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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.…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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Preparation is Key! Bringing Baby Chicks Home: A Practical Guide for First-Time and Seasoned Chicken Keepers
Before bringing chicks home, proper preparation is crucial for their survival and health. A secure and warm brooder with the right bedding, heat source, and food should be ready at least 24 hours in…
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