FARM

As people embrace the idea of growing some of their own produce, many are also 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.

Scroll down for more on incorporating small livestock into your hobby farm, from housing to feeding them.

Cut Feed Costs with DIY Grazing Boxes for your Hens

DIY grazing boxes make for happy grass fed chickens. They’re a great way to save on the cost of raising backyard chickens (and other poultry), too!

Growing Grains in a Small Garden

Growing the amaranth plant & other quasi-grains like buckwheat & sorghum is a fun way to expand your harvest to include unusual crops in your veggie garden.

10 Simple Steps Toward Self Reliance You Can Take TODAY

WILD food on a white plate - self reliance at it's best!

Self reliance: Relying on yourself for many of your needs, rather than depending on corporations. Looking for simple living ideas to embrace? Try these!

Raising Quail for Eggs: The Perfect Solution for Urban Homesteaders

coturnix quail sitting on a basket of quail eggs

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!

Feed Your Flock High Quality, Low Cost Feed — Plant a Chicken Garden

brown rooster, white hen in a chicken garden

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.

Top 5 Reasons to Choose Nigerian Dwarf Goats (and Not Just Because They’re Cute!)

Nigerian Dwarf goats are a great choice for any size homestead, who are short on space. Nigerian goats are the perfect small scale dairy animal.

5+ Natural Mosquito Control Tactics for Fewer Bites this Summer

From gardening to backyard barbecues, these little buzzers can make evenings miserable. Implement some (or all!) of these natural mosquito control tactics.

How to Make an Inexpensive Swing for Chickens (from Materials You Probably Have on Hand)

black chicken on a swing made from a branch

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!

5 Ways to Put Your Backyard Hens to Work in the Garden For You

chickens in the garden, one brown one looking at camera

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!