Early Mornings and Responsibility

There are days when I’d love nothing more than to sleep in — but life on the homestead doesn’t wait. Too many lives depend on me.

My morning starts at 0430, before the first light even touches the horizon. I pull on my boots, grab a flashlight, and head outside to feed the animals that make up the heartbeat of J & J Homestead — the chickens, ducks, dogs, bunny, and tortoise. Each one greets the morning differently: the chickens chatter softly, the ducks splash impatiently, and the dogs trot along as if to remind me that we have work to do.

Those quiet, dark mornings remind me why I started this life in the first place — a connection to the land, to the animals, and to the rhythm of something greater than myself.

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The Morning Feed

Feeding time is more than just tossing grain into feeders — it’s a moment to check on everyone. Is the bunny eating well? Are the ducks moving normally? Did one of the hens look a little off yesterday? These few minutes can make the difference between catching a problem early or dealing with a crisis later.

Each animal has its own needs:

• Chickens get a balanced layer feed with oyster shell and grit.
• Ducks need fresh water to wash down their feed — I make sure it’s clean and deep enough for them to dunk their bills.
• Dogs get their morning meal before their patrol around the property.
• The tortoise gets a small dish of greens, hay pellets, and the warmth of a heat lamp to start the day right.

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Midday Maintenance

Once the day gets going, the real maintenance begins. Homesteading isn’t about one big task — it’s about hundreds of small ones, all adding up to a well-run system.

Daily chores often include:

• Cleaning out coops and runs to prevent ammonia buildup and parasites
• Changing the ducks’ water (and yes, it’s always messier than you think)
• Checking nesting boxes and gathering eggs
• Monitoring the weather — adjusting windows, shades, or bedding as needed
• Turning compost or refilling the feed bins for tomorrow

It may sound repetitive, but the rhythm becomes second nature — like tending a living machine that only runs smoothly if you give it daily attention.

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Afternoon Rounds and Evening Feeding

As the sun begins to dip, I circle back through the same routine — this time with a focus on winding everyone down. The afternoon feeding is calmer; the animals know it means bedtime is coming.

I check waterers one last time, gather any late-laid eggs, and make sure every coop door and run gate is latched securely. The ducks get their last splash in the water, the dogs patrol the yard, and the tortoise settles in for the night.

The day ends the same way it began — with quiet, intentional work.

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Why the Routine Matters

Daily chores might sound like work — and they are — but they’re also the glue that holds the homestead together.

Routine chores:

• Keep animals healthy and productive
• Prevent bigger problems like illness or predator issues
• Foster discipline and connection with your land and animals
• Provide a steady rhythm that grounds you in the present moment

Homesteading isn’t about convenience; it’s about consistency. The small, daily tasks become habits, and those habits form the backbone of a sustainable, thriving homestead.

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Final Thoughts

Some days, I still wish I could hit snooze and forget the chores — but when I walk outside and hear the soft clucks, quacks, and rustle of life starting around me, I’m reminded why I do it.

Daily homestead chores may not be glamorous, but they’re the heartbeat of the homestead — the simple acts that keep everything alive, growing, and grounded.

At J & J Homestead, these daily routines are more than just chores — they’re a way of life.