Latest Posts
-
Spring Chicken Care Guide: Illness and Predator Risks to Watch for as Temperatures Rise
Spring brings both opportunities and challenges for backyard chicken keepers. Increased wild bird activity heightens disease risks, while temperature fluctuations can stress chickens’ immune systems, leading to respiratory issues. Additionally, parasites, mud-related foot problems, and heightened predator activity pose significant… Continue reading
-
How to Leave Your Homestead for a Few Days: Smart Planning Tips for Chicken Care
Leaving your homestead for a few days can feel overwhelming, especially with animals depending on you. However, with a solid plan in place, it’s entirely manageable. Start by documenting your daily routine, from feed and water schedules to coop opening… Continue reading
-
Snake-Repelling Plants for Around Your Chicken Coop: What Works and What Doesn’t
If you raise backyard chickens, you’ll eventually wonder how to keep snakes away from your coop. In Virginia, copperhead snakes become more active in spring and summer, making it important to protect your flock. While snake-repelling plants can’t guarantee snake… Continue reading
-
The Farmstand Is Finally Becoming a Reality: Homestead Update from J & J Homestead
After weeks of weather delays, J & J Homestead is making significant progress on their goal of opening a farmstand. They opted for asphalt millings for the parking area, leading to a tangible advancement. Seedlings are germinating in the greenhouse,… Continue reading
-
The Most Ambitious DIY Project I’ve Ever Taken On: Building Our First Chicken Coop
Describe the most ambitious DIY project you’ve ever taken on. There are moments in homesteading that quietly change you. For me, that moment came with a pile of lumber, a set of chicken coop plans, and a husband hiking the Appalachian… Continue reading
-
What Advice Would I Give Myself Before Starting Homesteading?
Homesteading emphasizes persistence over perfection, focusing on trial and error. Beginners should start small, prioritize soil health, prepare infrastructure before getting animals, budget for long-term goals, and embrace weather unpredictability. Building community support and recognizing that mistakes are part of… Continue reading
-
The Biggest Challenges Ahead on the Homestead This Year (And Why I’m Still Excited)
The upcoming challenge for the homestead is opening a farmstand, which symbolizes growth and community. Weather delays from snow and rain have hindered preparations. Despite setbacks, the focus remains on proactive steps, such as planting seeds and perfecting recipes, to… Continue reading
-
What to Do with Cracked Eggs: Why We Feed Cooked Eggs Back to Our Chickens
During egg collection, cracked eggs were discovered, prompting a practical response. Instead of discarding them, they were refrigerated, cooked, and fed to the chickens, shells included. This sustainable practice recycles nutrients, supports hen health, and prevents egg-eating behavior. It exemplifies… Continue reading
-
Homesteading Never Gets Boring (And That’s Exactly the Point)
Homesteading is a dynamic lifestyle filled with constant surprises, challenges, and rewards. It involves managing various tasks, from caring for animals to seed starting and running a farmstand. The unpredictability of nature keeps boredom at bay, fostering resilience, learning, and… Continue reading
-
Dry Bee Feed as a Pollen Substitute: Supporting Honey Bees on Warm Winter Days
On a warm winter day in Virginia, honey bees were seen actively foraging, including investigating chicken feed. As winter creates a nutritional gap, providing dry pollen substitutes is essential for colonies’ protein needs, aiding brood production and overall health as… Continue reading