Chickens
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Introducing Chickens in an Existing Flock
The article details “The Great Chicken Swap,” an organized effort to improve chicken flock management on a homestead. The swap involved carefully redistributing eight hens and one rooster among three coops to prevent overcrowding, enhance genetics, and maintain a calm… Continue reading
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Ordering Chicks: Tips for Beginners
This guide outlines essential steps for successfully starting a chicken flock. It emphasizes careful preparation, including selecting a reputable hatchery, timing orders wisely, and understanding chick types. Consideration of weather conditions and proper brooding setup is crucial for chick health… Continue reading
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Today’s Homestead Chores: Chicken Chores Always Keep Us Busy!
The homestead experienced harsh winter weather, prompting a day indoors. Today, important chores, especially concerning the chickens, are scheduled, focusing on cleaning their runs to prevent health hazards. This deep cleaning allows for inspections of the coop’s integrity, ensuring consistent… Continue reading
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Chickens Sourdough Discard: A Guide for Homesteaders
Sourdough discard can be safely fed to chickens only when cooked, as raw dough may cause digestive issues. It should be used as an occasional treat, comprising no more than 5-10% of their diet, and must be free of harmful… Continue reading
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Winter Egg Checks: Why I Keep Popping Into the Coop All Day
During winter, egg collecting becomes more frequent to prevent freezing in cold temperatures. Shorter days can alter laying patterns, necessitating multiple daily checks to ensure eggs remain intact and clean. This routine not only maintains coop hygiene but also fosters… Continue reading
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The Hard Side of Raising Chickens in Winter (That Social Media Rarely Shows)
Raising chickens may seem charming, but winter reveals its true challenges. Care for livestock demands constant commitment, regardless of harsh conditions. Responsibilities like feeding, monitoring, and ensuring proper shelter weigh heavily, emphasizing the emotional load of animal care. Despite the… Continue reading
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Choosing Between Hens, Roosters, or Both
Deciding whether to raise hens, roosters, or a combination of both is one of the most important choices you’ll make when starting or expanding a flock. It’s also a decision that often changes as a homestead grows. What works for… Continue reading
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Common Beginner Mistakes When Starting Chickens (and How to Avoid Them)
Starting backyard chickens can be rewarding but often comes with common beginner mistakes. To avoid issues such as checking local laws, managing chicken numbers, securing against predators, and ensuring proper coop size, new owners should plan and maintain realistic expectations.… Continue reading
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Why Chickens Are the Easiest Animal to Start Homesteading With
Start your homesteading journey with chickens, where affordability meets rewarding experiences and learning opportunities. Continue reading
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Turning Winter Weeds Into Chicken & Duck Enrichment
Winter weeds such as Hairy Bittercress, Henbit Deadnettle, and Carolina Cranesbill provide significant nutritional benefits for chickens and ducks, enhancing their diets while reducing boredom during colder months. By using these weeds as flock feed, homesteaders can optimize their garden… Continue reading
