Chickens, Livestock, Homesteading & Gardening | Rural Living

Please learn from this list of what I wish I knew before getting chickens. I started with stories about predators wiping out my friends’ chickens. Keeping your chickens safe has to be a priority… even experienced owners make mistakes. I hope by learning what to expect you can decide if getting chickens is right for your situation. There’s lots to love about raising chickens. Each has its own personality, and all in all, it’s a fun … Read more

Keeping chickens for farm-fresh eggs can be a rewarding and fun experience, but it requires effort. Understanding what to anticipate will help you determine if it’s a fit for you at this time. Chickens aren’t terribly high maintenance but there is work involved. Here are the things to consider before raising chickens. It’s exciting thinking of raising a backyard flock… Getting back to the basics, enjoying fresh eggs, and becoming more sustainable, etc. It all … Read more

Sebastopol geese are a domesticated, medium-sized breed. They are very social and do well in a flock. Depending on your needs, they may be a good addition to your farm or homestead. Known for their unique, curled feathers — I think they look like a skirt on the geese — they stand out as an elegant option for exhibitions, as pets, and for weed control. They have attributes not typically found in all breeds of … Read more

The largest chicken breeds command attention with their notable size and stature. Many of these sizeable birds are dual-purpose, prized for both their meat and egg-laying abilities. The Jersey Giant, true to its name, tips the scale at a substantial 15 pounds for the males. Compare that to a medium-sized chicken that weighs 6 – 7 pounds.  The title for the tallest chicken breed is held by the mighty Malay chicken. It stands tall at … Read more

It’s common to wonder: Can you eat roosters? Yes, roosters are edible. Roosters are male chickens. Their meat is a bit tougher and stringer than meat from hens but when slow-cooked on low in stews, etc., it’s tasty. Most people who raise chickens prefer raising hens because of their eggs and meat. When flock owners hatch chicks, they usually hope for females. When there are male chicks, it’s decision time: raise them among their flock; … Read more

Naked Neck chickens, also known as Turken or Transylvanian Naked Neck, have gained popularity as a dual-purpose chicken breed. Renowned for their distinctive resemblance to turkeys and their remarkable features, such as a featherless neck, they are valued for their hardiness, efficient feed conversion, and agreeable temperament. As a true dual-purpose breed, Naked Neck chickens excel in both egg production and meat quality, making them a versatile choice for backyard flock owners. They display remarkable … Read more

Chicken bedding is used to manage chicken waste. It helps support a clean, comfortable, and healthy chicken coop. It provides comfort and safety. From providing a cozy nesting spot for your hens to absorbing odors and moisture, poultry bedding plays a crucial role in creating an optimal living area for your feathered flock. Bedding keeps your chickens dry and warm with minimal unpleasant smells and damp conditions. By choosing the right chicken litter, you can … Read more

The California White chicken, robust and resilient, is an ideal choice for first-time chicken owners who want lots of eggs. Ideal for backyards and practical for those residing in urban settings, these friendly, prolific layers are sure to win your heart.   California Whites are a fitting choice if you are looking for a small or medium flock. I say this because with just a few hens, you can enjoy an abundance of eggs. With four … Read more

Can chickens eat bananas? Yes, they can. Chickens can also eat banana peels. In moderation, bananas are safe for your flock. Before feeding chickens bananas for the first time, there are a few different things you can do. The first time you give them a banana, you may want to peel it, set the banana down, and see what happens. You can leave it whole or chop it into pieces. It is fun to watch. … Read more

Quack up with a good laugh. This gaggle of funny duck names was plucked from our wildest imaginations. Nothing brightens a day quite like a duck waddling around with a hilariously punny name. We’re all familiar with those classic ducky names like “Donald” or “Daffy,” but what if we ventured further into the pond of creativity? These witty duck names are full of puns and play on words. They relate everything from quacking to feathers … Read more