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Category: pigs

Taking Care of the Homestead Animals and Their Needs

  • By - DiyGarden
  • Posted on

Life with livestock is a daily lesson in paying attention, especially when it comes to understanding what each animal truly needs. Rabbits, pigs, and chickens may all share the same homestead, but their care couldn’t be more different.

Rabbits & Their Needs

Rabbits thrive on calm, consistency, and cleanliness. They need a safe, well-ventilated space that protects them from wind, rain, and extreme heat. Fresh hay should make up the bulk of their diet, supported by clean water and a small portion of quality pellets or fresh greens. Rabbits are sensitive animals, so quiet surroundings and gentle handling matter just as much as food. Keeping their living area clean is essential, as they are prone to respiratory issues if bedding becomes damp or dirty.

Pigs & Their Care

Pigs, on the other hand, are curious, social, and incredibly smart. They need room to roam, root, and express natural behaviors. A sturdy shelter protects them from sun and cold, while access to mud or a wallow helps them regulate body temperature. Pigs require a balanced diet rich in nutrients, along with constant access to fresh water. Just as important is mental stimulation—pigs get bored easily, and a bored pig is often a destructive pig. Time, interaction, and enrichment go a long way with them.

Chicken Care

Chickens are often the heartbeat of the homestead. They need secure housing to keep predators out, clean nesting boxes, and roosts for sleeping. A balanced feed, grit, calcium, and fresh water support healthy egg production. Chickens also need space to scratch and forage, which keeps them active and content.

When each animal’s needs are met, the homestead runs smoother. Healthy animals are calmer, more productive, and a joy to care for, reminding us that good stewardship starts with understanding.

Daily Animal Chores: The Rhythm That Keeps My Homestead Running

  • By - DiyGarden
  • Posted on

Every morning, before the world fully wakes up, I slip into my boots and head outside to start my animal chores. It’s become a rhythm I look forward to—a quiet moment where the homestead and I ease into the day together.

Click here to check out the video Ron made so you can meet all the animals face to face.

chicken

My chickens are always the first to greet me. Honestly, they act like I’ve been gone for days instead of just one night. I open the coop, refresh their water, scatter feed, and peek into the nest boxes to see who gifted me breakfast. As I walk through the run, I take a moment to watch them scratch around. They make it pretty obvious if someone isn’t acting right, so I like to give everyone a good once-over while the sunlight is still soft.

Next, I move to the rabbits. They’re quieter, more delicate in their routines, and I’ve learned they appreciate a calm hand. I top off their hay, refill their water, and give each one a little hello. I always check the cages for loose wires or spots they might be chewing. Over time, you learn which rabbits hop right over for attention and which ones prefer to sit back and observe.

Then come the pigs—my loudest morning crew. They are never shy about letting me know it’s feeding time. I haul out their feed, make sure they’ve got plenty of fresh water, and check their wallow or shelter. I also give the fence a quick look because pigs are creative thinkers when it comes to escape plans.

Even though the chores shift with the seasons, this steady, everyday pattern gives me purpose. There’s something honest and grounding about caring for animals. It’s work, yes—but it’s the kind of work that fills my cup every single day.

Pigs: The Newest Addition to Our Homestead

  • By - DiyGarden
  • Posted on

Every homestead has its milestones — planting the first garden, building a coop, or harvesting the first homegrown vegetables. For us, the latest exciting chapter is welcoming pigs to the farm. These curious, intelligent animals are quickly proving to be more than just livestock; they’re an integral part of creating a more sustainable, self-sufficient life.

One of the first things you notice about pigs is their personality. Contrary to the old saying, pigs aren’t lazy or dirty creatures. They’re playful, social, and surprisingly clever. They love rooting in the soil, exploring their space, and of course, enjoying a good mud bath to keep cool. Watching them interact has already brought so much energy and joy to our homestead.

Beyond companionship, pigs bring real value to the farm. They’re efficient foragers, turning food scraps, garden extras, and pasture into nourishment. This not only reduces waste but also makes them relatively inexpensive to feed compared to other livestock. With proper care, pigs can also help prepare new areas of land by naturally rooting and tilling the soil — a homesteader’s dream helper.

Raising pigs does come with responsibility. They need strong fencing, plenty of space to roam, and consistent access to fresh water. Their intelligence means they’ll quickly find weak spots in a pen, so sturdy enclosures are a must. But the reward of raising your own pork, knowing exactly how the animals were treated and fed, makes the effort worthwhile.

For us, pigs represent more than just food security. They embody the values of stewardship, resourcefulness, and connection to the land. Adding them to our homestead feels like a step closer to a truly full-circle lifestyle.

Here is a video on how Ron created the pasture and shelter for them. He also shows how to make a pig water barrel.

Welcome home, piggies — the adventure has just begun!