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    Home » Best Of

    Raising Homestead Chickens and Avoiding Common Beginner Mistakes

    Sarita Harbour.
    Modified: May 9, 2025 by Sarita Harbour · This post may contain affiliate links·
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    Raising homestead chickens is one of the most practical ways to produce fresh eggs and keep a more self-sufficient home, but beginners often run into avoidable problems. Poor coop setup, feeding mistakes, and predator risks can quickly turn a simple backyard flock into a stressful challenge. Learning what works before bringing chickens home can save time, money, and frustration. A well-planned approach means healthier birds, fewer unexpected issues, and better egg production. With the right knowledge, raising homestead chickens can be a smooth and rewarding experience from the start.

    DIY Chicken Salve with Calendula

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    DIY Chicken Salve with Calendula. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Chickens aren’t the best at staying out of trouble, which is why a homemade calendula salve is a must-have. This easy DIY soothes minor cuts, scrapes, and pecking injuries without any weird chemicals. If you're raising homestead chickens, having this on hand means fewer vet visits and happier hens.
    Read the Article: DIY Chicken Salve with Calendula

    Chicken Feed Recipes

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    Chicken Feed Recipes. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Store-bought feed costs add up fast, but making your own? That’s a game changer. These chicken feed recipes help you control ingredients, cut costs, and keep your flock in top shape. If raising homestead chickens is on your to-do list, this is one way to keep things both budget-friendly and nutritious.
    Read the Article: Chicken Feed Recipes

    DIY Flock Block for Chickens

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    DIY Flock Block for Chickens. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Bored chickens turn into troublemakers, and nobody wants that. This DIY flock block keeps them busy while sneaking in extra nutrition. A perfect project for anyone raising homestead chickens who wants happier, healthier birds.
    Read the Article: DIY Flock Block for Chickens

    How to Grow Lentil Sprouts

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    How to Grow Lentil Sprouts. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Fresh greens in the middle of winter? No problem. Lentil sprouts take up almost no space, grow ridiculously fast, and give your chickens a nutrient boost. If raising homestead chickens means keeping them well-fed year-round, this little trick does the job.
    Read the Article: How to Grow Lentil Sprouts

    Backyard Chicken Supplies

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    Backyard Chicken Supplies. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    A well-prepped coop makes chicken keeping way easier. From feeders to first aid, this guide covers the must-have supplies for a happy, healthy flock. Anyone raising homestead chickens will want to double-check their setup against this list.
    Read the Article: Backyard Chicken Supplies

    How to Butcher a Chicken at Home

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    How to Butcher a Chicken at Home. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    If you’re going to raise chickens for meat, knowing how to process them is essential. This guide walks you through it step by step, with clear instructions to make the process as smooth as possible. A must-read for anyone serious about raising homestead chickens for more than just eggs.
    Read the Article: How to Butcher a Chicken at Home

    Fermented Chicken Feed

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    Fermented Chicken Feed. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Fermenting chicken feed isn’t just some trendy idea—it improves digestion, boosts nutrients, and stretches your feed budget. This guide breaks it down so you can get started with zero hassle. If raising homestead chickens is the plan, this is one way to keep them thriving.
    Read the Article: Fermented Chicken Feed

    How to Make a Handmade DIY Chicken Feed Bag Tote

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    How to Make a Handmade DIY Chicken Feed Bag Tote. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Those empty feed bags piling up? Put them to use with this easy DIY tote. It’s tough, reusable, and perfect for hauling eggs, garden veggies, or anything else. A great project for anyone raising homestead chickens and looking for creative ways to repurpose farm supplies.
    Read the Article: How to Make a Handmade DIY Chicken Feed Bag Tote

    DIY Chicken Coop Mistakes

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    DIY Chicken Coop Mistakes. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Building a coop? There are plenty of ways to get it wrong. This guide covers common mistakes so your flock stays safe, dry, and predator-free. A must-read before picking up that hammer, especially if raising homestead chickens is part of your plan.
    Read the Article: DIY Chicken Coop Mistakes

    How to Make a Homemade Chicken First Aid Kit

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    How to Make a Homemade Chicken First Aid Kit. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Sooner or later, every chicken keeper faces an injured bird. This guide shows exactly what to stock in a first aid kit so you’re not scrambling when disaster strikes. If raising homestead chickens means being prepared, this is one step you don’t want to skip.
    Read the Article: How to Make a Homemade Chicken First Aid Kit

    How to Make a Chicken Dust Bath

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    How to Make a Chicken Dust Bath. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Chickens don’t take showers, but they do love a good dust bath. This simple DIY keeps mites and lice away while giving your flock a fun way to stay clean. A must for anyone raising homestead chickens who wants to avoid dealing with itchy, unhappy birds.
    Read the Article: How to Make a Chicken Dust Bath

    Homemade Chicken Scratch Recipe

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    Homemade Chicken Scratch Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Think of scratch as the ultimate chicken snack—great for treats, boredom, and keeping your birds entertained. This homemade recipe skips the fillers and keeps things nutritious. If raising homestead chickens means keeping them happy without breaking the bank, this is a solid place to start.
    Read the Article: Homemade Chicken Scratch Recipe

    30 DIY Chicken Coops

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    30 DIY Chicken Coops. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Whether you're building from scratch or upgrading an old setup, these DIY coop ideas have something for every space and budget. Good design keeps chickens safe, comfortable, and laying plenty of eggs. If raising homestead chickens is the goal, starting with a solid coop is key.
    Read the Article: 30 DIY Chicken Coops

    5 Best Chicken Breeds for Backyard Coop

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    5 Best Chicken Breeds for Backyard Coop. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Not all chickens are created equal, and picking the right breed makes all the difference. This guide breaks down the best options for egg-laying, temperament, and hardiness. A must-read for anyone serious about raising homestead chickens without unnecessary headaches.
    Read the Article: 5 Best Chicken Breeds for Backyard Coop

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    Sarita Harbour.

    I'm Sarita. My family and I lived off the grid for 11 years in Canada's far north. If I did it, you can too.

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