Self Sufficiency
Raising Chickens In Your Homestead | The Ultimate Guide

Raising chickens in the homestead is an exciting idea and it is very satisfying. Whether you are a beginner or in need of more ideas to improve chicken keeping in your homestead, this ultimate guide will help you out.
90+ Helpful Tips And Guide In Raising Chicken
Raising chickens does not need special education, yes there are basic things that you need to know but other than that everything about raising chickens can be self-taught. And yes, I have learned a lot in my journey. That’s why I’ve thought it would best to share what I’ve got. Let’s get started with chicken keeping!
1. Chicken Breeds

When it comes to getting started, knowing the different chicken breeds is ideal. Different types of chickens have different personalities and different needs. Choose the best the suit your needs, but expect that if you have children, the fun of having chickens will be magnified as chickens are very sociable.
2. Types Of Chickens


The type of chicken you decide to bring home will be one you consider to suit your needs and environment. Some chickens are noisier than others or feistier than others, and some just look beautiful.
3. Raising Chicks


Raising chicks can help you have that healthy lifestyle you’ve been dreaming about. Knowing exactly what you give them, will allow you to have total control on things that you also consume, whether enjoying the eggs you chicks will provide in the future or the meat they will give you once they are full grown.
4. Raising Chickens For Meat


Raising chickens for meat is a rewarding task of having chickens in your homestead. Though the result may vary on how well you took care of your chicken and kept it clean.
5. Raising Chickens For Eggs


If you’re raising chickens for eggs and want to them to produce the best eggs it is a must that you keep them healthy and happy. Having the right information about your hens, controlling their environment, and knowing how to look for bad eggs are just a few things that you need to consider of knowing in order to make your hen reach its full potential.
6. Raising Chickens To Breed


There are two forms of basic care for raising chickens: breeding and brooding. If you do both and able to breed your chickens in the right condition, then you’ll no longer need to purchase chicken anywhere else and you knows you’ll be able to earn extra money out of it.
7. What Do Chickens Eat?


Knowing what your chickens eat is best since you’ll be able to provide them the exact nutrition they need. However, you really need not worry especially if you allow your chicken to roam in your backyard as they are true foragers. They can eat almost anything and enjoy scratching the dirt making them perfect pets to keep in your garden.
8. Setting Up A Chicken Brooder


A chicken brooder is essential especially if your chicken are still very young to venture outside. Setting up the proper chicken brooder could mean your young birds’ survival.
9. DIY Chicken Nesting Boxes


Your chicken nesting boxes don’t need to blow your budget, so long as it is the proper size and in a safe and dry location, your chicken will be happy nesting. Build your own chicken nesting boxes using recycled and scrap materials.
10. Train Your Chicken To Use A Harness


Chicken are sociable creatures, you can definitely bring them anywhere or include then in your next homestead gathering. The key to that is training them how to use a harness so that you can control them whenever they want to stay away from you. Then, you can take them to a chicken shows and be the envy of others.
11. Backyard Chickens From A Holistic Perspective


Chickens are definitely amicable and simple to look after, they can be amazingly delightful. Find out what are the holistic perspective in raising chickens to keep your flock happy and healthy.
12. 11 Chicken Facts For Homesteading


Chickens are omnivores: Chickens do eat grain and plants. I give mine organic pellets and oat groats and vegetable trimmings and leftover bread and dough, all of which they enjoy.


Chickens fly: Chickens don’t travel very fast or far or get very high, but they can clear a three-foot fence pretty easily, and can possibly get much higher.
13. Top 10 Best Egg Laying Chickens


Plymouth Rock:
Good To Know:
- Class: American
- Size: Heavy
- Hardy in winter: Yes
Egg Facts:
- Egg Laying: Very Good (4/week)
- Egg Color: Brown
- Egg Size: Large


Rhode Island:
Good To Know:
- Class: American
- Size: Heavy
- Hardy In Winter: Yes
Egg Facts:
- Egg Laying: Excellent (5/perweek)
- Egg Color: Brown
- Egg Size: X-Large
14. 5 Ways To Boost Your Chickens’ Protein


Give your chickens some eggs: If you can some spares, it is best to give them back to your birds to provide them more protein and nutrition boost. You can add a bit of cayenne pepper and garlic for an organic de-wormer.
Kitchen scraps are perfect for chickens and save on your garbage output. Any meats, dairy, vegetables, fish, carbs you have, throw them in a bowl and take them out for the birds. Just avoid any heavily salted or sugared foods.
15. 5 Ways To Protect Your Chickens from Fowl Play


Understanding the enemy will definitely help you eliminate them to keep your flock safe. Some common predators for your chickens are:
- Racoons
- Coyotes
- Birds of prey
- Weasels
- Foxes
- Dogs
- Snakes
- Skunks
- Opossums


To keep your flock safe you must have a coop the prevent entry of their predator. You can raise your coop from the ground, cover all opening no matter how small, and also make sure that you chicken has some space where they can hide, in case any predator can get inside.
16. How To Build A Chicken Coop In 4 Easy Steps
Know the number of chickens: If you are planning, to begin with, 5 chickens in your coop and don’t want them to cramped, then you should give your coop at least 20 square foot of space.


Plan Your Chicken Coop: Planning is an essential part in making your chicken coop. Remember, you’re creating a home for your flock, and the primary goal is to keep them safe and comfortable.
17. 37 Chicken Coop Designs and Ideas


Add a splash of color to your backyard with a shed-style chicken coop. Use a white trim and some plants to create a classic look that will make the structure pop!


This is the perfect solution for those with limited yard space who want it all! Urban farmers rejoice – you can have your small living roof chicken coop and a miniature garden all in one place.
18. 10 Easy To Build Chicken Watering Stations


If you’re just getting started and short of cash in the meantime. This homemade chicken watering station is your perfect solution. You can build this for less than $2.


Before spring showers come, build your own rain collecting automatic chicken watering station and keep your flock hydrated for days. This will bring lots of comfort to you and your flock.
Want to know what are the 5 deadly mistakes to avoid when raising chickens? Check out this video from Becky’s Homestead:
Raising chickens in your homestead really makes a lot of sense – they are very useful for your garden, especially if they can eat weeds and pests before your planted seeds set. And they work as an anchor of a comprehensive natural system in which your wasted food is redirected to feed, then it becomes as manure, perfect for composting, providing healthy soil for growing crops we eat, and our food scraps can then also become a feed to chickens. We hope you find raising chickens more fun and easier! Happy Homesteading!
Did you find this helpful and interesting? Let us know what your thoughts are in this guide in raising your own chicken in the comments section below.
Since you already have what you need in raising chickens in your homestead, all you need now are delicious recipes to enjoy your chicken products and here’s a perfect treat for the whole family. Read more at: 15 Chicken Casserole Recipes Perfect For The Family!
Suggested Videos
This Article Was Found On pioneersettler.com Read the Original Article

You may like
Self Sufficiency
NYC Adds Nearly 4,000 People Who Never Tested Positive To Coronavirus Death Tolls

New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll Tuesday, bringing coronavirus-related deaths in the city to around 10,000 people.
The city decided to add 3,700 people to its death tolls, who they “presumed” to have died from the virus, according to a report from The New York Times. The additions increased the death toll in the U.S. by 17%, according to the Times report, and included people who were suffering from symptoms of the virus, such as intense coughing and a fever.
The report stated that Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio decided over the weekend to change the way the city is counting deaths.
“In the heat of battle, our primary focus has been on saving lives,” de Blasio press secretary Freddi Goldstein told the Times.“As soon as the issue was raised, the mayor immediately moved to release the data.”
The post New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll appeared first on Daily Caller
This Article Was Originally Posted On dailycaller.com Read the Original Article here
Self Sufficiency
How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar
The thing about homesteading is you get to create your own ingredient right from scratch! Cheese, yogurt, butter and now sauerkraut, a delightfully sour and crunchy ingredient you can use on your meals — or consume by itself — while on a homestead, or while facing this health crisis!
This homemade sauerkraut is a great meal because it has a long shelf life. You can either make plain sauerkraut or mix it with herbs and spices. In this tutorial let us make Lacto-fermented sauerkraut that preserves all the good probiotics in a jar, good for your guts.
So how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar?
RELATED: How To Make Buttermilk On Your Homestead
Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know
Why Make Sauerkraut?
Not only does sauerkraut spoil a long time, but it is also a meal in itself, and it is also easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert cook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.
So let us get started. Here are the steps in making sauerkraut in a mason jar.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage or 2 1/2 lbs cabbage
- 1 tablespoon of salt
Tools Needed:
- knife
- bowl
- mason jar
- smaller jar
- rubber band
Step 1: Wash & Clean the Tools & Ingredients
Wash all the equipment and utensils you need. Wash your hands too.
You don’t want to mix your sauerkraut with bad bacteria, anything that is going to make you sick.
Next, remove the faded leaves from your cabbage. Cut off the roots and the parts that don’t seem fresh.
Step 2: Cut the Cabbage Into Quarters & Slice Into Strips
Cut your cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, slice it into strips.
Step 3: Place in a Bowl & Sprinkle With Salt
Put the stripped cabbage into a bowl. Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of salt.
TIP: Use canning salt or sea salt. Iodized salt will make it taste different and may not ferment the cabbage.
RELATED: Homemade Yogurt Recipe
Step 4: Massage the Cabbage
Massage the cabbage for five minutes or more to get the juice out.
TIP: You’ll know it’s ready when you see a bit of juice at the bottom of the bowl and will look similar to coleslaw.
Step 5: Press Cabbage Into the Mason Jar
Add the cabbage to the mason jar gradually. Press it in hard to allow the juice to come out. Do this every time you add about a handful of cabbage.
IMPORTANT: Food should be covered by the liquid to promote fermentation. Add any excess liquid from the bowl to the jar.
Step 6: Press a Smaller Jar Into the Mason Jar
You want to squeeze every ounce of that juice from the cabbage. To do this place the mason jar in a bowl and get a smaller jar.
Fill it with water or marble to make it heavy. Press it into the bigger mason jar. Allow any juices to rise to the surface.
Step 7: Cover the Jars With Cloth & Tie With Rubber Band
Leave the small jar on. To keep your jars clean from annoying insects and irritating debris, cover your jars with a clean cloth. Then, use a rubber band to tie the cloth and the jars together, putting them in place.
Step 8: Set Aside & Check Daily
Set it aside in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. It should always be above the cabbage.
Step 9: Taste Your Sauerkraut & Keep at Cool Temperatures
After about five days, you can taste your sauerkraut. If the taste is to your liking, tightly cover it with the lid and store in the fridge or cellar.
NOTE: If after five days it’s still not your desired taste, leave it for a few more days. This will allow the fermentation process to continue.
You can now enjoy your sauerkraut in a mason jar. Enjoy its goodness! You can use it as a side dish or mix it with your favorite sandwich.
Things to Remember in Making Sauerkraut
- Store away from direct sunlight and drafts.
- Colder weather will make the process longer. Spring is the best time to make them since the warmth helps activate the fermentation.
- Always make sure that the cabbage is below the water level during the entire fermentation process.
- If the water level decreases during the fermentation process, you can make a brine and add it.
Let us watch this video from Kristina Seleshanko on how to make delicious Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar!
So there you have it! Making Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar is as easy as slicing the cabbage into strips. Remember that as long it remains unopened, your sauerkraut can last for months. Best of all, you can partner this sauerkraut in many recipes.
What do you think of this homemade recipe? Share your best sauerkraut recipe in the comments section below!
Fellow homesteaders, do you want to help others learn from your journey by becoming one of our original contributors? Write for us!
UP NEXT:
- Freezing Herbs with Olive Oil for Long Lasting Flavor | How to Freeze Basil like a True Homesteader
- How To Make Herbal Infusions | Herbal Remedies
- Spinning Yarn: How to Spin Raw Wool Into Yarn | Homesteading
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook!
Comments
comments
Suggested Videos
This Article Was Found On pioneersettler.com Read the Original Article
Self Sufficiency
9 SPRING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR GARDEN
Having plants in the house will bring peace to people. Having a little garden with vegetables is even better! You can grow these vegetables in your backyard garden easily as well!
RELATED: Microgreens Growing Guide
In this article:
Growing veggies in your garden will give you an opportunity to understand what you eat and value it more. Early spring is when most vegetables are being planted. Keep reading to learn about 9 spring vegetables that anyone can grow in their garden!
Tomato
Tomato is the most popular garden vegetable in the States! There are different varieties to choose from. Tomatoes need to be planted in early spring because they won’t survive a frost.
Because tomatoes are consumed daily, try adding them to your garden! They’re not difficult to grow either.
Eggplant
Eggplants are known to have low-calorie, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Plus, they are delicious! So why not plant them in your garden?
Eggplants shouldn’t be planted too early because they won’t be able to survive a frost. So you could consult an expert in your area before you plant your eggplants.
Beets
Beets are known to be a superfood for its various health benefits. They’re easier to grow in the garden, usually around late March or early April.
If the weather is always cool, beets will keep getting bigger and bigger. Once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need to harvest them, or they’ll go to waste.
Spinach
Spinach is a delicious early spring veggie, and it’s also very beneficial for health. And it’s not difficult to grow spinach in your garden!
Spinach needs cold weather to grow. Getting spinach to grow is easy, but keeping it growing will require some extra care.
Pea
Peas are usually planted in late April. Peas will die in freezing temperatures, but they also won’t survive the heat either. So make sure you plant your peas in early spring.
Peas are widely used in many different ways, and there are different types of peas. The soil you’ll be planting your peas should be suitable for them, so make sure you ask while buying seeds.
Carrot
There are different types of carrots, but regardless of their size and color, it’s a fact that carrots are both delicious and rich in vitamins.
They’re root vegetables, so with proper sun and watering, they can be picked up as baby carrots as well.
Radish
A radish is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require too much care. Radish is easy to harvest.
Radish grows fast, so it’s better to keep an eye on it after a few weeks. Radish usually is grown pest-free, but there’s always the chance of unwanted guests, so watch out for worms. Radish can be eaten raw or can be added to garnish recipes.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower isn’t the easiest vegetable to grow at home, but it is very popular.
Cauliflower grows better in colder weather, so before you plant it, consider the climate of your garden. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is known to be very beneficial for health.
Asparagus
Freshly picked, tender asparagus is very delicious!
Asparagus plants get more productive with each harvest, and mature asparagus harvest can last for months! Make sure you plant them at the correct time, or else they might go to waste.
All the vegetables listed above are great for your healthy diet, and it’s fun to watch them grow. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your own veggies and eat healthy this spring!
So tell us which veggies will you be growing this spring? Tell us in the comments section!
UP NEXT
- 50 Gardening Tips And Tricks To Become A Successful Homesteader
- 10 Vegetables To Grow Indoors For A Productive Garden
- Self-Sustaining Ideas For Living The Homesteader’s Dream
Comments
comments
Suggested Videos
This Article Was Found On pioneersettler.com Read the Original Article
Trending
- DIY7 years ago
DIY How to Make a Powerful Mini Foundry
- DIY7 years ago
DIY How to Build a Cabin in 7days for Under $5k
- DIY4 years ago
Try these Cute Christmas Rock Painting ideas for Kids
- DIY6 years ago
Pillow Floor Lounger
- Uncategorized5 years ago
Bug Out Cabin Tips | How To Build The Ultimate Survival Shelter
- DIY6 years ago
15 DIY PVC Projects You’ll Love
- DIY6 years ago
How To Make An Outdoor Kitchen Upcycled Pallet Outdoor Grill
- DIY7 years ago
DIY How to Build a 16 Brick Rocket Stove