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Wildwood Acres Farm

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Clayton, IN
Wildwood Acres Farm

Small family homestead in Central Indiana sharing our life.🌾
•Kunekunes•Katahdins•Nigerian Dwarfs•Silver Fox & Creme d’Argents•Poultry•Horses•
(1)

06/12/2024

The old-fashioned “skill” of bartering at its finest!

I swapped fresh eggs, goat's milk, and pasture-raised chicken with a fellow homesteader for a sturdy new duck coop - no money exchanged, just a genuine trade and a stronger community connection built.

I'm a huge proponent of trading and bartering for what we need.
I love the simplicity of it and spirit of self-sufficiency that comes with swapping skills and resources. It's encouraging to know there are like-minded individuals out there who value the hard work that goes into our farm.

Share your best trade stories - I'd love to hear them!

06/11/2024

I'm so grateful for the incredible community we've built here. It’s wonderful how simple connections made through homesteading can lead to unexpected blessings.

Last year, I helped a family rehome their ducks after they contacted me through a post I made on a local homesteading page.
And last week, they reached out again—this time needing a new home for their entire chicken flock!

Due to changing work circumstances, they felt they couldn’t provide the love and care their chickens deserved. So, they asked if I could take them in.
I was happy to help!🐓

Our little homestead has now welcomed 40 new feathered friends, who have settled in seamlessly with our existing flock and have been endlessly entertaining already.

I'm thrilled to have been able to provide a safe haven for this family’s beautiful birds once again.
And I want to use this example as a gentle reminder that it’s okay to ask for help if you are struggling with caring for your animals. There are lots of us out here that are more than willing to lend you a helping hand.🖤

Moments like these remind me of the power of connection, compassion, and the shared passion of loving our animals—the true essence of homesteading.

06/10/2024

Guess what we found while out exploring our property?
A hidden treasure trove of wild black raspberries! These beauties were scattered all along the edge of our field, with probably a hundred or more plants just waiting to be picked.

We spent part of the afternoon gathering a basket full to enjoy as a tasty snack. We even froze some for future jam-making adventures.

I love being able to teach my boys how to forage for food, especially in their own backyard. It's a valuable skill they'll cherish for life. 🥰

For my local friends who appreciate the taste of freshly picked berries, I'll be offering these by the pint. No need to venture into the wild yourself—I'll handle the harvesting.😉
Send me a message if you’re interested in some!

06/10/2024

Got milk?🥛
Look at those impressive milk mustaches!!

Our pigs are clearly enjoying their clabbered goat milk, but did you know it’s more than just a tasty treat?🤔

This special snack:

🐽Supports healthy digestion—Clabbered milk is loaded with probiotics that help create a balanced gut biome, leading to better digestion and nutrient absorption.

🐽Strengthens their immune system—The probiotics also help kickstart antibody formation, which helps their bodies to be better equipped to fend off illnesses and infections.

🐽Is nutrient rich—Goat milk is already a nutritious powerhouse, packed with essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and D. When it's clabbered, the nutrient content is even more concentrated, providing an extra boost of goodness.

By giving our pigs our extra clabbered milk, we’re helping give them the proper nutrition they need to be healthy, happy, and thrive here on our farm.🐷
What treats do you like sharing with your animals?

06/09/2024

I know many people here are just starting out on their journey, and there are so many ways to do things…

For those of you with a little bit of experience under your belts—What do you wish you knew before jumping in?
🪴🐓🐖🐑🐐🦃🐄

06/08/2024

Happy Saturday y’all!

It’s a beautiful day, so we’re getting some projects knocked out💪🏼

We are re-doing some of our pig pastures, so we can start rotationally grazing them like our other animals.
They will have a couple weeks in one paddock before they are moved to the next. This will allow the grass and weeds to heal and regrow in the paddocks they aren’t in, which means more (and better quality) nutritious food for them in the long run.

I had some helpers supervising while I was putting in fence staples.
Don’t tell them, but they’re much better at being cute than being helpers!🤣

What projects do you have going on this weekend?

06/07/2024

There's nothing quite like the feeling of picking fresh, juicy berries from your own yard. Today, we harvested our first batch of mulberries and let me tell you, it was an afternoon of pure joy.

The boys hunted for all the berries and picked them off the branches themselves. They couldn't wait to grab a handful to snack on, and I think they ended up eating three times what we actually brought inside.🤣🤣
By the time we were finished, they were completely purple. But that’s how it should be right?

Now, we’re letting them soak before making some mulberry jam and juice. And we’ll probably go out tomorrow to get some more!

Homesteading isn't always easy, but moments like these make it all worth it.
What's your favorite thing to grow or harvest on your homestead?

06/07/2024

We have a tiny flock of hair sheep on our farm that we raise for meat. Two ewes and a ram, so hopefully our tiny flock won’t be tiny for long!

Hair sheep shed their coats naturally, without the need for shearing. This is a huge plus for me, because shearing sheep is a skill that I have found difficult to master.

They have a unique, rugged coat that molts (sheds) in the spring, leaving them with a sleek, smooth appearance. This adaptation makes them well-suited to live in hot, humid climates—as they are more heat tolerant without a heavy wool coat. But, since their coat grows back in the fall, they do just as well in cold temperatures!
They are a great all around animal.

What are your thoughts on hair sheep?

06/06/2024

Pumpkin and her piglets just celebrated another milestone.
We let them out on pasture for the first time!🌾

As Kunekunes, they need grass in their diet—it’s essential for their health and happiness. On average, a Kunekune can eat 2-4% of their body weight in grass daily. Kunekunes are designed to be grazers, so they’ll eat grass throughout the day if given the opportunity.

Watching Pumpkin teach her babies how to forage for their favorite snacks was the best!
They’re watching what she does and learning to sniff out the tastiest plants and grasses. It’s amazing to watch them grow and explore out here, just being crazy little piglets. I’m so proud of Pumpkin.

Here's to many more happy days out in the field seeing this little family enjoy the great outdoors together!🐽

06/05/2024

I’m choosing to let my kids grow up wild and free, like the flowers that bloom in our fields. No pruning, no perfecting, just natural growth and beauty.🌾

They'll get messy, they'll get hurt, but they'll also learn to adapt, to problem-solve, and to thrive in a world that's not always easy.

I’m giving them room to roam, to explore, and to discover their own strengths and passions. And they’re loving every minute of it.

My want for my kids is to be able to give them the gift of childhood—life full of laughter, learning, and adventure. A childhood filled with love.🖤

06/04/2024

Our livestock guardian dog, Bolt, is more than just a pet - he's a vital member of our homestead team.🤍
As a loyal and dedicated guardian, he watches over our livestock with a fierce devotion, protecting them from predators and keeping them safe and secure.

But Bolt’s role goes beyond just protection - he's also a gentle companion to our animals, forming a strong bond with them that's essential for their well-being. Studies have shown that LGDs can reduce stress and anxiety in livestock, leading to healthier and happier animals.

We've seen firsthand the difference Bolt has made in our animal’s lives. He’s always there to greet them at the gate, tail wagging, and he’s quick to intervene if he senses any danger or threat. We're so grateful to have him by our side, watching over our farm with love and loyalty.

If you're considering getting an LGD for your own homestead, I highly recommend it! The peace of mind and security they provide is priceless.

06/03/2024

Have you ever wondered why rabbit nests are full of fur?🐰

This behavior is called “fur pulling” or “fur shedding”, and is a natural instinct for rabbits, who need to create a warm and cozy nest for their kits (baby rabbits) before kindling (giving birth).

Kits are born without fur, so they depend on mama to keep them warm until their fur grows in.
By pulling fur from their own coats, they’re able to build a soft and snug burrow to keep their babies safe and toasty warm.

It’s a remarkable example of a mother’s love and dedication to her young.🖤

So, if you notice your rabbit pulling fur, like Mary here—it's a good sign that they're getting ready to become a new mom!

06/02/2024

I got some happy mail this week!🙌🏼

A huge thank you to The Taylor Farm for sending this beautiful sampler of their goat milk soap.
I’m obsessed.

This soap is like a little piece of heaven in a bar—it’s creamy, gentle, and it smells amazing!! I can’t wait to try them all out.

I love being able to support fellow homesteaders. And I’m so thankful for all the connections I’ve made along the way.
So, if you’re looking for some soap to try…definitely reach out to her🖤

05/31/2024

Chickens have 14-17 neck bones.
Giraffes have only 7.
🦒🐓

05/30/2024

Remember Miss Mary, our expecting mama rabbit, who worried me by making her nest early?

Well, I’ve been adding straw in for her to use, bit by bit each day. And she’s created quite the masterpiece!🪹🐰

I think her kits will be nice and cozy when they arrive—which should be in just a couple days now.🤞🏼

(I had a nesting box in with her, but she kept pushing it over and building her nest behind it, so I took it out. Obviously she doesn’t think she needs one!)

05/30/2024

Happy Thursday!!
This is our beautiful Royal Palm turkey tom, Icee.
(His full name is Little Ice Cream Cone—so named by my oldest son🙈🤣)

The Royal Palm is considered a heritage breed, which means they have some unique qualities when compared to a commercial broad-breasted turkey.

According to the The Livestock Conservancy, to be considered a heritage breed, a turkey must:
•be naturally mating
•have a long, productive outdoor lifespan (5-10 years)
•have a slow growth rate (reaching market weight around 28 weeks)

In contrast, a commercial turkey breed:
•cannot naturally mate, and instead must be bred using AI
•are bred for use as meat, so aren’t conditioned for life outdoors
•have a quick rate of growth (14-20 weeks) that can lead to health issues or physical deformities as they grow

We have had both types of turkeys on our farm, but love our Royal Palms the most. It’s just really enjoyable getting to see them live a more natural lifestyle, like their ancestors might have.

What type of turkeys do you prefer?🦃

05/29/2024

Watching their daddy fix equipment, and all they wanted to do was help. 🔧
They don’t realize it’s “work”…they just know it means spending time with Daddy.

And that’s perfectly okay.
It’s fostering a love of learning and how to do things for themselves and others.

No doubt, kids will do as they see, not as they’re told. So if you have a little one watching you, remember to be the best you can be for them. They want to be just like you🤍

05/28/2024

Little Runt Update-
First, I wanted to say thank you to everyone for their thoughts and kind words these past few days.
Our little gal passed away in my arms this afternoon.

We did all we could for her, and there were a few moments where she seemed to perk up and she gave us some hope. But, ultimately she had a seizure that she didn’t recover from.

I’ll never know for certain what was going on inside her little body, but there was obviously more happening than she was able to handle.

With raising livestock, death is something we all have to face at some point—no matter how much we try to prevent it.
It’s never easy to lose one, but it does give me a little comfort knowing that she isn’t suffering any longer.🤍

05/28/2024

Do you prefer ducks or chickens on your homestead/farm, and why?

05/27/2024

Happy Memorial Day from Wildwood Acres Farm!

Enjoy your day, but let’s also remember what the day is for.🇺🇸
It’s to honor those brave men and women who served and sacrificed for our country. Their dedication and bravery are what allow us the freedoms we get to have each and every day.

Whether you’re spending your day at the lake, in your garden, or grilling with family—let’s keep in mind the true meaning of this holiday.

Wishing you a safe, fun, and relaxing Memorial Day!

05/26/2024

Is drinking raw milk really as dangerous as people think it is?

Nope!
As long as sanitary conditions are being practiced to milk your animals, it’s perfectly fine to drink it raw.🥛

05/25/2024

The runt of Pumpkin’s litter is just not keeping up with her sisters.
She is having to compete for food, and with her small size, is having trouble being able to eat.
So, I’ve been syringe feeding her every couple hours with supplemental goat’s milk to try to help her gain some weight and grow.

Runts, often, don’t survive due to some underlying medical condition. But, I’m determined to help give her the best shot at life that I can!🐽💖

05/24/2024

Did you know?🧐

Rabbits are crepuscular, meaning they are mostly active at dusk and dawn, and certain periods during the night.

They are not nocturnal (active at night) or diurnal (active during the day).

But, since they tend to be more active at night…if you see your rabbit taking a snooze during the day, let them catch up on their beauty sleep!😴

05/23/2024

This was when we first brought our Pumpkin girl home in October of ‘22. My oldest son was absolutely in love.
I can’t believe how little they both were!🥹

She’s been such a great animal to have around. Honestly she’s more like a dog than a pig. She loves scratches, treats, and to follow us everywhere we go. I don’t think we could have asked for a better pig to start our KuneKune herd.

And now, she’s gone and grown up to be a wonderful mama of 5 piglets of her own.

Excuse me while I go cry!😭🤍

05/22/2024

Other than for drinking, what do you like to use goat milk for?

We just started milking our goats about a month ago, so I’m sure there are a ton of possibilities out there that I’m not even aware of yet!🐐🥛

05/21/2024

I’m in love!😍

5 sweet, spotted girls.
One even looks exactly like her mama.

Pumpkin is doing great.🐽🧡
•She’s attentive and talkative with her babies.
•She carefully moves around and makes sure to know where their little bodies are before she lies down to feed them.
•She gently snuggles them to keep them warm.
Everything I’m looking for in a homestead sow.

We do have a runt, so she will need to be watched closely to make sure she doesn’t need any interventions. But so far, she’s nursing well and has found herself a good spot to snuggle Pumpkin🤍

If you need me, I’ll be spending all my free time in here lol.

05/19/2024

Here’s what we have planned for the week:

🐴mow & spread manure in horse paddock
🐓deep clean chicken coop & add ag lime to bedding
🚜regrade the dry lot
🦆move ducklings out of their brooder (maybe)
🐷hopefully have some piglets!!!

There’s a lot to be done, but with a little help it should be knocked out in no time!

What are your goals this week?🌻👩🏼‍🌾

05/18/2024

We’ve had lots of rabbits born here on the farm, but when I saw Mary, here, making a nest two weeks before her due date, I got a little nervous that something was going wrong with her pregnancy.

I asked about it on a homestead group to see if someone with more rabbit experience could share their wisdom with me. And oh, did they!
🐰
I had numerous people reach out to let me know it’s normal and not to worry. A few even gave some pointers on how to help make her more comfortable.

It was really nice to have so many people show that they care and take a little time out of their day to help educate me. It can be scary to ask questions on social media, but the homesteading community is filled with wonderful folks that want to see others succeed.

So…if you don’t know something, if you’re worried about what’s going on with an animal (or plant), or if you’re just curious—ask away!
We are here to help!🤍

05/18/2024

Guilty as charged🤣🤣

We have a whole “Old MacDonald’s Farm” here.
🐇🐓🦆🦃🐐🐏🐖🐎🐕🐈‍⬛
E-I-E-I-O!

05/17/2024

🦆Did you know ducklings need to have extra niacin (Vitamin B3) in their diet in order to support their skeletal development?🦆

They need almost twice as much as chickens! Which is why it’s important to give them a feed specifically developed for ducklings.

If you are having trouble finding duckling specific feed, you can add supplemental Vitamin B3 to an UNMEDICATED chick feed.

A good supplement is brewer’s yeast (not baker’s yeast) at 1-1.5 TBSP per cup of chick feed. You can find it at most grocery stores, or order it online.

Ducks are wonderful to have on the homestead, so make sure they get off to the right start!

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Like guys…be gentle to your mama!!🙈

I’m not worried one bit. They are out here living their best lives🖤

I think he loves them a little more than he lets on😉

You can find me in the barn, hiding from the pile of laundry still needing to be folded🙈✌🏼

Rotini says—Good morning, do you have any snacks?🐽

It can be a hard lifestyle, but it’s a wonderful life🤍

Merlin’s took the muscovy ducklings “under his wing”🦆🤍 #homesteadlife #backyardducks #homestead #homesteading #muscovyducks #ducklings #babyfarmanimals #farmlife #countrylife #simpleliving #backyardhomestead #quack #homesteadfamily

We try not to waste anything around here🥛🐷 #homesteading #farming #growyourownfood #raiseyourownfood #kunekunepig #goatmilk #freshmilk #farmfresh #farmtotable #farmtofork #homestead #farmstead #zerofoodwaste #sustainableliving #livesimply #intentionalliving #pigfarm

Pumpkin successfully delivered five healthy gilts (females)!🐷💕 Welcome to the farm! #babyfarmanimals #piglets #kunekunepig #pigfarm #raiseyourownfood #homesteading #farmlife #countrylife #slowliving #simplelife #intentionalliving #farmtofork #babyanimals #newlife #farming #sustainablefarming

I guess the room I made for her wasn’t good enough!🤣 They’re all safe and snuggled behind the bales now though. #homesteading #kittens #mamacat #horses #dayinthelife #farmlife #livingsimple #funny #farmher #homesteadlife #farmanimals

I really thought he’d be on board🤣🤣 #farmlife #homesteading #farmanimals #funny #husbands #homemaking #farmher #fyp #rabbits #meatrsbbits #selfreliance #selfsustainability #lifeonthefarm #farmstead

Better get her two just in case😉 #homesteading #babygoats #mothersday #mothersdaygiftideas

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