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62 guidesHolistic Rotational Grazing
Introduction to Holistic Grazing Holistic grazing is a land management approach and agricultural practice that aims to mimic the natural movement and grazing patterns of large herds of animals in order to restore and improve the health of ecosystems and agricultural lands. It was popularized by Allan Savory, a Zimbabwean ecologist and farmer, who developed […]
Mobile Electric Camp/Paddock for mob grazing
Building small mobile enclosures with electric fences for mob grazing can be a practical and effective way to manage livestock rotation without the need for a herder. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create such enclosures: Materials Needed: Step-by-Step Process: Remember that electric fences are effective when properly installed and maintained. Ensure the electric […]
Domestic Animals
In a small homestead in arid Southern Africa, people often keep a variety of animals that can provide valuable benefits to the household. Here is an overview of some common animals and their benefits: Animals Benefits of Keeping Animals. It’s important for homesteaders to ensure the animals are well cared for, have access to proper […]
Fish feed
We can grow all our own fish food. Feeding fish in an aquaponics system is a critical part of keeping them healthy and happy. There are various ways to feed fish, including using homegrown fish feed options. Let’s explore some of these methods: Remember these tips when feeding your fish in an aquaponics system: Using […]
Which chicken?
Which chicken should you keep? There are hundreds of different races to choose from. If you want to produce both meat and eggs, it’s best to choose two different races. Split your chicken house into two different areas. If you are new to chicken farming it may be best to just buy chicken from your […]
Using your Chicken as workers :)
Chickens are incredible workers on a homestead when we use permaculture principles. Permaculture is all about working with nature and creating a sustainable and harmonious system. Let me explain how chickens can play a valuable role as workers in a permaculture-inspired homestead: By using chickens in a permaculture-inspired way, we create a system where everything […]
Humane slaughtering of chicken
Slaughtering chickens humanely is essential to ensure their well-being and to respect the animals’ lives. Here’s a simple explanation of humane ways to slaughter chickens and how to pack the meat: Humane Slaughtering Process: Packing the Meat: After the chicken is slaughtered and properly drained of blood, it’s time to pack the meat for storage […]
How many chicken do you need?
How many chicken should you keep to feed your family or village? Here we give simple calculations based on a village of 5 families and around 20 people. Eggs: 5 families, thus 20 people, eat on average 1 egg per day = 20 eggs per day. Thus you need 30 egg laying chicken (not all […]
Chicken: Sources and Resources
There are many popular websites and YouTube channels where you can learn about chicken keeping for a homestead. Here are some of the top ones: Websites: YouTube Channels: Always remember that new channels and websites may emerge, and some older ones may change or become inactive. Be sure to check the latest content and reviews […]
Chicken House (Coop)
On farmsteads, various types of chicken houses are used to provide shelter and protection for the chickens. Each type has its advantages and is designed to meet specific needs. Here are some common types of chicken houses: Remember that the choice of chicken house depends on factors like the number of chickens, available space, climate, […]
Chicken Feed
Grow your own chicken feed Growing your own organic chicken feed on a farmstead in arid South Africa can be a sustainable and cost-effective way to provide nutritious food for your chickens. Here are some methods to consider: Remember to balance the different components of your homemade chicken feed to ensure it meets the nutritional […]
Feeding the chicken
Here are some common weeds that can be grown as chicken feed without needing much water: When offering weeds as chicken feed, it’s essential to ensure they are free from pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful chemicals. Avoid gathering weeds from areas close to roads or where pollutants may be present. Additionally, do not overfeed weeds […]