Here's a breakdown of what to expect:
Typical Day:
* Early Morning: Feeding, cleaning, and checking on animals. This often starts before sunrise, especially for livestock.
* Throughout the Day: Cleaning pens, providing fresh water, monitoring health, record keeping, and attending to any emergencies.
* Afternoon/Evening: More feeding, cleaning, and sometimes breeding activities.
* Weekends: Many breeders work weekends, as their animals need consistent care.
Factors Affecting Work Hours:
* Animal Species: Chickens require daily egg collection, while cows need milking. Dogs need walks and playtime, while snakes require less frequent attention.
* Breeding Season: Breeding season can be very demanding, with longer hours spent monitoring animals and assisting with births.
* Show Season: Breeders who show their animals often travel and work long hours at shows.
* Farm Size: Larger farms will require more time and labor.
Important Considerations:
* On-call 24/7: Breeders are often on-call for emergencies, especially during birthing season.
* Physical Demands: Animal breeding requires significant physical labor, including lifting heavy feed bags, cleaning enclosures, and caring for animals.
* Passion and Dedication: Animal breeders are passionate about their animals and are dedicated to providing them with the best possible care.
In summary, while an animal breeder's workday can be irregular and demanding, it also offers a rewarding experience for those who love working with animals.