If you’ve ever had ducks or chickens, you know you’re not just a backyard farmer—you’re a full-time security guard. Around here, the hawks patrol the skies like feathery drones with talons, just waiting for the perfect moment to swoop in. My poor Dominique chickens can’t enjoy a dust bath in peace without looking over their shoulders (er, wings). And my Ancona ducks? Blissfully unaware, waddling around like shiny appetizers on webbed feet. But the sky isn’t the only danger zone. The foxes in these parts are basically escape room champions, always testing the limits of my fencing. They slink in … Read more

Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains means waking up to breathtaking views—and also sharing the land with an impressive lineup of predators. From hawks silently circling above to the occasional fox with sneaky intentions, it’s not exactly a safe free-for-all for backyard flocks. That’s why having a sturdy cover on your chicken run isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. My Dominique chickens may be smart, but they’re no match for an aerial ambush, and my Ancona ducks are too busy splashing in puddles to notice anything sneaking up on them. A covered run offers protection from more than just predators. … Read more

In a world full of mass production and uniformity, there’s something deeply meaningful about preserving the old ways—especially when it comes to the animals we raise. That’s why I’ve chosen to care for heritage breeds like Ancona ducks and Dominique chickens. They’re more than just beautiful birds—they’re living history, and raising them is a way to honor the past while protecting the future. A Rich History in Feathers Heritage breeds are traditional livestock breeds that were developed over generations, often long before industrial farming came along. They were bred for hardiness, adaptability, and balanced traits like egg-laying, foraging ability, and … Read more

If you’ve ever raised chickens from chicks, you know the thrill of watching them grow—the way they fluff up their feathers, learn to scratch, and eventually cluck and crow their way into your heart. But sometimes, amidst all the joy, you’re faced with a tough reality: not every fluffy bundle is a hen. And as much as I love the striking beauty and proud strut of a rooster, I’ve learned that keeping them all just isn’t practical. The first crow always gets me. There’s something so bold, so brave, about a young rooster finding his voice. My Dominique boys are … Read more

In a world that often feels like it’s moving a little too fast, there’s something about farming that has a way of slowing everything down. Whether it’s tending to the animals, feeling the earth beneath your feet, or simply watching the day unfold at a gentler pace, farming has a unique way of grounding the mind and soothing the soul. For me, raising Ancona ducks and Dominique chickens has become more than just a hobby—it’s a way to reclaim a sense of peace and balance in a hectic world. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about the routine. The quiet mornings spent … Read more

If you’ve ever given an Ancona duck access to water, you know it’s not a peaceful scene—it’s a full-blown aquatic party with zero regard for boundaries or cleanup. I’ve come to accept that mess is part of the package, but over time, I’ve also figured out a few tricks to keep the madness (somewhat) under control. First rule of duck club: elevate everything. Water bowls sit on low platforms with hardware cloth underneath so they can splash to their heart’s content without turning the entire area into a duck-made swamp. I also rotate a couple of plastic kiddie pools so … Read more