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62 guidesCaring for Chicken
Taking care of chickens on a homestead in arid South Africa is an exciting responsibility. Here’s a simple guide to help you with the basics: 1. Shelter: Build or set up a secure chicken coop to protect your chickens from extreme heat, cold, rain, and predators. Ensure good ventilation to keep the air fresh. 2. […]
Brooding
Brooding chickens means taking care of baby chicks when they are young and need extra warmth and protection. Let’s explore some simple homemade ways and tools to brood chickens both with and without electric lamps: Brooding with Electric Lamp: Brooding without Electric Lamp: Remember, whether you’re using an electric lamp or natural methods, it’s crucial […]
Freshwater Prawns
Let’s dive deep into each step of growing freshwater prawns in an aquaponics system, including growing your own feed and caring for them: Remember, aquaponics is a fascinating way to integrate fish and plant cultivation while gaining valuable knowledge about environmental sustainability and natural ecosystems. Enjoy the process of nurturing your freshwater prawns and watching […]
Pigeons
Keeping pigeons can be beneficial for smallholder farmers in various ways, and feeding them homegrown feed can be cost-effective and rewarding. Here’s a simple guide on why and how to keep pigeons and feed them with homegrown food: Why Keep Pigeons: How to Keep Pigeons and Feed Them Homegrown Feed: Remember, starting small and gradually […]
Goats
As our rainfall gets less and more erratic, more of our rural farmers will turn to goats and sheep, which are currently farmed successfully by commercial and communal farmers in the driest of areas. We can make small-stock farming even more resilient by keeping smaller herds (we’ll switch to fish and veggies for our base […]
Geese
Keeping geese on a small permaculture homestead can be super cool and beneficial in many ways. Let’s explore why geese are great and how you can care for them and even have baby geese! Benefits of Keeping Geese: How to Keep and Breed Geese: Remember, keeping geese can be a rewarding and fun experience. Treat […]
Catfish
Catfish can be a great addition to an aquaponics system. They are hardy fish that can tolerate a range of water conditions, making them well-suited for aquaponics setups. Here’s a discussion on their use and care in an aquaponics system: Growing catfish 1. Use of Catfish in Aquaponics: 2. Water Quality and Conditions: 3. Feeding […]
Ducks
Ducks are also easy to keep, taste great and they can be integrated very well in the permaculture garden to control pests and fertilize. Ducks are another fantastic addition to a small permaculture homestead. They offer many benefits and can be a joy to have around. Let’s explore the advantages of keeping ducks, how to […]
Dairy Cows
Keeping a few milk cows on a homestead can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Here’s a guide on how to care for them and the benefits they can provide: 1. Housing and Shelter: 2. Feeding: 3. Milking Routine: 4. Health Care: 5. Calving: Benefits of Keeping Milk Cows on a Homestead: 1. Fresh Milk: […]
Tilapia
Keeping tilapia in a Southern African backyard aquaponics system can be a rewarding experience. Here’s a brief guide: Keeping Tilapia in Your Backyard Aquaponics System: Benefits of Using Tilapia in Aquaponics: Remember that while tilapia is a beneficial fish species for aquaponics, it’s essential to follow local regulations and guidelines regarding fish farming and species […]
Turkeys
Keeping Turkeys on a Southern African Homestead: Keeping Turkeys Raising turkeys on a Southern African homestead requires careful planning and attention to various aspects of their care: Benefits of Keeping Turkeys In conclusion, keeping turkeys on a Southern African homestead requires dedication, knowledge, and a passion for sustainable farming. When cared for properly, turkeys contribute […]
Beef Cattle
Keep a few cattle for our own consumption and milk production. Aim for a mixed breed so that we have both good milk and good meat production. The bulk of the feed can come from the intensive barley operation explained below. Keeping and Caring for Cattle Beef on a Southern African Homestead: Remember, caring for […]