A Frame chicken coops are a great idea for the backyard homesteader who doesn’t have a ton of land to work with. After free-ranging our chickens for the last eight years, I’m almost ready to keep them in a coop, and an A-frame chicken coop would work well. However, choosing the right type of mobile …
As much as I don’t want to get ready for winter, I don’t want to try to clean out my chicken coop when temps are below freezing, and my hands are killing me from the cold. Winterizing your chicken coop in the fall is the best time. It doesn’t take much time, and you and …
Tired of the holiday season turning into a never-ending shopping spree and a planet-hurting extravaganza? Well, as fellow homesteaders, we’ve got your back! Prepare for a sustainable holiday season that will make Mother Nature proud. This post discusses some excellent tips and tricks to bring eco-friendly and frugal cheer to your homestead. Let’s do this! …
One of the benefits of living out in the country is being able to use what you have. Even though I’m over the long winters, I appreciate the changing seasons and the different things each brings. Well, really, what does winter bring? It brings much more work and stress to a homesteader’s life- that’s what …
Fall is a beautiful season, but it’s also when our flocks go through one of the most challenging phases in their feathered life: molting. If you’re raising backyard chickens, you might have noticed that your hens have pin feathers and are hiding in the coop more than usual. Molting is a natural process that all …
Are you wondering how to keep your chickens entertained? Do they really need to be stimulated? Maybe it’s winter and you’re wondering if your chickens are bored. Remember that time when the Wi-Fi went out, and you found yourself staring at the ceiling, contemplating your life choices? Yeah, chickens get bored, too, believe it or …
Are you eager to dive into the world of food preservation but unsure where to start? Or perhaps you’re a seasoned pro looking to upgrade your equipment. Either way, having the right tools can make all the difference in your food preservation and storage journey. From mason jars to dehydrators and canning kits, a vast …
It’s hot—no air conditioning. I’ve got a toddler pulling at my leg and a baby wrapped up in my Moby. It’s the end of August, and it’s time for canning. It was a tradition I knew I wanted my girls to grow up remembering. Financially I was doing everything I could to keep us healthy …
Embarking on an adventure to adopt an urban homesteading lifestyle is one that can seem daunting but delivers many rewards for you and your family. This is not an overnight process, but one that you’ll be on for months and years. The key is knowing where to start once you have scouted the suitable land …
Raising Ducks or chickens? Which is better for you? I recently had a friend bring home ducklings. It was their first experience with any livestock as a pet. I wish I could have told them a few things that I’m going to tell you if you are wondering if you should start with ducks or …
Get ready to put down the supermarket bag and pick up your gardening gloves! Growing food can be a satisfying, frugal way of nourishing yourself with delicious produce free from nasty additives. It can also be overwhelming when you think of what it takes when you start googling vegetable gardening for beginners, but I’m here …
If you’re a frugal mom looking to spread holiday cheer without spending a ton of money, then it’s time to get baking! From cheesecakes and cookies to pies and cakes – baking up some deliciousness from scratch is cost-effective and adds a special touch of warmth and love that store-bought treats can’t replicate. Plus, when …
There is a calmness to the outdoors. There is peace when you start seeing how animals and food grow all on their own without much human interaction. It reminds you of our hope, promises, and connection with nature. So many of us can agree and say we would love to be more connected and raise …
Pickling is one of the oldest forms of food preservation, and it can be a great way to extend the shelf life of your fruits and vegetables. When done correctly, pickling can help to prevent harmful bacteria from growing and spoiling your food. Additionally, pickling can add an extra layer of flavor to your dishes. …
If you’re like me, you want to take advantage of summer’s bounty by preserving some fresh fruits and veggies for later in the year. And if you’re like me, you also want to do it as cheaply and efficiently as possible. So today, I’m going to share my simple tips for freezing fresh produce. Let’s …
If you want to preserve your fresh produce, you have a few options: freezing, dehydrating, or canning. The method you choose will depend on various factors, including the type of product you’re working with and your personal preferences. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you decide which preservation method to use: …
Canning and preserving food is a great way to save money and enjoy your garden harvest all year. However, the process can seem daunting if you’re new to canning. But with some knowledge and the right tools, you’ll be canning like a pro in no time! The first thing you need to do is choose …
It’s that time of year after Halloween when pumpkins are facing their last days. However, this time of year, you can easily find pumpkins from friends and neighbors to feed your livestock- especially your mini pigs. Pumpkins are cheap and a pretty healthy option as well as loaded in nutrients. The best part? You can …
It’s about that time of year when the cold weather starts to creep into our lives. We may have just finished harvesting all of the vegetables from our garden, but now it is time to start thinking about getting your homestead ready for winter. This can be a daunting task if you are not prepared …
The idea of making extra money is something we all think about- but what about using your homestead? If you are like me and have always dreamed of having your own farm- you’ll quickly realize the cost of taking care of animals really adds up. When we started with chickens and pigs I decided to …
I wish I could come and give you a big hug right now. Wherever you found this article from Google, Pinterest or social media, you’re feeling the pain of losing an animal. I wish it got easier each time. I wish I could tell you this thing that will keep all those predators away. Instead, …
“Did you get the eggs today?” My husband asked. I was a little nervous to tell him yes, even though our egg basket looked bare. It was up to me to figure out what was going on with the ladies. Winter time seems to be the most common season our hens slow down egg production. …
Are you ready to raise and butcher your own chickens? Wondering how do you go about gutting a chicken? Today my husband and I are sharing a step-by-step guide to help you butcher your bird. When you process your own chickens, you will save money. Growing your own chickens isn’t any cheaper than buying store-bought, …
If chicks get you smiling, wait until you see ducklings! They are adorable, and watching them splash in the water the first time will have your heart swooning for more. Ducks are a great addition if you already have chickens; ours have always gotten along just fine. Our ducks share a chicken coop with four …
