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.
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.
Self reliance: Relying on yourself for many of your needs, rather than depending on corporations. Looking for simple living ideas to embrace? Try these!
10 Simple Steps Toward Self Reliance You Can Take TODAYRead More
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!
Raising Quail for Eggs: The Perfect Solution for Urban HomesteadersRead More
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
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.
Top 5 Reasons to Choose Nigerian Dwarf Goats (and Not Just Because They’re Cute!)Read More
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
