In our modern society, many people have become accustomed to one-use products that we use and throw away when the job is complete. Even more so, many people use disposable materials in the kitchen. However, in past generations, the materials and kitchen tools people used were reusable. While I have used cheesecloth limitedly in the…
Living on a rural homestead means that we need to be vigilant to protect our livestock. Despite our best efforts and even setting daily alarms, sometimes we forget to lock the chickens up at night. Sadly, it only takes once for a predator to decimate an entire chicken flock in a single evening. The ChickCozy…
Like many homesteaders and hunters, we want to honor the animals we harvest by being good stewards of the harvest. If you have ever processed a deer, you may have wondered, What can you do with deer fat? For many hunters, the instinct is to toss it in the gut pile, assuming it’s part of the waste of…
When raising baby chicks or any small birds, a reliable heat source is a necessity to keep your chicks warm. Unlike adult birds, chicks have fluff, not feathers. Chicks need to be provided with supplemental heat until they have fully feathered out and can regulate their own body temperature. Since I was a girl, we…
When you picture a beehive, most people first think of the queen bee and the busyness of the worker bees. You might not realize that worker bees are all female, every single one of them. Male honey bees are called drones, but where are they, and what do drone bees do? Many consider drones to…
Hidden in every beehive is a highly organized society of bees with a clear hierarchy and well-defined roles. Though a thriving colony can house over 60,000 bees, every bee plays a vital part in the hive’s survival. Each hive is made up of a fascinating caste of characters, including the queen bee, the versatile female…
When it comes to home food preservation, most home cooks are familiar with the most common sizes of canning jars. Â However, several types of canning jars are available. Each jar is designed for specific foods, batch sizes, and storage needs. Selecting the correct jar means preparing your food in the best jar sizes to meet…
One of the cornerstone principles of homestead living is becoming less dependent on outside systems. For many homesteaders, the food system is usually at the top of the list of concerns. Before Philip and I made our permanent move to the homestead, we decided to purchase American Bresse chickens. This dual purpose breed was getting…
For many homesteaders, a family milk cow is a new level of homesteading! Dairy animals are amazing animals that can transform grass and sunshine into protein-rich milk that not only will feed your family, but can also supplement the protein needs of many of the animals on your farm! A dairy cow truly is the…
With the cost of eggs skyrocketing, many homeowners are adding backyard chickens for egg production. As you browse the commercial feed aisle in your local feed store, you may be overwhelmed with the choices. Providing a balanced diet for your feathered friends ensures healthy animals that produce nutrient-dense food for your family. But what do…
