A few years ago, after many failed attempts, one of our hens finally managed to hatch a clutch of six chicks. Soon afterward, my delight turned to despair – four of the six were roosters! As our cute fluffy chicks matured into…
If someone asked you, what do cows eat? Your reaction would probably be to sneer and say, well, grass, of course! Everyone knows cows eat grass, but farmers and homesteaders raising cattle for meat, milk, or both know that a cow’s diet is more…
Many new chicken owners take on a small flock of hens, thinking that chicken-keeping is a doddle. But then realize that their newly-introduced poultry is much pickier than they thought! That’s because chickens need a few home comforts to keep…
For many years, I only fed my chickens whole or cracked corn. I hoped they were getting all the nutrients needed from the bugs, seeds, fruit, and the surrounding pasture. After a while, however, I noticed my chickens were hardly…
Chicken meat is a healthy and classic family (and farm) staple! But rooster meat has a reputation for being inedible, chewy, bland, and not worth eating. Is that true? Can you eat a rooster? Or not? The confusion between chicken…
Are you thinking about raising a feeder pig (or two – or twelve!) on your farm? If so, you’ll need to know a few feeder pig tips to maximize your luck. And no, a feeder pig isn’t just a pig…
Having spent most of my life in the city, I learned on the fly when I moved to my homestead. I managed well with a few horses and a couple of chickens, but I was shockingly unprepared for bottle feeding…
Hummingbirds are some of the tiniest and most beautiful garden creatures you can allure to your home and garden. The first time you see one fluttering along your hedge or wall of flowers – you won’t believe your eyes! Attracting…
Along with the fruits and vegetables you raise in your garden, you also raise livestock that depends upon you for a safe environment. If you love chickens, in particular, you will need to find the best protective shelter for them…
Goats eat everything! Right? Well, my herd of Dwarf Nigerian cross Boer goats doesn’t. Offer them organic lettuce fresh from the garden, and they’ll turn their collective noses up at it. Offer them fresh oat hay, and they won’t even…
As winter kicks in through the US, cows need extra nutrition! An extra feeding boost helps to you’re your cows warm and fight off the health problems associated with the inclement weather and drop in temperature. In most parts of…
A good mulch is a gardener’s best friend, but when it puts another best friend’s life in jeopardy, it’s not worth the risk. If your dogs are anything like mine, they’ll put almost anything in their mouths, including mulch. While…
I’ve been preparing turmeric for horses on and off for years. I’ve used turmeric for horses to treat digestive issues, sarcoids, sore muscles, and itchy skin. The results have varied, but for the most part, I’ve observed turmeric to have…
If you’re new to keeping chickens, it may surprise you to know that they don’t like to sleep on the floor. Chickens need a place to roost, relax, and feel safe at night! A place where they can sleep stress-free…
What are the main differences between raising sheep vs goats? We’re about to brainstorm the subtleties that most homesteaders overlook – including the cost of feed, potential profitability, and other muttony nuances! But first, let me tell you how my…