Animal Record Keeping

[claytonpiano]

As our little farm grows, I find myself more and more confused as I try to keep records of who was born when and who sired who. Is there a software program that some of you use or do you just use Excel or some other sort of system. The paper and pencil would work as well if I could just figure out how to record the thoughts in my brain in a usable form. 

Originally, I was keeping a sheet of paper for each animal, but then, I am getting so CONFUSED....especially with rabbits. Now that we have added sheep and pigs, I am wondering how people keep up with this easily. 

[Deleted]

Hi claytonpiano, if you PM me your email address, I'm happy to send you my templates.

[mzgarden]

I have goats and I created a template in excel. Now I'm using it in Google Sheets -- one page for each animal. For things I need to plan to do on a schedule in the future (copper bolus, etc), I have a one year calendar hanging on the pantry wall and I write it on the future date. When I've done the task, everybody's page gets updated. My vet loves the pages - I print and have it ready when he arrives and he can see exactly the history (since I medic most of my animals myself). When I sell a kid, a copy of the page goes with the kid attached to the bill of sale.  Happy to share if you have an interest.

[moldy]

If you don't mind, could you send copies of your templates to me as well?

[Deleted]

Hi moldy, were you referring to mzgarden's template, mine, or both? If you PM me your email address I'm happy to share mine. It's in Word format.

[ketoriverfarm]

I have a steno pad that I keep a history of date ram put in with ewes, vac dates, worming dates, lambing dates etc. then I have a notecard for each animal which lists sire, dam, DOB at the top.
Then in list order dates, lamb description, sex, name and sire name for lambs.