​Winter on the Farm: How We Keep Everyone Cozy When the Cold Rolls In
As autumn fades and that first frosty morning settles in, there’s a shift you can feel across the farm. The animals start growing thicker coats, the air smells faintly of hay and woodsmoke, and chores take on a new rhythm. Winter brings a quiet kind of beauty—but it also means preparation. Around here, winterizing isn’t just a checklist; it’s a ritual that keeps our goats, chickens, pigs, rabbits, and ducks happy and healthy until spring sunshine returns.
Out in the goat barn, fresh straw gets piled deep, creating a soft bed that holds warmth through cold nights. Goats hate drafts, so I make sure every crack is sealed tight while still keeping the air moving just enough to stay fresh. Water buckets are swapped out morning and evening before ice can form, and I toss an extra flake of hay their way—because full bellies mean warm bodies. The girls seem to know what’s coming; they nuzzle closer together as if to say, “Here we go again.”
The chicken coop hums with its own kind of energy. The hens fluff their feathers and chatter while I spread a fresh layer of pine shavings. I don’t heat the coop—nature built them tougher than that—but I do make sure it’s dry and draft-free. A low red light helps extend daylight just enough to keep egg production steady, and I keep a close eye on combs and wattles when the deep freeze hits. A dab of petroleum jelly goes a long way against frostbite.
Our pigs, on the other hand, are the biggest snugglers on the farm. When I step into their pen, I’m met with happy grunts and the sweet smell of fresh straw. Their little house gets extra bales stacked along the walls for insulation, turning it into a piggy paradise. Feeding time is their favorite—extra grain and veggie scraps help keep their energy up, and they always remind me (quite loudly) when I’m running late.
The rabbits stay tucked away in the barn, cozy in their hutches. I line their boxes with straw and make sure they’re raised off the cold floor. On especially cold mornings, I bring out warm water crocks and extra hay. There’s something peaceful about watching them nibble contentedly while the world outside turns icy.
And then there are the ducks—my comic relief no matter the weather. Even in the coldest months, they still insist on splashing in whatever bit of unfrozen water they can find. I give them shallow rubber tubs that are easy to dump and refill when they freeze over, and a thick bed of straw to keep their feet dry. They waddle around in their feathered coats, quacking at the cold like it’s just another adventure.
Winter on the farm is work, no doubt about it. But there’s a rhythm to it—a connection to the land and animals that feels grounding. As snow drifts down and the barn glows warm against the gray sky, there’s a quiet satisfaction in knowing everyone is safe, fed, and cared for. The world slows down, the chores become moments of calm, and the simple act of keeping your animals comfortable becomes a kind of love story between farmer and farm.

Here at Choose Joy Farm, our goats are more than livestock—they’re family. Healthy goats are happy goats, and one of the most important parts of keeping your herd thriving is a smart, strategic deworming protocol.
Let’s break it down.

🧪 What’s the Big Deal About Worms?Internal parasites, especially barber pole worms (Haemonchus contortus), can cause anemia, weight loss, and even death. These worms suck blood and reproduce fast in hot, humid weather (hello, Virginia summers!).
But overusing dewormers can lead to resistance, which is why selective deworming based on need—not routine—is key.

👁️ What Is FAMACHA Scoring?FAMACHA is a tool that helps you check a goat’s mucous membranes for signs of anemia caused by barber pole worms.

1. Gently pull down the lower eyelid.
   
2. Compare the inner color to a FAMACHA chart (1 = bright red, 5 = pale/white).
   

Only treat goats scoring 3, 4, or 5. Don’t deworm goats with a score of 1 or 2—this helps prevent resistance.
🧡 Farm Tip: Check FAMACHA every 2–3 weeks during parasite season (typically spring to early fall).

🔬 Why Do Fecal Counts Matter?A fecal egg count (FEC) identifies which parasites are present and how heavy the load is. It’s best done by a vet or trained goat keeper using a microscope and flotation solution.
Do fecals:

• Before deworming
  
• 10–14 days after deworming (to see if it worked)
  

💊 Dewormer Types & DosagesThere are 3 main classes of dewormers used in goats. Always dose by weight and use goat-safe dosages, which are often different from what’s on the label (usually intended for sheep or cattle).
1. Benzimidazoles

• Example: Safeguard (Fenbendazole)
  
• Often underdosed by label. Not very effective unless doubled.
  
• Typical dose: 10 mg/kg orally; double for resistance.
  

2. Imidazothiazoles

• Example: Levasole (Levamisole)
  
• Stronger and more effective than Fenbendazole, but can be toxic if overdosed.
  
• Dose: 8 mg/kg orally or subcutaneously.
  

3. Macrocyclic Lactones

• Examples: Ivomec (Ivermectin), Cydectin (Moxidectin)
  
• Cydectin is stronger and longer-lasting.
  
• Ivermectin dose: 0.4 mg/kg orally
  
• Cydectin dose: 0.2 mg/kg orally
  

🧪 Note: Oral dewormers are preferred in goats for best absorption. Always use a weight tape or scale to get an accurate body weight.

🌿 Natural SupportDeworming doesn’t stop at a syringe. Good pasture rotation, browse-heavy diets, and minerals all support a low-parasite environment. Some folks also use herbal dewormers or copper boluses as part of their protocol.

🧭 Final ThoughtsWorm management is a journey, not a one-and-done task. At Choose Joy Farm, we use a mix of FAMACHA scoring, fecals, strategic chemical deworming, and clean management practices to keep our herd healthy year-round.
Want to learn more or need help with your goat’s health plan? Reach out—we’re always happy to chat goats!

At Choose Joy Farm, we love our hens for their personalities—but let’s be honest, the fresh eggs are the real gift! Whether you’re collecting a couple of eggs a day or filling a basket, knowing how to store them and check their freshness is essential for safety and taste.
🐔 To Wash or Not to Wash?If your eggs come in fresh and clean, don’t wash them! Unwashed eggs still have their bloom—a natural protective coating that keeps bacteria out and moisture in. These eggs can be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 weeks.
If the eggs are dirty and need to be washed, use warm water (warmer than the egg, never cold) and gently scrub. Once washed, refrigerate them. They’ll last up to 3 months in the fridge.
🧺 Choose Joy Tip: Label your egg cartons with the date collected so you can rotate and use the oldest first.

🥚 How to Tell If an Egg Is Still GoodThe best method? The Float Test.

1. Fill a bowl or glass with cool water.
   
2. Gently place the egg in the water.
   

ResultWhat It MeansSinks and lays flatSuper fresh
Sinks but stands uprightStill good, but use soon
Floats to the topTime to toss it! Gas buildup = old egg

Raising backyard chickens is a joyful and fulfilling experience that brings fresh eggs, natural pest control, and endless entertainment to your homestead. Whether you're just starting your flock or adding to an established coop, chickens are some of the most rewarding animals to care for.
At Choose Joy Farm, we’ve been raising chickens since 2008, and we’re excited to share what we’ve learned with you — from breed selection to egg-laying cycles, nutrition, and coop essentials.

Farm Fresh Eggs: Nature’s Perfect Food
One of the best parts of raising chickens is collecting fresh, delicious eggs. Home-raised eggs are known for their rich flavor, golden yolks, and unbeatable freshness.
Did you know that hens raised on pasture or quality feed often lay eggs with more omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins than store-bought ones?
🥚 Fun fact: Hens don’t need a rooster to lay eggs — only to hatch chicks!
Fresh eggs can be collected daily and stored unwashed at room temperature or washed and refrigerated for longer shelf life.

Choosing the Right Chicken Breed
There are many wonderful chicken breeds to choose from — each with its own temperament, egg color, and laying ability. Some favorites include:

• Easter Eggers: Friendly birds that lay blue, green, or even pink eggs.
  
• Silkies: Fluffy and sweet-natured, perfect for families and brooding.
  
• Bantam Cochins: Small, gentle birds with feathered feet and charming personalities.
  
• Rhode Island Reds: Hardy and reliable egg layers.
  
• Orpingtons: Calm birds that are great for both eggs and companionship.
  

At Choose Joy Farm, we specialize in Easter Eggers, Silkies, and Bantam Cochins — breeds known for their beauty, friendliness, and variety of egg colors.
🐣 Fun fact: Chickens can recognize up to 100 different faces — human and chicken alike!

The Commitment of Raising Chickens
While chickens are lower-maintenance than some livestock, they still need daily care. This includes:

• Feeding and watering
  
• Collecting eggs
  
• Cleaning the coop
  
• Checking for signs of illness or injury
  

With proper care, most hens will lay 4–6 eggs per week, slowing down in the winter months unless supplemental lighting is used.
🐓 Fun fact: Chickens take about 24–26 hours to lay one egg!

The Chicken Life Cycle
Understanding the natural rhythm of your flock helps you plan ahead for egg production and care.

• Spring: Chick season! A great time to add to your flock.
  
• Summer: Peak laying season with long daylight hours.
  
• Fall: Molting season — chickens shed old feathers and slow egg production.
  
• Winter: Less egg laying; ensure warmth and good nutrition.
  

🥚 Fun fact: Chicks grow from hatch to full-grown layers in just 4–6 months!

Raising Chicks: A Fresh Start
Starting with chicks is one of the most exciting parts of chicken-keeping. Baby chicks need:

• A warm brooder with a heat lamp
  
• Starter feed
  
• Fresh water
  
• Clean bedding (like pine shavings)
  

They grow quickly and will feather out in just a few weeks, ready to move into the coop by 6–8 weeks old.
🐥 Fun fact: Chicks "peep" to communicate with each other, even before they hatch!

The Basics: Coop, Feed, and Free Range
To raise healthy chickens, you’ll need:

• A secure, well-ventilated coop with nesting boxes and roosts
  
• Clean, dry bedding (pine shavings or straw)
  
• Fresh, clean water available at all times
  
• Layer feed supplemented with kitchen scraps, grains, or scratch
  
• Grit and oyster shell for digestion and strong eggshells
  

Letting your chickens free-range during the day helps with natural foraging and reduces feed costs — just make sure they're safe from predators!
🌾 Fun fact: Chickens help control ticks, grubs, and garden pests naturally!

Egg Collection & Storage
Once your hens start laying, check nesting boxes daily. Use clean baskets or egg aprons to gather eggs gently.

• Unwashed eggs can be left at room temperature for 1–2 weeks
  
• Washed eggs must be refrigerated
  
• Eggs can be sold or shared once you establish a clean, reliable system
  

🥚 Fun fact: Egg color depends on the breed — not the feed or lifestyle!

Raising Chickens Is Pure Joy
From fluffy chicks to morning egg hunts and the peaceful cluck of happy hens, chickens add so much life to your farm. With a little time, care, and attention, your flock will reward you with fresh eggs, natural companionship, and daily smiles.
At Choose Joy Farm, we believe that raising chickens is more than a hobby — it’s a way to connect with nature, live more sustainably, and Choose Joy every day.

Raising rabbits is an incredibly rewarding experience — whether you're raising them for companionship, meat, fiber, or simply for the joy of watching their antics. These gentle creatures are easy to care for, quick to multiply (pun intended!), and can be a wonderful addition to your farm or backyard setup.
At Choose Joy Farm, we've had our fair share of experience with rabbits and are excited to share some helpful tips and lessons we've learned along the way.

Why Raise Rabbits?Rabbits are incredibly versatile animals. They’re a sustainable meat source, wonderful fiber producers (especially breeds like the Angora), and they make excellent pets with their curious personalities. Plus, rabbit manure is one of the best fertilizers for gardens — it’s rich, nutrient-dense, and can be applied directly without composting.
Fun fact: Rabbit manure is often called “gardeners’ gold” because it doesn’t burn plants like other animal manures!

Choosing the Right Rabbit BreedDifferent breeds fit different purposes, so it’s important to know your goals.
Here’s a quick breakdown:

• New Zealand: Popular for meat production.
  
• Californian: Another top meat breed, known for rapid growth.
  
• Angora: Raised for their luxurious wool.
  
• Holland Lop: Small, adorable, and perfect as a pet.
  
• Rex: Known for their incredibly soft, velvety fur.
  

Fun fact: Angora rabbits produce about 1 pound of wool per year!

Rabbit Housing: Cozy and CleanRabbits are relatively easy to house but do best in clean, dry, and well-ventilated areas. They need protection from predators, rain, and extreme heat or cold. Many people choose between two options: hutches or colonies.

• Hutches: Individual cages, often elevated, easy for cleaning and monitoring.
  
• Colonies: Larger spaces where multiple rabbits live together (requires careful management).
  

Each rabbit needs about 12 square feet of space.
Fun fact: Rabbits love to dig — if you raise them on the ground, be sure to secure your fencing underground!

Feeding Your RabbitsRabbits require a steady diet of hay (like timothy or orchard grass), a small amount of pellets, and occasional fresh vegetables like leafy greens.

• Hay: Should make up the bulk of their diet.
  
• Pellets: Chosen carefully for quality; not too much, or obesity can become an issue.
  
• Fresh Water: Always available, preferably changed daily.
  

Fun fact: A rabbit’s teeth never stop growing! Chewing hay helps naturally wear them down.

Breeding RabbitsRabbits have a reputation for multiplying quickly — and it’s well-earned!
A few things to know:

• Gestation is only about 30 days.
  
• A doe (female rabbit) can give birth to a litter of 4–12 kits.
  
• Rabbits can breed year-round but prefer cooler temperatures.
  

If you plan to breed rabbits, be prepared for rapid population growth and have homes or plans ready for the new kits!
Fun fact: Rabbits can become pregnant again within 24 hours of giving birth!

Daily Care and MaintenanceTaking care of rabbits includes:

• Checking their water and food daily
  
• Spot cleaning cages or bedding
  
• Regular grooming (especially Angoras)
  
• Handling them gently and often to maintain socialization
  

Rabbits are quiet creatures, but they thrive on routine, care, and gentle attention.
Fun fact: A happy rabbit will sometimes “binky” — leaping into the air and twisting its body in joy!

Raising rabbits is a simple but deeply rewarding adventure. Whether you're looking to improve your garden, add a gentle pet to your home, or start a sustainable project, rabbits are a wonderful choice for farmers and families alike.

Thinking about adding pigs to your farm? You're in for an adventure! Pigs are smart, strong, and surprisingly affectionate animals that can be raised for meat, breeding, or even just for fun. At Choose Joy Farm, we've come to truly appreciate what incredible animals pigs are — and we're excited to share some essentials for getting started.

Why Raise Pigs?Pigs are one of the most efficient meat producers, and they offer a lot of value beyond bacon! Their ability to clear land, fertilize soil, and their general hardiness make them a fantastic addition to many farm setups. Plus, their personalities are hard not to love — they’re playful, clever, and sometimes downright mischievous!
Fun fact: Pigs are the fourth most intelligent animal in the world — smarter than dogs!

Choosing the Right Pig BreedChoosing a breed depends on your goals. Here are a few popular options:

• Yorkshire: Excellent for commercial meat production.
  
• Berkshire: Known for flavorful, marbled meat.
  
• Duroc: Hardy, fast-growing, and great for pasture-raising.
  
• Kunekune: Small, friendly pigs perfect for smaller farms or pets.
  
  
• American Guinea Hog: Smaller heritage breed, great for homesteaders.
  
  

Fun fact: The name Kunekune means “fat and round” in Māori!

Pig Housing: Space to Root and RoamPigs are happiest when they have space to roam, root, and wallow.
A few basics:

• Shelter: Protects pigs from rain, sun, and cold wind. A three-sided shed works perfectly.
  
• Fencing: Strong fencing is a must — pigs are powerful and love to root. Hog panels, electric fencing, or sturdy woven wire work best.
  
• Mud Wallows: In hot months, pigs need a mud puddle to cool off and protect their skin from sunburn.
  
  Fun fact: Pigs don't sweat! They use mud to regulate their body temperature.
  

Feeding Your PigsPigs are omnivores and not picky eaters, but a balanced diet is important for healthy growth.
Basic feeding tips:

• Commercial Pig Feed: Provides the right nutrients for growth and meat quality.
  
• Pasture: Some breeds thrive on grass, roots, and foraging.
  
• Scraps: Vegetable and fruit scraps (but no meat or processed foods).
  

Access to fresh, clean water at all times is non-negotiable. Pigs drink a surprising amount daily!
Fun fact: An adult pig can drink up to 5 gallons of water per day!

Raising PigletsIf you're starting with piglets, keep in mind:

• They need a warm, draft-free environment.
  
• Weaned piglets are usually around 6–8 weeks old.
  
• Make sure they're vaccinated and dewormed properly.
  

Socialization is key! Friendly pigs start with lots of human interaction early on.
Fun fact: Piglets can learn their names and come when called!

Daily Care and Seasonal NotesPigs are relatively low-maintenance but require consistency:

• Check feed and water twice daily.
  
• Provide fresh bedding (like straw) in their shelters.
  
• Watch for signs of illness — pigs are tough but can hide symptoms until serious.
  

In winter, extra straw and windbreaks keep pigs cozy. In summer, wallows and shade are critical to prevent heat stress.
Fun fact: Pigs love belly rubs — they'll often flop over when you scratch them just right!

Whether you’re raising pigs for food, breeding, or the sheer joy of their companionship, these incredible animals are an enriching addition to any homestead or farm. With a little preparation and a lot of heart, you'll find pigs to be loyal, entertaining, and surprisingly lovable partners in your farm life.

Raising dairy goats is a fun and rewarding adventure that provides fresh, delicious milk and endless farmyard joy. Whether you're just getting started or adding to your homestead, there's something truly special about caring for these amazing animals.
At Choose Joy Farm, we have years of experience raising and nurturing dairy goats, and we're excited to share what we've learned to help you build a healthy, thriving herd of your own!

Goat Milk: Liquid Gold
Raising dairy goats is a wonderful way to provide fresh, nutrient-rich milk for your family. We often call goat milk "liquid gold" because of its incredible nourishment and delicious flavor.
Goat milk is naturally homogenized — meaning the cream doesn't fully separate — and has smaller fat molecules, making it easier to digest than cow's milk. It's also packed with important nutrients like vitamin A, which supports strong bones and a healthy immune system.
Fun fact: Goat milk is the most widely consumed milk around the world!
If you struggle with digesting cow's milk, goat milk might be a gentle, nourishing alternative.

Choosing the Right Dairy Goat Breed
Several wonderful breeds make excellent dairy goats, each offering unique benefits. Some of the most popular breeds include:

• Nubian: Known for their sweet milk, rich in creamy butterfat.
• LaMancha: Recognizable by their tiny ears, these goats are hardy and excellent milkers.
• Alpine: French-origin goats with high milk production.
• Saanen: Swiss goats known for the largest milk yield.
• Toggenburg: Another hardy Swiss breed.
• Oberhasli: Distinguished by their beautiful reddish-brown coloring.

At Choose Joy Farm, we raise a variety of breeds including Nigerian Dwarves and LaManchas — giving us a perfect balance of production and flavor.
Fun fact: Some goats have two little "waddles" — small skin flaps dangling from their necks!

The Commitment of Raising Dairy Goats
Raising dairy goats is a daily commitment, especially when it comes to milking. Typically, goats are milked twice daily — morning and evening — for about 8–10 months each year.
A doe will usually "dry up" for two months before giving birth to her next kid. During her dry period, she needs extra care and nutrition to support her pregnancy.
Fun fact: A mature dairy goat can produce nearly a gallon of milk per milking!
Spacing milkings roughly 12 hours apart leads to better production. Many farmers find that 8:30 AM and 8:30 PM milking times fit well into busy schedules.

The Dairy Goat Life Cycle

• Spring: Kidding season for seasonal breeders— when adorable baby goats arrive and fresh milk begins to flow. Nigerian Dwarves come into heat all year.
• Weaning: Kids nurse for several weeks before they are weaned; does continue to produce plenty of milk.
• Fall: Breeding season! This prepares the does to freshen again in the spring.
• Winter: Dry season — when the does rest and focus on growing healthy kids.

Fun fact: "Freshening" refers to a doe giving birth and starting to produce milk again.

Kidding Season: Welcoming New Life
Kidding season is one of the most exciting times on the farm! Most does give birth to twins, but triplets — and even quadruplets — aren’t unusual.
Baby goats are full of energy and curiosity. They usually stand within a few hours of being born and quickly bond with their mothers (or their favorite humans if bottle-fed).
Fun fact: A doe that twins each year could have more than 24 kids in her lifetime!

The Basics: Food, Water, and Shelter
To raise healthy goats, you'll need:

• A fully fenced pasture or paddock (goats are great escape artists!)
• Fresh, clean water available at all times — a heated water trough is essential in winter climates.
• Quality feed — such as hay or alfalfa — for balanced nutrition. (Be careful: what your goats eat will impact the flavor of their milk!)
• Sturdy shelter to protect them from harsh weather.

Goats are very social creatures, so it's best to raise at least two together to prevent loneliness.
Fun fact: Happy goats produce the best-tasting milk!

Milking Essentials
When it’s time to milk, having the right setup makes all the difference:

• A milking stand (or stanchion) to raise the goat to a comfortable height.
• Grain rewards to encourage calm milking sessions.
• A clean stainless steel bucket for collecting the milk.
• Fine mesh strainers and clean jars for quick cooling and storage.

Fun fact: Cooling goat milk quickly after milking preserves its fresh, sweet flavor!

Raising dairy goats is a labor of love, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have on your farm. With the right knowledge, daily care, and a lot of heart, you’ll soon have a happy, healthy herd — and plenty of "liquid gold" to show for it!