Ever wondered about raising some of your own meat? We find the chickens we raise taste so much better than the watery chicken we have bought at the grocery store. Once we started raising a few birds every year, we were convinced raising our own chicks for meat was the way to go. Filling the freezer is pretty easy and it only takes 8 weeks from start to finish. Now, almost … [Read more...]
The Modern Homesteader’s Guide to Keeping Geese
I've always been more of a chicken fan, and haven't tried raising geese. We find it easy to keep a bunch of hens here - they give us eggs and help keep the place more bug free. Plus, they like to work! Read here about how we put chickens to work so they earn their keep. But friends do keep quite a few geese on their property and they love them. They think geese are better bug eaters than … [Read more...]
The Difference Between Chickens and Pigs
Ever wondered the difference between being "involved" and being truly "committed? Look at the difference between chickens and pigs! What do you want to learn about raising chicks? Want a couple of pigs to raise for your own meat (buy as weaners in the spring and butcher in the fall) Want to learn about getting started on the path to growing healthy wholesome … [Read more...]
Fodder for the Laying Hens
Here's another thing I am adding to my list of goals - producing fodder for our chickens. I have been doing some research into sprouting grains and am finding some interesting stuff. I'd like to cut down the feed bill. During the growing season, our chickens (and pigs) have their own garden here. We set aside a large area and grow lots of different vegetables for all of them to … [Read more...]
Chicken Farming 101 (Chickens for Beginners)
Chickens are hard workers in our barnyard. Every animal we raise here has a job to do while they are with us. If you want to have chickens, here's some of what we've learned having our girls. Think of it as Chicken Farming 101! Raising Chickens in the Backyard Our chickens are always working. They are trying to find food and working the soil. They work to keep … [Read more...]
Is an Egg for Breakfast Worth This?
Here's a good article about how commercial factories raise chickens in order to sell their eggs. Commercial chicken practices can include simply terrible living conditions for hens. It's all about the eggs to those businesses. I've included the link to the New York Times so please head over there to read the entire article. Is an Egg for Breakfast Worth This? _______ Supermarket … [Read more...]
Raising Heritage Chickens in the North
Here's something worth considering. If you're thinking of getting a flock of chickens, consider getting a heritage breed. Do some research as to your weather conditions, how harsh your winter is and how much natural vegetation you have in season. Then get some heritage breed chickens! They know how to forage and they're used to being outdoors. If you live in a northern climate … [Read more...]
Chicken Questions and Answers
Want to start raising chickens? Wondering how to get started? Here are a few chicken questions and answers to get things going. Chickens are a fantastic addition to your backyard or homestead. If your city doesn't yet allow backyard chickens, consider getting involved in the growing movement to change council's mind. While I can understand urban areas not allowing roosters, I … [Read more...]
Got Questions About Raising Chickens?
Got Chicken questions? Leave me a comment on this post and I will try my best to answer them. Here are a few questions and answers to get things started when it comes to raising chickens. They are a fantastic addition to your backyard or homestead and an easy way to dip your toe into keeping animals on your property.. If your city doesn't yet allow backyard chickens, consider getting involved … [Read more...]