Blog Archives: Navigating Through Our Best Articles

How Much Should You Feed Laying Hens? What We’re Changing for Our Growing Chicken Flock

August 23, 2026

J & J Homestead has found that feeding their growing flock of 53 chickens has become expensive and inefficient. They plan to measure feed accurately, prioritize layer feed over scratch grains, and raise feeders…
Oven Update: When a Repair Turns Into an Unexpected Kitchen Upgrade

August 21, 2026

Well, friends… we have another oven update, and unfortunately, it’s not the one we were hoping for. If you’ve been following along, you know that our oven decided to quit on us at possibly the worst time—right…
Who Else Has Seen the Almanac’s Winter Forecast? We’re Getting the Firewood Ready!

August 20, 2026

Preparing for winter on the homestead starts early, with cutting, splitting, and stacking firewood. While summer is still in full swing, it’s essential to be proactive, as cold weather is inevitable. By stocking up…
Why Are My White Leghorn Chickens Such Bullies? Understanding This Feisty Breed

August 18, 2026

White Leghorn chickens are known for their assertive and sometimes bullying behavior, characterized by high energy, agility, and a strong pecking order within flocks. Although they can appear aggressive, their actions often reflect their…
Mites on Chickens: How to Spot Them, Prevent Them, and Get Rid of Them

August 17, 2026

Mites are common external parasites that can affect backyard chickens, causing various health issues, including irritation and decreased egg production. They can be introduced through wild birds, rodents, or contaminated equipment. Regular inspection, coop…
The Oven Saga Continues: No Oven? Challenge Accepted!

August 15, 2026

In 2026, the J & J Homestead faced an oven failure just as they planned to reopen their farmstand bakery. Though repairs will take 7–10 business days, they opted to create a new no-oven…
When the Oven Stops Working: An Unexpected Farmstand Setback

August 14, 2026

Running a small farmstand often teaches the importance of flexibility. After an unexpected oven breakdown just before reopening, the owner faced disappointment but decided to adapt. While baked goods are temporarily unavailable, the farmstand…
First Saturday Lime on the Homestead: Our Secret Weapon for Muddy Chicken Runs, Flies, Bugs, and the Garden

August 11, 2026

First Saturday Lime has become an essential product for J & J Homestead, proving useful in various aspects of homesteading. Initially used around chickens to manage mud and odors, it has also been effectively…
A Small but Mighty Milestone: Both of Our Rescued Hens Laid Eggs!

August 11, 2026

The recent discovery of two eggs laid by rescued hens on the homestead marks a significant milestone in their adjustment and recovery. It reflects the hens’ comfort and signals their health improvement after a…