Tag: beginner homesteading

  • Raising Chickens While Working Full-Time: My Daily Routine

    Raising Chickens While Working Full-Time: My Daily Routine

    Raising chickens while working a full-time job may sound daunting, but it’s completely doable with the right routine and setup. The secret? A well-planned system and consistent daily care. Once your chickens are settled into a safe, organized setup, daily maintenance becomes straightforward, even with a busy schedule.

    In this post, I’ll share my daily routine for raising chickens while working full-time, including both the morning and evening tasks, plus tips to make care as easy as possible.

    Morning Routine: Setting the Day Up Right

    Mornings are all about checking on your flock and making sure everyone is ready for the day. My morning routine usually takes around 10-15 minutes:

    1. Check on the Flock
      • I make sure all chickens are safe in their coop or run.
      • I look for any signs of injury or illness.
    2. Feed & Water
      • Ensure all food and waterers are full.
      • If I’m fermenting feed, I prepare it ahead so it’s ready for the day.
    3. Safety & Shelter Check
      • Make sure doors, latches, and fencing are secure.
      • Look for signs of predators or weak spots in fencing.
    4. Food Scraps
      • I feed any leftover scraps from dinner to the flock in the morning—they love it and it helps reduce kitchen waste.

    💡 Tip: Keep a notebook or use your phone to note anything that needs maintenance or attention on the weekend. That way, small fixes don’t pile up and emergencies can be handled immediately.

    Evening Routine: Wrapping Up the Day

    Evenings are all about preparing for the next day and collecting rewards—like fresh eggs! My evening routine usually takes 5-10 minutes:

    1. Collect Eggs
      • I gather eggs from the nesting boxes.
      • This prevents eggs from getting dirty or broken and keeps chickens laying consistently.
    2. Prepare Feed & Water
      • Check waterers again(sometimes they knock them over).
    3. Check for Issues
      • Look for anything unusual—injuries, sick birds, or broken equipment.

    💡 Tip: Evening feed preparation is a great time to double-check supplies like bedding, supplements, and grain so you won’t run out mid-week.

    Why Setup is Key

    One of the biggest challenges when raising chickens while working full-time is the initial setup. A well-planned coop, secure run, easy-access feeders, and waterers make daily care much faster and less stressful.

    Once setup is complete, daily care becomes manageable, even with a busy schedule. Consistency is key—chickens thrive on routine and predictability.

    Extra Tips for Busy Homesteaders

    • Automate When Possible: Gravity-fed feeders, automatic waterers, and timers for lights in winter can save time(if you use them, they aren’t mandatory).
    • Keep Tools Handy: A small tote with extra feed, gloves, and cleaning supplies keeps you efficient.
    • Batch Maintenance: Use weekends to tackle larger tasks like deep cleaning or coop repairs.
    • Stay Observant: Quick daily checks prevent small problems from turning into emergencies.

    Final Thoughts

    Raising chickens while working full-time is absolutely possible with a consistent routine and well-thought-out setup. Mornings are for checking the flock and setting them up for the day, evenings are for collecting eggs and prepping for tomorrow, and weekends are for bigger maintenance tasks.

    With a little organization, you can enjoy the rewards of fresh eggs, happy chickens, and a thriving homestead without burning out.

    Your turn: How do you manage your flock with a busy schedule? Share your tips in the comments—I’d love to hear!

    Need Help Staying Organized With Your Flock?

    If you’re raising chickens, having a simple system makes everything easier.

    I created a Chicken Binder to help you track feed, egg production, health checks, and flock management all in one place.

    👉 Get the Chicken Binder here:

    Printable Chicken Planner for Backyard Flocks

    And if you’re just getting started with chickens, grab my free beginner chicken guide from the freebie hub.

    👉 Download the free guide here:
    https://homesteadingwithbeckyj.com/freebie-hub

    With the right routine and a little organization, raising chickens alongside a full-time job is absolutely doable.

  • 5 Essential Homestead Tasks to Do Before Winter

    5 Essential Homestead Tasks to Do Before Winter

    As the days get shorter and the nights turn colder, it’s time to switch from harvest mode to prep mode. Winter can be tough on both you and your homestead, but a little preparation now will save you a lot of stress later.

    These are the five things I do every fall to get my homestead ready for freezing weather — so when that first snow hits, I can rest easy knowing everything (and everyone) is taken care of.

    1. Check and Insulate Your Water Lines

    Frozen water lines are no fun — and if you’ve ever tried to haul buckets through snow, you know exactly what I mean.

    • Check all your lines, both inside and out, for cracks or weak spots.
    • Wrap exposed pipes and faucets with insulation or heat tape if needed.
    • If your water source is outdoors, make sure you have a backup plan for thawing or hauling water when temperatures drop.

    Even a little insulation goes a long way in keeping things flowing smoothly through the coldest nights.

    2. Deep Clean Animal Coops and Pens

    Before winter sets in, I like to do a full deep clean of the chicken coop, goat pen, and any other livestock shelters.

    • Remove old bedding and replace it with fresh straw or shavings.
    • Check for drafts — block the cold winds, but leave ventilation up high so moisture doesn’t build up.
    • Stock up on bedding materials so you’re not scrambling mid-winter.

    A clean, dry space helps animals stay healthier and reduces ammonia smells that get worse when everything’s shut up tight.

    3. Organize and Protect Your Seeds & Tools

    Before you tuck your garden supplies away for the year, take an afternoon to clean and sharpen your tools. Dirt and rust shorten their lifespan — a quick scrub and a light oil coat will make them last for years.

    Then move on to your seeds:

    • Sort and label them by type or planting season.
    • Store them in a cool, dry, and temperature-controlled spot (inside the house is often best).
      Fluctuating temps can affect humidity, which lowers seed viability. Treat them like gold — because they are!

    4. Stock Up Before the First Snow

    It never fails — the first winter storm always seems to hit when you’re low on feed. Avoid the rush by stocking up early on:

    • Animal feed and minerals
    • Bedding materials
    • Fuel, propane, or firewood
    • Family essentials like flour, sugar, and coffee

    A full pantry and feed room mean fewer trips to town and more peace of mind when the roads get icy.

    5. Winterize Your Garden Beds and Cold Frames

    Don’t forget your garden! A little prep now makes spring planting so much easier.

    • Mulch raised beds with straw or leaves to protect the soil.
    • Clean and repair cold frames or mini greenhouses before you need them.
    • Compost spent plants and add manure or cover crops to feed next year’s soil.

    Even a small effort now helps preserve the health of your beds — and keeps your garden thriving year after year.

    Final Thoughts

    Winter prep can feel like extra work, but it’s really an investment in your peace of mind. When you’ve got insulated pipes, stocked feed, and clean coops, you can focus on cozy fires and planning next year’s garden instead of crisis management.

    A little preparation now means a smoother, safer, and happier homestead all winter long.