Colonial animals

In Colonial times, people used animals for many things. Horses moved people from place to place. Plowing the fields was done by oxen because they were strong. Cows and goats gave milk for butter and cheese. Chickens provided eggs and meat. Bees made honey that Colonists used to sweeten food and drinks. They also made beeswax that could be used for candles.

Many Colonists built outside stalls to house their larger animals, such as horses and cows. Others built barns with pens inside them. Chickens were put inside coops made of wire and wood, with a door at one end. Pigsties were built for the pigs. These were wooden pens with large flat places for them to sleep or lie down.

Beehives were made out of wood or straw. These hives were put in gardens so that the bees could collect pollen from flowers and make honey.

Taking care of the animals was needed to take care of one’s own family.