Biology is an absolutely fascinating subject. For all our study and all our research, will we ever know all it’s idiosyncrasies? Learning about all of the amazing, minuscule ways our bodies and nature function is really just mind boggling. I was very interested when I realized one of nature’s quirks could be developing in my …
Ducks
If you live in a northern climate, one of the most challenging parts of raising poultry is keeping their water from freezing in the winter. Here in New England, we have weeks on end where we might not get above freezing, and can often dip below 0. Chickens and ducks need fresh, liquid water every …
Do you have a broody duck? Thinking of hatching out some ducklings? Our experiences trying to hatch ducklings have been an emotional roller coaster with very mixed results and a storyline to rival any daytime soap opera; full of death, heartbreak, betrayal, and custody battles. We have hatched several clutches of eggs with our chickens. …
Ducks bring so much fun & joy to the farm yard! With their giant floppy feet, the way they waddle across the yard, and the sheer joy they get from splashing in a kiddie pool, ducks really are a great addition to any farm! While many backyard farmers start out with chickens, ducks certainly can …
You’ve done all your research, have your brooder & coop in order….but how do you fill it? Your local feed store likely has a few options, local farmers might be another option if you live in a rural area. If you live in the suburbs though, your breed options are likely limited. There are so …
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), Salmonella is one of the most frequently reported food borne illnesses in the US. Salmonella is a bacterial disease that lives in the intestinal tracts of animals (including humans & birds). Approximately 380 people die annually in the United States from the disease which can cause vomiting, …
Animals have been an important part of my life since I was born. There was not a day that I didn’t count my family members not just as the humans I loved, but also the numerous cats, dogs, fish, hamsters, gerbils, and more that shared our home while I was growing up. My parents divorced …
Winter winds are howling and a good old-fashioned New England nor’easter is knocking on the door. Most residents are rushing to the grocery store to stock up on batteries, bread, and supplies for their families. Farmers have an additional concern weighing on their minds. How can I keep my animals comfortable in the extreme cold? …
They say that chickens are the “gateway” animal to further farming adventures. When you are ready to skip through that gateway and expand your farm, lots of people look to adding different kinds of poultry. Common backyard poultry includes turkeys, geese, guineas, & ducks – turkeys are quite large and geese & guineas are quite …
Anyone that keeps ducks can attest to the moment of sheer panic every summer when they go about their morning chores only to find HUGE amounts of fluffy feathers covering the run and duck house. My mind immediately jumps to the worst conclusion – a predator attack. Then my ducks waddle up to me happily …