Keep your chicken flock healthy, happy and occupied with these chicken enrichment ideas, toys, treats and activities. Happy chickens are healthy chickens. At least that’s the idea behind the trend of chicken enrichment. Your favorite chicken breeds could be Lavender Orpington, Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red, Australorp, White Leghorn, Silkie, Easter Egger or something else. No matter your breed of choice, keeping your chickens productively busy will most likely keep them productively laying eggs. That is one of the main reasons you have chickens. Right? Then let’s learn about chicken enrichment. Benefits of Chicken Enrichment What exactly is chicken enrichment? Well, animal enrichment is a “principle that seeks to enhance the quality of captive animal care by identifying and providing the environmental stimuli necessary for optimal psychological and physiological well-being.” For backyard chickens, this means improving the quality of their lives beyond just the bare … [Read more...] about Chicken Enrichment Ideas for Happy, Healthy Chickens
homestead
Homestead Living Ideas
When it comes to homestead living ideas, it's all about a more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle. Use organic practices on the landscape and in the gardens. Make and use homemade compost in the family vegetable garden. Pay attention to energy efficiency in the design of buildings. And select appliances based on their efficient use of resources. The homestead and ranch life can also include raising chickens for a steady supply of fresh eggs. (This is true for large acreage properties and even in some suburban homes.) On larger ranch and homesteads, becoming more self-sufficient means drilling wells and installing backup water pumps. Here are some great products and homestead living ideas that make the ranch, homestead and self-sufficient lifestyle easier. For information about planting fruit trees on your homestead property, read Top Five Fruit Trees for some great advice. Also read How to Build an Instant Rusted Corrugated Metal Fence. Deep Well Hand Pump Keeps … [Read more...] about Homestead Living Ideas
Gifts for Gardeners this Holiday Season
Here is an assortment of perfect gifts for gardeners and homeowners on your holiday shopping list. Let's face it. The colder months of the holiday season do not lend themselves to gardening in most climates. But that doesn't mean gardening is completely out of mind. Avid gardeners and homeowners who must keep their yards neat and tidy appreciate garden-related gifts during "the most wonderful time of the year." It is actually quite easy to find great gifts for gardeners and homeowners. These folks always need something to satisfy their green thumbs, finish a DIY project, or add one more personal touch to the property. That's why the editors of Home, Garden and Homestead have put together their annual list of the best gifts for gardeners this holiday season. Heck, you might even want to give some of these gifts to yourself. Gifts for Gardeners: Tools The Ultimate Weeding Tools The CobraHead Weeder gets its name from the shape of the tempered steel blade, which … [Read more...] about Gifts for Gardeners this Holiday Season
Best Home Weather Stations
The best home weather stations help you monitor temperature changes, rainfall, wind velocity, and more. A weather station for your home or homestead helps you plan your outdoor activities and events including picnics, backyard parties and outdoor chores. Monitoring the changes in weather can be a source of enjoyment and entertainment. Watching the changes in the weather is a hobby enjoyed by people all over the world. Knowing the exact weather conditions right now, and knowing what tomorrow’s weather will be, can also provide peace of mind for you and your family. Best Home Weather Stations for Gardeners and Homesteaders Farmers know the value of monitoring the weather. They know the current weather conditions. They also check the weather forecast to see what tomorrow’s weather will bring. Doing so helps to avoid crop losses caused by freezing, excessive heat, or excessive rain. Gardeners and homesteaders can also reap the rewards of accurate weather prediction. It is very … [Read more...] about Best Home Weather Stations
Best Battery Powered Chainsaws
The best battery powered chainsaws can now compete with gas-powered chainsaws for most homeowner uses. Cordless electric, battery powered chainsaws pack plenty of power to cut firewood, fell dying trees and prune branches. Plus, the best battery powered chain saws are easier to use, easier to start, quieter, and run cleaner with no fumes. There are now many different models of battery-powered chainsaws, so it’s important to choose the right chainsaw for your needs. That’s why Home, Garden and Homestead looked at the best cordless electric chainsaws and ranked them according to power, cutting time, and price. Our favorite battery-powered chainsaw models are described below. Editor’s note: A battery powered chainsaw is also known as a cordless electric chainsaw or cordless chainsaw. If you’re in the market for other cordless electric outdoor tools, read Best Cordless Leaf Blowers and Top Cordless Electric Lawn Mowers. Battery Power and Convenience How can a … [Read more...] about Best Battery Powered Chainsaws
