Are you hearing people use chicken terms, and you have no idea what they mean? Take a minute to brush up on the lingo and learn the often used chicken terms, before you bring home your first flock of chicks. When you go to the store or call in an order to a hatchery, it will be helpful if you know the basic chicken terms and what the supplies you will need are called. And if you should have any problems or questions after you begin backyard chicken raising, it sure helps to know the correct … [Read more...]
Adding New Poultry and Livestock
Adding new poultry and livestock to your farm or homestead is commonly done in the spring. How do you avoid the common pitfall of adding too many, too soon? I use the following three questions when evaluating our homestead's ability to carry more animals. Am I adding only the animals I have room for? Can I afford to care for the new … [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...]
6 Plants to Add to the Pollinator Garden
When I think of what plants to add to the pollinator garden in my yard, I often turn to herbs. Herbs grow well for me and I maintain a large collection of containers growing many different herbs. Honestly, until recently, I was only growing them to feed our livestock. The chickens love fresh herbs and our pet rabbits go crazy over a fresh herbal salad of mixed herbs straight from the garden. A few year ago, we began keeping bee hives on the farm. Through times of trial and error, I … [Read more...]
Free Range Ducks Pros and Cons
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...]
