One of the biggest flock health issues northern homesteaders face is frostbite. Frostbite occurs when the flesh freezes and prevents blood flow from reaching the frozen appendages. Frostbite can happen suddenly and if not treated quickly, it can get infected and cause fatal health issues. It is thought that even...
You are going to wonder where these homemade chocolate cupcakes have been all your life! Made with grain-free flours, natural sweeteners, and the perfect hint of rich cacao powder… these cupcakes are a dessert to be reckoned with. The taste and texture are amazing, perfectly soft and moist, just as...
What is coccidiosis? Coccidiosis is one of the most common chicken ailments to affect young chicks. Coccidiosis is a protozoal disease that destroys the intestinal lining, causing malnutrition and sometimes unrepairable damage to the instestines. Since coccidiosis is so common, it is one of the biggest health concerns when raising...
The only way I can describe these delicious mounds of chocolate is by saying they are like having fudge, brownies, cake, and chocolate syrup all at once! Grain-free molten lava cakes are a family favorite in my house. But don’t worry, these chocolate cakes don’t put you on chocolate overload,...
When a mama hen can’t be used to raise your chicks, that means you are responsible for providing them with a safe and protected area in which to grow for the first few weeks of their life. A brooder can provide the perfect oasis if it is set up in...
I am totally not a tomato fan. I don’t like tomatoes in my sandwiches, on my salads, or straight from the garden. Don’t offer me ketchup, but I will take bar-b-que sauce. And I will eat a whole jar of salsa in one setting. But plain tomatoes, no thank you....
Deciphering between fact and fiction when it comes to using holistic remedies or natural supplements for your homestead flock can be difficult. Cayenne pepper is often touted as a supplement that will help your chickens lay better during the winter and will help prevent frostbite. However, are those benefits true?...
Gluten-free pb&j energy balls are one of my favorite on-the-go homestead snacks! They are super simple to make and they require just a few wholesome ingredients that are nutritious and energy-rich. I love the fact that these energy balls are sweetened with an all-natural sweetener and that they use homemade...
An external heat source is critical for raising young chicks since they can’t control their own body temperature for the first few days of their life. Their fluffy down feathers do not help trap body heat which makes it difficult for chicks to maintain a stable body temperature on their...
A hardy bowl of warm, flavorful chili is just what is needed on cold winter days! Or any day for that matter! This paleo venison chili is bursting with nutritious ingredients that will keep you healthy and fueled for busy days on the homestead. Paleo venison chili is one of...
Hot weather is dangerous for chickens. Unlike us who can take layers on and off, chickens are stuck with their feathers during hot weather. Chickens naturally have a high body temperature and thrive in temperate to slightly cool weather conditions. If you live in a region that regularly experiences hot...
Pudding… made from seeds? Can that even be any good? I know, those were my thoughts too when I first heard of chia pudding. And, much to my surprise, if you make the pudding the right way and have the right expectations, chia pudding can be a delicious and healthy...
These homestead chicken breed reviews for 4-H showmanship are perfect for homestead youth who are trying to decided what breed will be best for showmanship but still be helpful on the homestead! Throughout my 7 years of raising and showing chickens through 4-H I have had experience with a variety...
Super simple, minimal ingredients, but results that are addicting… that’s what this dairy-free chocolate bark recipe is all about! Chocolate bark was another one of those recipes where I was thinking, this is so simple, do I really need to share the recipe. It seems so straightforward to make. But...
Cold hardy chicken breeds are the way to go for northern homesteads! While chickens can naturally handle cooler weather better than hot weather, when it comes to brutal and severe winter weather… having a few extra features to help conserve body heat can help. This guide to cold hardy chicken...
Chickens are often considered the gateway animal to homesteading. However, just because they are one of the smallest livestock animals to start raising doesn’t mean they are the easiest! Your modern pioneer journey can start even without any livestock animals, but maybe this year you are considering adding a flock...
Merry Christmas modern pioneers! Christmas is no doubt my favorite time of year. I love all the family traditions, all the Christmas cheer, the spirit of giving, all the holiday activities, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas is certainly not forgotten on my homestead! One of my family’s...
For northern homesteaders, the winter months can often bring that fluffy white stuff that you either love or you hate. As for your homestead flock, they probably have a low tolerance for snow. Snow not only brings a new element to caring for your flock during the winter, but it...
These grain-free gingerbread cookies are the perfect traditional holiday cookie! I was not a big fan of gingerbread cookies, that is, until I had these cookies. I love making Christmas cookies, so I wanted to create a gingerbread cookie that was delicious and that I would enjoy this Christmas season....
Cold stress is an often overlooked condition that is nearly unavoidable for most northern homestead flocks. Learning how to help chickens deal with cold stress will keep them healthier and productive through the winter months. Cold stress can cause illness and even death, so it is important to make sure...