Author Archives: Traci Houston
The Absolutely Unofficial Guide to the Enigmatic Easter Egger Chickens
Ah, the Easter Egger Chicken! It’s neither a breed with ancient origins, nor does it hail from some exotic faraway land. No, dear reader, it’s our very own chicken-y equivalent of a surprise party. Let’s delve into this with an air of sarcasm and a touch of genuine love for this fascinating, feathered friend. IfContinue reading “The Absolutely Unofficial Guide to the Enigmatic Easter Egger Chickens”
Herbal Spotlight: Dandelion
When most people hear you mention dandelions, one of two things seems to come to mind. Either people think of the noxious weeds that cover their yards in the spring and summer or they think about the puff balls used to make wishes. Dandelions are far from being noxious weeds. They are actually very usefulContinue reading “Herbal Spotlight: Dandelion”
Meet the Ameraucana: The Chicken That’s Too Cool for the Coop 🐔😎
If you are looking for a gorgeous-looking bird that lays a non-traditional egg, then the Ameraucana is a breed worth considering. Coming in a variety of colors, with muffs and beards, and laying a gorgeous blue egg, Ameraucanas are a real show-stopper. Quick Facts Ameraucanas are known for being docile birds with a friendly andContinue reading “Meet the Ameraucana: The Chicken That’s Too Cool for the Coop 🐔😎”
Plant Spotlight: Poison Hemlock
Over the New Year’s weekend, we decided to fence off one of the pastures as a dog field. My mother owns Spice of Life BorderCollies and her dogs needed some extra room to run that isn’t a muddy mess, so we appropriated one of the unused fields on our property. After getting the chicken wireContinue reading “Plant Spotlight: Poison Hemlock”
Why We Chose Khaki Campbell Ducks
When we first started the farm back in 2021, ducks weren’t even on the radar. But a family member got a hold of me and told me that a cousin had 3 ducks that she had grown tired of and her parents were looking to rehome them. So I told her that we would takeContinue reading “Why We Chose Khaki Campbell Ducks”
How and Why to Use Deep Litter in the Coop
I don’t know about you, but for me, the fewer chores I have to do, the better. Especially in the winter months. This is why I chose to use the deep litter method for our coops here on the farm. Only have to clean the coops out completely once or twice a year? Yes, please,Continue reading “How and Why to Use Deep Litter in the Coop”
Arctic Blast 2022
We woke up Tuesday morning to the news that we would have snow and negative wind chills by the weekend. Into the next day, the predictions kept getting worse and spread across the country, causing folks to panic coast to coast. Northerners who weren’t properly prepared scrambled to find all of their winterization items. SouthernersContinue reading “Arctic Blast 2022”
If It Won’t Hold Water…
When we looked into getting goats, we were told “if your fence won’t hold water, it won’t hold a goat.” Having seen pictures of goats standing on car hoods and roofs… I believed it and decided that we would never own goats. What I did not realize is the number of other animals that needContinue reading “If It Won’t Hold Water…”
Rotational Grazing With Small Livestock
When you think of grazing livestock, most folks think of putting animals out to pasture and leaving them be except to water them or bring them into the barn. When most think of rabbits or chickens or ducks, they think of set areas like a chicken coop or rabbit hutch. Here at Huckleberry Farms, weContinue reading “Rotational Grazing With Small Livestock”
