Today, we’ll explore the pets and animals commonly raised in the beautiful countryside of Vietnam. From cute pets that make families happy to hardworking animals used in farming, we’ll discover the ways people take care of them.
Join me on this journey to understand how these animals play an important role in the lives of rural communities in Vietnam.
The 3 most common pets in Vietnam
Dogs
The raising of dogs as companions and guardians has become a deeply ingrained tradition in the rural households of Vietnam. Dogs are devoted members and reliable companions, safeguarding homes from intrusion. Their natural vigilance brings peace of mind to their owners.
In the rural areas of Vietnam, dogs typically eat food that is similar to what their owners consume. During meal times, the owners will serve them rice, meat, fish, and vegetables, just like they would for themselves.
They are commonly given a designated space outside the house to roam and rest. This area could be a cozy corner in the backyard, a shaded spot under a tree, or a simple shelter built for their comfort.
Cats
In Vietnamese households, cats are more than just pets; they become cherished companions. With their charming and mischievous nature, they bring joy and affection to life. Moreover, their adeptness in catching mice is greatly appreciated, ensuring a clean and pest-free home.
Similar to dogs, cats in rural areas are also fed with food that is readily available and often similar to what their owners eat. Cats are usually provided with homemade dishes that include rice, fish, meat scraps, or other leftovers from the family’s meals.
Birds
In the countryside of Vietnam, people love birds like pigeons and red-whiskered bulbuls. Their beautiful songs bring joy to everyone. Some places even have singing competitions for birds, where owners proudly show off how well their birds can sing. It’s a special part of the local culture that everyone enjoys.
In these competitions, bird lovers and people who enjoy watching birds come together. It’s a fun and happy event. The birds sing their beautiful songs, making the atmosphere magical and captivating the audience. Each bird shows off its special singing skills. The owners feel very proud of their birds, and winning the competition is a big deal, bringing honor and recognition to them and their feathered friends.
Beyond the competitions, birds’ songs are a daily delight for rural communities. Waking up to the sweet serenade of red-whiskered bulbuls or being greeted by the cooing of pigeons is a cherished experience for many. The presence of these feathered friends adds a touch of tranquility and natural harmony to the rural landscape.
Livestock animals
Livestock animals play a crucial role in the rural life of Vietnam, serving as an integral part of the local communities and providing essential resources that sustain their way of living.
Throughout the countryside, various livestock animals such as chickens, pigs, ducks, cows, and buffaloes are raised by families and farmers. Each of these animals serves a unique purpose, contributing to the livelihood and well-being of the rural population.
Chickens
In rural areas of Vietnam, chickens are raised primarily for two purposes: eggs and meat. These feathered creatures provide a valuable source of protein that sustains the households and contributes to their nutritional needs.
Egg production is one of the key benefits of raising chickens. Families can enjoy a regular supply of fresh, nutritious eggs for consumption or for sale in local markets.
Chickens also serve as a source of meat, providing families with a valuable protein source. When the chickens reach maturity, they can be raised for their meat, which is widely enjoyed in various dishes and culinary traditions.
Pigs
In the tranquil countryside of Vietnam, it is common for rural families to engage in pig farming as a significant aspect of their livelihood. Raising pigs serves multiple purposes, primarily as a means of generating income and ensuring a steady food supply for the household.
Pig farming in rural areas often involves both small-scale and larger operations. Families may keep a few pigs as a side business, providing an additional source of income through the sale of piglets or the eventual sale of mature pigs for meat.
On the other hand, some households may have more substantial pig farms, where they rear a larger number of pigs to meet the demands of local markets or commercial buyers.
In the countryside of Vietnam, it is a common practice for families to construct a pigsty behind their house to raise pigs. The pigsty is a simple and practical structure, designed to provide a suitable living space for the pigs while being convenient for the household to manage.
Bamboo and concrete are the primary materials used in building these pigsties.
Ducks
In addition to chickens, ducks are also commonly raised in rural areas of Vietnam for their eggs and meat. Duck farming is a popular practice among households and farmers, offering similar benefits as chicken farming.
Duck meat is flavorful, tender, and widely enjoyed in Vietnamese cuisine. It is used in a wide range of dishes, from soups and stews to grilled or roasted preparations. The popularity of duck meat provides an additional source of income for households engaged in duck farming.
One of the notable advantages of raising ducks is their ability to forage and consume insects and pests. Ducks are excellent natural pest controllers, especially in rice fields and wetland areas, where they feed on harmful insects, snails, and weeds. This contributes to sustainable agriculture practices and helps reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
They are often kept in ponds or small water bodies located near the households. These ponds provide a natural and comfortable environment for the ducks to swim, forage, and thrive.
One interesting practice in duck farming is observed after the rice harvest. Once the rice has been harvested from the fields, the ducks are set free to roam and forage in the rice paddies. The ducks eagerly flock to the fields, excitedly pecking at the leftover rice grains scattered on the ground.
This practice not only allows the ducks to enjoy a varied and nutritious diet but also helps in cleaning up any remaining rice stubble and weeds, benefiting the fields for the next planting season.
Cows
Cows are important animals used for two main things. First, they are raised for their meat, which is a common and delicious food. Second, they help farmers by pulling heavy things in the fields, like moving crops.
In the serene rural landscapes of Vietnam, a common sight is farmers allowing their cows to graze freely on the lush green fields.
Water buffalo
Buffalo play a crucial role in the agricultural landscape of rural areas in Vietnam, serving as dependable and hardworking partners to farmers. Their immense strength and endurance make them ideal for heavy agricultural work.
One of the primary tasks that buffalo excel at is plowing fields. They are well-suited to pull plows through the soil, preparing the land for planting crops. Buffalo plowing is a traditional and sustainable method that has been practiced for generations, deeply ingrained in the cultural heritage of Vietnamese agriculture.