Birds are probably the very first things any new homesteader thinks about raising… and for good reason: they’re small and so easy to care for!
Chickens are of course, an all-time favorite, since they lay eggs almost all year round, and they’re a good source of meat, but guineas, ducks, geese and quail are also very good options.
Which ones are right for you? Read our articles to find out, not to mention everything about raising them, incubating eggs, butchering and more.
When it comes to homesteading, it rarely fails that you’ll wind up with a genuine menagerie of animals running around. Sometimes they will all get along, but much of the time there will be conflict. The fur, and sometimes feathers, will fly! There is hardly any arrangement I can think of that would cause more … Read more
Have you ever wondered how fast a chicken can run? It does beg the question if you’ve ever watched them sprint across the yard in pursuit of a treat, or when chasing off a rival. It is always surprising because the usual, cautious waddling gait of a chicken does not do much to inspire confidence … Read more
No matter what kind of chickens you want to buy for your first flock, or what special edition you want to make to your existing one, there is a limitless variety of these special birds out there. You can choose based on purpose, size, temperament and of course color! For those who want a chicken … Read more
Chickens are certainly industrious eaters. Anytime they are awake and not confined they’ll be out pecking around, getting into things, and looking for that next tasty morsel. If you have an outside dog around, too, chances are you have probably noticed your chickens getting after the dog’s food when given half a chance. Is that … Read more
If there is one thing that all chicken owners know, it is that their birds generally love lush, leafy green vegetables. There is hardly a plant or a blade of grass that is safe from these enthusiastic eaters, including many plans that you wouldn’t expect. Naturally, there are many vegetables we enjoy the chickens also … Read more
Chickens can eat all kinds of plants that we might consider to be pests, or just completely inedible. There is hardly a weed or shrub that chickens won’t nibble on when given the chance. In fact, your chickens might actually help keep your lawn clear of some other eyesore plants. How about dandelions? Can chickens … Read more
There are all sorts of wild and cultivated vegetables making a regular appearance on your dinner table that are also good for chickens. If you have owned a flock for any length of time, you already know what a varied diet they enjoy but they can still surprise you. How about jerusalem artichokes? Can chickens … Read more
Chickens are known to nibble on all sorts of bushes, shrubs, and flowering plants. I think everyone who owns chickens and allows them to free range a little knows by now that none of your plants, be they decorative or in the garden, are safe. But how about fennel? Will chickens try to eat fennel … Read more
The lore surrounding what chickens can and cannot eat can be confusing from time to time. You’ll hear some keepers swear that chickens can eat this or that while others say just the opposite. One category of plants that I see pop up regularly in this context is nightshade. Can chickens eat nightshade? Chickens, as … Read more
Turnips are another versatile and popular root vegetable that is enjoyed all around the world, either as an ingredient or as a side dish in its own right. Chickens may eat many vegetables, including many root vegetables, but can they eat turnips? Yes, chickens may eat turnips and turnip greens. Turnips are a good source … Read more
Tomatoes are one of the most beloved, versatile, and common fruits enjoyed all over the world. Yes, they are fruits, not vegetables, I said it. But we aren’t here to argue about semantics. We are here to find out if chickens can have tomatoes. So, can your chickens eat tomatoes? Yes, chickens may eat ripe, … Read more
If you own chickens, you probably already know that they can eat all sorts of fruits and vegetables. But how about one of the largest fruits around? Can your chickens eat watermelons? Yes, chickens can eat watermelons safely. Although they contain only a fair complement of vitamins and minerals, watermelons are highly hydrating and generally … Read more
Chickens are adventurous and adaptable eaters, capable of consuming all kinds of meats and all sorts of fruits and vegetables. One of the most nutritious vegetables around is spinach, rightly famed for its vitamin and mineral content. It sounds like it would make for a great addition to a chicken’s diet… But can chickens safely … Read more
Most owners of chickens already know that their beloved birds can eat fruit, but you must be diligent when it comes to serving it to them. Certain fruits have parts that are poisonous, and others just have too much sugar for chickens. What about raisins? Can your chickens eat raisins? Yes, chickens may eat raisins … Read more
If you live in North America, every autumn you’ll soon have more pumpkins around than you know what to do with. They’ll be at every grocery store, every one of your neighbors will have them you’ll probably even have some of your own. What to do with all these pumpkins? How about feeding them to … Read more
We’ve all been there. You’re sitting there in your backyard, the middle of summer time, enjoying a cool and delicious ice cream cone. Life is good. But then you notice one of your chickens staring at you with a sorrowful expression. Perhaps, you think, your chicken would like some ice cream and you start to … Read more