March 28, 2025|Chickens
Hey farm gals, it’s Kara from Lange Girl Farms! Chickens have been my homestead heartbeat for years—part of a crew that’s grown from huskies to horses and beyond over 15 country years. I raise them naturally, alongside ducks, with no shortcuts, and I’m here to share how you can start your flock with a holistic spin. My experience makes it simple—let’s get those eggs rolling!
Step 1: Pick Hardy, Happy Breeds – I love Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks, all colors of Laced Wyandotte’s —tough, great layers, perfect for my sustainable setup. Start with 3-5 hens; my flock’s fed me for years.
Step 2: Build a Natural Coop – My coops are wood and wire with a large enclosed fence run area when they are not pasture raised and free to roam about the homestead for foraging. Add wood chips or straw and herbs like lavender for health. More to come on the herbs with livestock later.
Step 3: Feed Holistically – I mix layer pellets with pasture foraging—my chickens peck bugs and greens. A chicken waterer You can find it here thru my affiliate link (https://amzn.to/4kjEzX0) like these helps to ensure the water stays clean; I add apple cider vinegar weekly for gut health. Ten minutes daily, and they’re set.
Step 4: Watch and Learn – Happy hens strut and lay—mine tell me when they’re off. Dull feathers? I check stress or mites (diatomaceous earth fixes that). My first hen hid once—broody, not sick!
Chickens fit my natural homestead like a glove—15 years prove they’re easy and rewarding. Start your flock my way; you’ll love it. Pin this to begin, and follow Lange Girl Farms for more holistic tips!