Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
something to this pull other than frugal living and good French toast: a panting-dog de-
sire to go back to simpler times.
HOMESTEADING PETS
Imagine the satisfaction of scrambling eggs that you collected from your own flock for
your brunch guests. And you just can't help but cross your arms and smile when you
walk out on the back deck at dusk in late summer and see your pets providing equal
parts pest control, food production, and entertainment. When I look outside at my yard,
I see not just chickens but the beginning of a journey dedicated to sustainability and an
avatar for a better, simpler life. They truly are the homestead pet for everyone.
Keeping chickens frees up our spirit. I don't mean to sound overly corny—I really am a
grounded gal—but knowing that I can have empty cupboards and no money to my name
and still eat an amazing breakfast of fresh eggs without ever leaving the cabin . . . well,
it makes me feel rich. Not some superficial wealth but comfort in knowing I'm okay.
These girls have my back.
START COLLECTING THOSE CARTONS NOW
While chickens also make for a great introduction to meat farming, this topic concen-
trates on laying hens. Healthy, natural eggs are the focus here. A small, perfect food
containing all the building blocks of life because, quite frankly, it
is
the building block
of life. Eggs are powerhouses of protein and energy. The omega-3 fatty acids are proven
to help everything from the thickness of our hair to the balance of our mood.
Collecting these small miracles right at home is what motivates most folks to keep a
few birds under the trellis. The same oval you've cracked and eaten your whole life sud-
denly goes from the world of consumer to that of producer. Eventually you'll walk by
the cooler in the grocery store, and you won't be able to wipe that smirk off your face.
Buy eggs?!
Please. That's . . . well, that's just ridiculous.
