Homesteading

314 articles
How to Prep for the Unexpected – An Overview and a Plan

How to Prep for the Unexpected – An Overview and a Plan

Prepper - Someone who focuses on preparedness, generally for various worst-case scenarios like peak oil or armageddon. Sometimes used to avoid the more loaded term survivalist. Some preppers focus on guns, others on sustainable agriculture. Honestly, I am not sure whether or not we might be considered Preppers.  We have emergency food and a few supplies put away, but we don't rotate…
August 4, 2013
There’s Something in the Water

There’s Something in the Water

I think there must've been something in the water last winter because there are a lot of babies being born these days!  In addition to our own Little One joining us in October, two of our close friends and many of our acquaintances have either recently given birth or are getting ready to!Needless to say, new babies mean new blankets…
July 23, 2013
Chickens Love Dirt Baths

Chickens Love Dirt Baths

Chicken love dirt baths, which is a very good thing since dust bathing is actually good for them!  Not only do dust baths encourage preening and fight against parasites, they make for happy chickens (which is helpful in keeping the whole flock happy). Some people install dust bathing areas for their chickens and include dirt, soil, ashes and diatomacious earth.…
July 11, 2013
The Early (Chicken) Gets the Worm

The Early (Chicken) Gets the Worm

You know that compost overhaul I talked about a couple of days ago?   Well, apparently there was a wealth of worms living in one of the bales of straw.  When I went into the coop to freshen up the Ladies water a couple of days after putting the bales in their run, one of the Ladies had her head…
July 9, 2013
Compost Overhaul

Compost Overhaul

Compost is one of those magical things that I read about (and pin about) and participate in all the time, but there's a part of me that doesn't fully believe that it will do it's job.  Do you ever feel like that?  I mean, really...You set up a spot, toss some worms in there and fill it with kitchen waste,…
July 7, 2013
Bumpy Eggs

Bumpy Eggs

What do you get when you keep your own chickens?Sweet imperfections and great diversity.  Extra calcium (deposits) included.I find that, despite keeping backyard laying hens for the past few years, I am continually amazed by how beautiful and how different each individual egg is.  The colors, the shapes, the funkiness of the occasional egg simply amaze me.  And I am…
June 25, 2013