How do you survive hatching eggs and a broody duck? I had no idea what I was getting into the first time one of our ducks decided to brood a clutch of eggs. Here's a recap of the events as they unfolded a few years ago. Since then, every year, at least one of our ducks has decided to set a clutch of eggs. We have had a few successful hatches and quite a few heartbreaks from predators stealing eggs. It is quite an experience. Hatching Eggs and a Broody Duck For the past month our buff duck … [Read more...]
Adding Animals to the Homestead
Somewhere along your homesteading journey, you will probably get the itch to start adding animals to the homestead. Or, the opportunity will present itself in an offer you can't refuse. Perhaps someone is giving away a flock of "free" chickens, or you fall in love with a baby goat and decide this is the right time for adding animals to the homestead. What Is the Right Time for Adding Animals to the Homestead? Whether it's a well planned adventure, or a series of events, you should have an … [Read more...]
Adding Geese and Ducks to Your Flock
Have you been considering adding geese and ducks to your poultry flock? Don't ever say never, especially when talking about poultry! It all started in college. I had to visit many commercial poultry farms as part of the poultry production credits. I found the barns smelly and not very appealing. At the time, I said I would never raise chickens! Changing my tune about adding geese and ducks Fast forward a few decades and I not only raise chickens, but we also have guinea … [Read more...]
Can Turkeys and Ducks Live Together?
Four years ago we found out whether turkeys and ducks can live together. After raising a pair of turkeys from poults we decided to breed them instead of eat them. The issue then, was where to house them. The turkeys had outgrown their grow out pen and needed a permanent place to live. Moving in with the ducks seemed like a probable solution. And it worked for a time. And then things went down hill fast. Let me tell you the story of Gus and Greta, our Naragansett breeding pair. A decision to … [Read more...]
Turkeys and Ducks. The rest of the story
?(during the holiday season, I was asked to update the story of Gus and Greta.? It seems my good friend Judy, was so enchanted? by the story that she used it for a sermon at her church.? I do not attend her church so I did not have the pleasure of hearing the sermon but I did think it was pretty cool that my little blog was the inspiration.? So here you go Judy and all other followers of Gus and Greta.? The rest of the story.)? Here's the beginning of the story, if you missed it.Ducks live with … [Read more...]
