Poultry Fundraiser for LHG of Latah County by JC Ranch
Are you thinking of getting poultry for your homestead? With so many types of birds available, it can be hard to know which one is best for you. We're going to make it easier by discussing the benefits of the five most popular types of poultry—chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, and guinea fowl.
Chicken
Chickens can be highly beneficial on a homestead by providing a reliable source of fresh eggs and meat.
Some of the other benefits are their ability to eat pests, weeds, and food waste. Their manure can be used as a natural fertilizer for your gardens and fields, adding to the sustainability of your homestead.
Duck
Ducks are a relatively low-maintenance livestock, so they require minimal effort to keep. They are known to be prolific egg layers, allowing for a regular supply of eggs.
They can cut down your fertilizer bill as their droppings are rich in nitrogen and make an excellent fertilizer for organic gardens.
Turkey
These might just be what exactly what your homestead is looking for! Turkey's are climate hardy, so they do well in the hot and cold Idaho weather. They are able to produce a significant amount of meat in a relatively short period of time when compared to other livestock.
Their eggs are typically similar in size to duck eggs, and layers can produce up to 100 eggs a year. These eggs contain almost double the calories, protein, and fat of chicken eggs and their flavor is slightly creamier.
Goose
Geese are an underrated choice for a homestead. These birds produce high quality eggs and meat, which can provide you with a source of nutritious protein.
Their eggs contain high levels of vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
Geese also make excellent watchdogs. They will alert their owner to any potential intrusions or dangers in the area, making them a perfect addition to your poultry flocks.
Guinea Fowl
Raising guineas on your homestead can offer many benefits including eggs, wild game style meat, pest control and predator deterrence.
These birds are very alert and loudly sound the alarm when something potentially dangerous appears. This provides an invaluable layer of security for other livestock on the homestead.
Guinea fowls are highly effective at controlling pests, due to their voracious appetite and their keen sense of hearing. These birds have an innate ability to detect insects and snakes, at a distance, and will consume them in large numbers.
Want to add poultry to your homestead and support a local charity?
Chris Ford of JC Ranch is running a poultry fundraiser for the Ladies Homestead Gathering of Latah County. We have a wide variety of poultry available for you to choose from. The deadline to place your order is February 28th. After you place your order, you'll be able to pick your new chicks up in Princeton in Mid-May. Click here to see the order form and price list.