rimworld how to feed animals in pen

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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21-02-2025

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Welcome, RimWorld ranchers! Keeping your animals happy and healthy is crucial for a thriving colony. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about efficiently feeding your animals in pens, maximizing your resources, and avoiding those pesky starvation events. Proper animal feeding is key to successful livestock management in RimWorld.

Understanding Animal Needs in RimWorld

Before diving into feeding mechanics, let's cover the basics of animal care. Different animals have varying dietary needs:

• Herbivores: These animals (like Llamas, Alpacas, and Deer) need plants. Make sure you have sufficient grazing areas or provide them with hay.
• Carnivores: Meat-eaters (like wolves and cats) require meat. You'll need to butcher other animals or hunt to keep them fed.
• Omnivores: These animals (like chickens and pigs) eat both plants and meat. A balanced diet is key for their health and productivity.

Remember to check the individual needs of each animal in your inventory. Their dietary requirements are listed there.

How to Make Sure Your Animals Have Enough Food

Animals in RimWorld will automatically consume food within their pen’s designated feeding zone. However, you need to proactively manage their food supply. Here's a breakdown of methods:

Method 1: Direct Feeding (For Smaller Pens and Specific Diets)

1. Gather Food: Collect the necessary plants or meat for your animals.
2. Designate Food Storage: Create a stockpile near the pen, making sure your colonists have easy access.
3. Manually Deliver Food: Regularly deliver food to the designated stockpile. Animals will consume it from there. This is best suited for smaller pens or animals with specific dietary requirements.

Method 2: Using Hay (Best for Herbivores)

1. Grow Crops: Plant crops suitable for making hay (like haygrass).
2. Harvest and Process: Once mature, harvest the crops and use a butcher table to process them into hay.
3. Store Hay: Store the hay in a stockpile near the pen.
4. Automatic Consumption: Animals will automatically consume the hay from the stockpile. This method greatly simplifies managing herbivores.

Method 3: Using Feeders (For Larger Pens and Efficiency)

For larger operations, using animal feeders is far more efficient.

1. Build Animal Feeders: Construct animal feeders near your pens.
2. Fill Feeders: Load the feeders with the appropriate food for your animals.
3. Automatic Replenishment: Designate a stockpile for food near the feeder. Colonists will automatically refill the feeders when they get low. This is particularly effective for large pens and simplifies food management dramatically.

Troubleshooting Feeding Problems

• Starvation: If you notice animals starving, immediately provide food and check if there are any obstructions preventing them from reaching food sources.
• Food Preferences: Some animals are pickier than others. Ensure you're providing the correct type of food.
• Pen Size: Overcrowded pens can lead to food competition. Ensure you have enough space for your animal population.
• Blocked Paths: Make sure there's a clear path between the food source and the animals. Obstacles can impede their access to food.

Advanced Feeding Strategies

• Prioritize Food Types: Give priority to high-quality foods to maximize animal health and productivity.
• Strategic Breeding: Breed animals for traits that increase food production or reduce consumption.
• Slaughter and Replace: Regularly cull animals that are unproductive or have health issues to optimize your resources.

Mastering animal feeding in RimWorld is essential for a successful colony. By following these tips, you'll keep your animals well-fed, productive, and happy—leading to a more prosperous and enjoyable playthrough. Remember to adapt your methods based on your colony's size and the types of animals you are raising. Happy ranching!