I know that a big part of the appeal of raising livestock for homesteaders is saving and making money on the products our animals can provide. That was certainly the case when I got started with pigs. Imagine my shock when, after months of work and hundreds of pounds of feed, I found, at the
The (Hidden) Costs of Raising Your Own Pigs Read More »
I know that for most of us, the idea of having a homestead of our own is something of a dream. Your own home, your own property, living closer to the land, and being more self-sufficient. And, hopefully, more disconnected from the soul-crushing tedium of modern life in society. The trick, though, is that you’re
The Very 10 Best States for Homesteading Read More »
Quick: what do cows eat? If you said grass, you’re quite right, but these big herbivorous bovines eat lots of other plant-based food besides. Various other kinds of forage, even fruits and veggies, and some things you wouldn’t expect. It turns out that cows can eat a surprisingly varied diet! But you shouldn’t make the
59 Things Cows Can Eat and 31 They Cannot Read More »
Pigs are probably my favorite livestock to keep on the homestead. They grow quickly, have easy dietary requirements, and tend to be quite healthy given even a little bit of care. And, of course, you get all the delicious bacon you want! I’ve noticed more and more homesteaders taking the plunge with pigs when they
Housing and Fencing for Your Pigs: Start Here Read More »
There’s not much arguing with the fact that pigs are the livestock species that have the most varied diet. As omnivores, pigs can have nearly anything, including a wide variety of plant matter like buds, grains, fruits, and veggies along with animal protein of all kinds. There’s almost nothing that your pigs won’t eat and
33 Things to Feed Your Pigs (And 10 Not To) Read More »
For most homesteaders, chickens are the poultry of choice, but turkeys have unique advantages all their own. They’re becoming more popular once again after a major domestic downturn in the middle of the 20th century, especially with folks who have larger properties or are tired of the same old thing with chickens and ducks. Despite
12 Critical Mistakes You’re Likely to Make Raising Turkeys Read More »
Oh, mice. They sure are cute. At least when they are scampering around out in the field somewhere nibbling on sunflower seeds. They aren’t cute when they are in your home pooping everywhere and scaring the daylights out of you in the middle of the night. Or when they’re contaminating bags of feed you had
20 Homemade Mouse Poison Recipes That Work Read More »
Sheep are some of the most versatile livestock animals that you can keep. Compared to cows, they’re much smaller, cheaper, safer, and easier to handle, and you can raise them for a variety of products. Sheep, with few exceptions, also tend to be quite healthy and easy to care for. But like all animals, they
How to Raise Sheep for Absolute Beginners Read More »
Plenty of homesteaders raise different livestock on their property. Keeping animals separately is one thing, but raising them together, actually letting them cohabitate, is another thing entirely! Some animals get along a lot better than others, with sheep and goats being a great example. Both are herbivores, both are ruminants, and both belong to the
How NOT to Raise Sheep and Goats Together Read More »
Good chicken owners stay in tune with their flocks. If you are close with your birds, you will learn to read their moods. You’ll know when they’re anxious, happy, uncertain, or sometimes just a little off. Nothing seems wrong at first, but you notice a decrease in egg production, listlessness, and agitation. Everything seems fine.
My Chicken’s Got Fleas! Here’s What to Do… Read More »
