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.
Ah, the dirty little (not so) secret that farmers and homesteaders often sidestep when discussing the nuts and bolts of raising animals: poop. Poop is important, and I think that anyone who raises animals, whether as livestock or as pets, should be looking at it.
Continue reading “Farm Fowl: Let’s Talk About Poop *Graphic*”
The first hatch of the year is over. The hatchers have been cleaned and disinfected and the chicks are warm and safe in their brooders. Join us for a quick look back on how the hatch went!
Continue reading “Post-Hatch Recap: First Chicks of 2022”
It’s hatching day here on the farm and we have chicks working on emerging from the confines of their eggs. For me, hatching is always fun, gratifying, and a little stressful…but, in the end, definitely worthwhile.
Continue reading “In The Incubator: First Hatch Of 2022 Update”
On Christmas Day, I filled an incubator with eggs from our flock: dark brown eggs from our Black Copper Marans and blue eggs from our Easter Eggers (hatching Olive Eggers). It’s been a couple of weeks now, so our first hatch of the year is just around the corner!
Continue reading “In The Incubator: First Hatch of 2022”
Having raised both purebred and mixed breed poultry, I’ve seen the benefits of genetic diversity, such as heterosis (also known as “hybrid vigor”). When we crossed Easter Eggers that laid blue-green eggs with French Black Copper Marans roosters, we expected that the pullets would eventually lay olive eggs…and they did. And these girls turned out be some of the nicest birds we’ve raised to date.
Continue reading “Farm Fowl: Omnifarious Olive Eggers”
Finding the unexpected is one of life’s small pleasures. “Ordinary” beauty is all around us, even in some of the most unglamorous places. When you see it, take time to appreciate it – even if it’s the kind of ephemera that exists for mere moments.
Continue reading “Haiku: Fugacious Feathers”