As of yesterday, one of our Dorking hens has decided to abandon her chicks. Her chicks aren't day old's that will not survive without her, they are more than a few weeks old. We have seen that they have slowly been wandering farther and farther from her during the day. It was still shocking to see yesterday that she wanted nothing to do with … [Read more...]
Archives for May 2015
How We Used DE to Get Rid of Mites and Lice – Plus Giveaway
Recently I was examining one of our new chicks and noticed some bugs crawling under her wing. After taking a closer look I realized that she was infested with mites. Since we have never had mites or lice in our coop before I quickly did an online search for some natural remedies. The most common response to treating lice and mites naturally in a … [Read more...]
Project Update
We've been busy this week trying to get everything done that we had started over the past few weeks. The last roll of fence finally came in, so Leighton and I have been working on getting the last of the chicken/duck run enclosed. Just in time, we've seen raccoon tracks around. We do close them in at night, but one year we … [Read more...]
We Planted Our Big Garden
Last year our big garden didn't do very well. It was the first year we had it in and it was a wet year, because where we had decided to put it was so wet, we didn't have great growing conditions. We knew we needed to do something to improve soil drainage if we wanted it to succeed this year. Leighton built a frame to go around the entire garden, … [Read more...]
6 Ways to Start Homesteading Today
Today's modern homesteaders are people who aren't afraid of hard work and getting dirty. If you've ever been curious about what happens on a homestead, know that today's homesteaders aren't all about cows and growing up in a saddle. Today more and more people from all walks of life are looking for a more self-sufficient life, these are your … [Read more...]
Infant Art – A Sensory Experience
When planning A's room we decided on a simple decor. I wanted to make some of the art that we would display in his room and I wanted him to be a part of it. Easier said than done with an infant, but we found a solution, we painted with A's feet. Not only did it provide me with the art I wanted for his room, but gave him a great sensory … [Read more...]
Pekin Ducks
The Pekin trio that I had gotten earlier this Spring have finally started laying eggs. We are excited about this because we are hoping to hatch out some Pekin ducklings. Our plan is to sell some of the ducklings and raise a few for meat. The Pekin duck is a dual purpose breed that is best known for their meat. They are also a friendly breed … [Read more...]
Just a Regular Thursday
This morning Lori and I headed into town to do our bi-weekly grocery shopping. We always go first thing in the morning so the stores aren't busy, and we can get in and out quickly. Today we stopped by the dollar store on our way home and I found some things for the kids. I found these glider planes that the kids can build. I'm planning on … [Read more...]
Easy Meal Planning Hacks – (With Menu Printable)
Recently, I wrote an article about how I get everything I need done (not always what I want) during the day and week. To expand on that post I am writing in more detail how I use a meal planning menu to save time, money and reduce stress in our home during busy seasons. You can read the original post here. The following menus are what we use in … [Read more...]
Happy Friday
This week has flown by, thankfully I have been able to get some of the garden in today. I've planted some peas, spinach, radish and onions. I planted while A slept in his stroller after our morning walk, he's fighting a virus so he's been sleeping a lot over the past few days. The chicks that hatched … [Read more...]