🐔 Fermenting Chicken Feed: Overrated or Essential? + What’s Hygge Homemaking?

IN TODAY'S EDITION

1. Homestead Tip 🌱

2. Poll Results From Last Sunday 📊

3. All Things Homestead: Fermenting Chicken Feed 🐓

4. Personal Development: Hygge Homemaking 🧡

5. Today's Top Picks 🛍️

6. Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Reclaim Your Independence: A Year of Simple Steps to Self-Sufficiency!

Are you tired of rising prices, confusing labels, and feeling like you’re always behind? For a minute, imagine a pantry full of homemade, budget-friendly meals, an organic garden in your backyard, and the skills to care for your family naturally…

Hi, I’m Lexi! I grew up on a farm but left it all behind (only to find my way back), learning how to build a sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle that works for today’s busy families. Now, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned with you.

A Year of Simple, Doable Challenges

Each month, we’ll tackle an easy, practical skill:

• January: Budget-Friendly Pantry Staples

• February: Natural Skincare & Self-Care

• March: Gardening Basics
  …and so much more.

With guided challenges, tutorials, and support, you’ll save money, reduce stress, and reclaim control—all while building confidence in homesteading.

Why Wait?

This is your chance to make real changes for your family, and without overwhelm!

What You’ll Get:

• Monthly Challenges & Mini Challenges

• Pre-recorded workshops

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• Bonuses: Homestead Planner, recipe eBooks, guides, and more!

P.S. The January Challenge, “Budget-Friendly Pantry Staples” is already live and ready for you to dive into. Don’t miss out! Let’s make this your year of self-sufficiency!

POLL RESULTS FROM LAST SUNDAY

What's the most helpful natural predator on your homestead?

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Birds (hawks, owls, etc.

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Frogs or toads

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Insects (ladybugs, etc.)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Other

via @beehiiv polls

Feel free to participate in fun polls in our next newsletters! 😉

Also, follow us on our social media accounts for daily homesteading inspiration and updates.

ALL THINGS HOMESTEAD

Fermenting Chicken Feed 🐓

Homesteaders, let’s talk chickens. You love them, they’re adorable (most of the time), and they keep your family stocked with fresh eggs and meat. But let’s be real… chicken feed can get expensive, and sometimes you wonder if they’re actually getting the nutrition they need. Enter fermented chicken feed, the budget-friendly, health-boosting trick your flock (and wallet) will love.

Why Ferment Chicken Feed?

• Save Money: Fermenting increases the volume and nutritional density of your feed, so your chickens eat less. Plus, you can skip the pricey pre-mixed bags and use bulk grains.

• Healthier Chickens: The probiotics in fermented feed improve gut health, boost immunity, and make your chickens less prone to common illnesses. Think of it as yogurt for your birds.

• Better Digestion: Fermenting breaks down tough coatings on grains, making nutrients easier for your chickens to absorb. This means less food wasted and more bang for your buck.

• Egg-cellent Quality: You’ll see richer yolks, stronger shells, and an overall improvement in egg quality.

What Grains Should You Use?

Chickens aren’t picky, which is great for you. Here are some popular grains to include:

• Oats: Affordable, with 11–14% protein.

• Wheat: A protein-rich option (14–18%) and easy to find.

• Barley: A good middle ground with about 13.5% protein.

• Peas: The MVP of protein (20–29%)—perfect for boosting nutrition.

• Corn: An energy source with about 10% protein. Go for non-GMO if you can.

Mix a variety of these grains for balanced nutrition. If your chickens free-range, they’ll pick up bugs and greens to fill in any gaps.

What You’ll Need

• Buckets: Food-safe 5-gallon buckets work well for larger flocks. Smaller flocks can use mason jars or smaller containers.

• Water: Use filtered or dechlorinated water. Chlorine kills the good bacteria that make fermentation work.

• Starter Culture (Optional): Whey, yogurt, kombucha, or liquid from a previous ferment can help jump-start the process.

How to Ferment Chicken Feed

This process takes about 3–5 days, depending on your climate. Here’s how it works:

1. Day 1: Add grains to your bucket, filling it halfway to leave room for expansion. Cover the grains with water, leaving about 2 inches of water above them. Stir in a starter culture if using. Cover loosely with a lid or cheesecloth to keep pests out while letting gases escape.

2. Day 2: Check the bucket. The grains will have soaked up some water and expanded. Add more water if they look dry. Stir gently, but it’s not mandatory.

3. Day 3–4: You’ll see bubbles—that’s a good sign! The grains should be soft and have a sour, slightly sweet smell. If you spot mold or a bad odor, toss the batch and start over.

4. Day 5: Your feed is ready! Strain out the excess liquid (but save a little for your next batch). Feed your flock and start a new ferment.

Tips for Success

• Keep Grains Submerged: Any grains exposed to air can mold, so make sure they stay underwater.

• Temperature Matters: Fermentation happens faster in warm weather. In winter, use a seed starting mat under your bucket or move it to a warmer spot.

• Smell Test: A healthy ferment smells sour and tangy, like sourdough starter or kombucha. If it smells rotten, toss it.

How Much Should You Feed?

Start with 1/4–1/3 lb of dry grain per chicken per day. Adjust based on your flock’s needs:

• Too Much Leftover: Cut back the amount you’re feeding.

• Empty Feeder Too Fast: Increase the portion slightly.

• Egg Quality: Pale yolks or brittle shells? Add more protein (like peas) to the mix.

If your chickens free-range, they’ll eat less fermented feed since they’re getting protein and greens elsewhere.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Hygge Homemaking 🧡

Life can get busy… homesteading, running errands, or just managing all the moving parts of your day. But your home? It should feel like a warm hug when you walk in the door, not just another to-do list. Enter hygge (that’s “hoo-gah”), the Danish art of making life cozy, simple, and downright delightful.

Let’s break it down into simple, actionable steps so you can bring some hygge into your homemaking.

What Exactly Is Hygge?

Hygge is that feeling you get when you’re curled up under a soft blanket, sipping tea, and enjoying the glow of candlelight. It’s about slowing down, keeping things simple, and making your home feel like the sanctuary it’s meant to be. And guess what? You don’t need to buy anything fancy to make it happen… most of what you need is already in your home.

1. Start With Cozy Textures

Nothing says hygge like textures that invite you to sink in and stay a while.

• Blankets Everywhere: Toss cozy throws over chairs, sofas, or even at the foot of your bed. A chunky knit blanket practically screams “wrap yourself in me.”

• Soft Pillows: Mix and match pillows with different textures like faux fur, linen, or wool. Extra pillows = extra comfort.

• Natural Touches: Incorporate materials like wood, wicker, or wool for that warm, homestead vibe. A braided wool rug or a wooden stool by the fire adds instant charm.

Example: Imagine coming in from tending the garden on a chilly day and being greeted by a couch covered in soft, warm blankets. It’s the ultimate reward.

2. Get the Lighting Right

Good lighting is hygge’s best friend. Think soft, warm glows, not glaring overhead lights.

• Candles Are Key: Scatter candles around your home for instant ambiance. Real ones are great, but if you’re worried about open flames (or forgetfulness), go for LED candles.

• Twinkle Lights: Hang string lights in unexpected places—around windows, along shelves, or draped over your favorite reading nook. It’s magical without trying too hard.

• Layer Your Lamps: Replace harsh bulbs with warm-toned ones. Table lamps or floor lamps with soft shades create cozy corners perfect for relaxing after a long day.

Pro tip: Homesteaders, this is your excuse to finally use those mason jars! Pop a tealight inside for an easy DIY candle holder.

3. Personal Touches = Big Hygge Energy

Your home should tell your story. Adding personal touches makes it feel warm and welcoming, not just another space to clean.

• Photos That Make You Smile: Frame family photos, snapshots of your garden in full bloom, or pictures from a favorite vacation.

• Books for Days: Stack a few of your favorite reads in a corner or on a shelf. Whether it’s homesteading guides or a well-loved novel, books make a house feel lived in.

• Treasured Keepsakes: Display meaningful objects. It can be a quilt your grandma made, a jar of seashells from a beach trip, or your favorite antique finds. These little things add character and warmth.

4. Embrace Simple Living

Hygge isn’t about doing more. It’s about simplifying and focusing on what truly brings you joy.

• Declutter With a Purpose: Let go of the things you don’t use or love. A clear space makes it easier to relax and enjoy your home.

• Cook Comfort Food: Hygge is as much about how you live as how your home looks. Whip up something hearty like a pot of soup or fresh-baked bread. Then enjoy it slowly, with no distractions.

• Slow Down: Light a candle, make tea, and take a moment to just breathe. Sometimes the simplest things bring the most joy.

Example: After a long day tending your chickens or canning veggies, imagine coming inside to a tidy space, a hot drink, and your favorite chair. That’s hygge.

Activity: Build a Hygge Corner

Every home deserves a hygge corner! A small, cozy spot dedicated to rest and relaxation. Here’s how to create yours:

• Choose the Spot: Pick a quiet area like a corner of your living room, a reading nook, or even a favorite chair by the window.

• Add Comfort: Layer soft blankets, add a couple of pillows, and set up a small rug if you can.

• Set the Mood: Place a lamp or some candles nearby, and don’t forget a small table for your tea, book, or knitting.

• Bring What You Love: Add a favorite book, a journal, or a jar of dried lavender from your garden. Make this space uniquely yours.

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

What’s the gardener’s favorite January mantra?

"This is the thyme for planning!"

TODAY'S TOP PICKS

LET’S KEEP IT REEL!

I've put together some fantastic farm videos that are sure to make you laugh. Take a look and enjoy the fun!

1. They say never put all your eggs in one basket... and they mean literally! 🥚😂

@acresofadventure

Dont Put All Your Eggs In One Basket #backyardchickens #dadjokes #farmlife #eggs #basket #chickens #dadsoftiktok #homesteading #homestead

2. Just your average plant lady’s house… absolutely packed with plants!

@houseplantparadise_

Does your partner get annoyed with plants everywhere? 😅 📸: @dallasplantygirl on IG #plantshelfie #crazyplantlady #plantladylife #planthumo... See more

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