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Raising baby chicks from start to end

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You can order day old chicks from several companies online. Most people are very surprised and shocked when they hear that the chicks travel through the mail without any food or water for 1-3 days. The reason this is safely and humanely possible is that the chicks absorb the embryo that keeps them sustained for 3-4 days. Nature's reason would be that hens have to sit on the remaining eggs even after 90% have hatched, the chicks have to be nourished for the next few days just by existing. Once your chicks come to your local post office for pick up, you should already have wherever they are staying set up. This means there should be food and water out along with an already warmed brooder's lamp. When you first bring the chicks home you need to dip each of their beaks in some water and make sure they drink some. Then, place the chicks one by one into their enclosure and make sure they are all eating and moving around like normal. This will be here life for the next 6 weeks. Every
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What livestock to pick

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The livestock you pick for your homestead changes the entire game. Every homesteader has what they would believe to be the most important livestock animal. For me, it's chickens. Chickens require very little space and can be very cost efficient. There are no farrier bills, mainly only vet bills when they are day old chicks, and the cost to build a chicken coop can be rather reasonable. With a flock of 20 chickens, 10 Rhode Island Reds and 10 White Leghorns, you could easily be getting anywhere from 10-20 eggs per day during the hen's prime. This means you could be getting more or less of 540 eggs a year! Another popular livestock breed would be the Nigerian Dwarf Goat. They are small, gentle, and easy to care for. Their hooves do need to be trimmed every 6 weeks though. The average doe produces 1.5 quarts of milk a day, but it can be as little as .5 and as many as 4 quarts. They also require very little space due to there sides and fit well (with room) in most backyards. Jersey
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Choosing the right location

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Choosing the right locations for livestock and gardens can be very tricky. It's very important to do your research on your plants and livestocks heat and cool tolerance. For instance, most spring and summer vegetables are full sun, yet you wouldn't put an uncovered chicken coop in full sun. Depending on your area you may be able to get away with more or less. If you live in a cold climate it's best to locate the coops and livestock in as much sun as possible. If your climate is cold in the winter and hot in the summer (Like mine) than you have to be very careful, It's best to place livestock in a medium sun range spot with installation. This way it will stay warm in the winter and keep cool air in in the summer. Garden planting is a little easier, really no matter where you live vegetables should have full sun. This means 6-8 hours a day in full sunlight. If you live in a very very hot place like Arizona, than you might want to water more frequently or give the plants a
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Can I homestead?

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This is a question almost every future homesteader asks. The answer is Yes! You can! Homesteading by definition is a lifestyle of self-sufficiency. This could mean different things for different people. It could be as small as having an indoor herb garden or sewing dish cloths to a 1,000 acre farm with livestock and more. The point is is that literally anyone can be self-sufficient in one way or another. You would be surprised by the amount you can grow and raise on even just 1/4 of an acre. Where I live you can get a seed packet for around $1.50, If you skipped getting that pack of gum a few times you would have a small garden! Do some research on the best fruits, vegetables, and herbs to grow in your zone and go with it!
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Quilting for a homestead?

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I love homesteading. I'm even in the process of starting my own homestead right now. In fact, though this is my company's blog, I am also going to dedicate it to my homesteading journey. It will cover everything from choosing livestock to planting my gardens. Patterns and Pins actually started as an idea for my hope chest and homesteading journey. I thought that if I could learn to sew comfortably and efficiently by machine instead of by hand, it would make my future much easier. Quilting is a very old fashioned homestead skill. Though it is old, it's very very helpful. The basics of quilting can help you learn many new things like making clothes and kitchenware. More posts about homesteading coming soon!
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About Patterns and Pins

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Patterns and Pins is the company I've wanted to create for years. It started as a way for me to raise money for getting a service dog, but now I have just fallen in love with the practice. Quilting is my biggest stress reliever and will make my day. I have always adored the bond between a mother and her baby, and now I can finally contribute! I would love to think of myself as a young entrepreneur. Some of the products I handmade and sell are crib quilts, burping cloths, bibs, pacifier clips, and more. Custom orders are welcome along with embroidery requests. I'm located right in the heart of Woodstock, GA and you can reach me at 770-371-6881. Shipping out of state is available but is payed for by buyer.
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