Ditch The Store

Ditch the Store Podcast

If you thought chickens were just clucky egg machines, think again! In this episode, CJ dives into the weird and wonderful world of unusual chicken breeds — from fluffy Silkies and curly Frizzles to the jet-black Ayam Cemani and her own beardy Faverolle roosters.

You'll learn:

• Which quirky breeds might suit your homestead

• What to expect when raising them

• Why these “just for fun” chooks might actually have more to offer than you'd think!

Whether you’re looking for colourful eggs, friendly personalities or just want something a bit different in your coop — this one’s for you.

Got questions about chicken coops? You’re not alone — and you’re in the right place.
In this episode, CJ tackles the most common questions she hears from new and seasoned chook-keepers alike. Whether you’ve already got hens or are still in planning mode, you’ll get clear, no-fluff answers to the coop conundrums we all face.

We cover:

• How much space your chickens actually need

• Whether you can keep hens in a suburban backyard

• How to stop your coop from smelling

• If you really need a rooster

• The best coop floor options

• Predator-proofing musts

• And whether chickens need to free-range every day

It’s like a cuppa with your chicken-savvy mate — plus a few lessons learned the hard way at Mojo Homestead.

In this solo episode, CJ dives into why chickens are the ultimate starter livestock for anyone wanting to break up with the supermarket and take back control of their food supply. From skyrocketing egg prices to the simplicity of daily care, chickens are a no-brainer for beginners—whether you're on acreage or in suburbia.

CJ shares her own story of hatching their first chicks (spoiler: she totally messed it up) and how that single decision triggered a full-blown homesteading lifestyle. She covers the real costs of supermarket eggs, why backyard eggs are a nutritional powerhouse, and how keeping chickens often leads to gardening, bees, goats, and even meat production.

You'll also hear:

• Why you don’t need a Pinterest-worthy coop

• What dual-purpose breeds to look for (eggs + meat!)

• How to handle chicken care in just 5–10 minutes a day

• And how chickens can spark a whole new way of living

So if you’re ready to test the homesteading waters without diving headfirst into cows or goats, this episode will show you exactly why chickens are the best place to start.

💬 “If you’ve got chickens, you’re basically a homesteader. Just own it.”

🎙️ Welcome to the very first episode of Ditch the Store (formerly Not the Farmer’s Wife)!

We’re rebranding, not because the old name wasn’t great (shout-out to my son who named it!), but because we’ve outgrown it. This podcast has become more than just me—my handy helper is here, the farm has grown, and so has our mission.

In this episode, we unpack:🛒 Why we’re not anti-supermarket—but definitely pro-self-sufficiency
🥚 Why “Ditch the Store” better reflects our frugal, make-it-yourself, grow-it-yourself lifestyle
🧼 How we’re helping you ditch supermarket products one book, episode, and DIY hack at a time
🏡 Why supporting small businesses (including yours!) matters more than ever
💸 And how cost of living is pushing more families to take control of their food, products, and household spending

✨ Expect the same cheeky banter, practical homestead advice, and no-BS approach to modern self-reliance—just with a new name and an even clearer purpose.

PLUS: Find out what’s coming next in our book series, and how we’re helping you break up with the supermarket one area of your home at a time.

📚 First up: Ditch the Store: From Brooder to Plate – The Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Chickens for Meat
Coming soon: Eggs, dairy goats, cleaning without chemicals, soap making, and more!

🎧 Subscribe now and join us on a real, raw, and ridiculous ride toward self-sufficiency and sanity.

Because life is too short for store-bought eggs. 🐔

#DitchTheStore #HomesteadingPodcast #FrugalLiving #SelfSufficiency #SmallFarmLife #Chickens #MojoHomestead

🐓 Egg Troubles Solved – Why Your Hens Aren’t Laying and How to Fix It

In this episode, CJ breaks down the most common egg-laying problems faced by chicken keepers. Whether your hens are laying soft-shelled eggs, no eggs, or weird wrinkly "paper bag" eggs, you'll learn why it’s happening and how to fix it.

🔍 What's Covered:

• Why your chickens aren’t laying and how to encourage them

• How to fix soft shells and wrinkled eggs

• When to consider replacing older hens

• How to stop egg-eating hens

• Understanding the role of diet, stress, and environment

💡 Practical, no-nonsense advice for chicken keepers of all levels!

👉 Grab the Ditch the Store Guide to Keeping Chickens for Meat on Amazon!
🌟 Follow and leave a review — it helps more chicken keepers find us!

#ChickenKeeping #EggProblems #Homesteading #SelfSufficiency

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.