Eggcellent Adventures with Reec Swiney

On this episode of Eggcellent Adventures with Reec Swiney, we got an in depth look at Wolf Lake farms in Texas while  conversing with Demond. 

He and his family own  a huge ranch the houses chickens, cattle, donkeys, and even bees! They also grow variety of vegetables , flowers and plants on their land. 

Take a listen to the story of how they grew from a small backyard garden to a multiple acre ranch in the valleys of Texas. The man gives us some tips and tricks for livestock as well as harvesting, And the value of relationships and family.

Reec satellites into Minnesota to talk with Taylor (@ChakraChickens) host of the Un-Cooped Podcast and homesteader / egg farmer. Taylor sheds light on his collection of breath taking chickens, peacocks, Guineafowl, goats, horses and even snakes! 

He and his wife share a variety of critters. Taylor is also very knowledgeable on hatching. We get some pro tips on hatching, raising peacocks, advice on types of chickens for your personality and how chicken math turned 10 baby chicks into over 80 birds!

Heath, owner of City Chick. City chick was once a chicken coop & chicken rental company for urban residents with chicken dreams, that weren't 100% ready to commit to the backyard farmer lifestyle. Now his company has grown into a chicken nutrition and educational company with an amazing social media following. Reec and Heath share stories, knowledge and hilarious chicken drama!

We dive into winter prep for your backyard flock. Especially for those who are dealing with their first winter! Winter prep

-      Water very important

-      Heated dishes

-      Buckets

-      Heated hose

Food

-      Ample feed

-      Switch from layer feed if they are all in molt

-      Corn will help heat bodies up

MOST chickes are built for cold

-      Desiger breeds can get frost bite on those big head feathers (polish and bantams)

-      SAY NO TO HEAT LAMPS

o Dust

o Feathers

o Jumpy birds
can all cause fires!!!

-      IF you just MUST use heat, use a heat plate NOT A HOT PLATE THAT YOU COOK ON 

-      A heat plate that you would use for a brooder box, Cozy Chick makes one

This urban farmer hailing from Virginia has found peace and new beginnings through her journey into the world of farming. Shai shares her story of surviving abuse and how getting back to the basics has been healing and helpful for PTSD. She's gone from city girl, to a full fledged farmer who's entire family is getting in the dirt and may be making a huge move soon! 

Whitney started to "grow a couple of things" in an attempt to start eating healthier...Fast forward few months, this Urban farmer has landed her family on some acreage, started a full fledge vegetable, herb garden, is raising rabbits, goats, chickens and has her sights set on transforming everyone she touches into self sufficient growers too! 

What happens when you mix a house of cats, dozens of chickens and a super cool homesteading plant momma.... a very popular social media presence for one! Cats and Clucker's front woman, Sarah, joins Reec to talk about her journey into cat woman turned chicken tender. They chop it up about gardening and how a change in scenery led her to a life changing decision that has created a natural stress relieving journey.  

Fueled by the memory of promises unfulfilled, this black family's decision to purchase over 40 acres of land is a deliberate effort to take back a portion of the freedom that was once pledged – 40 acres and a mule. Now he's sharing all of the knowledge he's acquired, from purchasing land for  cheap, manufactured homes, water systems, gardening, farming and more!  

Wondering if you’ve got a hen or a rooster? 🐔 Join Reec and Purina’s poultry eggspert Dr. Biggs as we crack 🐣 the code on chicken gender! 🥚🐓

Chickens, ducks, homeschooling and cook books! Check out the story behind this 1st generation homestead. The ups, downs and everything in between! Check out the conversation between these social media chicken buddies.