Question: What Exactly Is a Bush Cord of Wood?

a wood pile

If you rely on firewood for heating your home, workshop, or any other structures, you already know how important it is to make sure you’ve got plenty on hand, and well-seasoned, well before winter truly arrives. In areas where fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, and thermoelectric generators are popular, you’ll see firewood sold in large quantities throughout … Read more

How Many Grains Are in a Pound?

butchered freedom ranger chicken on scale

Whether you use the good old Imperial system, what I like to refer to as “moon landing units,” or the metric system that the rest of the world seems enslaved to, there’s no arguing that there are some truly peculiar units of measurement out there. One of the most peculiar, naturally, belongs to my beloved … Read more

How Do Chickens Actually Mate?

hen and rooster sharing a tomato

If you know anybody who owns chickens, and particularly a mixed flock consisting of hens and roosters, you’ve probably heard them talk about the pairings that happen in the warmer season with mixed tones of amusement and dread. Of course, chickens mate to reproduce just like every other animal, but depending on who you ask … Read more

Can Rabbits Eat Mango? Is it Safe?

rabbit eating diced mango

Folks who own pet rabbits already know, or should know, that they have a highly specialized diet. They are herbivores, but more than this they need a dietary regimen that is pretty much all hay or grass backed up by some leafy greens and a few other select vegetables. Fruits are plant matter also, and … Read more

Do Candles Ever Expire or Go Bad?

DIY candle dyed in blue with mica powder

Is it true that candles never go bad? You often hear it said that candles will last pretty much indefinitely until you burn them up. Other folks claim that candles can “spoil” like food does. Does the type of wax make any difference? Can a candle burn irregularly or expire if it is just too … Read more

So, How Many Acres is a Ranch?

piece of land for farming and homesteading

The word “ranch” evokes a certain kind of feeling. Ranches have long been an iconic symbol of the American West and Southwest, conjuring images of immense and vast open spaces, scenic landscapes, and cowboys herding livestock. But these days you see the word tossed around interchangeably with farm, and the truth is that ranches and … Read more

15 Natural Pantry Air Freshener Recipes

natural pantry air fresheners collage

Air fresheners are a frequent addition to our monthly groceries and, while they aren’t horribly expensive, the purchases do add up significantly. Additionally, the scents are often overdone and they never last more than a minute or so. It doesn’t help that there are apparently chemicals in these commonly bought items which affect reproductive development. … Read more

What Exactly is Gray Water?

grey water bucket

Nowadays, there’s a great societal emphasis placed on personal water conservation. For those living in dry climates or rural areas where this resource is scarce- and especially for homesteaders- it’s critical to get as much “value” or use out of your water supply as possible. Though to some folks the idea of reusing water is … Read more