The Animals at
PETEnELLA's Homestead
We started with worms...but the menagerie grows all the time.
Worms - AKA "Gerards"
They are the quiet, no-fuss workers on the homestead. They dutifully eat over-ripe bananas and other compostable fruits and veggies and turn that into gold for our gardens...
Bees - AKA "Bina"
You can read more about our adventures as apiarist HERE, but we are hopeful that this year, our bees are doing well and we will enjoy our first harvest of honey.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae - AKA "Grendel"
These guys are straight up food for our chickens. Bonus...the water sludge that falls through their tote and into a bucket is wonderful nutrient packed goodness for our gardens too!
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The Feral Cats
The original feral cat to befriend us was Finnbogi (pictured above). He has since died and is buried in our little homestead graveyard. He was a lovely friend and brought several other ferals cats to visit from time to time. They rotate in and out...but we like having them around.
Maggie - The Farm Dog
Well, she's really not a farm dog...yet. She's a puppy who is learning the ropes and getting to know our other friends at the homestead!
The Chickens
14 chickens, all egg layers, with the exception of one mystery chicken (a Wyandotte rooster, named Ozzie). Meet the flock in pictures below!
The Muscovy Ducks
Our ninja patrol ducks are joining the homestead crew to help with pest control! These ducks are actually more closely related to geese. They are quiet and not as messy as traditional ducks. Muscovy ducks can also lay beautiful eggs for us, and if we decide to raise any for meat, it is to be lean and delicious.
The California Rabbits
These pair well with chicken systems, and their poop can be used straight into the garden! We have two does to start (Lilith and Lucy) and we will add a buck in about a month.
Eggs & Meat
Watch out for eggs from our chicken crew and possibly the Muscovy ducks! We are planning on raising meat birds (chicken and duck) and as we learn how to butcher, we will also be able to offer meat!
And then...maybe
Do you keep a list of "goal" animals? We do. As our resources and time allow, we would like to expand what we are raising to add some more farmyard friends.
Cornish Game Hens
Meat birds we intend to raise in a chicken tractor and rotate through the property.
Coturnix Quail
These guys are a little less likely, but another option for meat and/or eggs.
Alpine Goat
Possibility for milk production.
East Friesian Sheep
Another possibility for milk.
Kunekune Pig
We have a lot of forest to clear, and this breed is known for it's superior foraging ability.
