homesteading
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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
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The Best Vegetables to Sell at a Farmstand (High Demand, High Profit, and Easy to Grow)
Transform your farmstand with these must-grow vegetables that customers crave! Discover the superstar tomatoes, colorful peppers, and refreshing cucumbers to boost your sales and delight your community. Continue reading
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Things I Didn’t Expect About Owning Chickens (But Now Can’t Imagine Life Without Them)
If you had told me a few years ago that chickens would become such a central part of our daily routine—and honestly, our hearts—I probably would’ve laughed. Like many new Continue reading
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What Is Your Mission? The Heart Behind J & J Homestead
J & J Homestead centers its mission on intentional living through sustainable practices, emphasizing education, transparency, and community. They focus on raising healthy food and animals while sharing experiences to empower others. Their commitment is daily, reflecting the importance of… Continue reading
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Chicken Run Enrichment Ideas: How to Keep Chickens Happy, Healthy, and Busy
Chickens require more than just basic needs; enrichment is vital for their mental well-being. Boredom can lead to aggression and lower egg production. Simple methods include adding perches, creating dust baths, encouraging foraging, rotating toys, and using natural materials. Seasonal… Continue reading
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Oregano Oil for Chickens: Benefits, Uses, and What Every Chicken Keeper Should Know
Oregano oil for chickens: learn the benefits, uses, and safety tips for supporting respiratory health, immunity, and gut health naturally in backyard flocks. Continue reading
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Top Seeds to Start in the Greenhouse in January (Virginia)
January is a crucial month for greenhouse gardening, offering a chance to start cold-tolerant crops like onions, leeks, brassicas, and leafy greens. Early planting ensures stronger transplants and earlier harvests. While some plants should be waited on, January lays the… Continue reading
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Sprouting Old Black-Eyed Peas and Lentils for Chickens: A Simple Winter Homestead Experiment
While cleaning the pantry, I found old lentils and black-eyed peas and opted to sprout them for my chickens as a nutritious winter treat. Sprouting makes legumes safer and more digestible for chickens. Although the sprouting success rate was low,… Continue reading
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Learning to Read the Signs: How My Instincts and Science are Helping Me to Save One of My Chickens
The challenges of diagnosing chicken health issues are often overlooked. When a White Crested Polish hen displayed unusual behavior, observation led to a fecal float test revealing parasites. This experience underscores the importance of self-education and trust in instincts while… Continue reading
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Homesteading Goals: How to Set Intentional Goals for the Coming Year
Transform your homesteading dreams into daily reality with clear, realistic goals. By staying focused, avoiding burnout, and aligning daily tasks with your vision, you pave the way for sustainable growth. Ready to start? Begin by reflecting on past successes and… Continue reading
