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Continue reading →: The Next Step for Our Farmstand: Planning a Magical Holiday SeasonAs the weather cools in Virginia, excitement builds for Christmas at the farmstand. The author envisions transforming the stand into a festive attraction with various themes while introducing seasonal baked goods and unique gift baskets inspired by vintage Longaberger baskets. The aim is to create a memorable holiday experience for…
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Continue reading →: Why Chickens and Turkeys Need Grit: A Simple Homestead EssentialYesterday, I rushed to buy chicken grit after realizing I had overlooked it during my previous shopping. Grit is crucial for chickens and turkeys, especially when confined in runs, as it aids in digestion by grinding food in their gizzards. Proper supplemental grit ensures their digestive health and well-being.
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Continue reading →: Egg Withdrawal in Chickens: What It Means When Your Hen Needs MedicationWhat does egg withdrawal mean when a chicken is taking antibiotics or pain medication? Follow our hen’s recovery from a severe pecking injury and learn why medication withdrawal periods matter for backyard chicken keepers.
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Continue reading →: Chicken Molting Season Is Almost Here: What to Expect and How to Help Your FlockAs the days grow shorter, chickens begin their annual molt, shedding old feathers and growing new ones. This natural process, essential for their health, typically occurs in late summer or fall. At J & J Homestead, we ensure our flock is prepared for this transition to maintain their beauty and…
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Continue reading →: A Day in the Life on the Homestead: There Are No Days Off, But There Is PurposeWhat does a day of homestead chores really look like? Follow a busy day of cleaning chicken coops, caring for turkeys, feeding bees, dealing with wax moths, removing dangerous trees, and taking an injured chicken to the vet.
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Continue reading →: When Chickens Peck Chickens: How to Recognize Injuries, Stop Flock Bullying, and Help a Chicken RecoverLearn how to recognize chicken pecking injuries, safely separate an injured hen, care for wounds, prevent flock bullying, and know when a chicken needs additional help.
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Continue reading →: Farmstand Hack! We Bought a Gallon of Vanilla Extract—and It Actually Saves Us MoneyThink buying a gallon of vanilla extract sounds crazy? When you’re doubling and tripling recipes for a farmstand, those little grocery-store bottles disappear fast! See how we calculated the cost per ounce and why buying vanilla in bulk can save a small baking business hundreds of dollars.
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Continue reading →: I Discovered Black Cocoa Powder—and My Oreo Cookies Will Never Be the SameThis weekend, I discovered black cocoa powder while experimenting with spooky-season cookies. This heavily alkalized cocoa creates an incredibly dark color and rich chocolate flavor. I created Black Cocoa Powder Oreo Cookies, combining it with espresso for depth. The excitement of sharing this newfound ingredient engaged many bakers online, sparking…
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Continue reading →: September Garden Chores: Preparing the Homestead Garden for FallIn September, the garden transitions from summer to fall, requiring various tasks. Key activities include harvesting summer vegetables, preserving excess produce, planting cool-season crops, and preparing for frost. It’s a critical month for cleaning, weeding, improving soil, and planning for next year, ensuring continued productivity and health for the garden.
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Continue reading →: Why Is My Turkey Laying Two Eggs at Once? One Normal Egg and One Soft-Shelled Egg ExplainedA turkey hen exhibits unusual reproductive behavior by laying two eggs in quick succession: the first with a normal hard shell, and the second soft-shelled. While calcium deficiency is often blamed for soft shells, the issue may arise from the timing of ovulation. Observing the hen’s diet and health is…
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Welcome to J & J Homestead, our little corner of Virginia where farm life, fresh baking, gardening, and raising happy animals come together. From our weekend farmstand to our growing homestead adventures, we’re passionate about sharing sustainable living, homemade goodness, and the joys and lessons of simple country life with our community.
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