Literature and Farms

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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. 

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.

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!

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!

        

        Blue Mountain Men’s Short Sleeve T-Shirt    [More]

2. 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!

3. 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!

4. 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!

5. 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!