Free range ducks are happy ducks! When we first started raising ducks, we didn't let the ducks roam the farm. We didn't feel that the property was set up for free range ducks. The poultry area backs up to woods. Woods, where raccoon, fox and an occasional coyote make their homes. Eventually we gradually began letting the ducks and chickens out of their pens for free ranging. Other property modifications were made to add safety for the free range ducks. Free Range Ducks I … [Read more...]
Shearing Sheep – Tips for Shearing Day
Shearing sheep has to be one of the hardest farm tasks. It can be enjoyable but it is always hard work. For ten years, my husband and I tackled the job ourselves. We would spend multiple weekends shearing sheep and fiber goats. The results got better as we learned how to shear a sheep, and became more skilled. But the time commitment was enormous, and during both seasons, there is so much other work to be tended to also. It was accepted as a way of life but, it was definitely taking its toll on … [Read more...]
The Care and Feeding of Barn Cats
Show me a good old American Barn and I bet I can find barn cats there. Some are placed there by the family, to keep mice at bay, and some find their own way to a warm cozy barn. If the complete truth was known, some barn cats arrive at barns because litters of kittens are often dropped off at farms when no one is looking, by irresponsible cat owners. Now that you have the barn, and the barn cats to go with it, how do you care for the outdoor working … [Read more...]
10 Wild Herbs for Chicken Health
Do you forage for wild herbs for chicken health for your flock? When we keep chickens in coops and runs, we have to provide the majority of the nutrition. Present day chicken keeping varies and the picture may be totally different than in days gone by. A few generations back, our grandparents kept chickens free ranging in the barnyard. Some chickens were kept in small backyards, roaming freely, eating all the bugs and wild herbs they could find. Those wild herbs for chicken health were a free … [Read more...]
Quick Winter Tips for Poultry and Livestock
What do you do, when winter arrives suddenly? These quick winter tips for poultry and livestock care will help you weather the early season storms and cold snaps that catch you off guard. Winter in our area is usually late in arriving and occasionally we can get caught off guard. Sometimes, I am not completely ready! I know I profess to be prepared and usually I am. On occasion I have to turn to a few quick winter tips for poultry and livestock care that will help ensure the comfort and health … [Read more...]
