Raising Ducks on a Homestead: A Comprehensive Guide to Self-Sufficiency and Enjoyment

Introduction:

Homesteading offers a rewarding and self-sufficient lifestyle, and raising ducks is an excellent addition to any homestead. Ducks provide numerous benefits, from a sustainable source of meat and eggs to effective pest control and natural fertilizer production.

In this article, we’ll explore the joys of raising ducks on a homestead, covering essential aspects such as breed selection, housing, feeding, and integration into your self-sustaining ecosystem.

Get ready to embark on an exciting journey towards successful duck farming on your homestead.

Choosing the Right Duck Breed for Your Homestead:

Selecting the appropriate duck breed is crucial for a successful homestead. Consider factors such as climate compatibility, purpose (meat, eggs, or both), temperament, and available space. Popular homestead-friendly duck breeds include Pekin, Muscovy, Khaki Campbell, and Runner ducks. Research each breed’s characteristics and choose the one that aligns best with your goals and the environment of your homestead.

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Creating a Suitable Habitat for Ducks:

Providing a safe and comfortable habitat for your ducks is essential. Ducks need ample space to roam, access to fresh water for swimming and cleaning, and shelter to protect them from extreme weather and predators. Design a secure duck house or coop that allows for easy cleaning and proper ventilation. Include nesting boxes or areas for laying eggs, as well as adequate outdoor space for exercise and foraging.

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Feeding Ducks on a Homestead:

One of the joys of raising ducks on a homestead is their ability to forage and contribute to their own diet. Ducks are excellent foragers and will consume insects, weeds, and grasses, helping to control pests naturally. However, supplement their diet with a balanced feed that includes grains, vegetables, and protein sources. Consider growing your own feed crops, such as corn or millet, to enhance self-sufficiency.

Integrating Ducks into Your Ecosystem:

Ducks can play a valuable role in your homestead ecosystem. They provide natural pest control by consuming insects and slugs that may harm your crops or garden. Their manure is a nutrient-rich fertilizer that can be used to enhance soil health and boost plant growth. Integrate your ducks into rotational grazing systems, allowing them to fertilize different areas of your land while benefiting from fresh forage.

Health Care and Predator Protection:

Maintaining the health of your ducks is vital for their well-being and productivity. Regularly observe your ducks for signs of illness or injury, and provide appropriate veterinary care when needed. Protect your ducks from predators by securing their coop with sturdy fencing and providing them with a safe, enclosed area for nighttime. Consider using deterrents like motion-activated lights or guardian animals to further protect your flock.

Conclusion:

Raising ducks on a homestead offers a multitude of benefits, from fresh eggs and meat to natural pest control and nutrient recycling. By carefully selecting the right duck breed, creating a suitable habitat, integrating them into your ecosystem, and providing proper care, you can enjoy the rewards of a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle. Embrace the journey of raising ducks on your homestead, and experience the joy and fulfillment they bring to your homesteading adventure.

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Easy Fluffy Dinner Rolls (Perfect for Mother’s Day)

Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner roll recipe? Look no further! These soft and fluffy rolls are perfect for any occasion, from holiday dinners to weeknight meals. Best of all, this recipe is easy to follow and yields 16 delicious rolls in just a few simple steps.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 2 large eggs

Instructions:

  1. Begin by combining the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. This includes the all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  2. Next, add in the wet ingredients to the bowl. This includes the melted butter, warm milk, warm water, and eggs. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything together until a dough forms.
  3. Once the dough has formed, it’s time to knead it. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 5-10 minutes. This will help to develop the gluten in the dough, resulting in soft and fluffy rolls.
  4. After kneading, place the dough in a large, greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 10 minutes. This will allow the dough to relax and rise slightly.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
  6. Once the dough has rested, it’s time to shape the rolls. Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Place the balls of dough on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each roll.
  7. Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for 20-30 minutes, until they have doubled in size.
  8. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
  9. Serve warm with butter or your favorite dinner spread. These rolls are perfect for pairing with soups, stews, roasted meats, or any other meal you can think of.

Tips:

  • Make sure the milk and water are warm but not too hot, or it can kill the yeast.
  • If you don’t have a large mixing bowl, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough.
  • For a shiny finish, you can brush the rolls with melted butter or an egg wash before baking.

In conclusion, this dinner roll recipe is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple steps, you can make 16 soft and fluffy rolls that are sure to impress your family and friends. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious results!

The Ultimate Guide to Raising Chickens: Tips, Tricks, and Everything You Need to Know

If you’re thinking of raising chickens, you’re not alone. Chickens are becoming increasingly popular among homesteaders, urban gardeners, and those who want to provide their own fresh eggs. But raising chickens can be a lot of work, and it’s important to be well-informed before starting. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about raising chickens, including tips, tricks, and important considerations.

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Choosing the Right Breed

The first step in raising chickens is choosing the right breed. There are many breeds of chickens available, each with their own characteristics, such as egg production, temperament, and adaptability to different climates. Some popular breeds include Rhode Island Reds, Leghorns, and Plymouth Rocks. Consider your climate, the size of your yard, and your goals for raising chickens when choosing a breed.

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Preparing the Coop and Run

Chickens need a safe and comfortable place to live, which means you’ll need to prepare a coop and run. The coop should be well-ventilated, secure from predators, and provide enough space for your chickens to move around. The run should be fenced off and provide enough space for your chickens to scratch, dust bathe, and forage. You’ll also need to provide nesting boxes, roosts, and water and feed containers.

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Feeding and Watering

Chickens need a balanced diet to stay healthy and produce eggs. A diet for chickens should consist of a combination of grains, protein, and calcium. You can purchase commercial chicken feed or mix your own using ingredients such as corn, wheat, soybean meal, and oyster shells. Chickens also need fresh water daily, which can be provided using a water dispenser or automatic watering system.

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Health and Wellness

Keeping your chickens healthy is essential for their well-being and egg production. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention are important. Chickens can suffer from diseases such as Newcastle disease, Marek’s disease, and avian influenza, which can be prevented through proper care and hygiene. Keeping the coop clean and well-ventilated is also important for preventing respiratory issues.

Photo by Alison Burrell on Pexels.com

Harvesting Eggs

Egg production is a major reason many people raise chickens. To ensure the best quality eggs, it’s important to collect them regularly and store them properly. Eggs should be collected at least once a day and stored in a cool, dry place. If you’re not sure if an egg is fresh, you can do a float test to see if it’s still good.

Conclusion:

Raising chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it also requires careful planning, time, and effort. By choosing the right breed, preparing a safe and comfortable coop and run, providing a balanced diet and fresh water, keeping your chickens healthy, and harvesting eggs properly, you can ensure the best experience for both you and your chickens. Remember to enjoy the process and learn from your experiences, and you’ll be on your way to a successful chicken-raising journey.

Homesteading as a Parent: Balancing Family Life and Self-Sufficient Living

Homesteading is a lifestyle that has been gaining popularity in recent years, as more people seek to become self-sufficient and live off the land. For parents, homesteading can be a unique and rewarding way to raise a family, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. In this article, we’ll explore the joys and difficulties of homesteading as a parent and offer tips for finding a balance between family life and self-sufficient living.

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

The Benefits of Homesteading with Children

Homesteading can provide many benefits for children, including hands-on learning experiences, a connection to nature, and a sense of responsibility and self-reliance. Children can help with tasks such as gardening, animal care, and food preservation, which can teach them important skills and values. Homesteading can also provide a slower pace of life, away from the distractions and pressures of modern society.

Photo by ArtHouse Studio on Pexels.com

Time Management and Prioritization

One of the biggest challenges of homesteading as a parent is finding enough time to balance family obligations with homesteading tasks. It’s important to prioritize tasks and be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day or week. Make a schedule that includes both family time and homesteading time, and involve your children in age-appropriate tasks. You can also enlist the help of friends, family, or neighbors for larger projects or when you need a break.

Safety and Health Considerations

Homesteading comes with its own set of safety and health risks, especially when children are involved. Make sure to take precautions such as fencing off dangerous areas, providing safe equipment, and teaching children about safe practices. It’s also important to maintain good hygiene and sanitation, especially when dealing with animals and food production. Be aware of potential hazards such as pesticides, toxins, and wild animals, and take steps to protect your family.

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Finding a Support System

Homesteading can be a lonely and isolating lifestyle, especially if you live in a rural area or have few like-minded neighbors. It’s important to find a support system of other homesteaders or parents who can offer advice, resources, and friendship. Look for homesteading groups, online forums, or local organizations that promote self-sufficiency. You can also participate in farmers markets, community events, or homeschooling groups to connect with other families.

Conclusion:

Homesteading as a parent can be a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle, but it also requires careful planning, time management, and safety considerations. By involving your children in homesteading tasks, prioritizing tasks, and finding a support system, you can find a balance between family life and self-sufficient living. Remember to be flexible, patient, and open to learning from your experiences as a homesteading parent.

The Ultimate Guide to Raising Goats: Tips and Tricks for First-Time Goat Owners

Are you considering raising goats on your farm or homestead? Goats are intelligent and social animals that can provide milk, meat, fiber, and companionship. However, caring for goats requires knowledge and preparation. In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of raising goats and offer tips and tricks for first-time goat owners.

Photo by Ruel Madelo on Pexels.com

Choosing the Right Breed

Goats come in a variety of breeds, each with its own unique characteristics and purposes. Some breeds are known for their milk production, such as Nubians and Saanens, while others are bred for meat, such as Boers and Kikos. Fiber goats like Angoras and Cashmeres produce wool, while Pygmy and Nigerian Dwarf goats are popular as pets. When choosing a breed, consider your goals for raising goats and the resources you have available, such as pasture and shelter.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Setting Up Your Goat Farm

Before bringing home your goats, you’ll need to prepare a suitable environment for them to thrive. Goats need access to fresh water, good-quality hay, and pasture or browse. They also need a shelter to protect them from the elements and predators. Depending on your location and climate, you may need to provide additional heating or cooling for your goats. Make sure your goat farm is secure and safe for both your goats and your family.

Field gate and small barn north of Goat Lane by John S Turner is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Feeding and Nutrition

Goats are natural foragers and can survive on a variety of plants and shrubs. However, providing your goats with a balanced diet is crucial for their health and productivity. A diet high in fiber, such as hay or browse, is essential for proper digestion. You can also supplement their diet with grains and protein-rich feed. Make sure to provide mineral supplements to prevent deficiencies and promote healthy bones and teeth.

Photo by Princess Grace on Pexels.com

Health and Wellness

Keeping your goats healthy is essential for their well-being and productivity. Regular veterinary checkups, vaccinations, and deworming are important to prevent diseases and parasites. You should also practice good hygiene and sanitation on your goat farm to prevent the spread of illnesses. Learn to recognize the signs of illness in your goats, such as loss of appetite or lethargy, and take immediate action to treat them.

Photo by Tobi on Pexels.com

Breeding and Reproduction

Breeding your goats can be a rewarding experience, but it requires knowledge and planning. You should only breed healthy and genetically sound goats to produce strong and productive offspring. Learn about the breeding cycle and the signs of heat in your female goats. Decide whether you want to raise your goats for milk or meat, and choose a suitable breeding method, such as natural breeding or artificial insemination.

Conclusion:

Raising goats can be a fulfilling and profitable endeavor for homesteaders and farmers. By following these tips and tricks, you can provide your goats with a healthy and happy environment and produce high-quality milk, meat, fiber, or pets. Remember to do your research and seek advice from experienced goat owners before starting your goat farm. Good luck and have fun with your new goat friends!

How to Successfully Market Your Small Farm

Learning to successfully market a farm is the main frame to running a full-time farm. This is because without the customers to purchase from you, your farm is doomed. Many small farms fail. It is an honest and painful fact that many do not.

Marketing your farm is a key way to help gain the customer base needed to run a successful small farm.

As someone who has helped many smaller farms market themselves, I have found a few key ways to help gain a better customer base and grow your farm to help create a better income for your farm!

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What type of small farm is the most profitable?

The ideology that a specific type of small farm would be more profitable than any other is a flawed one. There are many untapped potential businesses within the agriculture community that could be multimillion dollar ideas.

Passion is what should always fuel you first and foremost as our consumers fully recognize when we are being fake. When you start following trends; however, we can see what is popular as of right now.

  • Mushrooms
  • Bee Keeping
  • Microgreens
  • Farm to Table

These are just a couple of the growing trends in agriculture. Fun Fact: I do the marketing at 4LeafMicros. Here I have also learned how to run a successful microgreen facility and have been helping them grow their business.

Mushrooms are lucrative but take time to grow. These can be grown in a small space and will often sell for a pretty penny considering how low maintenance they are.

The next three are a little more involved. Microgreens, beekeeping, and a farm to table restaurant are far more involved farm ventures when compared to other investments. These three will need to be more hands on.

When we look at companies like True Leaf Market, we can note that their more than just a seed company. They grasped the popularity of microgreens and urban farming and ran with it. This company has found great success with being a fantastic seed supplier!

Photo by Brett Jordan on Pexels.com

How do you make the most money on a small farm?

We often find ourselves thinking about the what ifs when thinking about a small farm lifestyle. We look at larger factory farming and wonder how we could possibly compete with these big producers.

The answer is simple: people love the idea of a small farm and supporting local agriculture.

Optimizing your ability to produce quality products that your customers cannot find anywhere else! Finding your own particular niche is important. When deciding what you will have you need to consider the local consumer.

If there are five farms around you producing eggs, why not choose to do duck eggs. Filling a gap inside the system is the best way to make money on your farm.

Another great way to make money would be to take your regular products and turn them into another product! If you are growing fruit it may be worthwhile to process the fruit into preserves.

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What crop is in highest demand?

Heirloom tomatoes and other interesting produce. Heirloom produce make a show stopping addition to the dinner table and many shoppers at Farmer’s Markets are looking for just that!

Sourcing proper heirloom seeds from reputable seed companies is important to the quality of your crop!

Photo by Eva Bronzini on Pexels.com

How do you promote a local farmer’s market?

Many of us won’t start our own market, but it is a great idea to promote markets that you are attending on social media and other platforms. This is important to drive customers to you.

Promoting using ads if you are starting your own market is a great idea. Both Facebook and Google have their own ad running systems. This will direct your ads to specific target audiences.

Photo by Daria Shevtsova on Pexels.com

How do I get more customers to my farmer’s market?

Creating a social media presence using various strategies on Instagram and Facebook can be a great way to promote your business and markets you may be attending.

If you are starting your own, promoting is important. Encourage vendors with a following to post about the market on their own feed. Make sure your market is accessible to the public.

A variety of different vendors is more appealing to consumers than the same ones. Consumers do not want to see carrots at every booth. Art is another great way to drive customers!

Music and other entertainment can also help ensure that your market does fantastic!

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What are the marketing strategies for agribusiness?

Marketing strategies for your agribusiness and small farms is important to consider if you want to succeed. Depending on your product, who you market to is important and laws surrounding changes.

Make sure to check with local laws before marketing your business. Some products need USDA inspections.

Business-to-Business

Business-to-Business is a great way to grab attention of more consumers. You do so by working with individual companies to get your product into their business.

You can either do wholesale or consignment with your products. These businesses often have a larger customer base which can make you more successful than doing direct to consumer.

Drawbacks of this include a lower profit margin compared to selling yourself as the business will take a cut of your profit.

I cold pitch to various local companies asking their wholesale and consignment policies. If it is a restaurant, I discuss the benefits of locally grown produce.

Many businesses are eager to carry local products on their shelves as well!

Business-to-Consumer

Cut out the middle man! By using B2C, you are making the profit for yourself. This creates a larger yield for your business.

The downside is, you will need to work harder to gain the customer base and keep it. This means more social media marketing, markets, and other ways to ensure your products get directly to the consumer!

Creating a great social media to gain a larger following is a good way to find more customers.

Regardless of your decision, marketing can be a fun and exciting way to grow your business and follow your passions!

Save on Seeds

5 Best Products Every Homesteader Should Have!

With spring, it has been a while since I posted anything. Since then, I have learned so much between working at a feed store and a microgreen facility that I feel confident when I tell you, I know what you really need to start a homestead successfully. 

Here are the best of the best products that every one of you homesteaders should have on hand without excessively spending to truly be successful in your homestead journey!

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What should every homestead have?

Personally, I think every homestead should have chickens and a kitchen garden. These go hand in hand as the chickens will eat weeds and bad produce and then make compost for your garden. 

I personally love purchasing chicks locally at Tractor Supply. However, I have ordered online as well.

Tractor Supply usually carries chicks in the Spring; however, this year they have expanded to fall chicks as well. This year we purchased an assortment that I have next to my kitchen garden and they have been loving the spare produce! 

The plan with them is to have them deep bedded over the winter and use the compost inside the garden for the next spring. That’s if we don’t move as well. 

I also have a few hopes for a homestead which includes goats for fresh milk and soap. 

Photo by micheile.com || visual stories on Pexels.com

What do you need for a sustainable homestead?

Sustainability is a loaded question when it comes to homesteading. The real question is what do you need to live sustainably?
Personally, my family needs: 

  • Source of meat
  • Source of fresh produce
  • The ability for water and power
  • Fun

Sustainable living doesn’t need to be Amish. My kids would die without their Wi-Fi and other amenities. Still, with sustainable living, we plan on shopping for some groceries as well.

Photo by Nuzul Arifa on Pexels.com

How do I start a homestead with no money?

Starting a homestead can be an easy way to help either know where your food comes from or save money. I say easy; however, homesteading is work. My favorite way to help others start their homesteading journey is to encourage them to save seeds from grocery store products. 

Grocery store produces like winter squashes and peppers are an easy way to grow your own food for a low price.

Using these seeds is a free way to grow your own foods! I wrote an entire article on how to garden with no money as well! See it HERE!

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What should I buy for homestead?

I have a TON of products that I personally always suggest buying for your homestead. This varies between clothing to tools! Here are my favorite products for homesteading!

  1. Blue Mountain Shirts

Blue Mountain Shirts are a Tractor Supply exclusive. These shirts hold the test of time and I have personally owned the same shirt for over two years! They have become a big favorite of mine around the homestead!

        
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  1. Territorial Seed Company Seeds

I am a huge fan of seed companies. It is honestly a major problem and I have been loving this company for all my garden seeds. They also carry garlic bulbs! Territorial Seed Company will not disappoint! Fall planting is coming soon, so you know I will be placing a huge seed order soon!

  1. Bissell Products

Bissell is amazing to help keep your home much cleaner. I know as a mom of three kids with two dogs, we have a constant mess. We have owned many Bissell products to help mitigate the sand, soil, and poop of everyday homesteading life. They are specialized for pet messes which are perfect for us!

Bissell has so many sales going on right now as well!

  1. Chicken Nesting Box

A nice plastic nesting box is my favorite around the farm! This is mainly because they are so much easier to disinfect which helps keep your chickens healthier and happier!
The Little Giant one has been my favorite for years!

  1. Good Quality Tools

When I first started gardening, I cheaped out on my shovels and hoes. This turned around and bit me in the butt. We broke like four shovels in the first year! I buy great shovels and other tools at Tractor Supply because they hold up to the test of time. 

Honorable Mentions

Some seed companies and others are quickly becoming my favorite!

I love True Leaf Market! The microgreen company I work at uses them and the seeds have a high germination rate!

My favorite hatchery lately has been Hoover Hatchery. They supply chicks to Tractor Supply as well. Their chicks often are show quality as well making it a perfect way to get my kids 4-H birds!

Lately, I have been purchasing a lot of our garden supplies at Dollar Stores to help save money. Buckets and other containers have made great planters!

Best Fruit Trees (How to choose the right one for you)

When I was younger, my father and I always discussed planting him as a fruit tree when he passed away. He passed away this year and while I knew he wanted to be a tree, I really could not decide which tree. 

I mean, how do you pick the best fruit trees to plant? 

I have had fruit trees, but somehow the idea of planting one with my father’s ashes seemed so permanent. I really began thinking it over on what tree exactly he would be best as based on a variety of factors. 

Photo by Ryan Baker from Pexels

What are the best fruit trees to plant?

This is highly dependent on your area. Citrus will not do well in Alaska. But like, I mean, that is pretty much a given. 

For me, deciding what the best fruit tree to plant is entirely up to you and your family. My family loves eating apples. I’m talking like 5lbs a week. This makes apples an important part of my homesteading plan. 

Not only that, but deciding on the best possible variety is important, too. All of these are based on your location. This is also based on the availability of varieties; luckily with the internet, getting varieties is easier than ever!

With code NEW10, you can get 10% off your order at Garden Goods Direct! This company has so many amazing trees that I love!

Photo by Антон Жук from Pexels

Which fruit tree is easiest to grow?

For me, I love my orange tree. It has produced hundreds of oranges with little maintenance. But honestly, I really think this is dependent on your environment. 

The truth of the matter is that there is no true easiest fruit tree to grow. Most trees require some work. Unlike a garden, the amount of work is usually pretty minimal! 

I have also found that more native fruit trees are much easier to grow than others. Like mulberry trees and elderberry. These grow wild around me and the ones we own have flourished with minimal effort. 

Elderberry is known to contain immune-boosting properties and is renowned for making gorgeous syrups!

Photo by Елена Кузьмина from Pexels

Which fruit trees bear fruit fastest?

Peaches are by far the fastest to produce fruits. This is because they mature much faster than others. They have been hands down one of my favorites to grow due to their beautiful blooms and delicious fruits. 

Peach trees produce fruit the fastest. Peaches also produce fruit for about 10 to 20 years. That is a fantastic yield! 

I have also found that peach trees are much hardier than other varieties like citrus. You can grow them in colder environments and will not need to cover them as much as a citrus tree.

That does not mean you will never need to protect your tree from frost. Check out my article on protecting a tree from frost for more information on the subject!

Photo by Sunsetoned on Pexels.com

Which fruit trees are the most beautiful?

While this is mostly a personal opinion, I have really grown to love the look of cherry trees. The blooms are unmatched in beauty. 

Cherries can be slightly more difficult to grow. For sweet cherries, you need two trees for pollination. This can be difficult for those of us who struggle with space. 

It is said that cherries contain melatonin, which can be great for those of us who are sleep-deprived with children!

These trees also do not do well in the heat and need a cooler climate. This makes them a poor choice for Florida. 

Overall, I love all fruit trees and find each one unique and purposeful! Choosing one for you is just about finding what you eat and combining that with a tree compatible with your location!

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How easy is it to raise chickens? (How to raise chickens for free)

Disclaimer: Some of the products listed below I have an affiliate link to. This does not reflect on their quality!

With backyard homesteading on the rise, chickens have become one of the most popular livestock to have! This is due to their versatility, size, and ability to produce a sustainable protein source. 

When I was first starting out, I really wondered, how easy is it to raise chickens? Well, the answer came with a shrug from my friends and family. 

We struggled to really learn how to raise chickens economically for us as a family. You see the tragic secret that is me is I hate eggs. This made chickens a hard sell when I first asked for them.

Photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels.com

Is it worth it to raise chickens?

The worth of raising chickens really depends on your values. If you are solely doing this as a means to save money, there are ways to do this. You will sacrifice some of the better attributes by doing so but it can be done. 

Chickens are omnivores. That is the saddest truth of the agriculture industry when you see ‘vegetarian fed’ in the stores. Chickens are not vegetarians. 

Chickens can be completely raised on free-ranging and scraps. I mean look at Miami, they have a massive chicken problem and cannot keep them contained. Nobody is feeding these chickens and yet they are thriving. 

There are not many chickens that can’t and won’t eat. I even caught ours eating an opossum carcass once!

I have my compost inside the chicken coop now. I just give them the scraps and let them go wild. I add bedding as needed. Once they are finished turning the compost and it is ready to cure, we just start over. 

The garden feeds the chickens and the chickens feed us. We all win!

Photo by Nida on Pexels.com

How do you raise chickens at home?

The best thing to do is build your coop first. I do not care if you buy chicks or adults. Buy your coop or build it first. This makes sure that by the time you have those cute chicks, there is somewhere they can go when they are no longer little and cute.

I make sure my coop is very well predator-proofed. I do not use chicken wire but instead a heavier grade. 

Chickens need an ample supply of water. This is crucial to their survival. They also prefer to have roosts as well.

If free-ranging, you may want to consider a rooster or goose. These will help protect your flock from predators. 

Chickens are mostly limited work if I am honest with you. We feed them, we water them, and we collect the eggs. Truthfully, I just enjoy sitting with them most of the time. 

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Do chickens need heat in the winter?

I have seen so many fires caused by people heating their chicken coops that it is ridiculous. Your chickens do not need a heater. They are fine.

That being said, they are only fine if you have the right setup. We wrap our coops in greenhouse plastic in the winter and leave one side that does not get wind open for airflow. 

I would not risk a heat lamp because they can often catch bedding on fire. If you must have heat for your chickens, a chick brooder plate works well with less risk of fire. 

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

How many chickens do you need for a dozen eggs a week?

The amount you would need for a dozen is very dependent on breeds. 

Different breeds of chickens produce different amounts of eggs a day. Breeds like the Rhode Island Red produce better than a breed like a silkie. This is due to selective breeding. 

A rule I like to follow is two chickens per every member of my household (I include dogs in this number). This ensures we have eggs for breakfast and for baking. 

Though the amount and quality you feed them also play a role in how many eggs you will receive and if you are only free-ranging and feeding scraps, you may need more birds to keep up with your family’s demand. 

Purchasing seeds from True Leaf Market may be a great idea to grow your own feed. They sell plenty of varieties where you could grow a cheap garden solely to feed your flock. 

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

What do I need for chickens?

The most important thing you can have is a clean source of water. Will they drink from muddy puddles? Yes. Should you leave them the option for freshwater? Yes. 

For the most part, chickens are the easiest livestock to own. You need a coop, you need feeders and waterers, but there is no need for anything fancy. 

They are pretty easy to start up and you can even just put them in an outdoor dog run with a roof on it. 

Chickens happen to be one of my favorite livestock due to their versatility and easy care needs

Photo by Christian West on Pexels.com

You may also like:

7 Easiest Vegetables Anybody Can Grow! (Victory Garden Approved)

Disclaimer: Some products listed below I have an affiliate link for. This in no way sways my views on them!

When I was younger, I always struggled with growing vegetable gardens. Not sure if it was the soil, my knowledge, or if I just was not taking care of it, but my gardens forever sucked.

I remember the dying plants that filled my small corner of the backyard; they obviously died of neglect and teenage me was off showing rabbits, forgetting to water my thirsty plants. 

It wasn’t until the pandemic that I truly discovered my love for the garden. I always raised chickens for food, but in the garden, I saw no point in it. 

I will say that no matter what, there were always a few vegetables that I could grow no matter what. These were the easiest vegetables that really anybody, including teenage me, could grow!

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What vegetables are easy to grow?

This is the question of the hour, I remember really asking myself what would grow in my yard of death. I needed plants that would thrive with no water, occasional dogs trotting through them, and, well, the chickens. 

Over the years of growing everything under the sun, I really have it down on what will grow when neglected!

Photo by Flora Westbrook on Pexels.com

Beans

Beans for me have always been foolproof. This can be true for both pole and bush beans and I always have a great harvest. Every year, I grew beans in our garden and we ate those even as everything else died. 

Now, I love to pickle the beans and grow many varieties to change up our colors. Purple beans are one of my favorites to feed to the kids! 

There are a few considerations to be had before growing beans. While they are more hardy and resistant than plants like tomatoes, knowing if they are pole or bush is important. 

Pole beans grow up and bush beans bush out. If you have a pole bean variety, you will need to trellis them. Bush beans can produce the entire season too, and will only produce more as you harvest!

If you are feeling adventurous, try planting them with corn. Corn will shade bush beans and help keep them from getting burnt by the sun. Indigenous peoples started this practice and now many of us like to plant corn, pole beans, and squash like pumpkin. This is called Three Sisters Garden.

Photo by Samuel Theo Manat Silitonga on Pexels.com

Lettuce 

Lettuce is a great cool weather plant that is so easy to plant! It can be harvested and continuously grown throughout the season as well!

I personally have had lettuce come back from the dead on multiple occasions. It is a very forgiving vegetable. 

Lettuce can be grown hydroponically as well; this makes them easy to grow indoors for year-round salads! 

There are so many varieties of lettuce that can make wonderful plants in an edible landscape. They come in a variety of colors and flavors, so the possibilities are endless for the amount you can try!

Photo by Markus Spiske on Pexels.com

Cucumbers

I love making refrigerator pickles! This makes growing cucumbers important for my family! 

I also just love snacking on these and so, I learned quickly to grow them. They trellis but I just grow them along a fence.

The biggest problem I have run into is cabbage worms. I spray neem oil on my plants and use Diatomaceous earth to help stop them from boring into my cukes!

Cucumbers just grow like crazy for me so I love growing them!

Photo by Wendy Wei on Pexels.com

Squash

I grew like fifteen butternut squash from one plant during the pandemic. We ate so much butternut that my family begged me to never grow them again!

Like cucumbers, squash has some pest issues, but I proactively treat ‌them and thus, always have a decent harvest!

Photo by Eva Elijas on Pexels.com

Microgreens

Places like True Leaf make growing microgreens super easy! I love their seeds for more than just microgreens though. 

This company is one of my absolute favorite seed resources. Plus with my link you will get free shipping!

Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com

What vegetables are harder to grow? 

Don’t come for me, but I find tomatoes and bell peppers incredibly hard to grow. It is hard to start from seed and even harder to keep alive!

Every tomato plant I own is mauled by hornworms. The bell peppers are always excessively small. They just aren’t easy for me to grow. 

I will say, my favorite part of gardening is the freedom it gives me. I can grow whatever I want and really, it doesn’t matter if it is not perfect!

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

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