Self-taught farmers confidently raising chickens, ducks, geese, and pigs. Our focus is on practices that are environmentally harmonious and respectful to our livestock. We appreciate the beauty around us, clean eating, fermenting, and responsibly utilizing the bounty of the land. If you like thinking for yourself, continuous learning, and connecting with the homesteader lifestyle, check us out.
It’s a topic that often seems to be avoided, but is a real part of raising livestock: losing animals. Sadly, this morning, we found a 10 day old guinea keet dead in the brooder. While it will never be easy, a farmer learns to accept that losses will occur even when you’ve made your best efforts to prevent them…and learns from his or her mistakes. Continue reading “Farming Reality: Endings And Beginnings”
You already know that fermented food is good for people, but did you know that animals can benefit from it, too?
This really is the “blooming” time of year here on the farm, and a new rose-like bramble has put forth lovely, freewheeling pink blossoms. The bees seem to be enamored of the new flowers, and were busily buzzing among them, pollen hanging like saddlebags from their legs. The bumblebees, in particular, couldn’t seem to leave these blushing blooms alone! Continue reading “Precious Pollinators: Busy Bees And Pink Petals”
I love lemon balm. I was overjoyed to have discovered a plant growing wild practically outside my door, and because it was in an area that tended to puddle when it rains, I transplanted it into a pot. It thrived and soon, I was propagating cuttings and starting new plants. Curious about why I’m growing it with such enthusiasm? Read on!
It’s been a few days since the guinea fowl eggs hatched, so an update seems in order. Of the 11 eggs that made it to lockdown, 3 failed to hatch: 2 quit a few days prior to hatch (based on the yolk absorption), and 1 simply failed to pip internally. While we always hope that all of the eggs hatch, sometimes they just don’t make it to the finish line. We’re happy that we have 8 healthy keets that grow stronger each day.
A few weeks ago, we allowed a very committed broody Muscovy duck to incubate a clutch of 16 eggs. She did an outstanding job…and when the eggs hatched (35 days later), there was a surprise!