livestock

Water on the Homestead: Is Filtering Well Water Necessary?
April 13, 2022 · · Self-Reliance

Add to Favorites Many homesteads have wells drilled for their water source. But is filtering well water necessary? There are, as usual, different thoughts on the subject. I grew up …

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Do It Yourself Privacy Fence Tips For Success

Add to Favorites In suburban settings, a do it yourself privacy fence may be necessary to shield and protect you from those who live around you. They can also provide …

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Cherishing the Natural Beauty of Icelandic Sheep

We were ready to give up on the sheep business altogether when we discovered Icelandic sheep.

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Upping the Ante with Tractor Bucket Attachments

Add to Favorites Scoop, scrape and push are really the only things a tractor bucket was meant to do, but with the right tractor bucket attachments, there’s so much more we can do …

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Choosing Yarn for Rigid Heddle Loom Weaving Projects
January 4, 2022 · · Homesteading

Add to Favorites When learning to weave, the rigid heddle loom is a good choice. It’s easy to work and you will quickly master the basics of weaving. Plus, setting …

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Fire Evacuation Procedures: Do You Have a Plan?
December 28, 2021 · · Self-Reliance

Add to Favorites Our recent fires in the state of Washington have been a lesson in preparing fire evacuation procedures. The fires swooped in so fast that there was little …

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Quick Tips For Fixing Metal and Wooden Gates

Keeping metal and wooden gates in good repair can sometimes be a challenge, but is an important part of homesteading today. A sagging or broken gate can be a chore to open and shut, and may also tempt an animal to jump, lean over or crawl through, possibly injuring itself in the process— or getting out on a road or into a neighbor’s place.

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A Free Choice Salt Lick is Vital for Livestock Health
December 14, 2021 · · Homesteading

Add to Favorites Don’t laugh, I’m sure I’m not the only farm kid who’s done this. When I was a girl I remember licking the salt lick block in the …

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How to Raise a Barn Cat Right
December 6, 2021 · · Homesteading

Add to Favorites It’s a tale as old as time. Cats go with barns. Our hard working barn cats are essential as a natural way to get rid of mice. Not …

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KuneKune Pigs: A Hardy Homestead Breed
November 15, 2021 · · Pigs

KuneKune pigs are making their way into small scale farming operations across the country. You may ask yourself what makes these pigs so special … the simple answer is everything!

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Different Types of Housing for Pigs
October 25, 2021 · · Pigs

Just like any other type of livestock, pigs have three basic requirements: food, water, and shelter. Compared to other animals, housing for pigs can be fairly minimal as long as it protects them from wind, rain, and the elements.

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Burdock Slivers Can Cause Eye Irritations

Eye problems in livestock and horses can be caused by foreign material in the eye, and one of the most challenging problems is burdock slivers. Burrs from this invasive weed stick to hair or clothing.

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Removing Porcupine Quills From Cattle

Removing porcupine quills from pets, cattle, and other livestock is an unpleasant task for everyone involved. 

The porcupine is a peaceful, timid rodent whose unique method of self-defense often causes grief to inquisitive animals.

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6 Pig Farming Equipment Essentials for Your Farm
September 27, 2021 · · Pigs

There are not a lot of must-have pig farming equipment items for homestead hog raising. Besides the infrastructure needed for almost any livestock, other tools are rarely used. Shelter, secure fencing, and a container to hold plenty of fresh water are the bare bones of hog raising.

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15 Essential First Aid Kit Contents
August 31, 2021 · · Self-Reliance

Add to Favorites Though we know we should carry a first aid kit, contents can vary box by box. Should you purchase ones sold on department store endcaps or build …

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