Looking for ways to DIY the best chicken coop for your flock? Do you save recycled materials for those just in case scenarios? There are materials needed to house your flock, waterers, feeders and nest boxes just to name a few. I am here to tell you it is possible to achieve your dream even on a budget. All you have to do is think of what you and/or your flock need and get creative. When I first decided to buy chickens I was completely naive about what exactly that would entail. I thought I … [Read more...]
Natural Indigo Ice Water Dye for Wool
My most recent natural dye experiment was natural indigo ice water dye for wool yarn. After standing in the garden and staring at a rather large patch of Japanese indigo, I searched for ways to use the fresh leaves for dye. Knowing that the color did not last long with fresh indigo leaves, I wondered how folks used the plant besides quickly dehydrating it for powder used in vat dyeing. In these situations, I am grateful we have the internet to search for information. Indigo ice water … [Read more...]
Duck Botulism Treatment – Recovering from Limberneck
I did not think duck botulism treatment would be part of my summer. I spent the later part of the summer performing various duck botulism treatment options so my Rouen hen could recover. Since I had not heard about duck botulism or duck botulism treatment, it was not my first thought when I found Gretyl sitting on the nest for an extended period of time. At first I left her, thinking she just needed extra time and would eventually lay her egg. Later, I picked her up and found her to be … [Read more...]
Black Walnut Tincture for Worming Chickens and Livestock
This past week I wormed my chicken flock with black walnut tincture. Here's why. A few days before I saw what was undoubtedly a round worm in a fresh chicken dropping. Since there was no mistaking what I was looking at, I knew I was going to have to treat the flock. But, I was unsure how I wanted to go about this. We try to do everything as naturally as possible on our farm. I have never subscribed to the practice of treating for things unless I have reason to believe an animal is sick, or is … [Read more...]
Canning, Preserving and Storing the Harvest
Canning, Preserving and Storing the Harvest When we consider canning, preserving and storing the harvest, keeping food safe for later is the goal. Whether we are preparing for a gathering, an event, or preparedness, food is a necessary item. Preparing for what MAY come and not knowing how or what that could entail, adds another facet to the preparing. How long will we need to store it? Can we estimate how much will we need to store? What it the best method to keep it fresh? All of these … [Read more...]
