Today, I want to share my passion for gardening and introduce you to a world of possibilities with senior-friendly gardening tools. As we age, our bodies deserve a little extra care, and that includes making gardening a delightful and comfortable experience. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of gardening tools specially designed for seniors, […]
Author Archives: Jade Polystead
22
Jul
Jul
Living in an apartment in the heart of the city doesn’t mean giving up on the simple joys of growing vegetables. As an urban dweller, I longed to connect with nature and savor the satisfaction of harvesting my own fresh produce. With a little creativity and determination, I found a way to turn my windowsill […]
22
Jul
Jul
Winter might be a few months away, but it’s never too early to start thinking about preparing our beloved plants for the colder months. I have a variety of fruits and veggies growing in 3-5 gallon pots and two raised beds, including bell peppers, jalapeños, hot peppers, broccoli, kale, squash, cucumbers, peas, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, […]
As a responsible and caring poultry owner, ensuring the well-being of your chickens is of utmost importance. Providing a comfortable environment for your feathered friends is crucial, especially during the hot summer months. In this article, we will explore the topic of keeping your coop cool, with a particular focus on the types of fans […]
29
Jun
Jun
Have you ever wondered if you need to share the news about your beloved chickens with your insurance company? It’s a question that recently popped up in a conversation with a friend of mine. And let me tell you, it sparked quite an intriguing discussion! So, let’s embark on this informative journey together as we […]
28
Jun
Jun
As I woke up this morning in Michigan, I couldn’t help but notice the thick blanket of smoke that enveloped the area. The smoke, originating from the wildfires raging in Canada, had cast an eerie haze over the landscape. As a proud owner of a flock of chickens, I couldn’t help but wonder: would this […]
24
Jun
Jun
While leaves are a common and valuable source of browns, they may not always be readily available, especially outside the fall season. But fear not! There are plenty of other easily accessible materials that can serve as excellent alternatives to leaves in your compost pile. In this article, I will share my personal experience and […]
09
Jun
Jun
I’ve had to get creative with my composting methods. One approach I’ve tried is using an old garbage can with holes drilled into it. This compact system allows me to compost effectively while working with the space I have. However, like many composters, I’ve found myself wondering how long it will take for my compost […]
I am always on the lookout for ways to maximize the benefits of chicken manure. Composting provides an excellent opportunity to transform chicken poop into nutrient-rich organic matter for my garden. If you’re wondering how to utilize your chickens’ waste effectively in composting, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, I will share […]
Chickens, Poultry
Flock Size Limitations? Finding the Perfect Combination of Hens for Your Backyard Flock.
17
May
May
As a new chicken owner, I was excited to start my backyard flock. However, my town’s ordinance only allows me to have five hens. I wanted a combination of different breeds, but finding them has proven to be quite a challenge. In this article, I will share my experience and provide tips on finding the […]
Chickens, Poultry
Managing Chicken Allergies: Tips for Living with Chickens When Someone is Allergic.
16
May
May
As someone who loves animals, I’ve always wanted to have chickens. Not only are they great pets, but they also provide fresh eggs daily. After much consideration, my partner and I finally decided to take the plunge and get chickens for our backyard. However, we quickly realized there was a major problem – my boyfriend […]
You might have noticed that some of your chicks grow faster than others. In particular, you may have noticed that one of your chicks has a tail feather that’s longer than the others, even though they’re all the same age. This can be a puzzling phenomenon, but it’s actually quite common in young chickens. In […]
Chickens, Poultry
Dealing with an Aggressive Rooster: How to Handle and Train Your Rooster for Better Behavior.
10
May
May
If you’ve rescued a rooster from a shelter, you may find yourself dealing with an aggressive bird that won’t let you get close to your hens. It can be frustrating and even dangerous to have a rooster that attacks you when you try to enter the coop or interact with the hens. In this article, […]
It’s been 6 weeks since my rooster broke his leg, and I’ve been doing everything I can to help him recover. However, despite my best efforts, he seems to be going downhill. In this article, I’ll share my experience of nursing my rooster and offer some advice for those who might find themselves in a […]
06
May
May
I recently pruned a couple of my citrus trees and found myself contemplating whether it’s safe to add the prunings to my compost pile. The concern that arose was whether the citrus prunings would make the compost too acidic and potentially harm the balance of nutrients. In this article, I will share my experience and […]
I’ve tried many different types of nesting boxes over the years, but my favorite by far are Duncan nesting boxes. Duncan nesting boxes are designed to be both functional and durable, and they have many features that make them ideal for chicken owners. In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about Duncan […]
17
Apr
Apr
I am no stranger to the challenges of sourcing brown material during the summer months. Last fall, the abundance of dead leaves made composting a breeze. However, with the change of season, I found myself in a predicament, wondering where to find the much-needed brown material for my compost pile. In this article, I will […]
Moving into a new house with an overgrown lawn presents an exciting opportunity to start composting and transform that green waste into nutrient-rich soil. As a beginner, I understand the importance of selecting a composting method that is low-maintenance, especially with a newborn on the way and a husband already busy with household tasks. In […]
Composting is an excellent way to reduce landfill waste and create nutrient-rich soil amendments. However, I often wondered if twigs and branches could be used as brown materials in composting. In this article, I will explore the feasibility of composting twigs and branches, their benefits, potential challenges, and how to effectively incorporate them into your […]
06
Apr
Apr
One of the most common questions I receive from new chicken owners is whether they should leave feed in with baby chicks 24/7. The answer is not a simple yes or no, as there are a few factors to consider. First, it’s important to understand that baby chicks need to eat frequently. In the first […]
06
Apr
Apr
As compost enthusiasts, we know that the journey towards creating rich, nutrient-dense soil is a delicate and intricate process. One important aspect of this process is the sifting or screening of compost to remove larger materials that may not have fully decomposed. But what exactly should we sift out, and how do we determine the […]
06
Apr
Apr
As a first-time chicken owner, I was a bit overwhelmed when it came to preparing for my baby chicks. However, I did my research, watched countless YouTube videos, and consulted with experienced chicken owners to make sure I was fully prepared for their arrival. One thing I was especially concerned about was testing my heat […]
Composting is a natural process that breaks down organic matter like food scraps, yard waste and paper into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The benefits of composting are numerous. It helps keep waste out of landfills, improves soil health and structure, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. If you’re new to composting or looking to […]
I enjoy starting my day with fresh eggs from my backyard chickens. However, my excitement turned to dismay when my husband brought home 9 new hens without any quarantine period, resulting in a mite infestation. Despite my efforts to use pymetherin spray and diatomaceous earth to treat the infested chickens and coop, the infestation persisted. […]
28
Mar
Mar
I take pride in raising my own chickens for meat. However, during my last batch of 34 birds, I noticed something unusual. Six of them had clear, fluid-filled growths under the skin around the breast area. At first, I was worried that it might be a disease or something unsafe for consumption. After some research […]
25
Mar
Mar
When it comes to composting, the key to success lies in achieving the perfect balance of organic materials, moisture, and aeration. As an avid gardener, I have always strived to maintain a healthy compost pile, but turning it manually has often been a labor-intensive task. However, thanks to a suggestion I received last week, I […]
20
Mar
Mar
I understand the importance of having a good set of knives. When it comes to dispatching and breaking down chickens, it’s essential to have tools that are sharp, efficient, and comfortable to use. After trying out a few different options, I’ve found some great knife sets on Amazon that I highly recommend. Brand and Type […]
I love the convenience and efficiency of using a compost tumbler. However, one issue that I’ve encountered is the presence of small fruit flies whenever I open the tumbler to add kitchen scraps. It made me wonder whether this was a normal occurrence or if there was something I could do to address the situation. […]
One of the most important decisions you’ll make is the color you choose to paint your coop. Not only does the color of your coop affect its appearance, but it can also have an impact on your chickens’ well-being. After all, chickens are sensitive to color, and the right color can make a big difference […]
11
Mar
Mar
I have experienced my fair share of scares and surprises, but none quite like what I encountered this morning. I found one of my Leghorn choickens hanging upside down with her legs caught in the roosting structure. I initially thought she was dead. Thankfully, with some quick thinking and gentle care, I was able to […]
26
Feb
Feb
Owning chickens in urban and suburban areas has become increasingly popular over the years, but it’s also come with some regulations and fees. Recently, a friend’s sister informed them that she needed to rehome her six Rhode Island Red chickens because of a permit and inspection fee, and this has raised questions about why people […]
23
Feb
Feb
If you’re new to raising chickens, you might be wondering where to place your nesting boxes. When my husband and I first started keeping chickens, we used milk crates for our nesting boxes, elevating them a few inches off the ground. However, when we built an additional coop, my husband suggested putting the nesting boxes […]
In the realm of organic gardening, one method has been gaining popularity for its simplicity and effectiveness: Bokashi composting. But what exactly is Bokashi? Well, my fellow garden enthusiasts, let me enlighten you. Bokashi is a Japanese term that means “fermented organic matter.” It is a unique composting technique that harnesses the power of beneficial […]
16
Feb
Feb
If you have chickens, you know that they will eat almost anything. However, you must be careful about what you feed them because some foods can harm their health. One of the most common questions chicken owners ask is whether they can feed their chickens baked potatoes with the skin still on. The short answer […]
15
Feb
Feb
As a proud owner of a flock of chickens, I have come to appreciate the importance of regular egg production. My hens have been laying eggs for almost a year now, and they have been doing a fantastic job. However, today, I was surprised to find a very small egg among the usual medium-sized eggs. […]
As a chicken enthusiast living in Oregon, I am always on the lookout for good places to purchase high-quality birds. Recently, I’ve been searching for Dark Cornish roosters to add to my flock. After some research and networking, I’ve discovered some great resources for finding these birds in Oregon. Where to Find Dark Cornish Roosters […]
As a backyard chicken owner, I understand the importance of providing my feathered friends with a steady supply of clean water. That’s why I decided to install a gravity-fed chicken water system. In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about this system, including its benefits, features, and how to set it up. […]
30
Jan
Jan
I recently joined a group of fellow chicken enthusiasts to learn more about these amazing birds. One question that came up for me was how to choose the right breed of rooster if I decide to introduce one to my flock of hens. Additionally, I was curious about how difficult it is to introduce a […]
Raising chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience. It’s fascinating to watch these feathered friends pecking and scratching around in the backyard. However, as with any animal, feeding them can be quite a challenge. When it comes to feeding chickens, there are two main options: using a feeder or tossing feed on the ground. […]
19
Jan
Jan
If you’re intrigued by the idea of composting but don’t know where to begin, you’ve come to the right place! As someone who started small and simple, I understand the excitement and curiosity that comes with embarking on your first composting journey. Composting is a rewarding and sustainable way to manage organic waste while creating […]
I know how important it is to ensure the health and wellbeing of your feathered friends. That’s why it’s crucial to address any issues that arise, including splay leg. If you’ve recently acquired a chicken with splay leg, you might be wondering what to do next. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience with […]
I understand the importance of providing my chickens with the right feed. After all, the quality of their diet can directly impact the quality of the eggs they lay. Recently, I’ve been considering switching to organic, corn-free, and soy-free chicken feed to meet the growing demand for healthier and more ethical products. However, I’m stuck […]
11
Jan
Jan
I understand the anxiety that comes with unexpected situations. Recently, my power went out and my chicks were left in the cold. It was a nightmare, but with some quick thinking and a few helpful tips, I was able to keep my chicks warm and safe until the power came back on. In this article, […]
06
Jan
Jan
I face challenges when it comes to finding the time and opportunity to turn my compost pile as frequently as I would like. Recently, I’ve been wondering if turning the pile only once a month is sufficient. In this article, I’ll share my thoughts and experiences on this topic, exploring the frequency of turning a […]
I can totally relate to the feeling of being left out when it comes to naming your feathered friends. It seems like everyone on social media has these adorable names for their chickens, and here I am, just referring to them as “the black one” or “the white one.” But let me tell you, there’s […]
It’s not uncommon to hear stories about roosters being aggressive towards humans or even other chickens. However, I have a different experience with my 11-week-old rooster who loves to be held and petted. This got me thinking, how common is it to have a friendly rooster? Is it just temporary or can roosters really be […]
Are you a chicken owner who’s tired of dealing with messy and dirty water containers? If so, you’re not alone. The traditional blue and white chicken water container can quickly become contaminated with poop and bedding, making it a hassle to clean and maintain. But fear not, there are alternative water containers available that are […]
Recently, I came across the idea of using raw wool as a composting material. Intrigued by the concept, I decided to give it a try and see how it would contribute to my composting process. In this article, I will share my personal experience with using raw wool in composting and explore the time it […]
it’s not uncommon to encounter peculiar behaviors from our feathered friends. One such behavior that may leave you scratching your head is when your chickens refuse to sleep in their coop and instead roost on the roof. But why do they do this? In this article, we’ll explore some possible reasons behind this behavior. Highest […]
Picture this: a magnificent elixir bubbling and fermenting, teeming with the secrets of nature’s decomposition process. Welcome to the enchanting world of Bokashi Juice! But what exactly is this mysterious potion? Allow me to enlighten you. Bokashi Juice is a byproduct of the bokashi composting method – an ingenious technique originating from Japan that harnesses […]
