One of the single biggest concerns for all poultry keepers is whether or not their birds can fly the coop. Although chickens are a lot less likely to take flight, many duck breeds can. One duck breed in particular is claimed to be the best flyers of all: Muscovies. However, some folks claim that they
Question: Can Muscovy Ducks Actually Fly? How Far? Read More »
When it comes to feeding our chickens, insects make some of the best food around when they need a little extra protein. Chickens naturally eat all kinds of bugs, and they are a vital source of calories, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. It just makes sense when you think about it! But as strange as
Where is Feeding Mealworms to Chickens Illegal? Read More »
One of the best things about keeping ducks, just like keeping chickens, is getting that nearly endless supply of fresh, wholesome eggs. I know for me, and I imagine pretty much everyone else who gets started with them, the long wait until your hens start laying seems to go on forever. When you want those
So, When Do Ducks Start To Lay Eggs? Read More »
If you’ve been paying any amount of attention to homesteading circles lately, you’ve probably noticed one topic coming up more and more often concerning poultry. Ducks are back, and in a big way. Well, ducks never left us, not really, but they’ve long been overshadowed by chickens in the United States. I don’t think they’re
Top 20 Domestic Duck Breeds for Homesteaders Read More »
When it comes to managing your flock of sheep, accounting for lambing and subsequent birth rates is part and parcel. Sheep are relatively easy to manage overall when it comes to reproduction, but it is critical that you understand about how many lambs you can expect during the breeding season, based on how many ewes
How Many Lambs Do Sheep Have per Birthing? Read More »
It’s fun to think of our animals forming long-lasting relationships like we do. The idea that males and females will pair up and live out their days raising babies is certainly heartwarming. And as happy as it sounds, nature furnishes us many examples of exactly that happening, particularly among waterfowl species. Many mate for life,
So, Do Ducks Actually Mate for Life? Read More »
No matter what sort of livestock you keep on your homestead, preparing for the end of their lives is important, and even in the case of dairy animals or pets that typically enjoy a long lifespan, being ready for the inevitable so that you can replenish your flock or herd is just a part of
Goats’ Lifespan: How Long Do They Live? Read More »
Ducks lately have been gaining popularity over chickens as the preferred poultry for homesteaders. Compared to their cousins, ducks tend to live longer, stay healthier, and are just as versatile as chickens are, capable of cranking out hundreds of rich, indulgent eggs every year and also supplying you with succulent and truly delicious meat. And
19 Things to Feed Your Mallard Ducks Read More »
If you’re a homesteader, you’ve got to have a generator. Whether you need power somewhere out on the property for doing repairs, for countless other jobs, or you are just coping with the loss of electricity from a storm, disaster, or accident, you can’t be without one. But generators are just freaking loud! It’s enough
13 Clever Tips to Make Your Generator Quiet as a Cricket Read More »
If you own chickens, or buy chicken eggs fresh from a farm and especially from a smaller vendor, the concern is always there that you might get a fertilized egg. Anytime a rooster is around hens, unless he’s been caponized, you can assume that those girls are going to lay fertilized eggs. The obvious implication
Can You Safely Eat a Fertilized Chicken Egg? Read More »
