Raising poultry

Raising poultry is a rewarding way to produce fresh eggs and meat while adding life to a homestead. Chickens are the most common choice, prized for their low maintenance and steady egg production, but ducks, turkeys, geese, and peafowl each offer unique benefits depending on your goals. A good start includes a secure, well-ventilated coop that protects birds from predators and harsh weather, especially important here in Minnesota winters. Nesting boxes, roosting bars, and clean bedding keep hens comfortable and productive. Access to a run or pasture lets birds forage naturally, improving egg quality and overall health. Feeding requires a balanced layer feed, fresh water, and occasional treats like greens or mealworms. Regular health checks help catch issues like mites or respiratory illness early. With consistent care, poultry can provide years of eggs, companionship, and a satisfying connection to self-sufficient living, even on a smaller property.

poultry digest

Peafowl

Peafowl are among the most striking and rewarding birds you can raise on a large property. Native to South Asia, the Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus)…

by bloomhearty

Hearty equine, pet & farm links

Updated since 4/30/2017. These links are excellent resources for animal owners, providing reliable information, quality products, and expert advice for equine and poultry care. Use…

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Runner Duck

Quirky, cute, productive, and hardy egg laying ducks. Raising Runner ducks is rewarding due to their practicality and charm. They are prolific egg layers, producing…

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White Peking Duck

Hardy, productive, and friendly duck. The Peking Duck breed, also known as the White Pekin, is renowned for its culinary and agricultural significance. Originating from…

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Cayuga Duck

Black ducks with iridescent green. Keeping Cayuga ducks has been part of our little farm life since my son fell in love with them in…

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Silver Laced Wyandotte

Pretty friendly hens with perfect large medium brown eggs. I am a real fan of the Silver Laced Wyandotte chicken for many reasons. I have…

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Black Copper Maran

Black Copper Marans are renowned for their deep chocolate-brown eggs, which are highly prized by enthusiasts and chefs. Originating from the Marans region of France,…

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Ameraucana Chicken

Bearded, blue egg laying, friendly, cold-hardy, chicken. Ameraucana chickens have been a part of my backyard flock for years. I absolutely love their beautiful blue…

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Bielefelder Chicken

Hardy, Dual-Purpose, Prolific, Sociable, Striking Chicken Breed. I recently added two Bielefelder hens and a rooster to our mix of layer chicken breeds flock. We’ve…

by bloomhearty

Poultry links

BackYard Chickens
Murray McMurray
Cackle Hatchery
Meyers Hatchery

egg recipes

Hearty cottage pancakes recipe

These cottage cheese pancakes have earned a devoted following for good reason. They are fluffy, golden, and satisfying in a way that traditional pancakes simply…

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Hearty banana pudding recipe

Banana pudding is a beloved dessert that earns its irresistible appeal through layers of contrasting textures and complementary flavors. Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and…

by bloomhearty

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