Free-range eggs have been praised and marketed as being healthier, and as a result, many people seek them out. But how many of us have done the research to find out what exactly passes for free-range eggs? You might be surprised. What Exactly Is A Free-Range Egg, And Why Should I Seek It Out? The term “free range” has been allowed on labels by the USDA’sFoodSafetyandInspectionService  “if the producer demonstrates that the birds were allowed continuous, free access to the outside for over 51 percent of their lives through a normal growing cycle.” It is
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So you’ve started your homestead, you’re living off the land, at least partly, and you have begun to invest in animals. Maybe you have a goat or two, some rabbits, or chicken. It might be time to think about cows. You may not be ready for a herd of beef cattle, but how about one cow for milking? You can have your own fresh milk every day. You can also make your own butter and cheeses, fresh and preservative free. The idea may seem intimidating at first, but getting one milk cow is not huge
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Few animals have inspired so much fear, controversy, and the creation of myths than the bat. Only the shark can compare. Bats have gotten a bad rap throughout history from bloodsuckers to vampires and horror stories to the still-prevalent belief that they are likely to give you rabies. The truth is that bats are a vital part of ecosystems throughout the world. These flying mammals are important for a variety of reasons; yes, there are a few species that eat blood, but they don’t generally feed on humans. Facts About Bats One of the main
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With the huge amount of recalls that began in 2007 and continue sporadically to this day, the pet food industry has lost the business of many pet owners. Many dogs and cats have become ill and have even died because of the contaminants that have found their way into commercial pet foods. To remove the risk from your beloved animals, consider making their food right in your own kitchen. The idea of making pet food is intimidating to many. Once you get the hang of it, though, making pet food is a cinch. You might
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Raising chicks into healthy, productive adult chickens can be both fun and rewarding. The process is mostly an easy one, but you should be aware of what can go wrong. If you know what problems can arise, you can prevent them or fix them. The best prevention of disease, illness, and parasites in your chicks
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Keeping sheep on your homestead or farm is no small undertaking. They require good housing to protect them from the elements, vaccinations, feed, and regular care. They need to be sheared each year, and when lambing time comes around, you will have to supervise and care for the babies as needed. The payback, though, can be great. Sheep are an excellent source of wool and meat. You can use the wool yourself or sell it for income. You can also sell the lambs for extra money and slaughter sheep to feed your family. Before your
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Raising animals on the farm or homestead is a fun and rewarding activity. Animals can be great companionship, but they have much more to offer. They can contribute to your family’s diet by providing eggs, milk, and meat. You may also consider raising animals for profit. You can use the byproducts to trade or to sell for money. You can also breed your animals and sell them or barter with other homesteaders. Working with animals is not an easy task, but with experience and knowledge, you can become an expert. Fowl are a great place
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Sheep are a great type of livestock to have on a homestead or small farm. They can provide your family with wool and a source of income or even a source of meat. Furthermore, they are a great learning experience for your kids, especially at lambing time. Raising lambs is not typically difficult, but there are many potential health problems to look out for. Practice good hygiene, make sure your ewes and lambs have adequate nutrition and the right vaccines, and educate yourself on the things that can go wrong in order to minimize your
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Many species of birds have been on the decline in the U.S. for several years. Reasons for the population decline include loss of habitat, pesticides and herbicides, and feral cats, among others. There are ways in which you can attract birds to your homestead and your garden, not only to help bird populations rebound, but
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As a homesteader, small farmer, or someone who dreams of becoming one, you understand the importance of animals on the farm and the roles they play in providing companionship, food, and income. No one understands better the value and the necessity of animals than small farmers and homesteaders who care for them personally and on a daily basis. Over the last century, as small family farms dwindled and factory farms became the norm, the treatment of animals has been under scrutiny and debate by those who care about their welfare. Factory farms raise huge numbers
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