What to Feed Chickens and Roosters: A Practical Guide for Mixed Flocks
Bootsy Garden . Bootsy Garden .

What to Feed Chickens and Roosters: A Practical Guide for Mixed Flocks

Feeding chickens seems simple—just toss out some grain and call it good, right? But if you’ve ever stood in the feed aisle wondering what’s best for your mixed flock—especially if you’ve got laying hens, roosters, and maybe even chicks—you’re not alone. Whether you're brand new to chickens or just rethinking your setup, here’s a straightforward guide to feeding your flock the right way.

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How We Built The Duck House
Ducks Bootsy Garden . Ducks Bootsy Garden .

How We Built The Duck House

This article breaks down how we built our duck house step by step using a simple plan, salvaged bricks, and a little creativity. If you're thinking of building a backyard duck coop, this might be just the inspiration you need.

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How to Incubate Chicken Eggs at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Chickens Bootsy Garden . Chickens Bootsy Garden .

How to Incubate Chicken Eggs at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

This spring, we decided to try something new on the homestead. Instead of buying more chicks, we’re hatching our own. There is something incredible about watching an egg slowly turn into a tiny, living fluffball. It is a lesson in patience and care, and we are learning as we go.

If you are curious about how to incubate chicken eggs at home, this post breaks down our beginner-friendly process. From setup to hatch day, we are sharing what has worked for us and how you can try it too.

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Getting Started with Nigerian Dwarf Goats: Essential Tips for New Owners
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Getting Started with Nigerian Dwarf Goats: Essential Tips for New Owners

If you’re thinking about adding Nigerian Dwarf goats to your homestead, you’re in for a fun and rewarding experience! These small, friendly dairy goats are perfect for beginners, whether you’re looking for fresh milk, weed control, or just adorable farm companions. Before you bring home your first goats, it’s important to set up the right environment and understand their care needs.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about raising Nigerian Dwarf goats, from setting up fencing to proper nutrition and health care.

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Getting Ready For Our First Goats: What We're Buying
Nigerian Dwarf Goats Bootsy Garden . Nigerian Dwarf Goats Bootsy Garden .

Getting Ready For Our First Goats: What We're Buying

Welcoming goats onto our homestead is an exciting endeavor that requires thorough preparation. To ensure the health and happiness of our new herd, it's important that we have all the necessary supplies ready before their arrival. This guide provides a comprehensive list of everything we have purchased or plan to purchase to meet the needs to care for our goats, from housing to healthcare and kidding essentials. Everything in bold is what we recommend to be purchased before any goats are on-site. We hope this list helps you create your herd when the time comes!

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Raising Ducklings 101: What You Need to Know
Ducks Bootsy Garden . Ducks Bootsy Garden .

Raising Ducklings 101: What You Need to Know

Thinking about raising ducklings? Learn everything you need to know, from brooder setup and feeding to water needs and transitioning to a grow-out pen. Get expert tips to ensure your ducklings grow up happy and healthy!

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How to Raise Chicks: Essential Tips and Tricks
Chickens Bootsy Garden . Chickens Bootsy Garden .

How to Raise Chicks: Essential Tips and Tricks

If you've decided to start raising chicks, you’re taking a step into a rewarding aspect of homesteading. Given the recent surge in interest due to egg shortages and high prices, it's crucial to know the ins and outs of proper chick care. Here’s a detailed guide to help you ensure your new chicks thrive right from the start.

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Homestead Life One Month In: Chickens, Snowstorms, and Big Plans Ahead
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Homestead Life One Month In: Chickens, Snowstorms, and Big Plans Ahead

It’s been a little over a month since we moved onto our new homestead, and life has been anything but quiet. From navigating a surprise snowstorm that left our free-range chickens stranded to preparing for an exciting expansion of our flock, we’ve been busy turning this land into a fully functioning farm.

With more chickens, ducks, and goats on the way, a brand-new chicken coop and run arriving soon, and plenty of farm projects on our to-do list, this homestead is growing fast. Here’s what’s been happening over the past few weeks and what’s coming next.

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Finding Home: The Journey to Our New Homestead
Homesteading Bootsy Garden . Homesteading Bootsy Garden .

Finding Home: The Journey to Our New Homestead

It’s hard to believe that we’re finally here. After months of searching, dreaming, and navigating the unexpected, we’ve found our dream homestead. Looking back, it feels like this place was always meant for us, even if the journey to get here was anything but smooth.

The process of finding and moving to a new homestead has been full of surprises. There were moments of doubt and plenty of hard work, but every challenge brought us closer to where we are now, a place that truly feels like home.

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