🎧 Episode 114 – The Sourdough Comeback: Why It’s Worth Your Time

In this episode, I’m kicking off a brand new sourdough series — croaky voice and all! After a rough run with the flu (and a lovely little bonus round of pleurisy), I’m easing back into the swing of things by diving deep into why sourdough is a perfect fit for the homesteader’s kitchen.

You’ll hear about:

• The real history of sourdough (we’re talking ancient Egypt to gold rush miners)

• Why proper sourdough bread might not upset your gut like store-bought bread does

• How sourdough connects you to your food, your family, and your farm

• The magic of fermentation explained in a way even teenagers can get around

• And yes — how I somehow manage to keep my sourdough starter alive (his name’s Harry)

If you’re gluten sensitive, curious about ditching commercial yeast, or just want to make bread that costs 50 cents a loaf, this one’s for you.

Oh — and we’re on baby watch with Molly the cow. Don’t miss the update at the end!

🎁 Live near Canberra? I’m giving away starter from Harry (my 2-year-old mother). Send me a DM @MojoHomestead if you want a piece of the magic.

👇 Drop your “N” name ideas (or other letters) for Molly’s calf in the comments or message me!

In this episode, we’re diving into practical and proven ways to preserve eggs at home — and extend their shelf life for months!
Learn the traditional method of water glassing, how to freeze eggs properly, and explore other long-term storage options like mineral oil coating, dehydrating, and pickling.

I’ll also be answering the most frequently asked questions, including how to safely store eggs, what types of eggs you can preserve, and how to tell if an egg has gone bad.

Perfect for backyard chicken keepers, homesteaders, or anyone wanting to become a little more self-reliant in the kitchen.

Tune in and discover how easy it is to keep your eggs fresh all year round!

Episode 104: Better Feed = Better Eggs!

🐔 Want healthier hens and better eggs? It all comes down to nutrition! In this episode, I break down the do’s and don’ts of feeding your backyard chickens, why scratch mix is just chicken candy, and how to make sure your flock lays strong, high-quality eggs.

✔️ The right protein levels (16-18%) for egg production – and why more isn’t always better.
✔️ Calcium is key – Weak shells? Try oyster shells or crushed eggshells.
✔️ Grit & digestion – Chickens don’t have teeth, so they need grit to break down food.
✔️ Water matters – No water = no eggs! Learn how hydration affects laying.
✔️ Seasonal feeding tips – Extra protein in winter, frozen treats in summer.
✔️ What NOT to feed – Avoid green potatoes, avocado skins, and caffeine.

🎉 Exciting News! My book Ditch the Store: From Brooder to Plate is out on Kindle, and my guide to keeping chickens for eggs is coming soon!

🔔 Follow for more homesteading & chicken-keeping tips!
📖 Grab the book on Kindle: https://amzn.to/4145Aak
💬 Have questions? Let’s chat on social media!

Chicken Coops

Size and Space: The coop should be spacious enough to comfortably accommodate the number of chickens you plan to keep. As a general guideline, provide at least 0.3m2 (4 square feet) per chicken inside the coop and 0.7 - 0.9 m2 (8-10 square feet) per chicken in the outdoor run area.

Security: Even in an urban environment, chickens still have predators. It is vital that coops are predator-proof to keep your chickens safe from predators like neighbourhood dogs, cats, birds of prey and rats. Use sturdy materials, secure locks, and wire mesh with small openings to prevent entry.

Ventilation: Proper airflow is crucial to prevent moisture buildup and ammonia fumes. Include vents or windows that can be opened and closed to regulate temperature and airflow within the coop. The best way to tell if you need more ventilation is to put your head into your coop, if the smell of ammonia is strong to you then it's also strong for them.

Nesting Boxes: Provide comfortable and private nesting boxes for your hens to lay their eggs. Each nesting box should be around 30x30 cm and lined with clean bedding material, such as straw or wood shavings.

Roosting Bars: Chickens prefer to roost off the ground. Install sturdy and appropriately sized roosting bars or branches inside the coop, allowing 15-20 cm of space per chicken. This is way more important than new chicken owners think.

Easy Cleaning: Design the coop with easy access for cleaning. Include a removable tray or floor that can be easily cleaned and replaced with fresh bedding. New bedding options are crushed metal and coffee grounds. Poop can easily be collected with a kitty litter scoop.

Natural Light: Incorporate windows or skylights to allow natural light into the coop. Natural light helps regulate the chickens' internal clock and can positively impact their overall health and egg production. 

Weather Protection: Consider weather conditions in your area and ensure the coop provides adequate protection from rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. Proper insulation and weatherproofing can help keep your chickens comfortable.

Feeding and Watering: Include feeding and watering stations that are easily accessible and protected from contamination. Consider hanging or elevating feeders and waterers to prevent spillage and keep them clean.

Noise Reduction: Chickens can be noisy, especially if you keep roosters, which most councils will not allow. But even noisy hens can cause issues. If you have close neighbours, consider soundproofing measures or opt for quieter chicken breeds that don't produce loud crowing.

Remember to check your local council zoning regulations for any specific requirements or restrictions regarding coop construction and placement in urban areas. 

I have spoken before about fighting your council if they refuse. Gather information about victory gardens and regenerative agriculture, and prepare yourself for the arguments they may present. 

Prioritize the well-being, safety, and comfort of your chickens when designing and building the coop.

Link to some nice chicken coops (no affiliation ... yet)

https://mjbinspired.au/

Nutrition for Backyard Chickens

Balanced feed: I know a lot of people who are homesteading like the idea of making their own chicken feed, and indeed I think you could provide supplemental feed for chickens from homegrown produce. However, that being said, commercially formulated, balanced chicken feed will always meet the nutritional needs of your flock. And as we will discuss later it's the vitamin and minerals that need to be included to ensure abundant egg-laying.

Protein requirements: Chickens need a sufficient amount of protein in their diet, particularly when they are growing or laying eggs. Baby chicks have special dietary requirements but from 6-7 weeks onwards they need 17-18% protein, and laying hens need around 16%. During a moult or wintertime, they can be fed a diet of up to 20% protein.

Calcium for eggshell production: Calcium is crucial for strong eggshell formation, so make sure to provide a calcium source such as crushed oyster shells or calcium supplements.

Grit for digestion: Chickens don't have teeth, so they need grit (small rocks or commercial grit products) to help them grind and digest their food properly. There are two types of poultry grit: oyster shell grit and flint grit. Oystershell grit is a type of calcium that helps make eggshells stronger. Insoluble grit, also known as flint grit, helps chickens with digestion. You can purchase this with both types of grit premixed.

Freshwater: Ensure a constant supply of clean, fresh water for your chickens. Water is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health. Drip feeders with stay cleaner but you need to ensure they are always working. Appropriate treats: While treats can be given in moderation, avoid excessive feeding of sugary, fatty, or processed foods. Stick to healthy treats like fruits, vegetables, and mealworms. If you want to feed scratch mix try to limit it to once a week as we have noticed performance drop when they are having too much scratch.

Access to forage: Allow your chickens to forage in a secure outdoor area if possible. This allows them to supplement their diet with bugs, worms, grass, and other natural food sources. Seasonal considerations: Adjust your chickens' diet based on seasonal variations in activity levels, temperature, and egg production. Certainly, you could purchase pellets with a higher protein content during the winter months.

Limiting toxins: Avoid feeding your chickens harmful substances like caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, onions, garlic, and mouldy or spoiled food. There is always debate about what can or can’t be fed to chickens.

Nutritional deficiencies: Be aware of common nutritional deficiencies in chickens, such as vitamin deficiencies (e.g., vitamin D, E, or B12) or mineral deficiencies (e.g., selenium, zinc, or iodine). Consult with a veterinarian if you suspect any deficiencies or imbalances in your flock's diet.

Calcium Deficiency: Calcium is essential for the formation of strong eggshells. A lack of calcium in the diet can result in thin or weak eggshells, shell-less eggs, or an increased likelihood of egg breakage.

Protein Deficiency: Protein is crucial for egg production. Inadequate protein intake can lead to decreased egg production, smaller eggs, or eggs with poor shell quality.

Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D is necessary for proper calcium absorption. A deficiency in vitamin D can hinder calcium utilization, resulting in soft or thin-shelled eggs and reduced egg production.

Vitamin E Deficiency: Vitamin E plays a role in reproductive health. A lack of vitamin E may cause reduced fertility, decreased hatchability, or abnormal embryo development.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Vitamin B12 is important for energy metabolism and nerve function. Deficiency can lead to reduced egg production and poor eggshell quality.

Selenium Deficiency: Selenium is an essential trace mineral involved in various metabolic processes. Its deficiency can result in reduced egg production, poor hatchability, and weak immune function.

Iodine Deficiency: Iodine is necessary for proper thyroid function, which affects overall metabolism and egg production. A deficiency in iodine may lead to reduced egg production or delayed sexual maturity in pullets.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Deficiency: Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to the nutritional quality of eggs. Chickens fed a diet deficient in omega-3 fatty acids may produce eggs with lower levels of these beneficial fats.

Remember, nutritional needs may vary depending on factors such as breed, age, egg production, and health conditions. If you are unsure find a produce or stockfeed shop near you and speak to someone there. They usually have a wealth of information about the different feeds.

Both of our local stockfeed stores have also ordered new feed in for us, and we have then given them feedback about the results from the feed to help improve their knowledge also. It's important to note that nutrition deficiencies are typically the result of imbalanced or inadequate diets.

I can’t stress enough that commercial well-balanced chicken feed will give your flock the best coverage for the least effort on your part. If you then supplement with appropriate treats, access to forage, and necessary mineral sources can help prevent these deficiencies and support optimal egg production.

Enrollments open on the 10th of June and close on the 16th of June. With the course starting on 17th and running for 6 weeks.

Perfect time to do the course if you are considering chickens in spring.

Go to the web page to get on the list and you can choose either a Free PDF with 7 must know’s or a webinar on which breed of chicken is right for you.

https://www.mojohomestead.net/7mustknows

https://www.mojohomestead.net/breedwebinar

The Great Plant-Based Con - is a fantastic book that explains regenerative agriculture really well.

https://thegreatplantbasedcon.com/

Why Should You Grow Your Own Eggs?

1.   Quality and freshness: Homegrown eggs are often fresher and of higher quality than store-bought eggs, which can be several weeks old before they even reach the grocery store.

1.   Health benefits: Homegrown eggs are often healthier and more nutritious than store-bought eggs, with higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Study on pasture-raised eggs versus confined housing eggs.

1.  Cost savings: Growing your own eggs can be a cost-effective alternative to buying eggs from the store, especially if you have a large family or consume eggs regularly.

1.  Sustainability: Raising backyard chickens and growing your own eggs can be a sustainable and eco-friendly practice, with a lower carbon footprint than factory farming and reduced waste from packaging and transportation. Regenerative agriculture now starting to pave the way for people with understanding how livestock farming and holistic management practices can actually be more beneficial for environmental issues. 

1.  Control over production: By growing your own eggs, you have control over the production process, including the chickens' diet, living conditions, and the use of antibiotics or hormones. This is a big one, as people educate themselves more about the food they eat corresponding to health issues and concerns they have. 

1.  Educational benefits: Growing your own eggs can be a great learning opportunity for children and adults alike, teaching valuable skills like responsibility, animal husbandry, and food production.

1.  Local food movement: By growing your own eggs, you're supporting the local food movement and reducing your reliance on large-scale industrial agriculture. Diversity in farming and homesteading practices are highlighting how everyone can participate in reducing the carbon footprint of their own family. Food miles go towards the transport sector impact, which is the biggest impact worldwide on greenhouse gas emissions.

1.  Flavour and variety: Homegrown eggs often have more flavour and variety than store-bought eggs, with different breeds of chickens laying eggs with different colours, sizes, and taste profiles. Some of my customers claim they have never tasted eggs like ours! And one customer was making pasta with our eggs and claimed her parents, elderly Italians, said it reminded them of the pasta their mothers used to make.

1.  Connection to nature: Raising backyard chickens and growing your own eggs can provide a deeper connection to nature and the food we eat, fostering a greater appreciation for the natural world.

1.  Community building: Growing your own eggs can be a great way to connect with like-minded individuals in your community, through local chicken-keeping groups, farmers' markets, and other community events.

Enrollments open on the 10th of June and close on the 16th of June. With the course starting on 17th and running for 6 weeks.

Perfect time to do the course if you are considering chickens in spring.

Go to the web page to get on the list and you can choose either a Free PDF with 7 must know’s or a webinar on which breed of chicken is right for you.

https://www.mojohomestead.net/7mustknows

https://www.mojohomestead.net/breedwebinar

Getting Started with Backyard Chicken Keeping

1. Choosing the right breed: Different breeds of chickens have different personalities and egg-laying capabilities, so it's important to choose a breed that fits your needs and preferences. I have a free webinar you can watch to help you decide which chicken breed is right for you.
2. Setting up a coop: Chickens need a safe and secure place to sleep and lay eggs, so setting up a coop is a crucial step in getting started with backyard chicken keeping. It is vital that you have this prepared before getting started. The different types include full-enclosed, partially enclosed or the pasture-raised model that we use. 
3. Providing proper nutrition: Chickens need a balanced diet of feed, water, and supplements to stay healthy and lay eggs regularly. Chickens are not vegetarians, they are omnivores, and they require protein from all available sources. Bugs, worms, mice and insects.
4. Managing waste: Chicken manure can be a valuable fertilizer for your garden, but it's important to manage it properly to prevent odour and pests. With our pasture-raised model, we don't collect the manure rather we let the chickens deposit it in the field for us. In urban areas, the best method I have seen is to have gravel in the open area and use a kitty litter scope to collect the manure. It is very clever. Inside you can do something similar with coffee grounds, recycled from your local cafe of course, and the scope will drop the coffee grounds and hold the manure. The manure then needs to be composted until broken down. 
5. Ensuring good health: Regular checkups, vaccinations, and parasite control can help keep your chickens healthy and happy. Observation of your girls daily is the best option. You will notice if something is not right. However, if you have enough adequate good feed and shell grit, clean water, dry warm area to roost and monitor for parasites, you will elevate 99% of problems.
6. Providing space and exercise: Chickens need plenty of space to roam and scratch, so providing a fenced outdoor run or free-ranging area is important for their well-being. Allowing the chickens to free range is vital for the bird's mental health. Chickens need to be chickens and do all the things nature has taught them to do. A great way to help them is when you turn over your veggie garden beds allow the chicks to go in and dig the soil. They will clean out pests, drop manure and aerate the soil for you. If you can’t them daily access there are other things you can do to help. Set up a swing in their coop, freeze corn into ice blocks on hot days, thread a rope through cabbage and hang it in their coop. 
7. Egg production and collection: Collecting eggs regularly and storing them properly can help ensure a steady supply of fresh eggs for your household. There is so much debate about egg storage and I’m not “health department qualified” so I can only tell you what I have always done, and none of my family has even gotten ill. We do not refrigerate our eggs, and we do not wash them. 
8. Winter care: Cold temperatures and snow can pose challenges for backyard chicken keepers, so it's important to have a plan for keeping your chickens warm and healthy during the winter months.
9. Legal considerations: Some cities and towns have zoning laws or regulations that govern backyard chicken keeping, so it's important to research and follow any applicable rules. Roosters are usually out but check with your local council.
10. Joining a community: Joining a local chicken-keeping group or online community can provide valuable support, advice, and camaraderie for backyard chicken keepers.

The push for plant-based (vegetarian and vegan) diets uses the claim that is it better for the environment.

Farmers have got blamed for so long but it really comes down to how many flights and drives you want to take each year and humans need to have endless supplies of electricity to their houses.

Mono cropping is needed to produce the high level of demanded plant-based products. This style of agriculture affects soil health by damaging the ecology, reducing topsoil, increasing the need for synthetic fertilizers, increasing the use of pesticides and producing low-nutrient food.

Utilising livestock to increase soil health not only reverses all these things but it also prevents deforestation and desertification in large areas of the earth. So if demand for pasture-raised meat and animal products increases then the earth will be healthy.

Humans and their energy usage are the main problems when it comes to greenhouse gases and there is no way to stop humans transport and energy costs as people would refuse to give up flying, driving and electricity.

So the best and easiest way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to eat a meat-based diet.

Emissions by sector of Greenhouse gases

https://ourworldindata.org/emissions-by-sector

Important links if you would like to learn more about this.

Allan Savory - TedX Talk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpTHi7O66pI

Joel Salatin - PolyFace Farms

https://polyfacefarms.com/

Richard Perkins - Ridgedale Farms

https://www.richardperkins.co/about/

https://www.ridgedalepermaculture.com/

Molly and John Chester - Apricot Lane Farms

https://www.apricotlanefarms.com/

I am currently listening to The Great Plant-Based Con by Jayne Buxton and can highly recommend it! She’s saying all the things that I have been thinking about. She has done all the research. https://www.hachette.com.au/jayne-buxton/the-great-plant-based-con-why-eating-a-plants-only-diet-wont-improve-your-health-or-save-the-planet

Real Life Medicine - Their podcast is amazing

https://www.rlmedicine.com/meet-the-doctors

Dr Anthony Chaffee - fantastic resource

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzoRyR_nlesKZuOlEjWRXQQ

So please do your own research and understand all the facts before you decide. And remember to grow the life you want to live.

I have been questioning my knowledge of diet styles in an effort to improve my own health. The information I have been gathering is indicating that we have been lied to by the dietary associations of our countries. 

It disappoints me that government bodies that are supposed to help us are very likely making us sicker.

Some of the things I covered in this episode are below, including the links mentioned.

From 10,000 BC until 2,200 BC humans survived on a primarily meat-based diet. Not moving to crops until the bronze age after 2200 BC. Rice and potatoes not becoming commonplace until after 1485.

Buddist - Practice non-violence against all living things, however, I have travelled through Tibet and Nepal and can confirm that they will eat meat and animal products, as long as the animal has not been killed specially for them.

Hindus - mostly practice Vegetarianism, but not veganism as they consume milk. It should be noted that they avoid many vegetables also.

Around the mid-1700s in the USA, many religious groups became vegetarian due to the temperance movement. The common belief is that masturbation, overindulgence and violence, can be controlled by a vegetarian diet.

Leading this belief is the Seventh Day Adventist Church, whose founder Ellen G White, who although not vegetarian herself, received visions from God that followers of their church should abstain from the flesh and milk of animals, as they are as bad as tobacco and alcohol. SDAC it should be no surprise went on to find the massive processed food giants Sanitarium and Kellogg's. It surprised me to find how many SDA members were sitting on associations and boards in America and Australia that directly influence the dietary associations in those countries.

It is such a tangled web that I cannot describe it better than Belinda Fettke, who is the wife of the Australian Dr who they attempted to silence when he spoke out against high carbohydrate diets being fed to his diabetic patients while in hospital. He was threatened with de-registration because he was advising patients to eat low carbohydrate healthy fat diets in order to lose weight to avoid amputations!

It stuns me that a Dr in Australia in the 2000s could be looking at de-registration because he is healing his patients. WTF!

The Background of Dietary Guidelines by Belinda Fettke, wife of Dr Gary Fettke https://isupportgary.com/articles/evolution-of-plant-based-dietary-guidelines

Other research indicated our change in diet to predominantly plant-based is actually affecting our kids. 

Keto diets are also showing excellent results in relation to other health issues. Keto Diet - ADHD and Autism https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/adhd-autism

An excellent and very thorough read on this topic is a book I am currently listening to on audible, The Great Plant-Based Con by Jayne Buxton and can highly recommend it! She’s saying all the things that I have been thinking about. She has done all the research. https://www.hachette.com.au/jayne-buxton/the-great-plant-based-con-why-eating-a-plants-only-diet-wont-improve-your-health-or-save-the-planet

A fantastic podcast is posted by these ladies, with great information and real facts. Real Life Medicine - fantastic podcast by Dr Lucy Burns and Dr Mary Barsons

https://www.rlmedicine.com/meet-the-doctors

Dr Anthony Chaffee - American Dr now living in Australia, who lives a carnivore lifestyle, and certainly backs up his statements with facts.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzoRyR_nlesKZuOlEjWRXQQ

I am disappointed that the Australian and American Dietary Association have basically told us what to eat based on who had a vested interest. Arent these associations meant to be non-biased and do what is best for their citizens? I am definitely not a "conspiratorial" type of person, but it is horrendous that government agencies are ignoring the best health for their communities, over who is paying them so that they can sell more cereal-based products.

Next week we'll talk about the other issue with plant-based diets.

CJ Discusses the things you need to consider when making an income from homesteading. Does it pay? We discuss the different products you can produce with homesteading, pricing and hard to enter fields. 2 things to keep in mind "Do the things you love" "Area's that are hard to get into have much less competition"

CJ gives you a rundown of what her average day looks like and the honest truth that this lifestyle may not be for everyone. Walking up around 4 am most mornings, feeding chickens and in summer milking goats are the first chores of the day. Then other animals and dogs need managing.

Finally, it's time for a coffee, and shower and then human kids need prepping to get them off to school and I head to my full-time off-farm job for the day.

Arriving home in the afternoons is all the normal household chores before heading out to manage all the farm chores with chickens, goats, poddy calves and dogs. Luckily the bees are the lowest maintenance of all the animals. 

Many people will say this is a lifestyle they would love to leave but I really think its important that everyone understands what is involved before they make the leap of faith into homesteading/farming.

Sorry, but there's a language warning on this one because sometimes it's needed.

Bit of a language warning this week.

I feel like as I get more comfortable recording my podcasts, my natural speech is coming out. Sorry, not sorry.

Today I discuss Urban Homesteading. What it is? Is it legal? Who can do it? I also mention some people that I follow and love. Not going to lie, I have a bit of a fan-girl crush on some of these people and would love to interview them!!! 

Holistic Management - Alan Savory and Jodie Butterfield @savoryinstitute https://www.instagram.com/savoryinstitute/

Polyface Farms - Joel Salatin @polyfacefarm https://www.instagram.com/polyfacefarm/

Ridgedale Farm - Richard Perkins @richardperkins.co https://www.instagram.com/richardperkins.co/

Milkwood - Kirsten and Nick @milkwood https://www.instagram.com/milkwood/

Goodlife Permaculture - Hannah Moloney @goodlife_permaculture https://www.instagram.com/goodlife_permaculture/

UK Homesteading - Eve @ukhomesteading https://www.instagram.com/ukhomesteading/

So my hot tip for the week is just start! It doesn't matter where, just do something. And imperfect action is better than no action.

And remember grow the life you want to live.

CJ discusses the chickens and how they are an entry point for homesteading.

Keeping your own backyard chickens is a great starting point for learning and living a homestead life. Many breeds don't require much space, they are very easy to care for, you get an immediate return on your efforts and these little dinos are really friendly and social.

Once you start keeping backyard chickens you will realise that the tree-change lifestyle to become more self-sufficient and sustainably live is much easier than you thought. 

You can start with 2-3 chickens, a small coop and an enclosed backyard. You could share the girls with your neighbours, you could use community garden space. The best bit is you can get healthy, fresh free-range eggs with very little daily effort. A small flock of chickens can be looked after in 5-10 minutes a day. 

They really are the simplest way to start your journey into homesteading and producing your own food!

Don't forget to get on our waitlist so you too can raise your own backyard chickens! HERE

Episode 103 - Chicken Coop Must-Haves

With rising egg prices, backyard chickens are becoming popular. But before bringing hens home, you need a secure, well-designed coop. This episode covers essential coop features, common mistakes, and practical setup tips.

1. Space – 3-4 sq ft per bird inside, 8-10 sq ft outside. More space = happier hens.
2. Predator-Proofing – Use hardware cloth, dig-proof fencing, and secure latches.
3. Ventilation – Prevents disease and moisture buildup. Balance airflow with protection.
4. Nesting Boxes – 1 box per 3-4 hens in a quiet, clean area.
5. Roosting Bars – Provide sturdy, elevated perches for safe sleeping.
6. Easy Cleaning – Walk-in design, dropping boards, and removable nesting lids.
7. Weather Protection – Insulation for cold, airflow for heat, storm-proofing.
8. Flooring & Bedding – Options: dirt, concrete, or wood with pine shavings, straw, or sand.
9. Feeding & Watering – Raise feeders, use automatic or heated waterers.
10. Outdoor Space – Covered runs, chicken tractors, dust baths for health and safety.

Choosing a Coop:

• Backyards – Compact coops or mobile tractors.
• Acreage – Walk-in coops or mobile systems for grazing.
• Avoid mistakes – Don’t build too small, skip ventilation, or ignore predator-proofing.

Final Thought:
A well-designed coop means happy hens and fresh eggs. Start small but plan for more—because "chicken math" is real! Subscribe for more homesteading tips.

In this episode, CJ interviews her daughter and son, MJ and OJ, about their thoughts on farming and living in a rural environment. The kids speak freely about the things they love and hate about living on a farm.

They discuss the move, schooling, animals, sad moments and the happy ones. They also say what advice they would give to other kids moving to a farm.

The kids talk about travelling to school and visiting friends. How they have to be much more organised to do sport in the afternoon after school.

They also discuss processing our first meat birds and being involved in that process.

CJ talks this week about what it's like to have kids on the farm and what that means for both mother and children. She covers having kids doing chores and the good and bad of the life cycle. She also talks about how her children have coped with both seeing life come into the world and the opposite end - watching animals die. Kids can be very resilient, much more so than most people give them credit for. Helping children understand the unchanging cycle of life, things are born and everything dies eventually, has improved her children's coping mechanisms at school and in sports.

Sometimes farming and motherhood is hard, but motherhood is hard anyway so you just have to pick your version of hard. Working full-time is hard, farming is hard and being a single mum was hard. But the benefits that come from homesteading with kids outweigh all the "hard".

Knowing that my children understand where their food comes from and the process to get food to the table is going to serve them well in life. Given what I have been learning about how high-carb, cereal-based diets are damaging our kid's learning abilities and mental health, I am also glad that this lifestyle has given them an appreciation for a meat-based diet. I know they will have great health and resilience and that will make all the hard work worth it.

In this episode, CJ discusses the history of women in farming and the reasons for their underrepresentation.

We cover why women have always been farmers even if they weren't counted, the roles women play on the farm and in times of need women have learned what was needed and just got the work done, like during the wars. We then go on to discuss the "alternative lifestyle" movement or hippies and the change in who was farming. It was no longer a traditional farming family model. 

Then we talk about where women are going from here.

Women who have an interest in farming, I think, make better livestock managers. I'm not sure if it's a maternal thing, as I know a lot of women who aren't maternal, myself included, but still make great farmers. I actually think it has more to do with womens ability to multitask, and still pay attention. We generally know if an animal is "off" healthy wise or if something isn't going as it should. 

The saying "women can do anything" is so true when it comes to farming, however, having a supportive and helpful family certainly goes a long way. 

In this episode, CJ talks about how she became interested in farming and her background in working with animals. 

From city kid to farm kid, doing correspondence schooling and milking cows. CJ had to adapt quickly to the family move. And what kid would not want to care for and manage a paddock full of animals?  

CJ talks about growing up and away from farming as she travelled and worked overseas, before returning to Australia to start her family. 

That's when she knew she had to return to her life on the land. This is not a lifestyle change for the faint-hearted, it is a full family commitment, and she is lucky her children agree. She was also lucky to meet her partner, known as the Handy Helper, who while he had no knowledge of farming, brought enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. He's also pretty handy. 

A sea-change/ tree-change from urban living to rural living is definitely not for everyone but you also don't have to have grown up in a farming family to be a farmer. Learning to homestead or urban farm is the setting stone to this lifestyle, and anyone prepared to "have a go" can get involved. 

If you are interested in getting your own urban homestead started, don't forget to get your free Must Know Guide to Backyard Chickens 

https://www.mojohomestead.net/7mustknows

Welcome to Not The Farmers Wife, a podcast for female farmers, girls who grow and homesteading women. No matter if you are in an urban block or on 100 acres, there is something here for all of you.

This is our introduction episode so CJ explains why she had to build Mojo Homestead. Discover why she is trying to farm full-time and her passion for regenerative agriculture. CJ believes everyone should grow their own food, even if they are on a small urban block.

You can visit Mojo Homestead to see what's happening on the farm and download your free 7 Must Knows to Keeping Backyard Chickens here https://www.mojohomestead.net/7mustknows

Thank you so much for listening. I hope you’ve enjoyed our time together today. If you did I be so grateful if you left me a review, I would absolutely love you to tag me in your next post on your favourite socials at either Not The Farmers Wife or Mojo Homestead. And remember grow the life you want to live. See ya.

Top Chicken Breeds

Get Our New Book Now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aPPJPQ

With egg shortages and rising prices, more families are considering backyard chickens as a reliable source of fresh eggs. However, choosing the right breed is crucial for a successful and enjoyable chicken-keeping experience. This guide covers the best beginner-friendly breeds and how to select the perfect fit based on egg production, temperament, climate suitability, and space needs.

Breed selection matters because different chickens have unique traits. Some, likeISA Browns andAustralorps, are prolific layers, while others, likeOrpingtons andPlymouth Rocks, make excellent family-friendly pets. Climate considerations are important—Leghorns thrive in heat, whereasSussex andWyandottes handle cold well. Those looking for colourful egg baskets might enjoyEaster Eggers.

The best choices vary by need. ISA Browns and Leghorns excel in egg production; Orpingtons and Sussex are great for families, while Rhode Island Reds and Wyandottes suit free-ranging setups. For dual-purpose birds, Plymouth Rocks and Wyandottes offer both eggs and meat.

New chicken keepers should start small—3-5 hens are enough for a family’s egg supply. Most beginner breeds are adaptable, making it easy to get started. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe for more homesteading tips, visit online resources, and join the community of backyard chicken keepers. Raising chickens isn't just about eggs—it’s a rewarding step toward self-sufficiency!

Never Buy Eggs Again

Tired of egg shortages and rising prices? What if you never had to rely on store-bought eggs again? In this episode, we dive into the realities of supermarket eggs—why they’re unreliable, less nutritious, and not as fresh as you think. Then, we explore the benefits of keeping your own backyard chickens, from cost savings and food security to healthier, tastier eggs straight from your coop.

You'll learn:
🥚 How raising chickens ensures a steady, high-quality egg supply
💰 How to save money and reduce grocery store dependence
🌱 Why homegrown eggs are more nutritious and sustainable
🐓 How chickens help with pest control, fertilizing, and even garden maintenance
🏡 How to start your own flock—space, care, and breed selection

Whether you have a tiny backyard or a few acres, keeping chickens is easier than you think! Tune in to get practical tips, real-life insights, and inspiration to start your self-sufficient egg supply.

🎧 Subscribe now for more homesteading and self-sufficiency tips! Join our online community and check out our resources to start your chicken-keeping journey today.

🐔 Remember: Chickens aren’t just pets with benefits—they poop breakfast! 🍳 😊

A celebration of our 100th episode, we are so excited to have made it here. And be sure to listen to the end, as we have an exciting giveaway for 5 lucky listeners.

Episode 99 - Processing Chickens: What You Need to Know offers a comprehensive look at how to dispatch and process your own meat chickens safely, humanely, and efficiently. The host begins by sharing their background in raising chickens and explains the key benefits of home processing—such as ensuring food quality and ethical handling, saving money, and fostering a deeper connection to your meals. They also introduce their upcoming book, Ditch the Store: From Brooder to Plate, which covers every step from brooding chicks to putting chicken on the table.

The main portion of the episode focuses on a five-step guide to humane processing: setting up your workstation, using a kill cone for dispatch, scalding and plucking, evisceration, and finally chilling and rinsing. Throughout, the host emphasizes maintaining a calm environment for both the birds and the processor, using proper techniques and tools. Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the host’s personal processing station—complete with suggestions for low-budget and DIY alternatives—and learn about essential equipment like kill cones, scalders, and sanitation supplies. The episode closes with a Q&A segment encouraging audience participation, addressing common concerns such as space limitations, legal considerations, and ensuring a clean environment. Overall, it’s an informative guide that demystifies home poultry processing and shows how it can be done safely, ethically, and cost-effectively.

Farming Myths: Debunked

In this episode, we challenge some common misconceptions about farming and its impact on the environment. Get ready to see the truth behind the headlines and find out where the real culprits lie!

Myth 1: Agriculture is the leading cause of climate change
Farming often takes the blame, but according to the EPA, agriculture contributes just 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions—far less than transportation (28%) and energy production (25%). Methane from livestock may be potent, but it’s short-lived compared to CO2. Innovations like feeding cows seaweed, which can reduce methane emissions by up to 80%, are changing the game. Learn more from UC Davis Research.

Myth 2: Organic farming doesn’t use pesticides or synthetic fertilizers
Organic farms do use natural pesticides, like copper sulfate, which can harm soil health if overused. The USDA Organic Certification allows these natural alternatives, but they’re not always safer. A study in the Journal of Environmental Management highlights the long-term risks of copper sulfate.

Myth 3: Industrial agriculture is necessary to feed the world
Think we need massive industrial farms to avoid global hunger? Think again. The FAO shows that small-scale, regenerative farming can meet global food demands while supporting biodiversity. In Africa, practices like intercropping and crop rotation have doubled yields without synthetic inputs. Check out the Oxfam Report.

Myth 4: Factory farms are the primary contributors to environmental pollution
While factory farms do contribute, urban wastewater and industrial runoff are often bigger culprits, according to Stanford University. Companies like Smithfield Foods are making strides, using methane capture technology to convert emissions into renewable energy.

Ready to dig deeper into these myths and explore a balanced perspective on farming? Tune in and get the facts!

Planning 2025 Episode 97: Defining Your Vision and Goals

In this episode of Planning 2025, we dive deep into the heart of homesteading: defining your vision and setting meaningful goals. Whether you're just starting out or refining your approach, we'll help you explore your motivations for homesteading — from self-sufficiency and healthier food to reducing your environmental footprint. We’ll also share inspiring personal stories from fellow homesteaders to ignite your passion and encourage you to take that first step.

Learn how to break your goals into short-term and long-term achievements, prioritize projects effectively, and create a roadmap for success. We’ll provide practical tips on evaluating your resources — from land and budget to time and skills — ensuring you’re well-prepared for your homesteading journey. Plus, we'll walk you through the basics of mapping out your property, planning your crops and livestock, and building a sustainable, seasonal plan.

Join us as we discuss the importance of budgeting, financial planning, and balancing homesteading with work and life. Whether you're dealing with unpredictable weather or unexpected changes, we’ll cover how to stay adaptable and keep moving forward. Plus, learn the value of documenting your progress and reflecting on your journey to continuously improve and grow.

Whether you're envisioning a small garden or a full-fledged homestead, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice to help you plan for success in 2025 and beyond.

Links 

https://amzn.to/4gGXA4m Awesome Sony Headphones (affiliated link)

Inigo Jones - Long Term Weather Forecaster - he is also on Telegram (not affiliate link)

https://bit.ly/423yLv4 - Canva Link for planner

G'day everyone and welcome to another episode of Not The Farmer's Wife!

CJ here solo today—recording on December 29th after a busy Christmas week on the farm. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with family and friends. Here, amidst milking goats and managing livestock, there’s never a dull moment, even with some worming interruptions this week.

In today's episode, I dive into the year’s major agricultural discussions and controversies. Here's a quick look:

1. Bovaer 10
   A methane-reducing feed additive causing consumer backlash, particularly over concerns about long-term safety and transparency in its use within beef and dairy production. Supermarkets and brands faced boycotts over its inclusion in products, with debates around corporate responsibility and food integrity.

2. European Farmers’ Protests
   Widespread demonstrations in France, Germany, and Poland over EU environmental regulations, reduced diesel subsidies, and trade deals favoring cheaper imports. Farmers took to blockades, manure dumps, and liquid spraying to voice frustrations about policy changes made without their input.

3. The UK’s 'Tractor Tax'
   Proposed inheritance tax changes targeting agricultural assets worth over £1 million, sparking fears that family farms could face financial ruin. Farmers argue that this policy could force property sales, despite government efforts to stagger payments.

4. Amish Farm Raids in the U.S.
   Government crackdowns on Amish farmers selling uninspected raw milk and meat products under private herd-share arrangements have reignited debates about food freedom and federal oversight.

5. Mexico’s GMO Corn Ban
   Mexico’s push to phase out genetically modified corn by 2025 caused trade disputes with the U.S., signaling a stand for biodiversity preservation despite potential economic ramifications.

6. Kenya’s Fake Fertilizer Scandal
   Thousands of Kenyan farmers were sold fake, government-subsidized fertilizer, leading to significant crop failures and a corruption investigation that exposed severe flaws in the system.

These stories highlight the evolving landscape of agriculture and the global tensions between tradition, innovation, and regulation. Whether it’s methane solutions or inheritance taxes, these issues impact not just farmers but all of us who rely on their work to eat, drink, and thrive.

Let’s stay informed and keep the conversations going—because without farmers, we’re all a little lost. See you next week! ✌️

Homesteader Gift Guide for Christmas

• High-quality gardening gloves https://amzn.to/3P7w6ZG

• Sturdy aprons (especially cheeky ones like yours!) https://amzn.to/3ZL1vpP

• Heavy-duty work boots or muck boots https://amzn.to/3P6ZEqa

• Wool socks or thermal clothing www.sukworkwear.com.au/

• Water bottle https://amzn.to/3DCHjPi

• A good-quality pocketknife or multi-tool https://amzn.to/41Iy22p

• Hand tools like a Hori Hori knife, pruning shears, or a weeder https://amzn.to/49PZM74

• A cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven https://amzn.to/4027wj7

• Seed-saving kits https://amzn.to/3Dv58Zy

• Soap-making or candle-making kits https://amzn.to/41RRt97

• A DIY cheese-making kit https://amzn.to/3ZGJf0I

• Fermentation crocks for sauerkraut or kimchi https://amzn.to/41NG5Lo

• Beekeeping starter kits for the adventurous https://amzn.to/4fMosyZ

• Homesteading guides (like your upcoming books!) 

• Cookbooks for preserving or using homegrown produce https://amzn.to/4fwbpkI

• Books on raising chickens, goats, or gardening 

• Journals for garden or homestead planning

• Reusable beeswax wraps https://amzn.to/3DCHlGU

• A dehydrator or canning supplies https://amzn.to/4gINf7I  or  https://amzn.to/4051Ftj

• Hand-crank coffee grinders or grain mills https://amzn.to/4gNCKQx or https://amzn.to/3Dsu57L

• Herb drying racks or spice jars https://amzn.to/4gHdEDz

• Soft, hooded snuggle blankets (like yours!) www.notthefarmerswife.com

• Handmade wool scarves or socks www.lindnersocks.com.au/

• A solar-powered phone charger or lantern https://amzn.to/49XkvWH

• Essential oil diffusers or organic skincare sets https://amzn.to/3DEvI2b

• Seed packets (heirloom or unique varieties) www.edenseeds.com.au/ 

• Mason jar accessories like fermenting lids or drink tops - watch this space.

• Egg cartons or labels for gifting eggs https://amzn.to/49OBQBc

• Handmade soaps or balms https://datadoo.myshopify.com/pages/goat-milk-soap

Ditch the Store Podcast

If you thought chickens were just clucky egg machines, think again! In this episode, CJ dives into the weird and wonderful world of unusual chicken breeds — from fluffy Silkies and curly Frizzles to the jet-black Ayam Cemani and her own beardy Faverolle roosters.

You'll learn:

• Which quirky breeds might suit your homestead

• What to expect when raising them

• Why these “just for fun” chooks might actually have more to offer than you'd think!

Whether you’re looking for colourful eggs, friendly personalities or just want something a bit different in your coop — this one’s for you.

Today’s episode dives into a topic that isn’t for the faint-hearted: dispatching and processing chickens. If this isn’t your cup of tea, no worries—feel free to skip this one. But for those curious about taking full control of their food supply, stick around for practical tips and advice on humane dispatching, plucking, and preparing your chickens for storage.

Links

Apron for dispatching - https://amzn.to/3DjIjYD

Rubber Plucker Fingers - https://amzn.to/3VDmRUN

Kill Cone - https://amzn.to/3VGN44V

Shrink Wrap Bags - https://amzn.to/3OUBy1M

Raising Chickens as a Gateway
Chickens are an accessible starting point for homesteading, offering a path to self-sufficiency and sustainability. Personal stories highlight how raising chickens leads to broader self-sufficient practices.

G'day everyone and welcome to another episode of Not The Farmer's Wife. , recording on my own today. The handy helper has got some chores that he's doing around the farm so I've, , sent him on his way to do those. , but also too we have set up a different background here. As you can see my desk has moved and, , I am now facing a different direction in our lounge room.

We live in a tiny house so, for those that don't know it's literally, we're probably about the size of most people's lounge, living, dining, kitchen areas is our entire house. So we have to be very, conservative with how we set things up. And we've managed to move my desk over into a corner that previously housed a budgie that We no longer have.

And, and so I'm kind of sitting kind of in the corner of the lounge room now. Which is good too because, it's Christmas time and we just set up the Christmas tree. So the Christmas tree was set up where my desk was. So recording again, on video for those listening on podcasts. So hello to anybody on YouTube.

And we're talking today about brooder to tractor. So in that meat process, in that meat. chicken growing process, what we need to be thinking about as far as from brooder to tractor in a bit more detail. And the main point of what you need to be doing is, although that's probably a bad word, the main thing you need to think about is if you are starting to grow meat birds for yourself, growing them from day olds is best.

by far the most efficient and cheapest way to do it. And so to do that, you have to start with having them as day olds in a brooder house. So, I have got a couple of images here. I'm going to try and see if I can share my screen for a second, and show you, and it's just started raining outside, show you.

These are, this is our brooder heat plate that we're actually looking at, stocking these on Amazon, because I have a store on Amazon, and I'm looking at stocking these. I got a hold of these from a guy in China. Everything's made in China, so there's no point trying to get an Australian made one.

But this one is particularly good. I really like it. The heat plate underneath is not the same. I'm not too hot to touch. And I just wanted to show you our kind of brewery to set up and I don't have a long shot of it, but this is probably a good way of looking at it as far as, how we had it set up before we had a heat plants.

So you can see there, there's a big globe lamp that sits over the top of the chickens. We had, Chickens separated by age. So we had some that were different ages. So we had just a timber board between the two Separating them and these feeders the handy helper made these up. These feeders are awesome They're just PVC pipe and he just literally drilled like a door handle kind of drill Yeah, the drill bits you get with the door handle thing He just literally drilled a cutout hole Out of them and the food goes down, we feed, fill it up from the top and it filters down and we just push it along at the bottom and you can see there's three little holes there so the chicks can all know they're not rushed to kind of eat.

They can all eat at their own leisure. And get their head in without putting their feet in, which is a really important thing about a brooder house, you need to make it sure it's clean, and chicks will stand in their own, and they will, they'll stand in their food, they'll kick manure into their food, they'll shit in their food, they'll do all that kind of stuff.

So, that's the other side brooder, which I think they had the heat pad in there. Yeah, they have the heat pad in there and we just have these little water containers and we only use the small water containers because we're checking them every day. I do want to get a drip feed system out there because I think a drip feed system is going to be cleaner.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has proposed significant changes to the U.S. food industry, including banning harmful additives, promoting sustainable farming, and overhauling nutrition guidelines. These changes align closely with homesteading values such as transparency, sustainability, and consumer health. While these reforms could support healthier food systems, their success will depend on public acceptance and successful implementation.

What is SAD?

The Standard American Diet (SAD) is often ironic because it contributes to poor health. Characterized by high processed food consumption, excessive sugar, refined carbs, and a lack of fresh, whole foods, SAD has been linked to chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Here are some of the key issues with the SAD:

High Processed Food Consumption

-SAD is rich in ultra-processed foods, such as fast food, sugary snacks, and packaged meals, high in unhealthy fats and artificial additives.

-Health Impact: These foods lack essential nutrients and promote inflammation, gut issues, and chronic diseases like obesity and heart disease.

Higher Sugar and Refined Carb Intake

- Overview:SAD includes high levels of added sugars and refined carbs, often from sodas, snacks, and baked goods.

- Health Impact: Excess sugar and refined carbs lead to insulin resistance, weight gain, and increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. In contrast, countries like Italy have lower sugar intake and use whole grains, making better blood sugar control.

Lower Fresh Food Consumption

- Overview: SAD offers fewer servings of fresh produce and whole foods, focusing more on processed carbohydrates and high-fat processed foods.

- Health Impact: This leads to nutrient deficiencies, missing out on essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre that help prevent diseases like cancer, heart disease, and digestive issues.

Higher Levels of Artificial Additives

- Overview: SAD foods often contain artificial additives, colourings, and preservatives to extend shelf life and enhance flavour.

- Health Impact: These chemicals, linked to allergic reactions, hyperactivity in children, and long-term health risks like cancer, are less common in countries with stricter food regulations.

The Role of Raw Dairy and Fatty Meat

- Overview: Recent studies show that high-quality raw dairy and fatty meats, especially in ketogenic or real food diets, support metabolic health and can even reverse type 2 diabetes.

- Health Impact: High-fat diets, like keto, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and promote weight loss. Traditional diets that include fatty meats and raw dairy show better health outcomes compared to processed food reliance.

Lack of Food Diversity

- Overview: SAD often lacks food variety, with many people eating similar processed snacks or fast food daily.

- Health Impact: A lack of food diversity means missing out on the health benefits of a variety of nutrients, which are abundant in diets like those in Japan, India, and the Mediterranean.

Emphasis on Convenience and Fast Food

- Overview: Convenience and fast food are major parts of SAD, often due to time constraints, finances, or accessibility.

- Health Impact: Fast food is nutrient-poor, calorie-dense, and high in unhealthy fats and sugars, contributing to rising obesity and health problems. In contrast, countries like Italy prioritize home-cooked meals with fresh ingredients, supporting better long-term health.

Conclusion: Shifting Away from SAD

The SAD is linked to various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. In contrast, diets in other countries emphasize whole foods, smaller portions, and balanced nutrition. Shifting towards a real food diet with less processed food could significantly improve public health. Kennedy's proposed changes to the food industry align with these goals and could foster healthier food systems if successfully implemented, ultimately benefiting the U.S. and potentially countries like Australia.

Podcast Show Notes: Off-Grid Water Systems

Introduction to Off-Grid Water Systems

- Overview of off-grid water systems for homesteads or small farms

- Importance of sustainable water management for self-sufficiency

Annual Water Usage for a Family of 4

- With conservative water use, a family of four can consume between 150,000 to 220,000 litres (40,000 to 58,000 gallons) per year, or 400 to 600 litres per day.

Choosing the Right Water Source

- Rainwater Tanks: Benefits of collecting rainwater from roofs, considerations for tank size and location

- Dams: How to assess land suitability for dam construction

- Bores/Water Wells: Feasibility and costs of drilling a bore (note: groundwater in Australia is often deep—100 to 500 metres)

Designing a Water Collection System

- Sizing tanks based on rainfall and needs

- Proper installation of gutters, downspouts, and first flush diverters

- Site selection for dams and bores based on land slope, water quality, and environmental factors

Tank Maintenance

- Regular cleaning (removal of sediment, algae, etc.)

- Checking for leaks and damage

- Maintaining filters and filtration systems

Pumps and Water Pressure

- Types of pumps (submersible vs. surface, solar vs. electric)

- How to choose the right pump

- Troubleshooting pump issues

- Importance of maintaining pressure tanks for consistent water flow

Water Quality and Safety

- Water Testing: Test for pH, contaminants, and bacteria

- Ideal pH range for drinking water: 6.5 - 8.5

- Common contaminants: Heavy metals (lead, arsenic), chemicals (pesticides, herbicides), sediment, and salts

- Common waterborne pathogens: E. coli, Giardia, Cryptosporidium

- Purification Methods: Filtration, UV sterilisation, chemicals (chlorine), boiling

Using Water from Dams

- Managing low water levels and ensuring dam water quality

- Handling silt and debris accumulation

- Preventing water contamination in dams

Water Conservation Tips

- Reduce water waste with efficient systems

- Use greywater for irrigation

- Maximise rainwater harvesting for better yield

Legal and Environmental Considerations

- Understand local regulations for water use, bore drilling, and dam construction

- Impact of water use on the environment and maintaining sustainable water sources

Troubleshooting and Common Problems

- Emergency solutions if your water source is compromised

- Backup water plan for dry spells or emergencies

Costs and Budgeting for Off-Grid Water Systems

- Initial setup costs (tanks, pumps, bore drilling, dam construction)

- Ongoing maintenance and repair costs to expect

This episode offers a comprehensive guide to off-grid water systems, focusing on sourcing, maintaining, and purifying water while keeping sustainability and legal concerns in mind. We also discuss water conservation tips and emergency preparedness to ensure reliable water access for your homestead.

Hospital Food 

Is it making you sick.

While many hospitals are beginning to recognise the importance of providing nutritious food to support patient recovery, the transition away from processed options like bread and cereals can be complex. Increased advocacy for better food quality, education around nutrition, and the adoption of innovative food service practices can help facilitate this change over time.

Great Podcast - https://www.rlmedicine.com/real-health-and-weight-loss-podcast-2022

Dr Gary Fettke Story - https://isupportgary.com/

Farmers vs Supermarkets 

Why You Should Shop Direct

The relationship between farmers and supermarkets is often unbalanced, with large retail chains exerting immense pressure on farmers to lower their prices. While this benefits the supermarkets and consumers who seek the lowest possible prices, it often comes at the expense of the farmers’ livelihoods. In this post, we explore how farmers are being squeezed by supermarkets and why supporting local farmers or shopping at farmers' markets is a better choice for you and your community.

Farmwashing

Farmwashing is a marketing tactic used by large food companies, supermarkets, or brands to create the perception that their products are sourced directly from small, local, or family-owned farms, even when this is not the case. Essentially, it’s a form of greenwashing where companies exploit consumers' trust and preferences for locally sourced, sustainable, or ethically produced food. 

The Imbalance of Power

Low Prices and Price Pressure

Supermarkets use their buying power to demand rock-bottom prices from farmers. With their large networks and vast resources, they negotiate prices that are often too low for farmers to cover their costs. This leaves many farmers with slim profit margins, or in some cases, none at all. This practice doesn’t reflect the time, labour, and investment that go into growing the produce, leaving farmers struggling financially.

Delayed Payments

Another tactic supermarkets use is delaying payments. It’s not uncommon for supermarkets to take weeks, or even months, to pay farmers for their produce. This might not be a problem for large corporations, but for small farmers who need immediate cash flow to cover expenses and reinvest in their operations, these delays can be disastrous.

Rejecting Produce Over Cosmetic Standards

Supermarkets enforce strict cosmetic standards on fruit and vegetables, rejecting perfectly good produce if it doesn’t meet their appearance criteria. This includes minor flaws like size, shape, or colour. As a result, farmers are left with large quantities of unsellable goods, leading to waste and financial loss. Consumers rarely get to see the variety and natural imperfections of produce, which is something farmers' markets embrace.

The Unfair Practices of Supermarkets

Pitting Farmers Against One Another

Supermarkets often pit farmers against one another to secure the cheapest possible contract. By encouraging competition among farmers, they can drive down the prices they pay for produce. Farmers are aware that if they don’t meet the supermarket’s demands, their contract could go to a competitor who is willing to accept a lower price. This constant pressure to undercut one another weakens farmers’ bargaining power and forces many to accept prices that barely cover their production costs.

Short-Term Contracts and Switching Suppliers

Supermarkets also use short-term contracts to keep farmers on edge. With no guarantee of renewal, farmers face uncertainty, which forces them to lower their prices to maintain their contracts. Additionally, supermarkets threaten to switch suppliers, often looking to cheaper international markets with lower production costs. This tactic forces local farmers to cut prices even further, making it harder for them to sustain their businesses.

Burdening Farmers with Marketing Costs

While supermarkets push promotional costs onto farmers, the farmers bear the brunt of this burden. Supermarkets might run a sale or promotion on certain produce, but the cost of these discounts often comes out of the farmer’s pocket, not the supermarket’s. In other words, the farmer has to absorb the cost of making the supermarket look good to consumers.

Why You Should Support Farmers Directly

Shop at Farmers' Markets

Farmers' markets allow farmers to sell directly to consumers without the interference of middlemen like supermarkets. This means that the money you spend goes directly to the farmer, allowing them to earn a fair price for their produce. You’re also more likely to find a wider variety of produce, including fruits and vegetables that don’t meet supermarkets’ cosmetic standards but are still perfectly fresh and delicious.

Support Local Agriculture

When you shop locally, you’re not only supporting farmers but also helping to strengthen your local economy. Money spent at farmers' markets or directly with farmers tends to stay in the community, contributing to local businesses and services. Supporting local agriculture reduces food miles, minimises the carbon footprint, and ensures that your food is fresher and more sustainable.

Get Fresher, Healthier Produce

Produce sold at farmers' markets is often picked at the peak of freshness, sometimes even the same day it’s sold. This means you get fresher, tastier, and more nutritious food than what you’d typically find in a supermarket, where produce can sit in storage for days or weeks before reaching the shelves.

Conclusion

The relationship between farmers and supermarkets is heavily skewed in favour of the big retail chains, leaving many farmers struggling to make ends meet. From unfair pricing tactics to rejecting perfectly good produce, supermarkets exploit farmers in a race to maximise profits. By shopping directly from farmers or at local farmers' markets, you can help ensure that farmers get a fair price for their hard work while also enjoying fresher, healthier food for your family.

So next time you’re thinking about where to buy your groceries, consider making the switch to your local farmers' market—you’ll be making a difference for both farmers and the planet.

G'day everyone and welcome to another episode of Not The Farmer's Wife, Episode 86 this week. And we're talking all about self-sufficiency and we're also trialing something new. I've got the handy helper here with me. Say Hello. Hello. I'm here today because it's pouring rain outside and I don't want to do any work.

It's been actually really raining quite hard here at the moment, which is a good thing because we have, as you would know if you're a regular listener, we have a hundred and ten thousand litre water tank that feeds our house that We're not on mains water. So without the rain, we're screwed.

So we like having rain a bit, but also too, we've had a fairly dry winter. I think that would be fair to say. Yeah, it has been pretty dry. We've had a fairly dry winter. And so having the rain coming now is fantastic for the grass because we're going to have a big deal Blossom of grass growing. Of course that means we have to monitor little baby goats for not getting sore tummies.

I wanted it to rain today, so I mowed the grass yesterday. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So that's always the way. Usually,, when you wash your car, it rains. Yeah. No, hang on. The council graded the road. So of course it's going to rain. Anyway, we're also trialing something new this week. We're recording under a different format and we're video recording as well.

The handy help is a bit nervous because He's worried about how he looks on video. This doesn't look good on video. But if it turns out okay, and I don't know that it will, but if it turns out okay, we're going to start posting our videos to YouTube as well because we will start posting a few more videos to YouTube about how we do things around the farm.

A lot of people have asked us to actually show, not just talk about what we do. So that's a good thing. Now. I also want to do a bit of a shout out quickly before we start talking to my first ever review on the podcast, a little bit exciting. We're over, we're like, 2250 downloads, I think now, and we've never had a review and I do ask for it in the outro, but if you are so inclined, I would love to have you go along and do a review on what you think about our podcast.

It's a great way for other listeners to 📍 get shown the podcast as an option. If there's more reviews on there, it gets shown to more people. That's just the way the algorithms work. Anyway, shout out to Courtney. Thank you very much for leaving a review. I'm super stoked. You might be not in a situation to homestead at the moment, but like I said to you, the main thing is that you're starting.

Yeah. Start small. Don't, and that's what we're talking about today is the guide to self sufficiency for families and how to get moving with that. Because, and we discussed it before we started recording. There's no point going from. An urban townhouse to 500 acres and thinking that you can just switch your lifestyle over.

Boy, are you in for a shock. Yeah. And yeah, the handy helper can probably speak to it more, more than me even, because I grew up in a farm kind of lifestyle as a teenager. So I had some understanding of what I was walking into, but you came from never having been on a Did you? You'd never really been a veggie gardener. Your mum and dad used to grow a little bit of veggies in the background, backyard, didn't they? But they weren't big on it. Not big on it. No. And they certainly I can't see your mum making sourdough. No. No. I don't think she eats that much bread anyway. No. But as far as milking goats and keeping chalks and things like that, you really, you walked into it completely blind, didn't you?

Oh, I did. Yeah, 100%. I had a rough idea, but just, yeah, I wanted it. That was the thing I wanted it. Yeah. But you'd not done it. And this is the hard bit for people starting out with homesteading. Sometimes they, there's so many options. There's so many things you can do that you don't know where to start.

And I probably don't help in that. Since, cause I am one of those people that does have 15 bulls in the air at the same time. And I've just made a I've just refreshed, I've just refreshed my sourdough. So my mother for my sourdough, so that I can make another loaf of bread. This morning we milked, I need to make some cheese because we've inundated, it's milking season and we've got so much milk.

We can't drink it all. So it's time to make cheese. And at the same time, I'm trying to get, seedlings in for the veggie garden. Yeah, there's lots and I'm trying to find new girls for our Brahma roosters. Roosters. So yeah, I, I probably don't help in the sense that I do have 15 balls in the air and I am trying to do everything.

And that's great for me because I'm, some chores I'm so good at I could do in my sleep. Others, I'm still learning too, like everybody else. It's a continual learning path. The worst thing I think I can ever hear from you is, I've got an idea. Oh my God, here we go. That would be good.

The handy helper hates it. I want to do, a friend of mine, shout out to Dave and his wife, who live in Yass. A friend of mine, and I remember seeing it in their house once, and it was the best idea ever. They had painted blackboard paint down a, like a pillar, like a wall in their house, and they had a little chalkboard, like a little You know, duster and some chalk.

And every time one of them thought of an idea that they had to do on their farm, they just wrote it on the chalkboard, like a continual list. And things would just get wiped off the chalkboard as they were done and added as they were thought of. I'd be constantly walking past it.

It's not nice to any helper. Anyway, let's get chatting because I don't want to go over on this one. I feel like we go over all the time when you and I are chatting because we get Because we're both talkers, so it doesn't help. Self sufficiency for families. Easy tips to start. On your journey.

Okay, and I guess the biggest thing is Start small and just chip away and little things that you find easy to do or things that really interest you because Everything if you're really interested in it, you'll probably put more effort into it So if you have always dreamt of being a gardener then start cutting Growing some plants now.

And if you're in a, if you're in a townhouse or a home, a rental, or yeah, somewhere where you can't really dig up the backyard then do it in containers. We still have plants that we have in pots that we'll never put in the ground. Go to your local Bunnings. They've got excess pots, plastic pots.

They've usually got a big trolley full of them. But they don't give them away. You've got Yeah, they do. They give them away. Really? Yeah. Cause otherwise so get some containers, start and start with things like herbs. Herbs are so easy to grow and you will use them in your cooking. Grow a tomato plant.

Yeah. Cherry tomatoes, the little cherry tomatoes are the best ones to grow straight up because they grow really quick, they ripen really quick, and oh my god, my kids, we never get to use them in the kitchen because when I have cherry tomatoes growing out in the veggie garden, if the kids walk out there, they will just stand next to the plant and pull the cherry tomatoes off and eat them straight up.

Grow a tomato in a pot. Yes. Yeah. Cause if you put it in the ground, you'll have tomatoes grow in that same spot for the next 50 years. We have that current problem at the moment with potatoes, don't we? We moved our potato. We had a big potato bed and we moved it because it was deteriorating. I think when you started moving it.

It was in the way of something else that was a bigger plan for you. So we moved it. Yeah. Cause I'm looking to start a market garden, like a proper market garden. I've got a great idea, honey. We can start a market. Because, we have the land here to grow stuff. So worth it looking at doing it. But so start small, start in containers if you have to.

If you own your backyard, then do it. Why have grass that you've got to mow and look after? I know how much you love mowing grass. Yeah, fantastic. I spent four hours doing it yesterday. So get rid of the grass and grow something that you'll use. If it's your property, if you own it and you are well within your legal rights to dig up the grass in the backyard, get rid of the grass, put a veggie garden in.

But then inside, if you like, just say you're in a townhouse and you don't have the space to do things like that in the backyard, or maybe. The idea of gardening freaks you out because that is a step. That you're just not ready for yet, then start inside now, things like canning and preserving. You don't need to be growing your own vegetables to do this.

When I started doing it, I actually wasn't growing that much. And do you remember a Christmas at Gunning and somebody on a noticeable page, like on one of the local Facebook pages said somebody's coming through from Young, which is a big cherry growing area in Australia. And New South Wales and somebody posted and said somebody's coming through from young.

They've got excess cherries If anybody wants to buy two kilos, they've got them in two kilo bags only. So It was five kilos it was a huge bag if They were only selling them in five kilo bags But at a discounted rate and the rate was like at that point, I think cherries were like 20 or 30 a kilo because it was leading up to Christmas and that's when they're more expensive.

And I got them for 10 a kilo. I think it was like 50 bucks for this five kilo bag. And they were beautiful cherries. There was nothing wrong with them. They were not old. They were not seconds. They were not smashed or crushed or anything like that. I canned cherries and I made cherry jam and then I used cherries for all of our Christmas stuff coming up as well.

So I used the whole five kilos canning, preserving and cooking but got them super, super cheap, but I didn't grow them. We didn't have a cherry tree. We have a cherry tree now that doesn't produce anything. Cause I don't know what's going on with it, but yeah but go to the local markets.

I always, when find going to the markets last thing on a Sunday afternoon. If there are a Saturday, Sunday market, food market, if you go last thing on a Sunday afternoon and walk around the fruit and veg stores, you will find people marking down. They will do up bags of things, and sell them really cheap.

And that's a great way to start canning or preserving because you don't have to grow the produce yourself, but it's just that practice of through preserving it and canning it. The other thing is bread. Which, I make sour, I'm not a big bread eater here because grains don't agree with me, but my children obviously still eat bread.

And, but what I've found is when I feed them sourdough bread, it's much better for their stomachs as well. And the head helps the same, you prefer the sourdough don't you? Yeah, it's good. commercially made bread. And yeah, that's a great way to start is doing just a small loaf of bread and you don't have to do a massive big round loaf.

Sourdough doesn't keep and it doesn't keep because it doesn't have preservatives all through it. So just make a small loaf every day or every other day, depending on what your family's needs are. That's something that you can start with without any problems at all. Cheesemaking. If you're interested in cheesemaking, you don't have to have milking goats or milking cows to do cheesemaking.

You can go and buy. milk from somebody and depending on where you live in the U S you guys are so lucky because you can buy raw milk in Australia. We are legally only allowed to buy goat's milk raw. But yeah even non homogenized milk that you can get in the commercial shops. You can use that for making cheese.

I've seen a guy, there was a guy that I was looking at cause and we'll talk about resources in a sec, but there's a guy on YouTube who does. Cheese making and he was using UHT milk. Now I can't even drink UHT milk. It upsets my stomach. The whole family struggles with UHT milk. But during the non milking times, because we live out of town, there's been times when we have bought UHT milk because we need shelf stable milk.

And he makes cheese out of it. I can't think of anything worse, but that's, now the next thing we want to talk about and you'll talk about a bit handy helper, but DIY essentials frugal living. People need to stop thinking of frugal living is cheap. Frugal living is not cheap. Frugal living is not spending thing, money on things that aren't worth spending the money on.

So don't get me wrong, any helper knows when I need a new bra, I go to the bra shop and I am paying 60 or 70 for a bra because I want one that's comfortable and that I am going to wear without complaining. When I go to buy commercial bread for the kids, I am buying the cheapest one on the shelf.

Like I, it's crap anyway, like all of it's crap anyway. So why would I spend? 5 on a loaf when I can spend 1. 25 on a loaf and all they're going to do is make a sandwich for school out of it anyway. So why would I spend the extra? Still fresh bread, bit of white under them. To me, the bread is not worth the extra.

I would rather spend the extra on making my sourdough and and feed them that. But if they're eating commercially made bread, I'm going to buy the cheapest one. Because it's really not worth it to me to spend the extra money on some special bread. Now the same goes for cleaning supplies and things like that.

We use. I've, and I've just gone back to using it full time a lot of vinegar and a lot of bicarb soda in my cleaning products because it's cheaper and I can make it up as I need it. And I don't have to go to the supermarket. I can buy, like I bought, I think it was a five kilo bag from Costco as a bicarb.

And the vinegar came in a four pack. four pack of four liter. Yeah. Vinegar. So we've still got, we've still got eight liters out there that we haven't even touched yet. And it was cheap. It was actually cheap. Now in the past I have actually made vinegar. I think, do you remember at Gunning? Yeah, we used to half, half bottle it and put water in and leave it sit for three months and it turns into vinegar.

So even if you want to go that frugal, you can with what the prices are at Costco at the moment. I haven't bothered because It's cheap as buggery anyway. So I've just been buying it straight. But yeah, vinegar and bicarb soda for cleaning. Now, DIY stuff. I'll let you talk about because you are the DIY king when it comes to recycling things, aren't you?

I love it. I hate spending money on anything. So what are your best tips for people when they're first starting out? Especially with gardens, like I mentioned bef

Beginner Homesteading: How to Start Your Journey

Easy First Steps for Beginner Homesteaders

Start Small and Simple  

Begin with small projects that fit your current lifestyle, such as growing herbs, composting kitchen scraps, or raising a few backyard chickens. These manageable steps will build your confidence.

Understand Your "Why"  

Define why you want to homestead. Is it for healthier food, self-sufficiency, or a deeper connection to nature? Knowing your motivation keeps you focused and helps with long-term planning.

Research and Plan  

Find reliable sources of information to guide your journey. Books, online forums, and local workshops can help you learn about gardening, raising animals, or preserving food.

Making Simple Lifestyle Changes for Homesteading

Reduce Your Reliance on Stores  

Begin by shifting from store-bought products to homemade alternatives, like baking bread or canning your own produce. This mindset change can ease your transition.

Incorporate Self-Sufficiency Slowly  

Gradually replace store-bought items with homegrown ones. This might be eggs from your own chickens, homegrown veggies, or even homemade soap.

Prioritise Sustainability  

Use energy-efficient practices such as rainwater harvesting, solar power, or composting, even in suburban settings, to ease the transition toward more sustainable living.

How to Get Your Family on Board and Handle Overwhelm

Engage Your Family in the Process  

Get your family involved in homesteading decisions. Start with fun and easy tasks, such as gardening or raising chickens, so everyone can feel part of the adventure.

Manage Overwhelm  

Homesteading can feel overwhelming at times. Break large tasks into smaller, manageable goals, and celebrate each small success to keep motivated.

Time Management Tips  

Balancing homesteading with your current lifestyle can be tricky. Set aside specific times for homestead work, and remember it's okay to take things slow.

Got questions about chicken coops? You’re not alone — and you’re in the right place.
In this episode, CJ tackles the most common questions she hears from new and seasoned chook-keepers alike. Whether you’ve already got hens or are still in planning mode, you’ll get clear, no-fluff answers to the coop conundrums we all face.

We cover:

• How much space your chickens actually need

• Whether you can keep hens in a suburban backyard

• How to stop your coop from smelling

• If you really need a rooster

• The best coop floor options

• Predator-proofing musts

• And whether chickens need to free-range every day

It’s like a cuppa with your chicken-savvy mate — plus a few lessons learned the hard way at Mojo Homestead.

Buying Rural Land

If you’re dreaming of a self-sustainable lifestyle and planning to buy rural land for a homestead or small farm, you’re not alone. First-time rural buyers often feel excited yet overwhelmed by the process, especially if they've never lived outside a city or suburban area before. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to consider when buying rural land, covering everything from finances to essential infrastructure and farming needs.

Understanding the Financial Side of Buying Land

Planning Your Budget for Rural Living

Buying rural land comes with both upfront and ongoing expenses that first-time buyers should be aware of. Beyond the purchase price of the land, you’ll need to account for additional costs like fees, property taxes, and maintenance. 

It’s also essential to plan for unexpected expenses such as fencing repairs, road upkeep, and infrastructure improvements, which are common when transitioning to a rural lifestyle. Make sure you have a clear budget covering not only the land's cost but also these long-term needs.

Financing Your Purchase: Rural Loans and Programs

Fortunately, several financing options in many countries, including the USA, Australia, and the UK, can help first-time rural buyers.

- In Australia, various government programs aim to support rural and regional buyers. The Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee, for instance, can help with securing a property in a rural or regional area. Additionally, many banks and lenders offer loans tailored to agricultural purchases or lifestyle properties, allowing for flexibility based on land use.

- The USDA loan program is a popular choice for those purchasing rural property in the USA. It offers low interest rates and often requires little to no down payment, making it accessible to first-time buyers. Additionally, traditional mortgage lenders may offer specialised loans for agricultural land or rural homes. Some areas also provide grants or incentives to encourage rural development.

- In the UK, rural land buyers may look into agricultural mortgages, which are specifically designed for purchasing farmland. These are available through many banks and specialised lenders. The government also offers grants and subsidies, such as the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), for those looking to buy land for agricultural purposes. Various regional schemes are available to encourage investment in rural areas, particularly for those who plan to use the land for farming or conservation.

When considering your financing options, it’s essential to compare interest rates, terms, and any regional programs that could provide additional support. In each country, loans and grants are available that can make buying rural land more accessible to first-time homesteaders.

Evaluating Land for Investment Potential

When choosing rural land, it's important to consider its long-term value. Land near growing communities or with desirable natural resources (like water access) may increase in value over time. 

Additionally, think about the land's potential for farming or other income-generating activities. Good soil, accessibility, and space for livestock or crops can make the land a sound investment for your homesteading plans.

Is there road frontage for a roadside farm shop? Close to farmers markets?

Infrastructure Essentials for New Landowners

Checking Road Access and Transportation Needs

One of the first things to check when buying rural land is whether it has reliable road access. You’ll need year-round access to get supplies, equipment, and visitors in and out of your property. 

If the road leading to your land is private or poorly maintained, you may end up responsible for its upkeep. In areas prone to heavy rains or snow, this can become a costly and labour-intensive task.

Securing Water and Power

Water is crucial for both personal and farming needs. Make sure the land has a reliable water source, whether it’s a well, a natural water body, or municipal water access. Check the quality of water and whether there are any restrictions on its use. For power, consider the availability of grid electricity, or if you’re looking for a more sustainable option, explore solar or wind power systems. 

In rural areas, going off-grid can be a practical and cost-effective solution.

Waste Management and Sanitation Systems

Rural properties often lack access to municipal sewer systems, so you’ll need to plan for waste management. Most rural homes use septic systems, which must be properly installed and maintained. Alternatively, some homesteaders opt for eco-friendly composting toilets. 

Check rubbish removal services for the area also.

Either way, make sure your waste management system complies with local regulations and is suitable for your needs.

Evaluating the Land for Homesteading and Farming

Soil Testing and Land Usability

If you plan to grow crops or raise animals, soil quality is key. Have the soil tested to determine if it’s suitable for farming? Look for nutrient-rich soil that drains well and isn’t too rocky or sandy. The layout of the land also matters—flat or gently sloping land is usually better for market gardens however grazing is suitable for hilly or uneven terrain.

Fencing and Property Lines

Fencing is essential for protecting your crops and livestock, so assess the condition of any existing fences and the cost of installing new ones. You should also ensure property boundaries are clearly marked to avoid disputes with neighbours. Proper fencing will safeguard your animals and define your homestead’s borders, making it a crucial part of your investment.

Researching Area Laws and Restrictions

Before purchasing rural land, investigate local zoning laws, building permits, and regulations. Some areas may have restrictions on the types of structures you can build, the number of animals you can keep, or how you can use the land. Ensure the property’s zoning aligns with your homesteading goals, whether that’s farming, raising livestock, or running a small business.

Buying rural land can be a rewarding step towards a self-sufficient lifestyle, but careful planning is essential. By understanding the financial commitments, ensuring access to necessary infrastructure, and evaluating the land’s suitability for homesteading, you’ll be well on your way to creating the rural life you’ve always dreamed of.

Introduction  Episode 83

Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) play a crucial role on small farms and homesteads by protecting valuable livestock from predators. In this episode, we’ll break down the essentials of LGDs for beginners—everything from choosing the right breed to caring for your new farm guardian. Whether you're worried about foxes, hawks, or stray dogs, LGDs can be your first line of defence.

What Are Livestock Guardian Dogs?  

LGDs are a specific group of dogs bred for centuries to live with and protect livestock from predators. Unlike herding dogs, which move livestock, LGDs are bred to defend the animals they live with. They instinctively bond with the flock and see it as their responsibility to keep them safe, often through patrolling, barking, and sometimes direct confrontation with predators. 

Popular LGD Breeds for Small Homesteads  

Some of the most popular LGD breeds include the Great Pyrenees, Anatolian Shepherd, and Maremma Sheepdog. There are about 45 different types. 

Each breed has its strengths: 

the Great Pyrenees is gentle and patient with livestock, 

the Anatolian Shepherd has the stamina for large properties, 

the Maremma is known for its quiet but effective guarding, especially for poultry. 

The Maremma has a solid, muscular build, a thick white coat, a large head and a black nose. Dogs weigh some 35–45 kg and stand 65–73 cm at the shoulder, while bitches weigh 30–40 kg and stand 60–68 cm. Some dogs may be considerably larger. The coat is long and thick; it is rough to the touch, and forms a thick collar around the neck. It should be solid white; some minor yellowing may be tolerated. The nose, the lips and the skin round the eyes are black.

Understanding each breed's personality and working style is key to picking the right one for your needs.

Choosing the Right Dog for Your Farm  

When selecting an LGD, consider your farm size, the type of livestock you need to protect, and the predators in your area. For example, a larger breed like the Kangal may be better for properties with large predators, while a Maremma might excel in guarding smaller poultry flocks. Also, consider your ability to train and maintain the dog—some breeds are more independent, while others need a bit more guidance.

Training an LGD  

Training LGDs is a slow but rewarding process that usually takes 12 months. Puppy training starts with bonding the dog to the livestock it will protect, with minimal human interaction during work hours to keep its focus on the animals. Avoid treating the LGD like a pet, and instead focus on teaching it boundaries and to patrol its territory. Remember, patience is key, as these dogs naturally grow into their roles over time.

Housing and Containment for LGDs  

LGDs need space to roam, but they should be contained in a secure, fenced area to keep them close to the animals they protect. Fencing not only keeps the LGD with the livestock but also helps prevent the dog from wandering too far, which is a common issue. While they don’t need elaborate housing, providing a basic shelter from the elements is essential, especially in extreme weather.

Feeding and Nutrition  

An LGD’s diet is vital to maintaining its strength and stamina for guarding livestock. High-quality meat or kibble designed for working dogs or a raw diet can be considered, depending on your preferences. LGDs have a slower metabolism, so overfeeding can lead to weight issues, which can affect their ability to guard effectively. Make sure fresh water is always available, especially in hotter climates, and keep an eye on their weight and energy levels.

Maintenance and Health Care  

Just like any other dog, LGDs need regular vet care, including vaccinations, parasite control, and grooming. Many of these breeds have thick coats that need brushing to avoid matting and to keep them comfortable. Hip dysplasia and other joint issues are common in larger breeds, so regular checkups are important. Staying on top of your LGD's health will keep them in peak condition for their demanding job.

How LGDs Protect Poultry and Small Livestock  

LGDs have instinctual behaviors that make them effective at protecting smaller livestock. They patrol their territory, bark at threats, and even create scent boundaries to ward off predators. When it comes to poultry, some LGDs, like the Maremma, excel at keeping aerial predators like hawks away by constantly watching the sky. LGDs fit well into a broader farm protection system and work alongside secure fencing and coops.

Do LGDs Make Good Pets?  

Although LGDs can form strong bonds with their owners, they are primarily working dogs. It’s important to strike a balance between providing affection and allowing them to remain focused on their guarding duties. Oversocializing an LGD with humans can diminish its instincts to protect livestock, so it’s important to remember they are not traditional pets. They thrive on respect, trust, and a clear purpose.

Is an LGD Right for Your Homestead?  

Bringing an LGD onto your farm is a serious commitment. It takes time, patience, and resources to train and care for these dogs, but they can provide immense value by keeping your livestock safe. If you have persistent predator problems or are simply looking for peace of mind, an LGD may be the perfect solution. Weigh the pros and cons carefully to decide if you’re ready for the responsibility of owning a livestock guardian.

Closing Thoughts  

Livestock Guardian Dogs can be an invaluable asset for homesteaders and small farmers, but they require a unique approach to training and care. Take the time to research, connect with experienced LGD owners, and plan for the longterm commitment. Thank you for joining us for this introduction to LGDs—be sure to explore more homesteading tips and resources in our next episode.

Milking Goats for Homesteaders 

Earlier episode - Why Drink Raw Milk

https://www.mojohomestead.net/podcasts/not-the-farmers-wife-2/episodes/2148160617

1. Introduction 

   - Brief welcome and introduction of the podcast.

   - Share a personal story or common experience of homesteading families considering goats.

   - Overview of the podcast: focusing on milking goats in Australia and the USA, why goats are great for small-acreage farmers, and the benefits of raw goat milk (health, sustainability, and self-sufficiency).

1. Choosing the Right Goat Breed for Milking 

   - Overview of popular milk goat breeds (Nubian, Saanen, Alpine, LaMancha, Nigerian Dwarf).

   - Discussion on breed adaptability to climates in Australia and the USA.

   - Key factors to consider: milk yield, temperament, and care requirements.

1. Goat Milking Basics 

   - Step-by-step guide to milking a goat:

     - Preparing the goat: hygiene and comfort.

     - Setting up the milking station: space, equipment (milking stand, pail, filters).

     - Hand-milking technique: how to grip, the rhythm, and troubleshooting common issues.

     - Alternative methods: milking machines for small farms.

   - The importance of maintaining a milking routine for both the goat and milk quality.

1. Health and Hygiene for Milking Goats 

   - Tips for goat health: feeding, vitamins, and keeping the goat’s udder healthy.

   - Hygiene practices for safe raw milk: udder cleaning, equipment sterilization, and storage methods.

   - Discussing raw milk regulations in Australia and the USA, and ensuring family safety.

1. Making the Most of Your Goat’s Milk 

   - Ideas for using fresh milk: drinking, cheese making, yogurt, butter, and soap.

   - Easy cheese-making tips for beginners: soft cheese and basic yogurt recipe.

   - Storing and preserving milk products.

1. Common Challenges and Solutions 

   - Addressing issues like low milk production, milking anxiety (both for you and the goat), and common health problems (mastitis, udder infections).

   - How to recognise signs of discomfort in goats and ensure their well-being.

Goat Breeds for Homesteaders

 Introduction

- Why Goats?  

  - Goats are versatile animals that can provide meat, milk, and fibre.

  - They are relatively low-maintenance and adaptable, making them a popular choice for homesteaders.

  - Overview of the three main categories of goat breeds: meat, milk, and fibre.

Meat Goat Breeds

   - Purpose: Raised primarily for their meat, these breeds are typically hardy and efficient converters of feed into body mass.

1. Boer (bow-uh or bor)

   - Pros:

     - Fast-growing, large, and heavy-muscled.

     - High-quality meat production.

     - Easy to manage and generally docile.

     - Good feed-to-meat conversion rate.

   - Cons:

     - Can be prone to health issues if not well-managed (e.g., parasites).

     - More expensive initial purchase cost.

     - Requires good fencing due to their strength and curiosity.

1. Kiko (kee-ko)

   - Pros:

     - Extremely hardy and low-maintenance.

     - Resistant to parasites and diseases.

     - Good foragers, can thrive on rough terrain.

   - Cons:

     - Slower growth compared to Boer goats.

     - Meat yield may be lower in comparison to larger breeds.

     - Can be more independent, which may be challenging for beginners.

1. Rangeland

   - Pros:

     - Highly adaptable and resilient to harsh environments.

     - Low maintenance with excellent foraging ability.

     - Can thrive in extensive, low-input systems, ideal for beginner homesteaders.

   - Cons:

     - Generally smaller than Boer or Kiko, so less meat yield.

     - Can be wilder in temperament and harder to manage in confined spaces.

     - May require more time to acclimate to different climates.

Milk Goat Breeds

   - Purpose: Primarily kept for their high milk production, with some breeds also having dual-purpose qualities.

1. British Alpine

   - Pros:

     - Excellent milk production.

     - Hardy and adaptable to different climates.

     - Good for mixed-flock operations.

   - Cons:

     - Lower butterfat content compared to other dairy breeds.

     - Can be more independent and aloof.

     - More attention may be required to their nutrition for optimal milk production.

1. Saanen

   - Pros:

     - One of the highest milk producers.

     - Calm and gentle demeanor.

     - Good choice for family farms due to their obedience.

   - Cons:

     - Milk has a lower butterfat content.

     - Sensitive to heat, so may require additional cooling in hot climates.

     - Large size can be intimidating for beginners.

Fibre Goat Breeds

   - Purpose: These goats are primarily raised for their fibre, which can be used to produce high-quality wool or cashmere.

1. Angora

   - Pros:

     - Produces high-quality mohair fibre.

     - Mohair is valuable and in demand.

     - Can be dual-purpose for both fibre and meat.

   - Cons:

     - High maintenance: Require regular shearing and more grooming than other breeds.

     - Susceptible to parasites, so health management is key.

     - Not as hardy as other breeds, more prone to illness in harsh climates.

1. Cashmere

   - Pros:

     - Produces luxury cashmere fibre.

     - Hardy and adaptable to different environments.

     - Typically less maintenance than Angoras.

   - Cons:

     - Fiber yield is lower per goat compared to Angoras.

     - Cashmere goats can be more independent and less docile.

     - Need specialised knowledge to harvest and process cashmere properly.

 Dual-Purpose Goat Breeds

   - Purpose: Some breeds can provide both meat and milk, offering versatility for homesteaders.

1. Anglo-Nubian

   - Pros:

     - High butterfat content in milk (great for cheese and cream).

     - Dual-purpose: Can also provide meat.

     - Friendly and social personality.

   - Cons:

     - Loud and vocal, which may be a concern for neighbours.

     - Prone to health issues in wet or cold climates.

     - Require good fencing, as they can be escape artists.

1. Toggenburg

   - Pros:

     - Good milk production with decent butterfat content.

     - Adaptable and hardy in various climates.

   - Cons:

     - Milk production is lower than top milk breeds.

     - Can be more aloof than other dairy breeds.

     - Not as large as Boer or Kiko for meat production.

1. Nigerian Dwarf

   - Pros:

     - Excellent milk for its size, with high butterfat content.

     - Small, manageable size for beginners.

     - Friendly, easygoing personality.

   - Cons:

     - Lower milk yield due to small size.

     - Not suitable for large meat production.

     - Can be escape artists if fencing isn’t secure.

 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Goat Breed

   - Homestead Goals: Do you want milk, meat, fibre, or a combination of these?

   - Climate: Some breeds are more suited to hot or cold climates.

   - Space Available: Larger breeds need more room to roam.

   - Experience Level: Some breeds are better for beginners, while others require more hands-on care.

   - Budget: Consider initial costs, as well as long-term care and maintenance.

 Conclusion

- Balancing Needs with Practicality: Encourage new homesteaders to evaluate their needs and goals before choosing a goat breed.

- Starting Small: For first-timers, starting with a dual-purpose or easy-to-manage breed may be the best choice.

- Continued Learning: Keeping goats is a rewarding experience that requires ongoing care, learning, and patience.

The Doe Code

Episode 80

"The Doe Code" is a lighthearted and humorous interpretation of the behaviours exhibited by goats, particularly mother goats, as they approach labour and delivery. Although it's not an official or scientific guide, it provides an amusing take on the quirks and unpredictabilities of goats during this time.

Many goat owners believe that this secret code is passed down from nanny to doe daughter and is strictly adhered to no matter how good the relationship with their humans is. 

Unlike other domestic farm animals, goats thrive when they are causing confusion and hassle to their humans. They are much smarter than you realise and will do exactly as they please! They cannot be tamed as some other farm animals.

The Doe Code

1- No kid shall be born until total chaos has been reached by all involved. Your owner's house must be a wreck, their family hungry and desperate for clean clothes, and their social life nonexistent.

2- "Midwives" must reach the babbling fool status before you kid out. Bloodshot eyes, tangled hair and the inability to form a sentence mean the time is getting close.

3- For every bell, beeper, camera or whistle they attach to you, kidding must be delayed by at least one day for each item. If they use an audio monitor, one good yell per hour will keep things interesting.

4- If you hear the words, "She's nowhere near ready. She'll be fine while we're away for the weekend," Wait until they load the car, then begin pushing!

5- Owner stress must be at an all-time high! If you are in the care of someone else, ten to fifteen phone calls a day is a sign you're getting close.

6- When you hear the words "I can't take it anymore!" wait at least three more days.

7 -You must keep this waiting game interesting. False alarms are mandatory! Little teasers such as looking at your stomach, pushing your food around in the bucket and then walking away from it, and nesting, are always good for a rise. Be creative and find new things to do to keep the adrenaline pumping in those who wait.

8- The honour of all goats is now in your hands. Use this time to avenge all of your barn mates. Think about your friend who had to wear that silly costume in front of those people. Hang onto that baby for another day. OH, they made him do tricks too! Three more days seems fair. Late feedings, the dreaded diet, bad haircuts, and those awful wormings can also be avenged at this time.

9- If you have fulfilled all of the above and are still not sure when to have the kids, listen to the weather forecast on the radio that has been so generously provided by those who wait. Severe storm warning is what you're waiting for. In the heart of the storm jump into action! The power could go out and you could have the last laugh. You have a good chance of those who wait missing the whole thing while searching for a flashlight that works!

10- Make the most of your interrupted nights. Beg for food each time someone comes into the barn to check on you. Your barn mates will love you as the extra goodies fall their way too.

Alternative sections of the "The Doe  Code" are as follows.

1.  The Fake-Out: The goat appears to be in labour, showing all the signs—pawing, nesting, lying down, and getting up repeatedly—only to suddenly act like nothing is happening. This can go on for days, keeping goat owners on their toes.

1.  The Belly Drop: One day, the doe's belly suddenly seems to drop lower, making it appear as though she will go into labour any minute. However, she may still hold off for a while.

1.  The Moaning and Groaning: The doe begins to make noises, from low moans to more pronounced groans, suggesting that labour is imminent. But often, these sounds can last for hours or even days without actual labour starting.

1.  The Secret Birth: Despite all the signs of impending labour, the doe waits until the owner is not watching or has finally gone to sleep to give birth. It’s almost as if they have a sixth sense for when no one is looking.

1.  The Udder Watch: The doe's udder swells up, sometimes significantly, making it seem like labour is just around the corner. But in many cases, she might still take her time before giving birth.

1.  The Weather Trick: The doe might hold off on labour until the most inconvenient time, like during a storm, in the middle of the night, or when the weather is otherwise unpleasant. It’s almost like they want to make things as challenging as possible.

1.  The Eating Test: Even when the doe is showing signs of labour, she might still eat enthusiastically, leading the owner to second-guess whether labour is actually happening. Some does might even seem to eat more as labour nears, just to keep everyone guessing.

1.  The Great Clean-Up: The doe starts obsessively cleaning herself or even the area around her. This can be a sign that labour is close, but it can also be another trick to keep the owner on edge.

1.  The Houdini Act: Just when you think you have her in the perfect birthing spot, the doe somehow manages to escape or relocate, making you start the process all over again.

1.  The False Alarm: Sometimes, after a day filled with all the signs of impending labour, the doe decides she’s just not ready yet and acts like nothing was ever happening. This leaves the owner both relieved and frustrated.

And if you think we are joking you need to go buy a goat.

Meat Birds

Kill Cones - https://amzn.to/4fUYt9N

Butchers Aprons that we use - https://amzn.to/3SXujZp

Rubber Fingers for Plucker - https://amzn.to/4cwIwnk

Butcher Knife that we use - https://amzn.to/46VIFzd

 Raising chickens as meat birds, also known as broilers, requires careful planning and attention from day-old chicks to processing. Here’s a comprehensive list of everything a homesteader needs to consider:

1.  Choosing the Right Breed

   - Broiler Breeds: Select a breed known for meat production, such as Cornish Cross or Red Rangers (USA), Cob (AUS) and Broiler (UK). Cornish Cross, Cobs and Broilers are fast-growing, typically ready for processing at 6-8 weeks, while Red Rangers grow slower but are hardier and more suited for pasture. 

Heritage breeds take longer to grow but are becoming more popular with homesteaders and small farmers. Any of the dual-purpose breeds can be used for meat in this way. 

Australop, Brahma, Plymouth Rock, Orpingtons, Rhode Island Red and White, Sussex and Wyndottes.

   - Source: Purchase chicks from a reputable hatchery or breeder to ensure healthy, disease-free stock.

1.  Housing & Space Requirements

   - Brooder Setup: For the first few weeks, keep chicks in a brooder with a controlled temperature. Provide 0.05 square meters (0.5 square feet) per chick, increasing as they grow.

   - Coop or Shelter: Once they’re feathered, move them to a coop or shelter. Provide 0.28-0.37 square meters (3-4 square feet) per bird inside the coop and 0.93-1.4 square meters (10-15 square feet) per bird in outdoor space.

   - Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation to reduce moisture and ammonia buildup.

   - Protection: Secure housing to protect from predators, ensuring doors and windows can be locked or closed securely.

1.  Feeding

   - Chick Starter Feed: Start with a high-protein chick starter feed (18-20% protein) for the first 4 weeks.

   - Broiler Grower Feed: Transition to broiler grower feed with 20-24% protein until processing time.

   - Feed Consumption: Expect rapid growth; monitor feed consumption closely and ensure there’s always enough available. 

   - Feeding Schedule: Some homesteaders restrict feed access to 12 hours on, and 12 hours off after the first few weeks to prevent health issues like leg problems and heart failure.

1.  Watering

   - Constant Access: Broilers need constant access to clean, fresh water. Ensure waterers are large enough to meet their needs.

   - Waterer Type: Use sturdy waterers that can’t be easily knocked over as the birds grow larger and heavier.

   - Maintenance: Clean waterers regularly to prevent bacterial growth.

1.  Health & Disease Prevention

   - Vaccination: Vaccination is a personal consideration, so do your own research. Consider vaccinating chicks against common diseases like Marek’s disease.

   - Biosecurity: Practice good biosecurity by limiting access to the coop and cleaning tools and boots before and after handling the birds.

   - Observation: Regularly check for signs of illness, such as lethargy, coughing, or abnormal droppings.

   - First Aid Kit: Keep a poultry first aid kit with essentials like electrolytes, probiotics, and wound care supplies.

1.  Growth Monitoring

   - Weight Tracking: Regularly weigh a sample of birds to monitor growth and ensure they’re on track for the processing date.

   - Adjust Feed: Adjust feeding if growth is too fast or slow to avoid health issues or poor meat quality.

1.  Bedding & Coop Maintenance

   - Bedding Type: Use absorbent bedding such as pine shavings or straw. Avoid cedar shavings due to their potential toxicity.

   - Bedding Depth: Start with 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) of bedding, adding more as needed to keep it clean and dry.

   - Cleaning Schedule: Clean the coop and replace bedding regularly to prevent ammonia buildup and disease.

1.  Pasture Raising 

   - Tractor or Mobile Coop: For pasture-raising, use a chicken tractor or mobile coop to rotate birds on fresh grass, providing them with a more varied diet and better meat flavour. The fast-growing meat birds can leave the brooder usually around the 3-week mark, heritage breeds closing the 6 weeks. It's about being fully feathered.

   - Pasture Management: Rotate pasture regularly to prevent overgrazing and reduce disease risks from soiled ground.

1.  Processing Preparation

   - Processing Date: Plan the processing date, typically around 6-8 weeks for Cornish Cross, and 10-12 weeks for slower-growing breeds, maybe even later.

   - Fasting Before Processing: Remove feed 12-24 hours before processing to empty the birds' crops, but continue providing water.

   - Processing Supplies: Gather all necessary supplies, such as killing cones, knives, scalding pot, plucker, evisceration tools, and cooling containers.

   - Processing Station Setup: Set up a clean, organised area for processing with easy access to water for scalding and cleaning.

1.  Processing & Butchering

   - Humane Dispatching: Use a humane method for dispatching the birds, such as a killing cone and sharp knife.

   - Scalding: Scald the birds in hot water (60-65°C or 140-150°F) for 30-60 seconds to loosen feathers for plucking.

   - Plucking: Use a plucking machine or hand pluck the birds, ensuring all feathers are removed.

   - Disassemble: Carefully remove internal organs, saving desired parts like the liver, heart, and gizzard.

   - Cooling: Immediately cool the birds in ice water to bring down the internal temperature and prevent spoilage.

1.  Post-Processing Care

   - Resting the Meat: Let the processed birds rest in the refrigerator for 24 hours before freezing to allow the meat to relax and improve tenderness.

   - Packaging: Packaging the meat in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

   - Labeling: Label packages with the date of processing for easy inventory management.

1.  Record Keeping

   - Growth Records: Keep detailed records of feed consumption, growth rates, and health issues.

   - Processing Records: Record processing dates, weights, and yield to track efficiency and plan for future batches.

   - Expense Tracking: Track all costs associated with raising the birds, including feed, bedding, and processing supplies, to evaluate profitability.

1.  Legal Considerations

   - Processing Regulations: Be aware of local regulations regarding on-farm processing. Some areas require inspection or specific handling practices.

   - Sales Laws: If planning to sell meat, check for local laws on meat sales, which may require licensing or inspection.

1.  Sustainability Considerations

   - Composting Waste: Compost feathers, offal, and other processing waste, or use them as fertiliser if regulations allow.

   - Rotating Pastures: If pasture-raising, use rotational grazing to maintain soil health and reduce parasite loads.

Holidaying with Chickens

If you’re a chicken owner planning to go away for a weekend, you need to ensure your chickens are well-cared for during your absence. Here’s a complete list of considerations:

1.  Feeding

   - Automatic Feeder: Invest in an automatic feeder that can hold enough feed for the duration of your absence. Ensure it’s filled with enough feed for the weekend.

   - Feed Supply: Double-check the feed supply to make sure there’s more than enough to cover the time you’ll be gone.

1.  Watering

   - Automatic Waterer: Use an automatic waterer or a large water container to ensure a continuous supply of fresh water.

   - Water Capacity: Ensure the waterer has sufficient capacity to last the entire weekend.

   - Backup Water Source: Consider setting up a secondary water source in case the primary one fails.

1.  Shelter & Security

   - Secure Coop: Make sure the chicken coop is securely locked to protect against predators. Check that there are no gaps or weak spots where predators could get in.

   - Weather Protection: Ensure the coop is protected from the elements, with adequate ventilation and no leaks. If extreme weather is expected, take additional precautions.

1.  Egg Collection

   - Nest Boxes: Ensure nest boxes are clean and ready to collect eggs. If you’ll be gone for a short period, it’s usually fine to leave eggs in the nest boxes until you return, but extended periods may require someone to collect eggs daily to prevent breakage or egg-eating. Rollaway boxes work best for this, as the egg will roll to the back and not be broken by the next lady coming in.

   - Egg Collection Service: Consider asking a neighbour, friend, or pet sitter to collect eggs if you’ll be away for longer than a day or two.

1.  Health & Well-being

   - Check Chickens: Before you leave, check that all chickens are healthy with no signs of illness. Address any issues before you go.

   - First Aid Kit: Have a chicken first aid kit available with essentials like electrolytes, probiotics, and antiseptic in case of minor issues.

   - Predator Deterrents: Ensure any predator deterrents, such as motion-activated lights or alarms, are functioning properly.

1.  Cleaning & Maintenance

   - Clean Coop: Clean the coop thoroughly before leaving to minimize the risk of buildup in waste or odours.

   - Bedding: Add fresh bedding to the coop and nest boxes to ensure the chickens are comfortable over the weekend.

   - Check for Hazards: Look for any potential hazards inside the coop or run, such as sharp objects, and remove them.

1.  Automated Systems

   - Automatic Door: If you have an automatic coop door, ensure it’s functioning correctly and has a backup power source (e.g., battery) in case of a power outage.

   - Timers: Verify that any timers for lights or automatic systems are set correctly.

1.  Neighbor/Friend/Professional Help

   - Pet Sitter: Consider hiring a pet sitter or asking a neighbour to check on your chickens once a day. Provide them with clear instructions on what to do.

   - Emergency Contact: Leave your contact information and that of a local vet with your designated helper, just in case.

1.  Communication

   - Instructions: Provide written instructions for anyone who may be helping out, including how to handle emergencies, where to find supplies, and what to do with eggs.

   - Emergency Plan: Make sure there’s a plan in place for emergencies, such as power outages or unexpected weather changes.

1.  Peace of Mind

   - Check Cameras: If you have security cameras or a baby monitor in the coop, ensure they’re working so you can check on your chickens remotely.

   - Final Walkthrough: Do a final walkthrough before you leave to ensure everything is in order.

By taking these steps, you can enjoy your weekend away with the confidence that your chickens will be safe, healthy, and well-cared for in your absence.

Raising Day Old Chicks

1.  Housing & Space Requirements

   - Brooder Setup: A brooder is a warm, enclosed space where the chicks will live for the first few weeks. It can be a large plastic bin, a wooden box, or a designated area within a coop.

   - Size: Ensure the brooder is large enough for the chicks to move around freely. Approximately 0.05 square meters (0.5 square feet) per chick to start, expanding as they grow.

   - Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent respiratory issues.

   - Protection: Ensure the brooder is secure from predators, (including mice and rats) and other pets.

1.  Heat Source

   - Heat Lamp: Use a heat lamp or a brooder heat plate to keep the chicks warm. The temperature should be around 35°C (95°F) for the first week, then decrease by 2.5°C (5°F) each week until they are fully feathered.

   - Thermometer: Place a thermometer at chick level to monitor the temperature inside the brooder. Also watch their behaviour, if all gathered together under the heat lamp, it may be too cold. If they are all away from the heat lamp and panting, then it may be too hot.

1.  Bedding

   - Material: Use absorbent materials like pine shavings, straw, or shredded paper. Avoid cedar shavings as they can be harmful.

   - Depth: Start with about 2.5-5 cm (1-2 inches) of bedding, and you can change it regularly to maintain cleanliness. Or use the deep fill method, place fresh bedding down almost daily to cover the waste. 

1.  Feeding

   - Chick Starter Feed: Provide a high-quality chick starter feed that is specifically formulated for baby chicks. It should have 18-20% protein. Most of these are medicated because this is when a disease will affect chicks the most.

   - Feeder: Use a feeder that prevents chicks from scratching out and wasting food. Make sure it’s always filled with fresh feed.

   - Grit: Chicks need grit (tiny stones) to help digest food if they’re eating anything other than starter feed.

1.  Watering

   - Waterer: Use a shallow chick waterer to prevent drowning. Change the water daily to keep it clean and fresh.

   - Placement: Ensure the waterer is placed on a raised platform or at the same level as the chick’s back to prevent bedding from being kicked into it.

1.  Health Care

   - Observation: Watch for signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or abnormal droppings.

   - Pasty Butt: This is a condition where droppings stick to a chick’s vent, potentially blocking it. Check daily and clean as needed with warm water.

   - Vaccinations: Vaccination is a personal choice and you need to do research yourself and consider what is best for your circumstances. However, consider vaccinating your chicks for common diseases like Marek’s disease, depending on your area and risk factors. 

1.  Socialization & Behavior

   - Handling: Gently handle the chicks daily to get them used to human interaction. This helps with future management and reduces stress.

   - Pecking Order: Understand that chicks will naturally establish a pecking order. Intervene only if pecking becomes harmful.

1.  Lighting

   - Day/Night Cycle: Ensure chicks have a normal day/night cycle with light during the day and darkness at night. Use a red bulb for heat if using a heat lamp at night to avoid disrupting their sleep.

1.  Transitioning to the Coop

   - Timing: Around 6-8 weeks, once chicks are fully feathered, they can be transitioned to an outdoor coop.

   - Integration: If you already have older chickens, introduce the chicks gradually to prevent bullying.

1.  Legal Considerations

   - Local Ordinances: Check local laws and regulations regarding raising chickens. Some areas have restrictions on the number of chickens or the keeping of roosters.

   - Zoning Laws: Ensure your property is zoned for keeping poultry.

1.  Supplies Checklist (yes these are affiliate links)

   - Brooder Box - https://amzn.to/3M39yb6

   - Heat Lamp/Brooder Plate - https://amzn.to/4dALnfC

   - Thermometer - https://amzn.to/3Ao85JR

   - Bedding Material - buy from your local produce or tractor supply store

   - Starter Feed - buy from your local produce or tractor supply store

   - Chick Feeder & Chick Waterer - https://amzn.to/3WY8VFY

   - Grit (if needed) - buy from your local produce or tractor supply store

   - Cleaning Supplies (for the brooder and waterer) - https://amzn.to/3X2fI1t

   - First Aid Kit (with essentials like electrolytes, probiotics, and antiseptic) 

   - Antiseptic - https://amzn.to/4cosHyV, Electrolytes - https://amzn.to/4fEvCX1, Probiotics - https://amzn.to/4cn80n4

1.  Time Commitment

   - Daily Care: Chicks need daily attention, including feeding, watering, checking temperatures, and cleaning the brooder.

   - Long-Term Care: Consider the commitment of raising chickens for their entire lifespan, which can be 6-10 years or more.

Chicken Feed E76

Waitlist www.mojohomestead.net/waitlist

 Are you interested in a meat bird course? Let me know

The best diet for backyard or pasture-raised chickens should be well-balanced and nutritionally complete to ensure optimal health, egg production, and overall well-being. Here are the key components of an ideal diet:

High-Quality Commercial Feed

- Starter Feed: Provide a high-protein starter feed for chicks up to 6 weeks old (18-20% protein).

- Grower Feed: For pullets (young hens) from 6 to 20 weeks, switch to a grower feed with slightly lower protein (16-18%).

- Layer Feed: For hens that are laying eggs, use a layer feed with 16-18% protein and added calcium to support eggshell formation.

Free-Range Foraging

- Greens: Allow chickens to forage for grasses, weeds, and leafy greens, which provide vitamins and minerals.

- Insects and Worms: Chickens naturally eat insects and worms, which are excellent protein sources and help reduce feed costs.

- Grains and Seeds: Scattered grains and seeds (e.g., wheat, oats, barley) can supplement their diet and encourage natural foraging behaviour.

Supplements and Treats

- Calcium: Provide oyster shells or crushed eggshells for calcium to support strong eggshells.

- Grit: Offer grit (small stones) to aid digestion, as chickens need it to grind food in their gizzards.

- Vegetable Scraps: Offer kitchen scraps like vegetable peels and fruit, but avoid toxic foods like avocado, green potato skins, and chocolate. Do your research and make your own decisions about what you want to feed your chickens. There is a lot of conflicting information.

Fresh Water

- Ensure constant access to clean, fresh water. Hydration is crucial for digestion, egg production, and overall health.

Balanced Nutrition

- Proteins: Necessary for growth, egg production, and feather health. Protein can be found in commercial feed, insects, and legumes.

- Carbohydrates: Provide energy, found in grains and seeds.

- Fats: Important for energy and nutrient absorption, found in commercial feed and certain seeds.

- Vitamins and Minerals: Crucial for overall health, provided through a varied diet of commercial feed, greens, and supplements.

Seasonal Adjustments

- Winter: Increase energy-rich foods like grains and consider adding more protein to help maintain body heat.

- Summer: Ensure plenty of fresh water and provide shade to prevent overheating. Offer watery treats like cucumber and watermelon.

Ensuring a well-balanced diet with these components helps maintain the health and productivity of backyard or pasture-raised chickens. Regular monitoring and adjustments based on the specific needs of your flock and environmental conditions are also important.

Egg Truth Episode 75 

Join the waitlist www.mojohomestead.net/waitlist

Super Size Me 2 : Holy Chicken https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7215262/

The Truth about Free-Range Eggs

The terms "barn-raised," "free-range," and "pasture-raised" refer to different methods of housing and raising chickens for egg production. Here's a breakdown of each:

Barn-Raised Eggs

- Housing: Chickens are kept indoors in a barn or poultry house without access to the outside.

- Space: They have more space than caged hens but less than free-range or pasture-raised chickens. The space allows for natural behaviours like walking and spreading wings but not necessarily full outdoor access.

- Environment: The barn environment is controlled in terms of temperature and lighting. Hens have perches, nesting boxes, and litter for scratching and dust-bathing.

- Advantages: More control over environmental conditions and protection from predators.

- Disadvantages: Limited access to natural behaviours and no outdoor access.

Free-Range Eggs

- Housing: Chickens are allowed to roam freely outside for part of the day but are housed in barns or poultry houses at night or during adverse weather.

- Space: More space than barn-raised, including access to outdoor areas where they can forage for plants and insects.

- Environment: Chickens have access to outdoor areas, which might be fenced, and indoor barns with perches and nesting boxes.

- Advantages: More natural living conditions and ability to express natural behaviours.

- Disadvantages: Potential exposure to predators and outdoor conditions, and the quality of the outdoor area can vary.

Pasture-Raised Eggs

- Housing: Chickens are kept on pasture, with access to shelter like movable coops or barns. They spend most of their time outdoors.

- Space: The highest space allowance per bird, with access to large, open pasture areas where they can forage naturally.

- Environment: Chickens have ample outdoor space to roam, forage, and engage in natural behaviours. Pasture conditions vary with weather and seasons.

- Advantages: The most natural living conditions, with diverse diets from foraging and ample exercise.

- Disadvantages: Higher exposure to predators and variable outdoor conditions, and higher costs due to space and management requirements.

 Summary

- Barn-Raised: Indoor living with controlled environments, no outdoor access. 1 dozen cost between $5- $7.60

- Free-Range: Indoor housing with access to outdoor areas for part of the day. $5.20-$8.75

- Pasture-Raised: Primarily outdoor living with access to pastures, the most natural environment. $13.95-14.95

These distinctions often impact the price, taste, and nutritional content of the eggs, with pasture-raised eggs typically being the most expensive and potentially offering higher nutrient levels due to the varied diet of the chickens.

Pasture-raised eggs are often considered nutritionally superior to conventional eggs due to the chickens' varied diet and increased access to sunlight and exercise. Here are some ways in which pasture-raised eggs can be nutritionally better:

Higher Nutrient Content

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Pasture-raised eggs typically contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats are beneficial for heart health and cognitive function. Studies have shown that pasture-raised eggs can have up to twice the amount of omega-3s compared to conventional eggs.
2. Vitamins:

   - Vitamin A: The increased foraging on a natural diet boosts the vitamin A content in pasture-raised eggs, which is important for vision, immune function, and skin health.

   - Vitamin E: These eggs often contain higher levels of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.

   - Vitamin D: Chickens that spend more time outdoors have higher levels of vitamin D in their eggs due to increased exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is crucial for bone health and immune function.

1. Carotenoids: Pasture-raised eggs are richer in carotenoids like beta-carotene and lutein, which contribute to the orange colour of the yolk and are beneficial for eye health and reducing inflammation.

Better Fat Profile

1. Lower Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio: Pasture-raised eggs generally have a better omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, which is important for reducing inflammation and promoting cardiovascular health. A balanced ratio is crucial for maintaining overall health.

Higher Antioxidant Levels

1. Antioxidants: The natural diet of pasture-raised chickens, which includes a variety of plants and insects, leads to eggs with higher antioxidant levels. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Potential Health Benefits

1. Lower Cholesterol and Saturated Fat: Some studies suggest that pasture-raised eggs may have slightly lower levels of cholesterol and saturated fat compared to conventional eggs, although results can vary.

Summary

Pasture-raised eggs tend to be more nutrient-dense compared to conventional eggs, offering higher levels of essential fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants, and a better fat profile. This nutritional superiority can contribute to improved heart health, better immune function, enhanced vision, and overall well-being. However, the specific nutrient content can vary based on factors like the hens' diet, the season, and the farming practices.

For more detailed comparisons and studies on the nutritional benefits of pasture-raised eggs, you can refer to sources like Australian Geographic and scientific studies on the subject.

In this solo episode, CJ dives into why chickens are the ultimate starter livestock for anyone wanting to break up with the supermarket and take back control of their food supply. From skyrocketing egg prices to the simplicity of daily care, chickens are a no-brainer for beginners—whether you're on acreage or in suburbia.

CJ shares her own story of hatching their first chicks (spoiler: she totally messed it up) and how that single decision triggered a full-blown homesteading lifestyle. She covers the real costs of supermarket eggs, why backyard eggs are a nutritional powerhouse, and how keeping chickens often leads to gardening, bees, goats, and even meat production.

You'll also hear:

• Why you don’t need a Pinterest-worthy coop

• What dual-purpose breeds to look for (eggs + meat!)

• How to handle chicken care in just 5–10 minutes a day

• And how chickens can spark a whole new way of living

So if you’re ready to test the homesteading waters without diving headfirst into cows or goats, this episode will show you exactly why chickens are the best place to start.

💬 “If you’ve got chickens, you’re basically a homesteader. Just own it.”