Do you want to raise healthy geese for your backyard farm? The goose is a good choice for a poultry addition to a homestead. Friendly and good at foraging, the goose will add a whole new dimension to your daily chores. Many people think that geese are similar to any other water fowl, such as ducks or even that geese are like raising turkeys or chickens. This is not entirely true. Geese have some unique characteristics and needs and should not be considered the same as the ducks. Raising … [Read more...]
Raising a Large Breed Chicken – Brahma and Cochin
Are you ready to add a large breed chicken to your flock? If you want a sweet, docile, cuddly hen, choose a large breed chicken. Brahmas and Cochins come to mind when I think of large breed chickens. Many people ask me what is the best backyard breed of chicken to raise. However, I feel like that is such a personal question and depends on so many factors. Usually, my answer will be something along the line of, if you are looking for a good egg layer, choose a hybrid such as the Red or Black … [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...]
What Kind of Chicken Coop Design is Best?
Choosing a chicken coop design is an important decision. This structure will house your beloved egg producers and needs to look good in your yard. What factors do you need to check off the list when deciding on a chicken coop design? After a few weeks of keeping the chicks in a brooder you will want to begin moving them to the chicken coop. Having a chicken coop design that accommodates your flocks needs and your personal style will make this an enjoyable part of your homesteading life. There … [Read more...]
