Reviving the lost art of self-reliance, one small step at a time
Poultry and small livestock are a great addition to urban homesteads. Some can even be raised in the city!
As people embrace the idea of growing some of their own produce, many are pondering the idea of raising small animals for their eggs, meat, or manure. Others are raising bees as they embark on an urban farming adventure.
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 to help your urban farming endeavors.
Raising Coturnix quail for eggs and meat is a good alternative for small homesteads or those yearning for a homestead in the city. They can thrive indoors!
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From gardening to backyard barbecues, these little buzzers can make evenings miserable. Implement some (or all!) of these natural mosquito control tactics.
5+ Natural Mosquito Control Tactics for Fewer Bites this SummerRead More
Make a DIY chicken swing from items you probably already have on hand. It’s easy and a swing for chickens is instant entertainment for you AND your hens!
How to Make an Inexpensive Swing for Chickens (from Materials You Probably Have on Hand)Read More
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.
Dreaming of living off the grid? Read how one family achieved an off grid homestead WITHOUT going into debt! With a willingness to DIY, you can, too!
How One Family Built Their Off-Grid Homestead Debt-Free And on a BudgetRead More
