When starting a homestead, chickens are usually the first animals to make their debut on the farm. Next spring rolls around and you find yourself in the feed store checkout line with some adorable ...
Magpie Ducks: Adorable Dual-Purpose Duck Breed
Although Magpie Ducks aren’t as well known as Khaki Campbell or Runner Ducks, they are one of my must-have breeds for the homestead. Magpies are excellent producers of meat and eggs, as well as ...
How to Feed Sheep, What Not to Feed, Cutting Costs, and More
If you’re new to raising sheep, knowing what to feed your flock can be downright overwhelming, and knowing what NOT to feed your flock is vitally important. Like people, sheep don’t require ...
Is It Okay to Feed Bread to Pigs? The Benefits and Considerations
I have raised pigs for several years now on my farm, and let me tell you - it has been a learning process! I’ve learned everything there is to know (and then some) about how tenacious pigs can be, ...
Which Livestock Guardian Animal is Right for My Farm?
If you’re raising large groups of animals, you might wonder what kind of systems you need to put in place to keep them protected from predators. While building strong, durable fences should be your ...
8 Goose Breeds to Consider For Your Homestead
An entertaining and productive addition to any backyard flock, the goose is commonly avoided by livestock beginners - and for no good reason. Many people (myself, at one time, included) believe ...
Ranger Broilers: Great Alternative to Modern Meat Breeds
Many people like the idea of a rapidly growing meat chicken, but think the Cornish X is just a bit too commercialized for their liking. If you’re one of those people, Ranger Broiler may just be your ...
Andalusian Chicken: Heat-Tolerant Egg Layers
Don't be surprised if you've never heard of this breed, Andalusian Chickens are certainly a lesser-known chicken. However, this is a beautiful and productive chicken breed. For those in warmer ...
How to Shear a Sheep the Right Way
Shearing sheep is an essential part of good flock management. If you have sheep, shearing not only helps to maintain clean, sanitary conditions but also prevents summer overheating. Plus, it ...