Chickens
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The Best Books to Help You on Your Homesteading Journey
Creating a homestead library is essential for self-reliant homesteaders, offering guidance on topics like raising chickens, gardening, and beekeeping. Valuable books not only provide practical skills but also deepen understanding of the processes involved. Despite the prevalence of digital resources,… Continue reading
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A Day on the Homestead: The Rhythm of Daily Chores
The author describes the early morning routine on J & J Homestead, starting at 0430 to care for various animals. These tasks, including feeding and maintenance, emphasize the connection to the land and animals. Consistent daily chores, while demanding, foster… Continue reading
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Why Chickens Eat Eggs — and How to Stop It Naturally
Chickens may develop the habit of eating their own eggs due to broken shells, nutritional deficiencies, stress, boredom, or overcrowding. To prevent and stop this behavior, it is essential to collect eggs frequently, provide proper nutrition, improve nesting conditions, and… Continue reading
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A Frosty Morning on the Homestead: Helping Chickens Through the First Freeze
The arrival of cold weather prompted preparations for backyard chickens, focusing on draft-free coops and waterers. A special hot breakfast of oatmeal, herbs, and mealworms was provided to energize the flock. Key winter care includes insulation, hydration, and nutrition, ensuring… Continue reading
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Recognizing and Treating Frostbite in Poultry – Prevention Tips and Natural Remedies
During winter, chickens and ducks face frostbite, a common cold-weather issue caused by moisture and low temperatures. Effective prevention includes proper coop management, ventilation, and moisture control. Recognizing early symptoms is crucial for treatment, using natural remedies and supportive measures.… Continue reading
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Deep Litter Method: The Cozy Coop Solution
The Deep Litter Method is an effective winter strategy for keeping chickens warm, healthy, and happy without heat lamps. This sustainable approach involves layering bedding and manure to create compost that generates gentle heat. It reduces odor, maintenance work, and… Continue reading
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My Favorite Websites That Shaped Our Homesteading Journey
The post highlights essential online resources for homesteading, emphasizing their role in developing knowledge and skills in areas like poultry care, gardening, and beekeeping. Websites like The Chicken Chick and the Virginia Cooperative Extension offer valuable information, fostering confidence and… Continue reading
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When Curiosity Meets Heartbreak: Searching for Answers After Losing Yeti
Yesterday, Yeti the Great, a beloved chicken, passed away, leaving the homestead in grief. To determine the cause and protect the flock, fecal float tests will be conducted. In the meantime, natural remedies like cayenne and oregano are provided to… Continue reading
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Saying Goodbye: Losses on the Homestead
Life on a homestead is full of beautiful moments — fresh eggs in the morning, the buzz of bees on a warm afternoon, new seedlings pushing through the soil. But Continue reading
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The First Round of Cornish Cross Meat Chickens for 2026 Has Been Ordered!
Getting Ready for the 2026 Season Yesterday marked an exciting milestone here at J & J Homestead — I placed the order for our first round of Cornish Cross meat chickens for 2026! These Continue reading
