Rootsy’s Backyard Livestock section guides you through raising small-scale homestead animals—whether you’re interested in chickens for eggs, rabbits for compost and fiber, or beginner-friendly beekeeping to support pollination.
Dive into hands-on tutorials ranging from “Best Chicken Breeds for Heat” to DIY chicken coop plans, comfortable rabbit housing, and essential beekeeping basics to help you build a productive, sustainable barnyard ecosystem.
Choosing the best chicken breeds for your climate can be a big decision. Most people are concerned about their egg layers in cold weather, but many chickens actually adapt to cold weather far easier than to hot weather. Just as there are things to do to ensure your flock stays warm in the cold, there …
Experiencing the ebb and flow of egg production? You can safely provide supplemental chicken coop lighting when you take these factors into consideration. If you keep chickens, you have experienced the ebb and flow of egg production. Spring and summer are the glory days. These are the peak months where every hen is laying like …
Raising chickens, whether egg layers or meat chickens, can be a challenge at times. Predators, sick animals, cleaning out the coops, or even just being home for feeding times can make life tough which is why you need solid chicken coop plans. Add freezing weather and snow to that mix and you get a whole …
Raising your own meat birds is a wonderful way to provide some of your own food. You will also ensure that your food is raised in the manner that you see fit and is handled properly. Getting started with them can seem somewhat overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. We are happy to have …
There is no one style of rabbit housing that is suitable for all situations, but there are certain basic rabbit housing needs that should be met regardless of the type of housing used. Raising rabbits can be a rewarding experience and one that can provide many hours of enjoyment for you and your family. Rabbits …
Adorable baby bunnies and fluffy little chicks can sure be tempting. It may seem like a good idea to bring them home as the perfect present for an Easter basket. Here are 5 things to think about before giving a bunny as a gift. This is a Guest Post from Kathryn Robles of Farming My …
Raising backyard chickens for beginners. We asked The Rootsy Community what they thought a beginner needs to know to be successful. We call it CSA, Community Supported Answers! The Rootsy Community is awesome! This month’s Community Supported Answer (CSA) is about backyard chickens. We know it can seem overwhelming when you are just getting started …
Learn what all beginner beekeepers need to know before getting bees. How to set up the apiary, what beekeeping supplies are needed, and other beekeeping questions are answered in this beekeeping 101 guide. Keeping bees is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your garden and yet many people are intimidated by …
Making money from the homestead is possible and raising chickens for eggs can be a good stream of income. Learn how to raise chickens for eggs, what are the best chickens for eggs, how to find customers for your egg farm, and much more in this egg selling guide. Updated by Rootsy, August 2020 By …
As backyard chicken keepers, we all daydream of our ideal chicken setup. An acreage with plenty of space for the flock to free-range (and it is predator-free). A variety of chicken breeds so the egg basket will display a natural rainbow of colors. And for the comfort of the flock, a palatial chicken coop with …