Cats are natural explorers, and for most of them, that curiosity extends straight to our houseplants and herb garden. While many common plants pose a real danger to cats, there is a surprisingly generous list of plants that are not only safe but can actually support our cat's digestive health and natural instincts. Knowing which … Continue reading Cat safe plants
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Koi growth rates
For koi enthusiasts, watching a fish grow from a small fingerling into a magnificent, flowing creature is one of the most rewarding aspects of the hobby. But how do we really know how much our koi has grown? Measuring our koi accurately is more than satisfying curiosity. It is a practical tool for tracking health, … Continue reading Koi growth rates
Pasteurizing duck eggs at home
Duck eggs are a prized ingredient in cooking, especially for rich emulsified sauces and homemade mayonnaise. Their larger size, thicker shell, and denser, fattier yolk make them more flavorful than chicken eggs but also require a bit more care when pasteurizing. The goal is the same as with any egg - gently bring the interior … Continue reading Pasteurizing duck eggs at home
Pasteurizing chicken eggs at home
Using gentle heat to kill harmful bacteria like Salmonella without actually cooking the egg. Pasteurizing chicken eggs at home is a simple process that uses gentle heat to kill harmful bacteria like Salmonella without actually cooking the egg. This is especially useful when making homemade mayonnaise, Caesar dressing, hollandaise, or any recipe calling for raw … Continue reading Pasteurizing chicken eggs at home
Honey goodness
Honey is a natural sweetener packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Unlike refined sugar, honey offers antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting immune health and aiding digestion. Its phytonutrients may help combat oxidative stress, while its soothing effects can relieve cough and sore throat. Honey provides quick energy and can enhance the flavor of foods and … Continue reading Honey goodness
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 them to research best practices, purchase supplies, connect with knowledgeable communities, and access local services. They support responsible ownership, enhance animal well-being, and simplify management for rural and urban families. … Continue reading Hearty equine, pet & farm links
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 up to 300 nutrient-rich eggs annually, making them ideal for home use or small-scale farming. These ducks are exceptional for pest control, foraging for slugs, snails, and insects without damaging … Continue reading Runner Duck
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 China, this breed is characterized by its white plumage, orange bill, and rapid growth rate. Highly valued for its tender, flavorful meat, the Peking Duck is a staple in Chinese … Continue reading White Peking Duck
Incubating chicken eggs
Hatching your own fluffies. Incubating chicken eggs is a rewarding way to hatch chicks without relying on a broody hen. It allows for greater control over the hatching process, ensuring optimal conditions like temperature, humidity, and egg rotation. This method is ideal for poultry enthusiasts, farmers, or those raising specific breeds, as it enables planned … Continue reading Incubating chicken eggs
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 poultry catalog and begged for us to get them the first year we move to our hobby farm. They were the very first farm animal we brought to the place … Continue reading Cayuga Duck