🐓 7 Must-Try DIYs for Happy, Healthy Chickens + Mindful Homemaking 🤗

IN TODAY'S EDITION

1. Homestead Tip 🌱

2. Poll Results From Last Sunday 📊

3. All Things Homestead: 7 DIY Projects to Keep Your Chickens Healthy and Happy 🐣

4. Personal Development: Mindful Homemaking 💚

5. Today's Top Picks 🛍️

6. Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Tired of Feeling Overwhelmed by Homesteading?

Imagine this:

• You're staring at a nutrition label, wondering what half the ingredients even are.

• You dream of filling your pantry with homemade staples, but it feels out of reach.

• You’ve always wanted to grow your own garden or make natural remedies—but where do you even begin?

I’ve been there. The overwhelm, the uncertainty, the endless Googling.

That’s why The Homestead Movement is here to take you from stuck to self-sufficient in just 12 months.

Here’s What You’ll Get (Without the Overwhelm):

Monthly Challenges: Bite-sized, step-by-step lessons focused on skills like:

• January: Build a Budget-Friendly Pantry

• March: Master Gardening Basics

• June: Preserve Food Without the Stress

• October: Pressure Canning Confidence

Exclusive Extras to Save You Time & Money:
✅ A 350+ Page Homestead Planner
✅ DIY Budget Guides
✅ 20+ Projects, Recipes, & Tutorials

Lifetime Access: No rush. Learn at your own pace.

Why This Works:

You don’t need a farm, expensive tools, or hours of free time. This challenge breaks it all down:

• Spend just one hour a week.

• Save hundreds by learning to do it yourself.

• Feel confident knowing what goes into your family’s meals.

Why I Created This:

Hi, I’m Lexi. I didn’t just wake up one day knowing how to homestead. My journey was messy, lonely, and full of trial and error. I wasted hours reading, watching, and guessing—until I found a rhythm that worked for me.

Now I’ve packed everything I’ve learned into this step-by-step program so you don’t have to struggle like I did.

Homesteading shouldn’t feel impossible. It’s doable, even for busy parents, total beginners, or anyone just craving a little more independence.

POLL RESULTS FROM LAST SUNDAY

What’s the most ambitious project you want to tackle in 2025?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Building new structures (coop, greenhouse, etc.)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Expanding the garden or pasture

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Adding a renewable energy system

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Other (comment your big goal!)

via @beehiiv polls

Feel free to participate in fun polls in our next newsletters! 😉

Also, follow us on our social media accounts for daily homesteading inspiration and updates.

ALL THINGS HOMESTEAD

7 DIY Projects to Keep Your Chickens Healthy and Happy 🐣

If your flock spends a lot of time in their run, you’ve probably noticed that bored chickens can get a little feisty. And let’s be honest, boredom leads to bad behavior (we’ve all seen a bossy hen, haven’t we?). Lucky for you, these seven DIY projects are simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for giving your chickens something to cluck about.

1. Tree Roosting Perches

Chickens naturally love to perch. Whether they’re napping, relaxing, or just showing off, they feel safest when they’re up high. Build a little tree roost with leftover wood or sturdy branches from your yard. Keep the design simple! Different heights and sizes work best. Just make sure there’s enough space between perches so no one’s feathers get ruffled. It’s an easy project that’ll make your girls feel like queens of their coop.

2. Dust Bath Spa Day

Chickens take their baths in dirt! It’s how they stay clean, fight pests, and keep their feathers looking fabulous. But why not make their bath extra fancy? Mix two parts dry dirt, one part sand, and a sprinkle of Diatomaceous Earth (to tackle mites and other bugs). Add a handful of dried herbs like lavender, lemon balm, or mint for an extra luxurious touch. Fill an old tire, kiddie pool, or large tub, and let your girls roll around like they’re at a day spa. Bonus: it smells nice for you, too!

3. Vegetable Piñatas

Want to see your chickens get a workout and enjoy a snack at the same time? Make them a veggie piñata! All you need is a sturdy string and a fresh veggie like cabbage, lettuce, or zucchini. Tie it up, hang it just above their heads, and watch them jump, peck, and snack to their hearts’ content. Not only does it keep them busy, but it also helps reduce boredom (and coop drama). Plus, it’s hilarious to watch.

4. Seedling Snack Planter

Planting a garden just for your chickens might sound silly, but trust me, it’s a game changer. Pick chicken-friendly greens like kale, spinach, or wheatgrass and grow them in pots or small planters. When the plants are mature, pop the pots into their run and let them feast. Watching them dive into their “all-you-can-eat buffet” is pure entertainment. Also, it keeps them from sneaking into your garden when you’re not looking.

5. Aromatherapy Nesting Boxes

If you’re already using soft bedding in your nesting boxes (hemp is my favorite!), why not take it up a notch? Sprinkle in some dried herbs like lavender, lemon balm, or rosemary. Lavender helps with stress, lemon balm keeps rodents away, and rosemary supports healthy breathing. The herbs smell amazing and help keep pests out of the nesting boxes. Your girls will lay their eggs in total relaxation! Think of it as their version of a fancy retreat.

6. Protein Crumble Treats

When your hens are molting or taking a break from laying eggs, they need extra protein. Make them a simple protein crumble using rolled oats, mealworms, crushed eggshells (baked first to sanitize), and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve it warm on cold mornings or as a bedtime snack. It’s like a power smoothie for chickens! They’ll gobble it up, and you’ll notice stronger feathers and healthier hens in no time.

7. DIY Seed Shaker Toy

Chickens love a challenge, and this toy keeps them busy while also letting them snack. Take an empty water bottle, poke a few holes in it (just big enough for seeds to fall through), and fill it with their favorite treats. Try sunflower seeds, cracked corn, or flaxseeds. Shake it to get their attention, then let them figure out how to get the goodies. It’s cheap, fun, and gives them a little mental exercise.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to their water once a week, too! It helps with digestion and boosts their immune systems. And if you really want to spoil them, toss in a few ice cubes in the summer or use a heated waterer in the winter.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Mindful Homemaking 💚

Mindful homemaking means being present and purposeful in your tasks. It’s not about perfection or getting everything done at lightning speed. Instead, it’s focusing on the process, finding meaning in the small things, and feeling gratitude for the home you’re building.

This approach can transform even the most mundane chores. Imagine folding laundry not as a boring obligation, but as an act of gratitude for the clothes that keep your family warm. Or cooking dinner not as a rush to get food on the table, but as a chance to create nourishment and connection.

The Benefits of Mindful Homemaking

When we approach homemaking with mindfulness, we shift our focus from stress to satisfaction. Here’s how it can make a difference:

• Reduces Overwhelm: Breaking tasks into small, intentional actions helps you feel less swamped and more accomplished.

• Boosts Gratitude: Mindfulness helps you see the value in your efforts, like how a clean kitchen makes cooking more enjoyable or how organized spaces bring peace.

• Improves Mood: Focusing on the present moment can make repetitive chores feel calming rather than tedious.

• Creates Connection: Thoughtfully preparing meals or tidying shared spaces fosters care and connection within your home.

Bringing Mindfulness to Everyday Tasks

Here are a few ways to turn your daily chores into mindful acts of care:

1. Cleaning with Presence

• Instead of rushing through cleaning, slow down and focus on the process. Pay attention to the smell of your favorite all-natural cleaner or the satisfaction of wiping down a countertop.

• Take pride in small wins, like a freshly swept floor or a sparkling sink. They remind you of the beauty of a well-cared-for home.

2. Cooking with Intention

• Think of cooking as more than just preparing meals. Notice the vibrant colors of vegetables, the aroma of fresh herbs, or the sound of sizzling oil.

• Before you start, set a small intention: “I’m making this meal to bring comfort” or “I’m cooking to fuel our busy week ahead.”

3. Organizing with Care

• Don’t see organizing as just “decluttering.” Look at it as creating space for what truly matters. When you put away tools in the garden shed or sort through pantry items, focus on how it makes life easier and more enjoyable.

• Let go of items that no longer serve your family. As you do, reflect on what you’re gaining: more clarity, less chaos, and room to breathe.

Homesteaders, This One’s for You

On a homestead, chores are a part of life. But when the garden needs tending, the chickens need feeding, and the kitchen looks like a canning tornado hit it, mindfulness can help you find peace in the chaos.

• In the Garden: While watering plants or weeding, notice the textures of leaves, the scent of fresh soil, or the rhythm of your movements. You’re not just maintaining a garden—you’re nurturing life.

• In the Kitchen: Washing mason jars after a big preserving session? Let the warm water on your hands and the sound of clinking jars ground you in the moment.

• In the Coop or Barn: Cleaning out bedding might not be glamorous, but think of it as creating a healthier space for your animals. Imagine how much they appreciate the fresh start.

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

How do chickens stay warm in January?

They huddle together for some coop-eration.

TODAY'S TOP PICKS

LET’S KEEP IT REEL!

I've put together some fantastic farm videos that are sure to make you laugh. Take a look and enjoy the fun! 🙈

1. Ever seen a bunch of curious llamas in action? Check out this hilarious video!

@llyricthellama

Another creepy llama mask. They are so curious. #llamamask #themaskedllama #funny #joke #prank #funnyanimals #funnyfarmanimals #funnyllama... See more

2. Just a cow casually peeking through the window, hoping for some dessert:

@pinayfarmgirl

May pa dessert na naman

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