Herbal Maid Farm

06/21/2026

Little Domino was looking pretty rough for a few days, but seems to be coming out of her slump. I am wondering if she was born a bit prematurely. Sounds like her mom was stressed . Glad I had some colostrum and OxyTet on hand. She is going to be such a spoiled goat. She spent most of her days in my lap.... but today seemed happy to hang out in the yard with the kittens. Not so needy. LOL

06/13/2026

Look what I came home with today. Don't laugh. I was enabled by another goat person. LOL

06/13/2026

OWENSVILLE AUCTION

I will be taking livestock up to the Owensville Auction on Saturday. Time to start making a list and packing them up for tomorrow: 20 Muskovy ducklings in boxes of 5 each , 2 silkies, 1 Appleyard drake, 1 Khaki Campbell duck, a Welsummer rooster, 1 young American Bresse cockerel.

Send a message to learn more

06/12/2026

Electrolyte Solution for poultry

When I take poultry to swaps or auction (OR after I bring new ones home ) I like to make sure they have water during travel and while sitting in smaller cages. This is especially important in hot weather which is as stressful for them as it is to us. Maybe moreso. Here is a recipe for making DIY electrolyte water for poultry. https://chickenjournal.com/electrolytes-for-chickens/

You can also buy powdered electrolyte mixtures specifically formulated for your birds if you wish. This is helpful for any bird that is stressed for any reason (travel, weather, illness).

HOWEVER that liquid water is easily spilled.. One method I have used when watermelons are plentiful, is to cut watermelon into pieces and freeze. It will defrost quickly, yet hold its water. The red color is attractive to birds and they will figure out quickly it is good. This works great for swaps and auction.

Another method often used by people who ship birds is electrolyte GELS. You can certainly make your own gels from your homemade electrolyte solution, pedialyte or other electrolyte drink. The best thickening agent for birds is AGAR. I am thinking that blending in some dehydrated/powdered spinach or peas would make it especially good for stressed ducks or geese.

Electrolytes for chickens are essential for the excellent health and well-being of the flock. Know how to make homemade electrolyte, & guide.

06/10/2026

The hot muggy weather is brutal on the animals and me. LOL Up early to fill all the waters and make sure shade. At least it is breezy today. .. that will help. A second round for feeding and watering is after the sun goes down.

This year I am also shading part of the garden (50% shade cloth) to see if that is helpful. Getting a good crop out of the garden will be crucial this year. I know we are all in the same boat... and I am grateful that I know how to put up food and have done that for most of my life. This shadecloth is also helpful over poultry pens or on the west side of an open lounging area for larger animals. It lets breeze and even rain through, but filters out some of the sun heat.

06/03/2026

I got all the goslings moved to a larger, higher, dryer pen... just a few left in the incubators yet. Kind of a big job today, but they have a breezy shady shelter now with a couple of Adult Brown Chinese to keep them company. LOL

Send a message to learn more

06/01/2026

every stopped to listen to your birds at feeding time? Ever wonder why some birds are omnivores and some are more vegetarian? Now listen to those vocalizations and amplify. Imagine that bird higher than your head. I may have to go to this presentation... just for fun. LOL

05/29/2026

Available this weekend from the farm near Rosebud:

1 American Bresse pullet - red comb, white feathers, blue legs GREAT dual purpose chicken. Will start laying soon. -15 SOLD

1 Canadian Chantecler pullet - super winter hardy with a low rose comb. Good layers year round. Will start laying soon. - 15

20 Muskovy ducklings/ SR - super hardy. Great layers of large eggs, Great setters.... will set on anything. Self sufficient, so low maintenance. Predator-proof when grown. Quiet . Excellent meat producers too. Friendly. I have enough to put together 3-4 starter boxes. No heat required... just protection while they feather out. - 20/box SOLD

1 Brown Chinese Gander 2 years old. Make great babysitters for other goslings. Not aggressive. - 75

1 young/feathered out Khaki Campbell female- 25 SOLD

1 Appleyard young drake SOLD

Giant Dewlap Toulouse goslings (greys only) SR - 100 ea

Hatching Eggs by request only.: chicken and duck
Geese are done for the year.

05/29/2026

I have Muskovy ducklings if anyone is interested in a small starter flock. Muskovy aka the Barbary duck is very different from other domestic breeds of ducks. and in fact, are genetically closer to a goose than a duck. They are super hardy. Great setters. Self sufficient and quiet (no quacking). I leave mine loose on the farm to clean up spilled grains under cages and around feeders. This is part of my rodent control plan and very effective. They lay alot of large eggs and are prized as a meat source. This makes them an ideal dual purpose homestead animal, costing you little and giving you much. They also make great pets since they tend to be social. Because they can fly (but never fly away) they will roost high at night, making them safe from predators.

05/26/2026

I found Cookie's American Beltie (mini) papers today. She was born in 2009 and purchased at 4 mo of age. That would make her going on 18 years of age. Her last calf was 3 years ago and that is ok. She is a very special cow and has earned her retirement here. No visit to the farm is complete without saying hello to Cookie.
Cookie, her daughter Biscuit behind and her granddaughter