Brooding Chickens

  
We received our second brood of chicks from Meyer Hatchery. This is what they looked like when they arrived, only one day old. Such cute little fluff balls!  For the first month we kept them inside the house in this large plastic storage bin with pine shavings for litter. Since we were keeping them indoors, we didn't use a brooder lamp as is recommended, but we did keep them in a small, well-heated bedroom where we could close the door and keep them warm and draft-free. We placed their brooding box next to a heating register and used a thermometer to check and make sure the temperature was just right for them. I'm not suggesting this is the best way to brood baby chicks, but I am saying we have successfully brooded two flocks in this heated room without a brooder lamp.

Lally Broch Farm Scent Shots

I love these Scent Shots by Lally Broch Farm, handmade on their farm from soy wax and available in 17 wonderful scents.  Warm them up in your tart warmer and enjoy the delicate fragrance all day!  Available at the Lally Broch Farm Etsy Shop.  You might also want to try their Goat's Milk Soap Bars, handmade on their farm from fresh goat's milk.

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Chicken Feeder Candy Dish

What a cute and inexpensive candy dish in time for spring and Easter!  Buy and wash a galvanized chick feeder from your local Tractor Supply or farm feed store.  Fill a mason jar with candy and attach it to the feeder.  What could be more simple?

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How to Build a Support Structure for a Farm House Sink

In planning for the renovation of our kitchen, we knew that we wanted  a country style. One of the icons of a country kitchen is the farm sink.  These sinks and the necessary hard surface counter to go with them can be costly, so we tried to reduce costs in every other way we could by doing the work ourselves, waiting for a sale on cabinets, and buying lower-end appliances.  The sink and counter top were our splurge. There are many different types of farm house sinks, made of a variety of materials.  We chose a single basin apron front sink made of fireclay.

Make it From Scratch, or Make it Convenient - Corn Chowder and Chili Con Carne

I like to provide nutritional food for my family.  That's why I keep chickens and let them free-range, for the most nutritional eggs.  It's why I can and freeze fresh produce and make my own sauces.  It's why I'm working toward growing fruits and vegetables on our homestead.  I want to feed my family less processed foods and turn more to fresh, wholesome ones.  

Candy Apple Spice Mix for Cider or Tea

Does the cold weather put you in the mood for hot tea or cider?  Here is a spice mix you can add to your hot drinks to give them a burst of flavor and perhaps even give yourself some added health benefits for the cold and flu season.

Why Chickens Take Dust Baths

Any chicken keeper can tell you it's a pretty common sight to see chickens laying or rolling around in the dirt. It's called a "dust bath."