Rainy Days & Routine: A Homesteading Peek from Arkansas

The rhythm of a backyard flock keeper’s life isn’t always glamorous, is it? Sometimes it’s a muddy, rain-soaked slog. But even in those moments, there’s a deep satisfaction in the quiet commitment to nurturing life. Ashley from Ashley's Homestead Adventures recently shared a peek into her routine, and it resonated with that feeling – the work, the beauty, and the constant building of a homestead.

If you’re a Rainbow Egg Chaser – someone obsessed with the subtle nuances of egg color and the breeds that produce them (Marans, Olive Eggers, Cream Legbars, Welsummers, Barnevelders – you know what we’re talking about!) – you’ll appreciate the grounded practicality of Ashley’s approach. It’s not about flashy Instagram aesthetics; it’s about the honest, hard work of creating a sustainable ecosystem.

What struck us most wasn't just the chores – the chick care, the horse tending, the dog food making – but the intentionality behind them. Gracie getting a good brushing? Fly spray for every horse before they head out? It’s the details that build a homestead, and a community. She even demonstrates her homemade fly spray recipe, a welcome alternative to commercial options. Two cups of raw apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, peppermint, rosemary, lemongrass, lavender, basil, cinnamon, cloves, eucalyptus, liquid mineral oil, neem oil, dish soap, white vinegar, mouthwash, and lotion – a potent potion for happy livestock!

For those newer to the world of backyard poultry, Ashley’s video offers a gentle introduction. She talks about getting her chicks accustomed to their chicken tractor, a crucial step for building confidence and minimizing stress. And for those of us with mixed flocks, the observation that a little grain can be stretched with water to keep things interesting is pure gold. (Though, as Ashley notes, the horses aren't always thrilled about the delay!)

We also appreciated her mention of mineral supplementation and worming schedules – a reminder that responsible flock keeping extends beyond just providing feed and water. It’s about understanding the nutritional needs of your birds and maintaining their overall health. The mention of ordering wormer and the timing around mineral withdrawal is a detail that many flock keepers will find helpful.

Ashley’s journey, moving across the country to build this homestead, is inspiring. It’s a reminder that creating a farm that feeds both the body and soul is a process, a continuous evolution. And if you’re looking for a place to find a little inspiration, a little knowledge, and a whole lot of down-to-earth wisdom, Ashley's Homestead Adventures is a great place to start.

If you're ready to take the next step in your flock-keeping journey, consider these options:

1. Hatching Eggs: Expand your color palette and breed diversity with fresh hatching eggs.
2. Find an Egg Angel: Connect with a certified breeder near you for quality chicks and support. Egg Angels are the backbone of our vibrant, color-focused breeding community.
3. Claim a Creator Profile: Share your own flock adventures and connect with fellow Rainbow Egg Chasers.
4. Source a Heritage Breed: Preserve rare and important breeds while enriching your flock's diversity.

Unlike the Rogue Farms movement, focused on vocational pastured egg production, we're all about the *passion* of color-breed obsession and the broker-trade scale of sharing that with fellow enthusiasts.