For domestic pigs, one of the most important things you can do is get their diet dialed in. This is easier said than done, because you’ve got to make sure they are hitting all of their nutritional goals while growing steadily and staying happy. Pigs will eat all sorts of things and that can make … Read more
Bees are among the most industrious insects on Earth. We should be thankful for these hard-working pollinators, because without them, so many crops that we depend on would basically fail entirely. But, as necessary as they are, bees can also be big pests, particularly when they decide to set up a thriving hive inside the … Read more
Pretty much everyone knows by now that pigs have incredibly varied diets. There’s almost nothing that they cannot eat safely and get nutrition from. That’s one of the great things about owning pigs! But depending on who you ask, you might hear some strong opinions concerning whether or not pigs can, or should, eat meat. … Read more
I think it is safe to say that most folks know that pigs eat meat. Yes, they eat a lot of other things but compared to most of our livestock, it’s pigs, and I guess chickens, that we think of as the meat-eaters. And chickens mostly eat bugs, so they don’t count! But pigs can … Read more
Out of all the different livestock species, pigs are the ones with the reputation for being big and adventurous eaters. In fact, it is easier to list the things that pigs can’t eat rather than list the things that they will! There’s a lot of truth to this, but nonetheless, pigs still can’t eat quite … Read more
I don’t know about you, but for me, one of the best times around the homestead is when I have a batch of precious, sweet little chicks in the brooder box. I just love the little things. But if you are new to keeping chickens and going through the same thing you probably noticed that … Read more
A gardener’s work is never done, and some of the most urgent and persistent annoyances you’ll have to deal with in your garden are mammalian pests. From rabbits and deer to raccoons and even the occasional possum, there’s nothing most mammals love more than scarfing up the produce you’ve worked so hard to grow. But … Read more
If the first word that comes to your mind when you think of sheep is wool, you aren’t alone. Sheep are indeed the world’s most important wool-producing livestock species. But what you might not know is it not all sheep actually produce wool. Even the ones that do, including the ones that are well-known for … Read more
Bees are some of the most important pollinators in nature, but what you might not know is that there are tens and tens of thousands of different species around the world. They’re all a little bit different, and one of the most interesting is the carpenter bee… Sometimes referred to as wood bees or erroneously … Read more
One of the most exciting times on any homestead is when one of your animals is due to deliver a baby. And it always means there’s going to be a lot to do, but the joy and wonder associated with a new addition to your flock or herd is always a special time. But in … Read more
Bees are some of the most important pollinators in nature. These industrious insects work tirelessly to harvest nectar and pollen and crank out honey in order to feed the next generation of bees, repeating the cycle year in and year out. But unlike honey bees which typically nest above ground and in out-of-the-way places, ground … Read more
Chickens are some of the most adaptable animals around, and probably the single most adaptable livestock species. If they’ve got a warm coop, food, water, and a little bit of time to roam every day, they are good. But intense cold will put any animal to the test when it comes to endurance. And especially … Read more
Summertime is a great time, but whether you’re working hard outside or trying to get in some much-needed recreation and relaxation, it rarely fails that you’ll be sweating. That can make you miserable enough, but why does it always seem like these annoying little bugs land on you when you’re at your sweatiest? And then … Read more
If you take care of animals on your farm or homestead, the miracle of birth is always an exciting but very busy time. There’s going to be a whole lot to do in the coming days, and more than that pregnant animals need special care and often special accommodations as the big day draws near. … Read more
The wild carrot, also known as Queen Anne’s Lace or by its scientific name Daucus carota, is one of the tastiest and most common wild edibles around. Aside from the pale color and smaller size of the roots, they look and taste pretty much identical to the domestic kind you grow yourself or get at … Read more
By now I think most folks know that wool has many advantages as a fabric. Supremely insulating, durable, fire retardant and capable of keeping you warm even when soaking wet. What’s not to like? If you like that, you’re going to love cashmere. Cashmere is usually treated like the cream of the crop as far … Read more