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Continue reading →: Sometimes the Best Solution Really Is the Easiest: Why We’re Trying Hen Harmony for Our Chickens and TurkeysAfter months of minor poultry issues, J & J Homestead seeks simplicity with Hen Harmony, a daily nutritional supplement. It combines probiotics, prebiotics, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals to support gut health and overall nutrition. The focus is on enhancing digestive function instead of immediately resorting to medication for every problem.
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Continue reading →: When Do Chickens Slow Down Laying Eggs? A Seasonal Guide to Egg ProductionBackyard chicken keepers often experience a decline in egg production during late summer and early fall due to decreasing daylight. This seasonal slowdown, noticeable from late August to November, coincides with molting and natural hormonal changes. Proper nutrition and monitoring are essential, while some choose to provide supplemental light to…
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Continue reading →: It’s the End of August—Now Is the Time to Plan for a Longer Growing SeasonIn August, homesteaders should begin planning for winter gardening to extend their growing season. Simple strategies include using greenhouses, cold frames, and low tunnels to protect crops from frost. This approach allows for additional harvests of cold-tolerant vegetables, ensuring fresh produce long after traditional gardens have finished.
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Continue reading →: Feeding Turkeys on the Homestead: How Much Feed Do Turkeys Really Need?SIice I’ve been re-examining how much we feed the chickens, I thought it was time take a second look at what and how we feed our turkeys If you’ve ever stood in the feed store looking at another 50-pound bag of turkey feed and thought, “How are we possibly going…
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Continue reading →: How Much Should You Feed Laying Hens? What We’re Changing for Our Growing Chicken FlockJ & 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 to reduce waste. Their goal is to maintain healthy chickens while minimizing feed costs and maximizing…
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Continue reading →: Oven Update: When a Repair Turns Into an Unexpected Kitchen UpgradeWell, 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 as we were getting ready to get back into full farmstand baking mode. Initially, there was…
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Continue reading →: Who Else Has Seen the Almanac’s Winter Forecast? We’re Getting the Firewood Ready!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 now, you can avoid the stress of rushing to gather wood when temperatures drop.
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Continue reading →: Why Are My White Leghorn Chickens Such Bullies? Understanding This Feisty BreedWhite 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 competitive and independent nature, essential traits for their success as prolific egg layers.
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Continue reading →: Mites on Chickens: How to Spot Them, Prevent Them, and Get Rid of ThemMites 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 cleanliness, and preventive measures help manage mite infestations effectively, ensuring the health of the flock.
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Continue reading →: The Oven Saga Continues: No Oven? Challenge Accepted!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 menu, focusing on innovative treats like Rice Krispies. This setback has sparked creativity and a fresh…
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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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