My ducks are very happy. 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 to the free range. Free … [Read more...]
Homegrown and Handmade Review and Giveaway Offer
Homegrown and Handmade is a new book by Deborah Neiman. It's actually the revised, 2nd edition. If you haven't seen it yet, you should see it available soon. Over the weekend I had an opportunity to review this book! Homegrown and Handmade, A Practical Guide to More Self-Reliant Living, is a guide to all the good things that await you in the homesteading/handmade lifestyle. Making small daily or weekly changes can bring you far into the journey. Cooking from scratch? Check … [Read more...]
When Can Chicks Go Outside?
One of the top questions I am asked is when can chicks go outside. The need for warmth is key to a growing chick. The growing period is important and making adjustments at the right time is crucial to their future health and well being. The answer really depends on you providing the need for warmth, safety, food and water, where ever you house the brooder. The first weeks of life you are dealing with rather fragile beings. They require a very warm environment. Even if you have a shed, garage … [Read more...]
Tomato Processing – Canning Freezing Dehydrating
Tomato processing is arguably one of the more common tasks that we do to prepare for storage. You can't beat the taste and texture of a fresh tomato. Preserving summer tomatoes is the best way to enjoy the flavor all year long. It's also nice that tomatoes, by themselves, are very simple to preserve by canning, dehydrating or freezing. Canning just tomatoes or an acidic salsa recipe is done simply by using the hot water bath method. Note that when other less acidic vegetables and … [Read more...]
Homesteaders of America Conference Tickets Giveaway!
Summer is here and fall normally follows. I am looking forward to fall even more than usual because the Homesteaders of America Conference is this October! This is a new event in the homesteading themed arena. The organizers have been working tirelessly to make this a premier event. For the full list of information and event schedules you can check the website. A brief overview of the event follows. Before you know it, the day will arrive. I thought it would be fun to give away a family pack of … [Read more...]
