The Saguaro Grove

Living in the desert requires our chickens to have consistent access to a lot of water! Once our chickens graduated from the baby chick setup, I wanted to give them a large bucket and water cups. We only have a young, small flock at this point and I thought that a 5 gallon bucket  and lid would provide plenty of water for them and a large enough vessel to add an ice block when it's hot. Together, they cost less than $6.00. I went to Tractor Supply and purchased the only water cups they had in stock, from Harris Farms . I knew it would likely take some time for them to figure it out.  But, after almost 10 days, it seemed that they could not figure out how to refill the cups since it required that they pull or push on the yellow release valve. I tried showing them, tried adding a mealworm to the cup, but I couldn't seem to help them with this challenge. The cup was always dry and were forced to drink from their back up supply. With consistent 90+ degree temperatures approachin...

Homesteading is a lifestyle that involves self-sufficiency and sustainability. Starting a homestead with no money may seem daunting, but it's not impossible. Here are some steps you can take to begin your homesteading journey for little to no money... Before starting a homestead, it's important to research and plan. I've done a lot of research!! You need to identify what type of homestead you want to establish, what resources you have, and what resources you need. Check out your local library for homesteading books, books on canning, or building a shed to learn some new skills. One way to acquire resources when starting your small homestead is to barter and trade with others. You can exchange produce, eggs, or skills with your neighbors or local farmers/backyard farmers. Starting to raise chickens for no money may be difficult, but there are some ways to reduce costs. One option is to search for free or low-cost chickens from local farms or online classifieds. You can also ...

Urban homesteading is a lifestyle that emphasizes self-sufficiency in an urban or suburban environment. It involves using land and resources to grow food, raise animals, bees etc. Homesteading is all about making the most of what you have, and finding ways to reduce your reliance on modern conveniences. To be a successful urban homesteader, you need to learn a variety of skills. These include gardening, animal husbandry, food preservation, and DIY construction. You also need to be resourceful, adaptable, and willing to learn new things. I think that last one is the most important. Here are 9 things you could do on your urban/suburban...or any homestead: Vegetable Gardening: Growing your own vegetables is a key part of homesteading. It’s a great way to get fresh, organic produce. No huge garden yet? Try using one of these collapsible planter bags ! Composting: Composting is the process of turning food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil. It’s an essential part of sustainable ...