Tag: homesteading

  • Duck Eggs vs Chicken Eggs: Key Differences Explained

    Duck Eggs vs Chicken Eggs: Key Differences Explained

    Duck egg and Chicken egg side by side

    When it comes to choosing between duck and chicken eggs, both options might catch your eye during your next trip to the local market or while tending to your poultry on the homestead. These eggs may appear quite similar at first glance, but they offer distinct nutritional benefits, flavors, and culinary uses that set them apart. Duck eggs, for instance, are often richer and creamier than chicken eggs, making them a favorite among bakers and gourmet cooks alike. As you weigh the pros and cons of each type, it’s important to consider how these differences might align with your cooking needs and taste preferences. Understanding the unique qualities of duck eggs can help you make the best choice for your kitchen and lifestyle.

    Nutritional Content

    Higher Protein Content: Duck eggs contain more protein than chicken eggs, making them an excellent choice for those looking to increase their protein intake.  

    More Omega-3s: Duck eggs are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health and reduce inflammation.  

    –Higher Vitamin and Mineral Levels: Duck eggs have more vitamins (A, D, B12) and minerals like iron and selenium compared to chicken eggs.  

    Calories and Fat: Duck eggs are larger and have a higher fat content, which provides more energy but might not be suitable for those on low-fat diets.  

    Flavor and Taste

    Duck eggs have a richer, creamier flavor compared to chicken eggs.  

    – The yolks are larger and have a more vibrant orange color, often described as “buttery.”  

    – Many bakers prefer duck eggs for their richer taste and ability to enhance baked goods’ texture and flavor. 

    Baking Benefits

    Duck eggs are a favorite among bakers and chefs.  

    Better Structure: The higher protein content helps create fluffier cakes, stronger meringues, and denser, more moist baked goods.  

    Richer Texture: Duck eggs contribute to a creamier texture in custards, quiches, and other recipes. 

    A dozen duck eggs

    Longer Shelf Life

    Duck eggs have thicker shells than chicken eggs, which:  

    – Makes them more durable and less likely to crack.  

    – Helps them stay fresher for longer, especially when stored properly

    Allergen Alternative

    Some people with chicken egg allergies find that they can tolerate duck eggs. While they’re not suitable for everyone, this can be a great alternative for those who miss eating eggs.

    More Sustainable for Small Homesteads

    Ducks are hardy, low-maintenance animals that:  

    – Lay eggs consistently, even in colder weather.  

    – Thrive in a variety of environments, including wetlands or small homesteads.  

    – Are great pest controllers, eating slugs, snails, and insects.  

    Their eggs can provide a reliable source of nutrition year-round.  

    Richer in Healthy Fats

    Duck eggs contain more healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats are important for heart health and maintaining healthy skin and hair. 

    Larger Size

    Duck eggs are larger than chicken eggs, which means:  

    – You get more egg per shell.  

    – Fewer eggs are needed for recipes or meals, making them more efficient in the kitchen.  

    Downsides to Consider

    While duck eggs offer many benefits, they may not be for everyone:  

    Cost: Duck eggs tend to be more expensive than chicken eggs due to lower supply.  

    Taste: The richer flavor might not appeal to everyone, especially if you prefer the lighter taste of chicken eggs.  

    Fat and Cholesterol: The higher fat and cholesterol levels may not suit individuals with specific dietary restrictions.

    Smell: The aroma of duck eggs can resemble that of cooked fish, depending on the cooking method. This scent is attributed to their rich omega-3 fatty acid content, which is similar to that found in fish.

    Me holding one of my ducks
    Ducks grazing in the back yard

    Which Should You Choose?

    Choosing between duck eggs and chicken eggs is a matter of personal taste, nutritional needs, and usage. For those in search of superior flavor, richer nutrition, or exceptional baking outcomes, duck eggs are an excellent option. Conversely, if a gentler flavor profile or specific dietary considerations are your priorities, chicken eggs remain a wonderful selection. For homesteaders, the decision to raise both ducks and chickens can yield a multifaceted experience—offering delicious eggs, natural pest control, and an array of dietary choices!


    Both duck and chicken eggs present an abundance of nutritional benefits and culinary versatility. Including a mix of these eggs in your dishes can bring an exciting variety of flavors and textures into your kitchen and home. Embracing the distinct characteristics of each type enriches your meals and broadens your cooking skills, enhancing the joy and diversity at your dining table. Whether you savor the robust taste of duck eggs or the subtler flavor of chicken eggs, having both available unlocks endless culinary adventures. Personally, I find duck eggs to be delightful! Have you had a chance to try duck eggs? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

  • Embrace Progress, Not Perfection

    Embrace Progress, Not Perfection

    Daily writing prompt
    What could you do differently?
    View all responses

    I often find myself reflecting on the things I could do differently. It’s a common thought process, one that comes when I recognize my shortcomings or mistakes—whether it’s my tendency to act out in anger or my struggles with patience. But here’s the thing: that’s just apart of life, it’s healthy, to think about those moments(just don’t dwell on them). After all, growth happens when we are willing to confront ourselves and the patterns we may want to change.

    However, I don’t believe that every aspect of my life needs to be changed. Some things, while they might not be perfect, are exactly how they should be. For example, my quick temper might be something I want to work on, but there are moments where standing up for myself or asserting my boundaries requires that little spark of frustration. Recognizing when that anger is productive and when it’s destructive is part of the process. That balance is a decision I get to make and the key here is deciding what to change and what to keep.

    We often think of personal growth as a constant need for improvement—like we’re broken and need fixing. But I’ve realized that change doesn’t mean abandoning everything about who we are. Sometimes growth comes from understanding what makes us strong, and knowing that it’s okay to keep certain parts of ourselves intact. After all, some of our behaviors, even the messy ones, are coping mechanisms or reflections of deep-rooted values.

    So, when I think about the mistakes I’ve made or the ways I react in difficult situations, I try to remind myself that they don’t define me. They are just moments in time or whispers in the wind. They are opportunities to learn and shift. I don’t have to constantly rewrite my entire story to grow. I can decide what deserves to change and what should stay. Growth isn’t about perfection; it’s about accepting where you are now and intentionally deciding how you want to evolve.

    At the end of the day, personal growth is about choice. It’s about deciding what aligns with your values and how you can be the best version of yourself. The most important thing? That decision is entirely yours and yours alone.

  • Bartering Basics: How to Trade Goods and Services in Your Homesteading Community

    Bartering Basics: How to Trade Goods and Services in Your Homesteading Community

    Bartering Basics:How to Trade Goods and Services

    In today’s world of modern conveniences, it’s easy to forget that before money became the norm, bartering was the primary way people exchanged goods and services. For homesteaders, bartering is a valuable skill that fosters a sense of community, reduces reliance on cash, and promotes sustainability. Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or just starting your journey, learning how to barter effectively can be a game-changer for your lifestyle. Here’s a guide to help you get started with bartering in your homesteading community.  

    What Is Bartering?

    Bartering is the exchange of goods or services without using money. It’s a simple system: you offer something you have or can do in exchange for something you need. For example, you might trade fresh eggs for handmade soap or garden vegetables for help repairing a fence.  

    In a homesteading community, bartering allows neighbors to share resources and skills, creating a network of support and reducing waste. It’s not just an economic transaction—it’s a way to build relationships and strengthen your community.  

    Bartering Eggs

    Benefits of Bartering

    Save Money: One of the biggest advantages of bartering is that it reduces your reliance on cash. If you’re operating on a tight budget, bartering can help you get what you need without spending money.  

    Build Community Connections: Bartering encourages interaction with other homesteaders and neighbors. These connections can lead to lasting relationships, shared knowledge, and mutual support.  

    Reduce Waste: Have an abundance of zucchini from your garden? Or extra jars of homemade jam? Bartering allows you to share your surplus instead of letting it go to waste.  

    Access Unique Skills and Resources: Not everyone can do everything on their own. By bartering, you can access skills, tools, or resources that you might not have, such as carpentry, sewing, or animal care.  

    How to Start Bartering

    1-Take Inventory of What You Have: Before you start bartering, consider what you can offer. Here are some ideas:  

    Goods: Fresh produce, eggs, honey, baked goods, canned or preserved foods, seeds, handmade crafts, or firewood.  

    Services: Gardening, animal care, carpentry, sewing, cooking, babysitting, or mechanical repairs.  

    Skills: Teaching others how to bake bread, preserve food, or build a compost bin.  

    Think about your strengths and any surplus items you have on your homestead.  

    2-Identify What You Need: Next, make a list of things you need but don’t have. This could be physical items, such as tools or seeds, or services, such as help with harvesting or fencing. Knowing what you need will make it easier to propose fair trades.  

    3-Find a Community to Trade With: Bartering works best in a supportive community. If you don’t already know other homesteaders in your area, consider these options:  

    Local Homesteading Groups: Join local meetups or online forums for homesteaders and gardeners.  

    Farmers’ Markets: Connect with vendors and farmers who may be open to bartering.  

    Social Media Groups: Facebook groups or apps like Nextdoor can help you find like-minded individuals nearby.  

    As you build relationships, you’ll discover new opportunities to barter.  

    4-Propose a Trade: When you’re ready to trade, approach the other person with a clear proposal. Be polite and specific about what you’re offering and what you need in return. For example:  

    – “I have fresh eggs and homemade bread. Would you be interested in trading for some of your goat milk?”  

    – “I can help you build your chicken coop if you can teach me how to can vegetables.”  

    I have personally traded live turkeys for someone to builde me a chick brooder. I still use it to this day.

    Flexibility is key—sometimes, you might need to negotiate to find a trade that works for both parties.  

    5-Establish Clear Terms: To avoid misunderstandings, make sure both parties are clear about the terms of the trade. For example:  

    – How much of each item will be exchanged?  

    – When and where will the exchange take place?  

    – If it’s a service, how long will it take, and what will be included?  

    Good communication is essential to successful bartering.  

    Benefits of bartering/trading goods

    Tips for Successful Bartering

    Be Honest: Always be upfront about the quality and condition of the goods or services you’re offering.  

    Start Small: If you’re new to bartering, begin with small, simple trades to build confidence and trust.  

    Be Fair: Offer something of equal value to what you’re asking for. Bartering is about mutual benefit, not taking advantage of others.  

    Build Relationships: Regularly connect with your community to find new trading opportunities and strengthen bonds.  

    Keep Records: For larger trades, it’s a good idea to write down the agreement to ensure everyone is on the same page.  

    Examples of Bartering in a Homesteading Community

    – Trading homemade goat cheese for garden vegetables.  

    – Exchanging firewood for help repairing a fence.  

    – Offering fresh eggs in return for sewing or mending clothes.  

    – Providing garden tools in exchange for a jar of honey or homemade soap.  

    – Swapping surplus seeds with a neighbor to diversify your crops.  

    These simple exchanges not only meet immediate needs but also create a spirit of cooperation and shared success.  

    Trading/Bartering Vegetables and Flowers

    Challenges of Bartering (and How to Overcome Them

    While bartering has many benefits, it’s not without challenges:  

    Finding a Match: It can take time to find someone who needs what you’re offering and has what you need in return. Networking and communication can help.  

    Perceived Value: Not everyone will agree on the value of goods or services. Be prepared to negotiate and find a fair middle ground.  

    Time Constraints: Services like labor or repairs require time, which might not always align with your schedule. Be clear about availability when making agreements.  

    With patience and flexibility, these challenges can be overcome.  

    Parting Thoughts

    Bartering is more than just a way to trade goods and services—it’s a way to foster a sense of community, reduce waste, and live more sustainably. Whether you’re swapping fresh eggs for home-baked bread or trading gardening labor for canned preserves, bartering offers countless opportunities to share resources and skills.  

    By building strong relationships and staying open to creative exchanges, you can make bartering an integral part of your homesteading lifestyle. What goods or services would you offer for trade? Let me know in the comments below!  

  • Raising Turkeys for meat: Insights from My First Experience

    Purchasing turkey poults to raise for meat was an exciting decision for our family. This was something we had never done on our homestead before and an animal I had no experience with. We have raised and butchered our own chickens for some time now but I was ready to step it up to put more meat in our freezer. While this experience came with its own challenges the rewards in the end were worth it for my family to have homegrown meat all year long.

    In the beginning the idea of raising turkey poults was so daunting. I felt a tinge of anxiety due to the information I had originally gathered. Through my research—something I highly recommend before integrating any new animals into your homestead—I discovered that while turkey poults are larger than baby chicks, they tend to be quite delicate. Insights indicated that turkeys are more vulnerable to cold temperatures and respiratory infections compared to their chicken counterparts. Nevertheless, I was ready to take this on and make it work for my family.

    Purchasing your turkey poults: Things to consider

    After the final “lets do this” decision, I had yet another choice to make. Where was I going to purchase my turkey poults from. I could wait and go to the farm stores local to me and just buy what they had in stock or I could purchase them online and have a choice in what I’m purchasing. There are many choices online when it comes to ordering live birds. Choosing the right hatchery for your needs is a crucial step in your poultry journey. It’s important to keep in mind that different hatcheries come with their own unique guidelines and offer a selection of various breeds. This variety in options can significantly impact your decision-making process.
    By taking the time to explore what each hatchery has to provide, you can broaden your understanding and make more informed choices. Familiarizing yourself with the available breeds and their specifications will empower you to select the most suitable options for your needs. Ensuring that you make the best choice is essential for a successful start in your poultry venture, so don’t underestimate the value of thorough research into each hatchery’s offerings.

    Having placed numerous orders with McMurray Hatchery, I can confidently say that my experiences have always been smooth and trouble-free. This trusted source is my go-to for ordering birds. However I have heard great things about these hatcheries as well:

    https://www.cacklehatchery.com

    https://www.hoovershatchery.com

    https://www.meyerhatchery.com

    In order to meet the necessary shipping regulations the hatchery requires a minimum number of birds to guarantee the birds’ safety during transit. Ordering a certain number of birds will ensure they are comfortably warm throughout the journey, relying on their body heat. Each hatchery will have their own requirements depending on what type you purchase. For example the minimum order of turkey poults at the time was 15.

    Selecting the best breed for your homestead

    When it comes to selecting turkeys for your farm, a variety of types exist to cater to your specific needs and preferences. Poultry enthusiasts and farmers alike can choose from numerous breeds, each offering unique characteristics that can enhance your agricultural endeavors. Whether you’re focused on meat production, egg-laying potential, or even ornamental purposes, understanding the various turkey breeds available is essential for making an informed decision. By carefully considering what you desire from your turkey operation, you can find the perfect fit for your farm, ensuring that your poultry experience is both rewarding and successful.

    Broad-breasted turkeys have been selectively bred to grow rapidly and reach impressive sizes, particularly focusing on enhancing breast meat, which is the most sought-after cut for culinary purposes. Their accelerated growth rates prevent them from flying and hinder their ability to reproduce effectively due to their large size. As my goal was to cultivate meat specifically for butchering to provide nourishing, homegrown options for my family, this particular breed was the clear choice for my needs.

    There are two types of broad-breasted turkeys: White and Bronze. Not having any prior preferences, I thought it would be interesting to try both varieties. The white broad-breasted turkeys are considered traditional choices for the dinner table. With their striking white feathers, they present an appealing appearance, and their flavor is mild yet enjoyable. In contrast, the bronze turkeys exhibit a beautiful mix of dark chocolate-brown feathers, and their taste is richer, offering a gamier experience. When it comes time to prepare your turkey, you might notice the pin feathers visible on the skin, which can be a reminder of the bird’s unique characteristics. Overall, this blend of varieties allows for a delightful culinary experience, showcasing the different flavors and textures that both types of turkey provide.

    Picking up your turkey poults and creating their new home

    When you place an order with a hatchery, they typically inform you of a delivery window spanning a week. However, an exact arrival date is not provided. So…. I took the whole week off work because I was determined to succeed and wasn’t going to take any chances. 😂 This allowed me to set up a welcoming brooder and remain on standby in case the post office contacted me regarding my soon-to-arrive feathered companions.

    Setting up a brooder for your new turkey poults involves several essential elements. First, choose appropriate bedding; pine shavings work wonderfully as they are both easy to clean and comfortable for the poults. Next, provide a reliable heat source. You might opt for a heat lamp or a heat plate, but it is crucial to maintain a temperature range of 96 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the brooder reaches this temperature before introducing your poults. (The get older they get the less they will need it.)You should also have a container for water and a supply of feed readily available to meet their needs.


    Upon collecting your chicks or poults from the post office, it becomes essential to conduct a thorough inspection immediately. Checking for any losses right away enables you to swiftly reach out to the hatchery for possible refunds. Waiting until you return home or delaying the inspection can jeopardize your chances of reimbursement for any deceased birds, as the hatchery might deny claims made later. So when I received the call and arrived at the post office I eagerly opened the chirping little box and felt a wave of relief come over me when I found all of my little ones happy and alive.

    I carefully placed them in the back seat of my car, I even considered securing them with a seat belt. I didn’t, but imagine the chaos if that box were to tip over, releasing a dozen curious baby turkeys into my car! While it would be an adorable and hilarious sight, it would also be quite a challenging situation to manage.

    Since I set up my brooder ahead of time,  all I had to do was get their water ready. I do this last so it’s as fresh as possible and I also like to add electrolytes to it. The hatcheries will ask you if you want it as apart of your order or you can buy it at any feed store. They come in single use packets. Unloading the turkey poults, take the time to take a closer look at each one to make sure they are in good health then dip their beaks in the electrolyte solution and place them their new home. 

    Care tips

    As the days go on make sure to check each one individually and pay close attention to their bum. Sometimes they will get a pasty bum and you want to make sure you keep it clean. You can do this by just taking a warm wash cloth and gently rubbing their behind. This is something that can slowly kill them as their feces will harden over their vents and they won’t be able to poo.

    Behavior insights

    These creatures are quite vocal, always engaging with their surroundings, playful in nature, and they have a particular fascination with shiny objects. I like to watch them interact with each other and it’s quite facinating how quickly they grow. When it comes to finding a place to settle for the night, turkeys instinctively seek the highest vantage point available. As sunset approached, I often watched them choosing to perch atop their covered coop rather than inside it, demonstrating their preference for elevation.

    Turning your flock into food

    On butcher day, we gathered a group of friends to lend a hand. The experience differed greatly from processing chickens, primarily due to the sheer size of the turkeys we were working with. Weighing in at 20 to 25 pounds each, these birds posed a unique challenge. Unfortunately, our plucking machine was ill-equipped to handle their size, compelling us to resort to the old “fashioned way”.  Hand plucking is very labor-intensive and time consuming but it works. Catching the lively turkeys was quite strenuous. Then handling the heavy carcasses after added an extra layer of difficulty. I’m sure it was quite a show watching my 4″11 self catching these giant birds. However I was bound determined to be apart of the whole process.

    The most time consuming aspect of butchering in my opinion, involves the careful process of preserving the meat while ensuring safety throughout. Following the slaughter, we allowed the turkey carcasses to rest in a cooler for two days, which enabled rigor mortis to pass before we proceeded with packaging. We made the choice to keep several birds whole for freezing, while others were parted out or ground down into turkey burger. This allowed us to have a versatile option in our kitchen, as I prefer to use turkey burger in various recipes as an alternative to traditional ground beef. Navigating the different cuts of meat has been a valuable learning experience, especially since we now have homegrown turkey breasts, wings and legs stored in our freezer. The process of cutting and grinding the meat into burger was undeniably time-consuming but incredibly rewarding.

    Reflecting on the entire experience, I can confidently say it was a fulfilling endeavor that I would gladly repeat.  The meat from these turkeys proved to be sufficient for our family’s needs throughout the year. In fact, we even used one turkey for our Thanksgiving feast this year and still have another left in reserve! If your on the bench about raising turkeys and are able to, just go for it! You won’t be dissappointed.

  • Embracing Homesteading: A Journey to Self-Sufficiency

    Hi there! I’m Becky J and I’m thrilled to welcome you to my homesteading blog. Sharing my journey with you fills me with excitement, and I hope to inspire you as you embark on your own adventure in this fulfilling lifestyle. Life doesn’t hand us a guidebook, and there’s truly no right or wrong moment to pursue your dreams.
    Let me share a bit about my background. My roots are firmly planted in a small, rural town where I’ve spent my entire life. From a young age, my heart yearned for farm animals and the satisfaction that comes from gardening. However, living in an apartment or a small lot in town made those dreams feel out of reach. While my friends flourished in 4-H clubs and agricultural classes, I found myself on the sidelines, missing countless opportunities to get involved in growing plants in the school greenhouse or diving into advanced animal science classes. Instead, I gravitated toward cooking, baking, and art classes—skills I still cherish and utilize today.
    Meeting my husband was a game changer; we discovered that we shared the same ambitions. Our vision was to embrace a life grounded in self-sufficiency, nurturing animals, and cultivating our own food. We devised a plan to save up for a home with some land. Our perseverance paid off after a few years, and we secured a little over three acres, which suits our family of five perfectly.
    Our homesteading journey took off with chickens(doesn’t it always😄). We found an old shed on our property and transformed it into a cozy coop, home to six laying hens. Our first garden was modest; it produced enough for a few harvests, but for me, it was a significant victory considering my previous struggles with plants.
    As the seasons rolled on, my husband expanded our livestock by adding a few cows to our pasture. Meanwhile, I decided to adopt a pet pig—just for funzies! I committed wholeheartedly to this lifestyle; there would be no more half-measures. With newfound energy, I immersed myself in learning about raising livestock, butchering, and food preservation.
    Today, we proudly have chickens, ducks, turkeys, two guinea hens (which my husband definitely isn’t fond of), several pigs, goats, and cows. And let’s not forget the myriad of beloved pets inside our home! This year, our garden thrived, yielding enough produce for us to enjoy fresh meals, share with friends, and can for the colder months ahead.
    My mind is always buzzing with ideas on how to enhance our processes and what new endeavors we can undertake to achieve our homesteading goals. It’s a continuous journey filled with learning and discovery. There’s such joy in connecting with nature, and each day, I strive to nurture the life we’ve built together.
    These baby steps have guided me onto this rewarding path, and I’m committed to turning my dreams into reality. Together, we can transform yours into something tangible, too!