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[currie]

I brought some chickens along on my recent embark for eggs and things, but I don't wan't to leave them outside where it's dangerous (but there's grass) and I can't take them (and my other livestock) inside because there's nothing to eat.

So, my question is: Is there a way to keep animals indoors without them starving? I've read underground moss can sustain them but where would I grow/find that? Can I make my dwarves feed them?

Thanks.

[EmperorJon]

Animal feeding isn't in yet.

But, you can grow cave moss/fungus easily. Just breach a wet layer of caverns and you should see it should have yellow and blue and white moss patches. These will also grow on/a few tiles next to muddy stone, and on all underground soil levels.

[currie]

So how would I get moss to grow in my set aside area (I've got an animal area ready, just needs food and animals)? Do I need to make the soil wet or transplant moss from the caverns to the pen? The wiki just says grass-like growth yada yada.

Thanks for the quick reply- I just hope nothing fun happens whilst they're chilling outside...

[Naina]

You could also build an enclosed 'chicken coop' for them on the surface - keep your masons busy for a little bit.

[Sphalerite]

Chickens, like most birds, don't need to eat in DF.  Just stick them in a room with some nest boxes.

Cave moss will grow on underground soil, or underground rock that's been muddied with water.  You do need to pierce the caverns in order to release spores into your fortress, but once that's done you don't need to worry about planting or keeping the connection to the caverns open.

[EmperorJon]

If it's a soil/clay/sand etc. layer then the moss will grow on it once you breach the caverns, in a grass like way. It'll take time to grow, but chickens don't eat much.

I can't wait for the hay making etc. stuff which'll be in soon. Problem is, once that's added, so will food for creatures other than grazers. You'll have to have a dog food industry XD. I also wouldn't be surprised if there was a downside (or it just became impossible) to feed surface livestock on cave food...



EDIT: So chickens don't need food. Interestin'.

[currie]

Thank god for that (assuming you aren't trolling and about to kill my food source  ). I'll shuffle my chicken inside and leave my cows in a walled pasture for the time being.

The caverns.... I'll leave that till I have security. Thanks all.

[EmperorJon]

Cows, on the other hand, eat lots.

Get goats.

[currie]

L'il late for that. I'll see what the caravans bring, I might be able to trade.

Anyway, seeing as I have a thread open: Is there a way to force a fisherdwarf to fish? He's just sitting there with 'no job' even though he was reeling them in earlier.

[Sphalerite]

Anyway, seeing as I have a thread open: Is there a way to force a fisherdwarf to fish? He's just sitting there with 'no job' even though he was reeling them in earlier.

Your local water source is probably out of fish.  This might be temporary, or it might be permanent, in which case your fisherdwarf will need a new career.

[currie]

Well, he DOES look good in sequins so show-business is another option.

My local water source(s) are two major rivers, a swamp and the sea so I doubt it's permanent. Having a powerful PC is fun
I guess Ill just wait and see.