Reviving the lost art of self-reliance, one small step at a time
Our little hobby farm is currently home to twenty or so laying hens of various ages and breeds, as well as a few ducks and a couple of rabbits that we’re keeping for their lovely manure. And of course the cats.
The ducks and rabbits are relatively new, but I’ve raised my own chickens almost as long as I’ve been raising my children. The chickens are easier.
Before I actually had chickens, I wasn’t so sure about that.
What to feed them? How to house them? How much work would they be?
While my folks did raise chickens at various times during my early childhood, it was a bit sporadic and well, frankly I didn’t pay much attention.
Turns out, the care and keeping of chickens is pretty ridiculously easy. In fact, they might even do some of your work for you!
Scroll down for more on incorporating small livestock into your hobby farm, or use the search function at the top of the page to look for something more specific.
5 Ways to put your hens to work! Take advantage of their natural foraging habits and put chickens to work in the garden. Free labor, plus you’ll get eggs!
5 Ways to Put Your Backyard Hens to Work in the Garden For YouRead More
Raising backyard chickens? Here’s what to feed chickens without breaking the bank. Save money on feeding chickens with these cost-cutting techniques.
What to Feed Chickens When You’re on a Budget: Backyard Chicken Eggs for LessRead More
There are some obvious (and some subtle!) differences between duck eggs & chicken eggs. Learn why you might want to consider ducks when thinking about eggs.
10 Good Reasons to Raise Ducks for Eggs (And How they Compare to Chicken Eggs)Read More
Ever wonder why your hens’ egg production decreases in the wintertime? Here’s why, how chicken lights help, and a discussion about whether or not you should use them.
DIY chicken feed is as easy as growing a chicken garden full of foods that will nourish your flock for less. Growing chicken feed cuts feed costs, too.
Feed Your Flock High Quality, Low Cost Feed — Plant a Chicken GardenRead More
Adding dairy goats to your homestead? Check out these five goat farming basics that you should consider before you bring your first dairy goat home.
Goat Farming Basics: 5 Things You Must Consider Before Getting GoatsRead More
Cut your animal feed costs substantially by growing fodder from oats, wheat, or barley. It’s inexpensive chicken food and good for other livestock, too.
Growing Fodder for Livestock & Poultry to Cut Feed CostsRead More
Choosing which duck breeds are best for your backyard farm requires a bit of assessment. Are you raising them primarily for eggs? Or are they meat birds? Do you need a duck breed that is docile? Or is it okay if they’re a bit nervous? Here are three to try, complete with what you can expect from each.
In harsh, cold climates there are some simple tactics for keeping things hospitable in the duck coop. The biggest issue with ducks is the water — they need it, but in harsh winters that water easily turns into a mucky mess or freezes. Adopt these tactics to keep your duck coop habitable and safe for your flock.
Your Winter Duck Coop: 5 Tips for Housing Ducks in Cold WeatherRead More
