Episode 107: All Weather Hens

In this episode of Not the Farmer’s Wife, CJ Steedman talks about how to care for your chickens in all weather conditions — from freezing winters to scorching summers. She explains how to prevent frostbite and frozen water in winter, how to spot and handle heat stress in summer, and whether supplemental lighting is worth using to boost egg production. CJ also shares tips on adjusting feed and keeping the coop well-ventilated to keep your flock happy and healthy year-round.

If you’re wondering how to help your hens thrive through changing seasons, this episode has you covered!

💡 Subscribe and leave a review to help more chicken keepers find us!

👩‍🌾Want to Ditch the Store and grow your own food?

Check out our new book available on Amazon Kindle Unlimited - https://amzn.to/4145Aak

You can also get the paperback from Amazon USA - https://a.co/d/fES7JEu

Australian paperback copy on Amazon Aus - https://amzn.to/3Qw8TAZ

In this episode of Not the Farmer’s Wife, CJ Steedman dives into the essentials of keeping backyard chickens healthy. She explains how to spot signs of illness in your hens (like pale combs, weight loss, and breathing problems), handle parasites like mites and worms, and decide when to treat or cull a sick bird. CJ also covers the pros and cons of natural vs. conventional treatments and shares practical tips for improving overall flock health.

If you’re thinking about getting chickens or want to improve your flock's health, this episode is packed with useful advice.

💡 Subscribe and leave a review to help more chicken keepers find us!

Spotify Episode Description: Raising Chicks for Eggs

🐣 Hatchlings to Hens: Raising Chicks the Right Way

Thinking about raising your own egg-laying hens from chicks? In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into how to raise baby chicks into productive layers, covering everything from buying day-old chicks vs. hatching your own, brooder setup essentials, transitioning to the coop, and when to expect your first eggs.

Join me and the Handy Helper as we chat about:
✅ Where to get your chicks—hatcheries, breeders, or DIY incubation
🔥 Setting up the perfect brooder for warm, happy, and healthy chicks
🏡 When & how to move them to the coop without drama
⏳ How long before they start laying? What to expect at every stage

Whether you’re a total beginner or just looking to refine your chick-raising skills, this episode is packed with practical tips, real-life experiences, and a few laughs along the way.

🎧 Subscribe now and follow along as we continue our 8-week deep dive into all things chickens. Goats are coming next—so if you're hanging out for goat talk, stick with us! 🐔🐐

🚜 Find me on social media & join the conversation!

Episode 104: Better Feed = Better Eggs!

🐔 Want healthier hens and better eggs? It all comes down to nutrition! In this episode, I break down the do’s and don’ts of feeding your backyard chickens, why scratch mix is just chicken candy, and how to make sure your flock lays strong, high-quality eggs.

✔️ The right protein levels (16-18%) for egg production – and why more isn’t always better.
✔️ Calcium is key – Weak shells? Try oyster shells or crushed eggshells.
✔️ Grit & digestion – Chickens don’t have teeth, so they need grit to break down food.
✔️ Water matters – No water = no eggs! Learn how hydration affects laying.
✔️ Seasonal feeding tips – Extra protein in winter, frozen treats in summer.
✔️ What NOT to feed – Avoid green potatoes, avocado skins, and caffeine.

🎉 Exciting News! My book Ditch the Store: From Brooder to Plate is out on Kindle, and my guide to keeping chickens for eggs is coming soon!

🔔 Follow for more homesteading & chicken-keeping tips!
📖 Grab the book on Kindle: https://amzn.to/4145Aak
💬 Have questions? Let’s chat on social media!

Episode 103 - Chicken Coop Must-Haves

With rising egg prices, backyard chickens are becoming popular. But before bringing hens home, you need a secure, well-designed coop. This episode covers essential coop features, common mistakes, and practical setup tips.

1. Space – 3-4 sq ft per bird inside, 8-10 sq ft outside. More space = happier hens.
2. Predator-Proofing – Use hardware cloth, dig-proof fencing, and secure latches.
3. Ventilation – Prevents disease and moisture buildup. Balance airflow with protection.
4. Nesting Boxes – 1 box per 3-4 hens in a quiet, clean area.
5. Roosting Bars – Provide sturdy, elevated perches for safe sleeping.
6. Easy Cleaning – Walk-in design, dropping boards, and removable nesting lids.
7. Weather Protection – Insulation for cold, airflow for heat, storm-proofing.
8. Flooring & Bedding – Options: dirt, concrete, or wood with pine shavings, straw, or sand.
9. Feeding & Watering – Raise feeders, use automatic or heated waterers.
10. Outdoor Space – Covered runs, chicken tractors, dust baths for health and safety.

Choosing a Coop:

• Backyards – Compact coops or mobile tractors.
• Acreage – Walk-in coops or mobile systems for grazing.
• Avoid mistakes – Don’t build too small, skip ventilation, or ignore predator-proofing.

Final Thought:
A well-designed coop means happy hens and fresh eggs. Start small but plan for more—because "chicken math" is real! Subscribe for more homesteading tips.

Top Chicken Breeds

Get Our New Book Now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aPPJPQ

With egg shortages and rising prices, more families are considering backyard chickens as a reliable source of fresh eggs. However, choosing the right breed is crucial for a successful and enjoyable chicken-keeping experience. This guide covers the best beginner-friendly breeds and how to select the perfect fit based on egg production, temperament, climate suitability, and space needs.

Breed selection matters because different chickens have unique traits. Some, likeISA Browns andAustralorps, are prolific layers, while others, likeOrpingtons andPlymouth Rocks, make excellent family-friendly pets. Climate considerations are important—Leghorns thrive in heat, whereasSussex andWyandottes handle cold well. Those looking for colourful egg baskets might enjoyEaster Eggers.

The best choices vary by need. ISA Browns and Leghorns excel in egg production; Orpingtons and Sussex are great for families, while Rhode Island Reds and Wyandottes suit free-ranging setups. For dual-purpose birds, Plymouth Rocks and Wyandottes offer both eggs and meat.

New chicken keepers should start small—3-5 hens are enough for a family’s egg supply. Most beginner breeds are adaptable, making it easy to get started. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe for more homesteading tips, visit online resources, and join the community of backyard chicken keepers. Raising chickens isn't just about eggs—it’s a rewarding step toward self-sufficiency!

Never Buy Eggs Again

Tired of egg shortages and rising prices? What if you never had to rely on store-bought eggs again? In this episode, we dive into the realities of supermarket eggs—why they’re unreliable, less nutritious, and not as fresh as you think. Then, we explore the benefits of keeping your own backyard chickens, from cost savings and food security to healthier, tastier eggs straight from your coop.

You'll learn:

Whether you have a tiny backyard or a few acres, keeping chickens is easier than you think! Tune in to get practical tips, real-life insights, and inspiration to start your self-sufficient egg supply.

🎧 Subscribe now for more homesteading and self-sufficiency tips! Join our online community and check out our resources to start your chicken-keeping journey today.

🐔 Remember: Chickens aren’t just pets with benefits—they poop breakfast! 🍳 😊

A celebration of our 100th episode, we are so excited to have made it here. And be sure to listen to the end, as we have an exciting giveaway for 5 lucky listeners.

Episode 99 - Processing Chickens: What You Need to Know offers a comprehensive look at how to dispatch and process your own meat chickens safely, humanely, and efficiently. The host begins by sharing their background in raising chickens and explains the key benefits of home processing—such as ensuring food quality and ethical handling, saving money, and fostering a deeper connection to your meals. They also introduce their upcoming book, Ditch the Store: From Brooder to Plate, which covers every step from brooding chicks to putting chicken on the table.

The main portion of the episode focuses on a five-step guide to humane processing: setting up your workstation, using a kill cone for dispatch, scalding and plucking, evisceration, and finally chilling and rinsing. Throughout, the host emphasizes maintaining a calm environment for both the birds and the processor, using proper techniques and tools. Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the host’s personal processing station—complete with suggestions for low-budget and DIY alternatives—and learn about essential equipment like kill cones, scalders, and sanitation supplies. The episode closes with a Q&A segment encouraging audience participation, addressing common concerns such as space limitations, legal considerations, and ensuring a clean environment. Overall, it’s an informative guide that demystifies home poultry processing and shows how it can be done safely, ethically, and cost-effectively.

Farming Myths: Debunked

In this episode, we challenge some common misconceptions about farming and its impact on the environment. Get ready to see the truth behind the headlines and find out where the real culprits lie!

Myth 1: Agriculture is the leading cause of climate change

Myth 2: Organic farming doesn’t use pesticides or synthetic fertilizers

Myth 3: Industrial agriculture is necessary to feed the world

Myth 4: Factory farms are the primary contributors to environmental pollution

Ready to dig deeper into these myths and explore a balanced perspective on farming? Tune in and get the facts!