Raise livestock. Activities for Kids.

Raise livestock

Learn age-appropriate care for small livestock (chickens or rabbits): feeding, cleaning shelter, observing health, and keeping records with adult supervision.

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Step-by-step guide to raise small livestock (chickens or rabbits)

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RABBIT FARMING│ Everything you need to know about RABBIT RAISING! How to become successful

What you need

Adult supervision required, appropriate feed for your animal, broom or scoop, chicks or a rabbit, clean bedding such as straw or wood shavings, feeding cup or scoop, gloves, mild soap for handwashing, notebook and pen, water bowl

Step 1

With an adult decide whether you will care for chicks or a rabbit.

Step 2

With an adult pick a quiet safe spot for the animal shelter or hutch.

Step 3

Set up the shelter or hutch in that spot.

Step 4

Add clean bedding to the shelter.

Step 5

Place the water bowl inside the shelter.

Step 6

Fill the water bowl with fresh clean water.

Step 7

Measure the correct amount of feed using the feeding cup.

Step 8

Put the measured feed into the feeder.

Step 9

Gently observe the animal for signs of good health by checking eyes nose coat or feathers appetite droppings and behavior.

Step 10

Write today's date the feed amount and any notes about health or behavior in your notebook.

Step 11

Remove soiled bedding using the scoop or broom and put the dirty bedding in the trash or compost.

Step 12

Wash your hands with mild soap and water for 20 seconds after you finish caring for the animal.

Step 13

Tell an adult right away if you notice worrying signs like lack of appetite droopy behavior or unusual droppings.

Step 14

Take a photo of your animal and your care log and share your finished care log and photos on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a proper feeder, feeding cup, water bowl, or bedding listed in the instructions?

Use a clean, shallow plastic container as a temporary feeder and a sturdy, tip‑proof dish for the water bowl, and line the shelter with clean towels, straw, or shredded paper as temporary bedding until you can get the recommended supplies.

The chick or rabbit won't eat or the water keeps spilling—what should we check and do next?

Check that you measured the correct feed amount with the feeding cup, moved the water bowl inside the shelter where it's level and sheltered from drafts, swap to a heavier bowl if it tips, and tell the adult if the animal still lacks appetite or shows worrying signs like droopy behavior.

How should we adapt this activity for younger children versus older kids?

For younger children have them help with supervised tasks like placing clean bedding and filling the water bowl while older kids can measure feed with the feeding cup, record today's date and health notes in the notebook, scoop soiled bedding, and take the photo for DIY.org.

How can we extend or personalize the care project once the basic steps are done?

Personalize the hutch with weather‑safe decorations, add a laminated care schedule in the notebook to track feed amounts and behavior notes, install a small thermometer in the shelter, and create a photo timeline to upload to DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to raise small livestock (chickens or rabbits)

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Helping a Farmer Feed and Care For His Animals (Educational Farm Video For Kids)

4 Videos

Facts about livestock care for kids

🥚 A healthy laying hen can produce about 250–300 eggs per year depending on breed and care.

🐰 A rabbit’s teeth grow continuously, so lots of hay and safe chew toys keep their teeth at the right length.

🐔 Chickens can recognize and remember more than 100 different faces — they’re very social!

📒 Simple records of feeding, cleaning, and health observations make it easier to care for animals and spot problems fast.

👀 Small daily checks — appetite, droppings, activity, and coat/feather condition — help spot illness early.

How do I teach my child to care for chickens or rabbits?

Start by choosing chickens or rabbits and set clear, simple tasks for your child with adult supervision. Teach a daily routine: morning feeding, fresh water, spot-cleaning, and evening checks. Show how to clean the shelter weekly—remove soiled bedding, replace with fresh material, and sanitize surfaces. Teach basic health checks like bright eyes, normal droppings, and steady appetite. Use a simple chart or notebook for duties and observations, and increase responsibility as skills improve.

What materials and supplies are needed to raise chickens or rabbits with a child?

You’ll need a secure coop or hutch, species-appropriate feed and fresh waterers, bedding (straw or wood shavings), and basic cleaning tools (scoop, small rake, bucket). Add gloves, an animal-safe disinfectant, a first-aid kit, and a scale or measuring scoop for portions. Keep a notebook or phone app for records, a pet carrier for rabbits, and vet contact information. Store supplies safely out of children’s reach and always supervise handling of tools and feed.

What ages are suitable for children to help care for small livestock like chickens and rabbits?

Children aged 3–5 can observe, gently pet, and help with simple tasks like collecting eggs with assistance. Ages 6–9 can manage feeding, topping up water, and supervised light cleaning. Kids 10 and up can take on more regular duties: full feeding routines, bedding changes, basic health checks, and record keeping under adult guidance. Adjust tasks to each child’s maturity and motor skills, and maintain close supervision and safety training at every age.

What safety steps should families follow when children help care for small livestock?

Always supervise interactions, require handwashing after handling animals, and avoid face-to-face contact. Teach gentle handling and safe lifting for rabbits; wear sturdy shoes near coops. Clean and disinfect tools and living areas regularly to minimize germs. Secure housing and fencing to protect animals from predators. Keep a first-aid kit, recognize illness signs (lethargy, loss of appetite, unusual droppings), and contact a vet if concerned. Check for allergies before starting.

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All Activities

Raise livestock

Raise livestock

RABBIT FARMING│ Everything you need to know about RABBIT RAISING! How to become successful

Helping a Farmer Feed and Care For His Animals (Educational Farm Video For Kids)

4 Videos

How do I teach my child to care for chickens or rabbits?

What materials and supplies are needed to raise chickens or rabbits with a child?

What ages are suitable for children to help care for small livestock like chickens and rabbits?

What safety steps should families follow when children help care for small livestock?