetics. For Highland breeders, genetics are about much more than producing beautiful cattle. They preserve centuries of careful selection, maintain breed diversity, improve herd health, and protect one of Scotland's oldest native breeds. At Lucky

There is an exciting moment every rancher knows well—the trailer pulls into the driveway, and inside are the newest additions to the herd. Months of planning, researching bloodlines, and preparing pastures have finally come together. But while we may see opportunity, the herd sees something entirely different. To them, strangers have arrived. Every herd, whether it's Highland cattle, horses, sheep, goats, or even poultry, operates within a social hierarchy. That hierarchy inf

There is nothing quite like stepping outside in the morning to hear the sounds of a healthy flock. Chickens scratching through the grass, ducks splashing in water, guinea fowl sounding the alarm, and quail chirping in their pens all become part of the rhythm of a homestead. Unfortunately, raising poultry also means accepting responsibility for their health. Even the most experienced poultry keepers eventually encounter illness. The difference between losing one bird and losin

There are countless photos and videos that make homesteading look idyllic. Sunrise over green pastures. Baby chicks hatching. Highland calves running through the grass. Fresh vegetables filling baskets. Those moments are real. But so are the moments no one wants to talk about. One of the hardest realities of raising animals is that sometimes, despite your best efforts, you have to make the heartbreaking decision to cull an animal that cannot recover. It never gets easier, and

Homesteading has a way of teaching humility. No matter how carefully you plan, how diligently you prepare, or how much hope you pour into a project, sometimes things simply don't go the way you envisioned. This hatch was one of those lessons. Several weeks ago, I purchased 12 hatching eggs for our heritage Shetland hens. Like many homesteaders, I had dreams of fluffy little chicks running around the brooder, adding to our flock and helping preserve a beautiful heritage breed.

While I wouldn't trade a single horse we have, getting both geldings and mares together have created a problem... Ask a group of horse owners whether they prefer mares or geldings, and you're likely to start a lively debate. Some people swear they'll never own a mare, while others wouldn't trade their favorite mare for any gelding in the world. The truth is that both mares and geldings can make exceptional partners. The best choice often depends on your experience level, goal

Many people dream of owning a horse. They picture peaceful trail rides, sunset photos, and the special bond that develops between horse and rider. While those moments are certainly part of horse ownership, there is a significant difference between riding horses and owning them. Riding a horse is an activity. Owning a horse is a lifestyle. For many riders, time with horses begins and ends when they dismount. They enjoy lessons, trail rides, competitions, or recreational riding

There are few sights on a ranch more exciting than the arrival of a new Highland calf. From the moment they take their first wobbly steps, these shaggy little bundles of curiosity capture hearts and remind us why we chose this way of life. At Lucky Double L Cattle Company, calving season is one of our favorite times of year. It represents new beginnings, the continuation of strong bloodlines, and the promise of future generations carrying on the legacy of one of the world's o

In a world increasingly focused on fast growth and efficiency, heritage turkeys stand as a reminder of the importance of preserving traditional livestock breeds. These remarkable birds are more than just a Thanksgiving centerpiece—they are living links to our agricultural past and valuable contributors to sustainable farming practices. For homesteaders, small farmers, and heritage breed enthusiasts, raising heritage turkeys offers the opportunity to help conserve genetic dive

Few livestock breeds capture the imagination quite like Highland cattle. With their sweeping horns, shaggy coats, and ancient Scottish heritage, these remarkable animals have become icons of resilience, beauty, and tradition. Whether grazing on the rugged hillsides of Scotland or the open landscapes of Montana, Highland cattle continue to prove why they are one of the most beloved heritage breeds in the world. A Breed Steeped in History Highland cattle originated in the Highl

When people think of Scottish livestock, Highland cattle and Scottish Blackface sheep often come to mind. Yet tucked away in the rugged islands north of mainland Scotland is another remarkable heritage breed that deserves recognition—the Shetland Duck. Developed over centuries in the harsh conditions of the Shetland Islands, these hardy ducks were valued by crofters for their ability to thrive with minimal care while providing eggs, meat, and natural pest control. Today, Shet