-
What to look for in land
For many years now we have dreamed of moving into a rural area, having land, raising animals, and being much more self sufficient. We have been attempting urban homesteading, but our city ordinance officer doesn't like it very much. We have had to be very careful and creative. Several factors have prevented us from moving.…
-
Animal hospital housing?
Does anyone have a special place made for their sick or injured animals? I usually just grab a cage and bring them in the basement for a few days. In the summer I can just put them in a separate pen with a small house but in weather like we have now I need another option. A small shed or building could also store any aids…
-
In permaculture, you try to keep some wild animals around but which ones?
On our new property here I'm learning, or trying to, all the different types of animals/critters we have around. For example, what their scat looks like, footprints and evidence that they've been somewhere. It's a lot to learn. Some animals eat ticks, bad snakes and such so you'd probably like to keep them around. Others…
-
Anyone house rabbits and chickens together? I’m building a “racken” house!
I would appreciate any input on design or experiences with it. I’m building in the style of Joel Salatin but I’m afraid that the constant agitation of the rabbit poo by the chickens will stop the insects from laying all the great larvae that the chickens love so much. We have a catchment system for the rabbit poo now that…
-
Reconstructing animal housing
My barn was severely damaged 4 years ago and last year a fisher came through and literally destroyed several of my chicken coops. I had no idea they could rip wire out of wood and flip pens. (The barn is being partially rebuilt this summer) Two weeks ago I had to replace my rabbit pen roof before I had issues. I want to…
-
Mission Impossible: The Great Christmas Wrapping Paper Caper
I moved my one rabbit pen last fall and I was in a hurry. In the back of my mind I heard, "When you rush you have issues later." This was going to be my redo it rabbit pen in the Spring so I just took a chance. Last week I was looking and I noticed the door was not clearing the ground by much. This may be an issue but so…
-
Liquid cleaner: apple vinegar + conifer needles.
Some time ago I wrote about do-it-yourself cleaner made of apple vinegar and orange peels. I am using it for cleaning everything at home: in the kitchen, in the bathroom... and I am really satisfied. Recently I heard of another idea: Liquid cleaner with conifer needles. I brought home a few fir tree branches and soaked the…
