RAW Advice From a REAL Homesteader | Q&A Part 2 with Katie

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares valuable tips on managing a homestead with chickens, including training dogs to coexist with chickens, preventing rodent issues using outdoor cats, and integrating teenage chicks with adult hens. The speaker also discusses practical solutions for handling surplus eggs, such as bartering, gifting, and preserving eggs through water glassing. With a focus on maintaining a sustainable and balanced homestead, the speaker offers a glimpse into their life, offering helpful advice for fellow homesteaders and those interested in raising chickens.

Takeaways

• 😀 Leash training for dogs around chickens can help prevent aggressive behavior, and using positive correction can eventually make them understand boundaries.
• 🐱 Outdoor cats help control rodent populations around the chicken coop by actively hunting mice and other small pests.
• 🍽️ Keep chicken feed outside the coop in a covered area to avoid attracting rodents into the chicken coop.
• 🐣 The integration of teenage chicks with adult hens involves a gradual process, starting with a chicken tractor and then transitioning to a more open space with controlled access.
• ⚡ Adding electric poultry netting provides a safe outdoor area for the chicks to gradually get used to larger spaces while still being able to return to the coop at night.
• 🌙 Teenage chicks should be familiar with the coop environment before being allowed to roam free to ensure they know where to return for safety.
• 🥚 Having 20 laying hens creates an abundance of eggs, and the eggs can be used for bartering, gifting, and even feeding pets to reduce feed costs.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Gifting eggs to friends and family is a great way to share the surplus and build community connections.
• 🐶 Dogs can benefit from eating eggs as part of their diet, helping to lower the overall feed bill while providing nutritious food for the pets.
• ❄️ Water glassing eggs in the summer helps preserve them for winter when egg production may slow or stop due to cold weather.
• 🌱 The process of homesteading and farming can be fulfilling and brings the community together through shared resources like eggs and knowledge.

Q & A

How did the speaker train their dog to coexist with chickens?

The speaker gradually introduced their dog to the chickens by walking them on a leash near the chickens. When the dog showed signs of aggression or lunging, the speaker gave a gentle correction and continued walking. Over time, the dog learned to stay calm around the chickens.

What method did the speaker use to keep their chickens safe from rodents?

The speaker did not face major rodent issues due to their three outdoor cats, which are avid hunters. Additionally, they stored chicken feed outside the coop in a covered run to prevent attracting rodents into the coop.

How does the speaker integrate teenage chicks into the adult flock?

The speaker starts by housing the teenage chicks in a chicken tractor, allowing the adult hens to observe them. After a week or more of supervised interaction, the chicks are introduced to the coop, and an electric poultry netting is used to create an outdoor playpen to allow the chicks to gradually adjust to their new environment.

Why does the speaker use electric poultry netting for the chicks?

Electric poultry netting is used to create an outdoor playpen where the chicks can safely explore and expand their space, while still being able to return to the coop. This helps prevent the chicks from getting lost or wandering too far from home.

How does the speaker ensure the chicks know where to return at night?

The speaker ensures the chicks know where to return by gradually allowing them to explore outside in a controlled manner, so they get used to the idea of coming back to the coop for safety at night.

What strategies does the speaker use to deal with the large number of eggs produced by their hens?

The speaker uses several strategies to manage the surplus eggs: bartering with them to get raw milk or other goods, gifting eggs to friends and family, using eggs for their dogs' diet, and preserving eggs by water glassing them to enjoy during the winter months.

What is water glassing, and why does the speaker use it?

Water glassing is a preservation method where eggs are stored in a solution of water and pickling lime. This allows the speaker to keep eggs for an extended period, especially through the long winter months when egg production slows down.

How does the speaker use eggs for their pets?

The speaker uses eggs as a supplement to their dogs' diet, helping reduce feed costs. The dogs enjoy the eggs, making it a win-win solution for the speaker.

What was the final step in the dog training process mentioned in the video?

The final step in the dog's training was the use of a training collar with a correction feature, although the speaker never had to use it, as the dog had already learned to behave around the chickens by that point.

How does the speaker handle giving away or sharing eggs?

The speaker gives away eggs by gifting them to friends and family when they visit. This not only helps share the abundance but also strengthens relationships within their community.