Teach Your Chicken to Jump Through a Hoop

Teaching your chicken to jump through a hoop is a fun and rewarding trick that can also help to keep your chickens active and mentally stimulated. Here’s how you can do it: Materials Needed: A small hoop (a hula hoop or a homemade hoop…

Rooster Behavior: Scouting For Food & Protection While Eating

Roosters fulfill several critical roles within the hierarchy of a chicken flock, prominently among them are scouting for food and protecting the flock during feeding. These behaviors are not only fundamental to the rooster’s role as a leader but also essential for the safety…

Healthy Herbs For Chickens: Oregano

Oregano is more than just a culinary herb; it is a powerhouse of nutrients and beneficial properties that can greatly enhance the health of backyard chickens. Here’s a detailed look at why oregano is beneficial for chickens, how it can be used, and tips…

Chicken Treat Recipe: Spring Mint & Pea Salad

As spring brings fresh growth and warmer weather, it’s the perfect time to treat your chickens to something fresh and nutritious. A Spring Pea and Mint Salad is an excellent choice for a seasonal treat. It’s not only tasty for your chickens but also…

The Importance of Calcium & Grit in a Chicken’s Diet

Chickens, like all birds, have unique dietary needs that include the consumption of both grit and calcium. These components are crucial for their digestion and egg production, respectively. Understanding the why, when, and natural sources of these elements can help backyard poultry enthusiasts maintain…

Understanding Bee Swarming: Why & How

Swarming is a natural part of the developmental cycle of a honey bee colony, involving a large group of bees leaving the original hive to form a new colony. This behavior is both fascinating and crucial for the survival and propagation of bee species….

🌟 Commitment, Integrity, and the Lessons Learned from a Challenging Rooster 🌟

Today, I want to chat about a topic that resonates deeply with me and perhaps with many of you as well—commitment to our goals, maintaining integrity, and holding true to our values, especially when the going gets tough. On our homestead, commitment isn’t just…

All About Elderberry

Elderberry Elderberry, scientifically known as Sambucus, is a genus of flowering plants that includes several varieties, with Sambucus nigra (black elderberry) being the most commonly cultivated for its health benefits. Elderberries are praised for their medicinal properties and are used in various forms, including…

Elderflower Recipes

Elderflowers, the delicate, creamy-white flowers of the elderberry plant (Sambucus nigra), are known for their sweet, fragrant aroma and have been used in traditional and modern recipes across the globe. Their peak season is late spring to early summer, and they are celebrated for…

Our Newest Addition: Black Copper Maran

Black Copper Maran chicks The Marans chicken is a distinctive and highly valued breed known for its exceptionally dark brown eggs, a characteristic that sets it apart from other poultry breeds. Originating from Marans, France, this breed not only boasts beautiful eggshell coloration but…