Using sound judgment to be more self-reliant.
Since our little crew of duckies has become a big part of our lives, I wanted to formally introduce them and tell a little about their story. We'll also use this page to answer some basic duck questions, and share some duck videos for those who need more duckie time. [Read more…]
Confession – I never heard the term “schmaltz” until sometime in the last decade. Growing up on the farm, rendered poultry fat was prized for cooking and baking, but I didn't realize it had a name other than chicken fat, duck fat, goose fat, etc. Thankfully, I've had a chance to rediscover this wonderful cooking oil, first, with poultry fat from a friend, and more recently, with chicken fat from our first flock of broilers. In this post we'll talk about what schmaltz is, how to make it and how to use it. [Read more…]
Homestead geese are not the first animals that come to mind when you consider homestead livestock. That award usually goes to backyard chickens, or dairy goats with the occasional pastured pig thrown in. But geese deserve to be fourth on that list in my opinion. Geese are entertainment, lawn control, homestead guardians that also happen to taste pretty darn good. Goose fat is prized among top chefs, and many a hawk or fox has been scared away from a chicken dinner by the threatening wing span of an angry goose. You might share that opinion if you encountered an aggressive goose in childhood (or adulthood for that matter). [Read more…]
If you are a chicken consumer or raise chickens yourself, chances are you are concerned over this recent bird flu outbreak, both personally and financially. The price of eggs has increased over 58%, causing grocery stores and restaurants to restrict consumption and availability and increase cost.
Bird Flu, also known as avian influenza, has reached 21 states across the nation and is spreading. Affecting more than 47 million birds and counting; this outbreak is having a direct impact on consumers and farmers across the nation. [Read more…]
Nearly full grown Cornish Cross chickens out in their chicken tractor
Meat chickens are an ideal project for beginning homesteaders who want to raise high quality protein. The housing requirements are modest, the project can be done in more favorable weather, and raising chickens for meat will give you confidence to then move into egg layers. Meat chickens can take as little as two months of your time. It's a good opportunity to see how you like taking care of a non-pet animal. [Read more…]
