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.
Spring is chick season, and there are undoubtedly many people who are new to chickenkeeping acquiring their first chicks. It’s an exciting experience, but those who have gone before – if you will – have tips and “lessons learned” to share. One tip I’d like to share is about the importance of the poop board. Find out why it makes chicken raising so much more manageable!
Continue reading “Farm Fowl: In Praise Of The Poop Board”
The first hatch of the year is over, and, sadly, there’s just one chick. A combination of factors (early season eggs, a fiddly incubator, and a small number of eggs set) culminated in just one healthy, vigorous hatchling. But one is always better than none.
Continue reading “Haiku: When You Need A Friend”
Many people think that spring is the prime time to get their hatching eggs and/or chicks, ducklings, goslings, keets, and poults – after all, the farm stores are overflowing with babies then – but hatching and raising poultry in fall (and even winter) can put a small farmer in a great position when spring arrives!
Continue reading “Farm Fowl: Why Hatching Now Makes Sense”
Have you been wondering how our lone gosling, Puanani, has been doing? Here’s an update on her…and her former companion, Kalani. Both are doing well and growing – as young animals do – like weeds!
Continue reading “Update: Single Gosling Integration”
Who says chicks and goslings can’t be fast friends? Despite their obvious differences, these two have shown me just how adaptable baby animals can be…and how important companionship is to their well-being.
Continue reading “Animal Tales: Lonely No More”
Sometimes, we need a bit of levity in our lives, and having a cockerel (young rooster) ride around in your jacket provides it. Of course, it’s risky putting an animal in your jacket (or pocket, for that matter) because they poop. A lot. And wherever they happen to be…and if that’s in your jacket, well, you see where that’s going. Regardless, the risk is outweighed by the sheer fun of having a friendly chicken snuggle into your jacket. And if there’s poop…it happens.
