Waddle and Cluck

Waddle and Cluck Small family farm in Skiatook, OK

🌱 Waddle & Cluck: Homesteading insights, garden tending 🌿, livestock care 🦆, and scratch-made meals. 🍳 Join our sustainable journey. 🌍

The opossum, most often just called possum, is one of the most primitive of mammals and the only marsupial in North Amer...
12/18/2024

The opossum, most often just called possum, is one of the most primitive of mammals and the only marsupial in North America. Marsupials are pouched mammals, in which the female does not have a placenta like other mammals but has a nursing pouch instead.

Babies, only two weeks old, incompletely developed and the size of a navy bean, climb from the base of the mother's tail, through her hair and into the pouch where they attach to a ni**le and nurse for 2 months. After that, they leave the pouch and move to the outside world, often traveling on the mother's back with their tails wrapped around hers.

Explore the fascinating world of the opossum, the only marsupial in North America, and its misunderstood nature.

Hoarfrost is one of those winter wonders that can stop you in your tracks, even if you’re not looking for it. It forms o...
12/18/2024

Hoarfrost is one of those winter wonders that can stop you in your tracks, even if you’re not looking for it. It forms overnight on cold, clear nights when water v***r freezes directly onto surfaces like trees, fences, and grass. By morning, the landscape looks transformed, as if everything has been lightly dusted with a fine layer of frost.

The night hoarfrost formed at our place, the sky was perfectly clear, and the temperature had dropped to 23°F. When the sun came up, everything outside was covered in delicate white crystals. It’s not something you see every day, and it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate how nature works quietly, even while we sleep.

Hoarfrost

What Exactly Is Hoarfrost?

The word “hoar” comes from Old English, where it meant “a sign of old age.” The frost gets its name because the crystals resemble white hair or a beard. Unlike the frost you might see on your car windshield, hoarfrost is made of light, feathery ice crystals that grow outward on surfaces.

Discover the enchanting beauty of hoarfrost and its magical formation on cold winter nights. Experience nature's artistry in winter.

When it comes to raising backyard poultry, the idea of mixing species often comes up. One common question is, “Can guine...
12/14/2024

When it comes to raising backyard poultry, the idea of mixing species often comes up. One common question is, “Can guineas and chickens live together?” The answer is yes, but there are several important factors to consider before introducing these two types of birds into the same living space. Understanding their behaviors, needs, and habits will help you create a harmonious environment for both.

Differences Between Guineas and Chickens

To understand if guineas and chickens can coexist, it’s important to recognize the differences between the two. Chickens are domesticated birds that thrive in a predictable and controlled environment. They are generally docile and adapt well to human interaction. Guineas, on the other hand, are semi-wild birds known for their loud calls and independent nature. They are excellent foragers and highly alert, often serving as a natural alarm system for your yard.

These differences mean their behaviors and social structures don’t always align.

Can Guineas and Chickens Live Together? Learn essential compatibility and care tips.

Homesteading often means braving long winters on your rural property for days or weeks during intense cold spells. Cabin...
12/13/2024

Homesteading often means braving long winters on your rural property for days or weeks during intense cold spells. Cabin fever can dampen anyone’s mood when icy conditions make outdoor chores tough or risky, and your world shrinks to the four walls of your cramped indoor spaces. But with some preparation and intentionality, you can stay motivated and upbeat even when bitter weather keeps you housebound.

Here are 12 practical ideas to help homesteading families cope positively with cabin fever this winter.

Maximize Natural Light Inside Your Home

Seasonal sadness typically stems from a lack of sufficient daylight rather than just cold temps. Since most homesteads have limited windows, be strategic about exposing every family member to the most light possible. Open all curtains and shades during daytime hours. Sit beside bright windows while working, reading, or homeschooling kids. Install new skylights or solar tubes to brighten dark rooms.

Stay happy and productive when snowed in on your rural property. Expert advice for battling cabin fever during long winter months.

As the temperatures begin to drop, our cravings naturally shift toward warm, hearty meals that are both comforting and s...
12/13/2024

As the temperatures begin to drop, our cravings naturally shift toward warm, hearty meals that are both comforting and satisfying, like Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder. A braised pork shoulder fits the bill perfectly—it's a tender, flavorful dish that comes together with minimal effort but delivers big on taste. What makes this recipe stand out is the use of apple cider, which adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor, making it an ideal dish for fall gatherings or a cozy night in. Plus, it’s easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve for special occasions.

This blog post will walk you through the process of making Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder, from selecting the right cut of meat to the final steps of shredding the pork. By the end, you’ll feel confident in preparing this delicious meal for your friends and family.

Why Pork Shoulder?

Pork shoulder is an inexpensive cut of meat that’s perfect for braising because of its fat content and muscle structure.

Discover a hearty Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder recipe perfect for cozy autumn nights. Enjoy warm, comforting flavors this season.

With proper care and maintenance, a cast iron skillet can become a cherished kitchen workhorse passed down for generatio...
12/13/2024

With proper care and maintenance, a cast iron skillet can become a cherished kitchen workhorse passed down for generations. Cast iron gets better with age as long-term seasoning creates an ultra-slick cooking surface. However, these vintage pans require gentle handling to keep them performing at their peak nonstick abilities.

How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet

Cleaning cast iron can be intimidating for the uninitiated. But relax—with a few key steps, these hearty pans are actually low maintenance. Cleaning well means better seasoning and flavor development over time. Here’s a comprehensive guide to keeping cast iron spotless while retaining its seasoning patina and natural nonstick qualities.

How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet - While cast iron skillet cleaning may seem daunting at first, the steps are simple once practiced regularly after cooking.

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor cooking, family gatherings, and enjoying delicious food. The smell of charcoal an...
12/13/2024

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor cooking, family gatherings, and enjoying delicious food. The smell of charcoal and sizzling meats fills the air, and there’s nothing quite like a classic barbecue to bring people together. Today, we’re sharing a mouthwatering recipe for Grilled BBQ Chicken that’s sure to be a hit at your next summer gathering.

Why Grilled BBQ Chicken is a Summer Staple

Grilled BBQ Chicken is a quintessential dish that embodies the spirit of summer and outdoor cooking. The smoky, charred flavor imparted by the grill, combined with the sweet and tangy notes of BBQ sauce, creates a harmony of tastes that’s hard to resist. Plus, chicken is a crowd-pleaser that caters to a wide range of preferences and dietary needs.

Elevate your 4th of July celebration with this mouthwatering grilled BBQ chicken recipe. Succulent flavors await! Discover it now.

The Creamy History of EggnogEggnog is a rich, creamy, sweetened dairy-based beverage that has become a beloved holiday t...
12/13/2024

The Creamy History of Eggnog

Eggnog is a rich, creamy, sweetened dairy-based beverage that has become a beloved holiday tradition for many. But where did it originate from? The origins may surprise you.

Egg-based drinks date back centuries, with early ancestral versions popular in Europe where eggs and dairy products were more readily available. These early “possets” were hot drinks made by curdling milk with wine or ale and often mixing in eggs, spices, or even breadcrumbs.

In the American colonies, rum from the Caribbean was plentiful and inexpensive. Over time as recipes evolved, eggnog emerged as a cold, frothy mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, spices like nutmeg and vanilla, and of course - lots of rum. The name is thought to have come from the very liberal use of eggs (“egg”) and rum (“nog”).

The first eggnog recipe using that specific name appeared in the late 1700s. Eggnog quickly became tied to the holiday season and a staple at Christmas parties.

Here are 10 cozy and unique eggnog recipes (alcohol optional) to spruce up this holiday season.

If you love scalloped potatoes but want an easier cooking method, making them in the crockpot is perfect! This crockpot ...
12/13/2024

If you love scalloped potatoes but want an easier cooking method, making them in the crockpot is perfect! This crockpot scalloped potatoes recipe will give you that irresistible creamy, cheesy flavor without slaving away in the kitchen.

Keep reading to learn how to make the ultimate slow cooker scalloped potatoes, along with tips and substitutions!

Benefits of Cooking Scalloped Potatoes in a Slow Cooker

Using your crockpot to make scalloped potatoes provides several advantages:

Hands-off cooking - Just assemble ingredients in your slow cooker, set it, and let it do all the work over consistent low heat while you focus on other tasks.

Perfect texture - The low heat and extended cook time helps potatoes soften perfectly without becoming mushy. They retain their shape surprisingly well.

No burning risk - Unlike oven baking, using the crockpot eliminates the risk of accidentally burning this dairy-based dish.

These creamy, cheesy crockpot scalloped potatoes are made by layering sliced russet potatoes, onions, a rich cheddar sauce, and seasoning for a hearty and comforting dish the whole family will love.

Fried green tomatoes are a quintessential Southern dish with a unique history intertwined with cultural traditions, fami...
12/13/2024

Fried green tomatoes are a quintessential Southern dish with a unique history intertwined with cultural traditions, family memories, and pure culinary joy. Crispy cornmeal-crusted slices of tart, green tomatoes served up warm alongside a creamy, spicy dipping sauce seems to transport one back to a simpler time.

This unlikely combination of flavors and textures has been elevating Southern tables and charming outsider foodies for generations. So how did this regional specialty become such a iconic and beloved recipe?

A Staple of Southern Cuisine

Fried green tomatoes have their roots in the American South, where they emerged as a creative way to utilize abundant harvests of green tomatoes before the first frost. Green tomatoes are simply unripe red tomatoes, usually picked early in the late summer/early fall growing season.

Indulge in the nostalgia of authentic Southern cuisine with our mouthwatering fried green tomatoes. Experience the perfect blend of tradition and taste.

The Osage Orange is fairly common in the area and was named for the Osage Indian Nation. It's a tree with many names, a...
12/13/2024

The Osage Orange is fairly common in the area and was named for the Osage Indian Nation. It's a tree with many names, among them hedge apple, bois d'arc and horse apple.

Osage Orange

It is a small deciduous tree or large shrub native to the south-central United States. The tree is a member of the mulberry family. Before the development of barbed wire, the dense shrub, with its sharp thorns, was planted as an impenetrable hedge for holding livestock, hence the name hedge apple, although the fruit is more orange-like than apple.

Osage Orange

The wrinkled fruit, the size of a large orange or small grapefruit, is green until ripe, then yellow or orange.

Osage Orange

Horses and other livestock sometimes eat the fruit, although it is not very palatable because it produces a sticky white latex when cut.

The Osage Orange is fairly common in the area and was named for the Osage Indian Nation.  It's a tree with many names, among them hedge apple, bois d'arc

Just about everyone knows what an eastern red cedar is. It's the wild, native evergreen seen in abandoned fields and alo...
12/12/2024

Just about everyone knows what an eastern red cedar is. It's the wild, native evergreen seen in abandoned fields and along fencelines. Although it’s an attractive tree in the winter landscape, the eastern red cedar can be highly invasive, especially in pastures and woodlots. Interestingly, the red cedar is not truly a cedar at all, but a juniper. In fact, there are no native cedars in the United States, though many ornamental cedars are planted for landscaping purposes. The distinction between junipers and cedars lies in certain botanical characteristics.

The eastern red cedar is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female trees. This term comes from two Greek words meaning "two houses," referring to the separate roles of the male and female trees. At this time of year, the differences between the two are particularly noticeable. Male trees display tiny brown pollen cones, giving the tree a brownish hue.

Discover the hidden qualities of the eastern red cedar and its importance in our ecosystems and landscapes.

When considering the lifespan of ducks, many factors come into play, including the species, living conditions, and wheth...
12/12/2024

When considering the lifespan of ducks, many factors come into play, including the species, living conditions, and whether the duck is wild or domesticated. Understanding the life expectancy of ducks not only helps in appreciating their natural life cycles but also informs proper care for those raising them domestically. If you're asking, "How long do ducks live?" this guide will provide detailed insights.

Average Lifespan of Ducks

The average lifespan of ducks varies significantly based on their environment and species. Wild ducks typically live shorter lives than domesticated ducks due to the challenges they face in the wild, including predators, harsh weather, and limited food resources. On average, wild ducks live around 5 to 10 years, while domestic ducks, under ideal conditions, can live up to 10 to 15 years.

How long do ducks live? Look at factors affecting their lifespan, and insights for both wild and domesticated ducks in our guide.

Guinea fowl, often simply called guineas, are hardy, independent birds that can thrive in a range of environments. Wheth...
12/07/2024

Guinea fowl, often simply called guineas, are hardy, independent birds that can thrive in a range of environments. Whether you're raising them as pest controllers, for their eggs, or simply as a unique addition to your flock, understanding what do guineas eat is essential for their health and productivity. These birds are natural foragers with a diet that varies depending on their surroundings, but they also benefit from some human-provided nutrition.

In this article, we'll explore what guineas eat in the wild, how to feed them in captivity, and what foods to avoid to keep your flock thriving.

What Do Guineas Eat in the Wild

Guinea fowl are voracious foragers, spending most of their day searching for food. Their natural diet consists of a mix of insects, seeds, and vegetation, making them a valuable asset for controlling pests and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

What do guineas eat? Learn how to provide a balanced diet for these hardy birds in various environments.

The caterpillar is an almost fluorescent lime green. It has vertical yellow lines passing down its body. The head is b...
12/06/2024

The caterpillar is an almost fluorescent lime green. It has vertical yellow lines passing down its body. The head is brown, and it has impressive mouth parts.

Polyphemus Moth Caterpillar

Polyphemus Moth Caterpillar

The cocoon is oval, has a tough outer layer of silk, and is usually wrapped in the leaves of the plant or tree on which the caterpillar was feeding. The cocoon falls to the ground when the host plant or tree sheds its leaves in the fall.

Explore the Polyphemus Moth, from its vibrant caterpillar to its striking appearance, in this detailed guide.

We have seen six kinds of owls at our place: eastern screech owl (both red and gray phases), short-eared owl, long-eared...
12/06/2024

We have seen six kinds of owls at our place: eastern screech owl (both red and gray phases), short-eared owl, long-eared owl, barn owl, great horned owl and barred owl - the owls of Oklahoma.

Explore the fascinating owls of Oklahoma and their unique behaviors, including the eastern screech and great horned owls.

Ducks are among the most versatile and fascinating birds, thriving in various environments from backyard ponds to wild w...
12/06/2024

Ducks are among the most versatile and fascinating birds, thriving in various environments from backyard ponds to wild wetlands. Asking what do ducks eat is crucial for anyone who cares for them, whether you're a farmer, a backyard hobbyist, or just someone who enjoys feeding ducks at a local park. Their diet plays a significant role in their health, growth, and overall well-being.

So what do ducks eat? we'll explore what ducks eat in the wild, what to feed them in captivity, and the foods to avoid to keep them healthy and thriving.

What do Ducks Eat: Understanding a Duck’s Natural Diet

In the wild, ducks are opportunistic feeders. This means they eat a variety of foods based on what's available in their environment. Their natural diet includes a mix of plant material, small animals, and aquatic life. Ducks forage by dabbling in shallow water or grazing on land, using their beaks to sift through mud, sand, or grass for food.

Discover what do ducks eat and learn about their diverse diets in different environments to keep them healthy and thriving.

Ever wondered what guineas eat? 🦩 From pest-controlling insects to energy-packed grains, learn all about their diet and ...
12/06/2024

Ever wondered what guineas eat? 🦩 From pest-controlling insects to energy-packed grains, learn all about their diet and how to care for these fascinating birds. Great tips for homesteaders and backyard farmers! 🌾🪲

What do guineas eat? Learn how to provide a balanced diet for these hardy birds in various environments.

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Good morning!

Labryinth Cross Stitch - Pattern by Clouds Factory #labryinth #crossstitch #crafts #xstitch

Good morning!

Prepping eggs for the store. #homesteading #eggs #FreshEggs #farmlife

Tiny baby quail #quail #hatchingeggs #homesteading #coturnixquail

Hatch day! We have two new #coturnixquail already! #quail #quaileggs #hatchday #hatchingeggs #homestead

This is the cute store where we sell our eggs. Farm Hippie #homestead #homesteading #farmlife #fresheggs #smalltownbigheart

🌿 Gardening seem intimidating as a beginner? Fear not! Our new blog post is a start-to-finish guide to planning, planting, and caring for your first edible garden. Get the scoop on choosing crops, readying your soil, watering, controlling pests, and harvesting all those yummy veggies and herbs. Let us walk you through gardening basics - check out "Gardening for Beginners" guide now on the blog! 🥕 🌻 #gardening #gardeningtips #backyardhomestead

Silly chickens! #fresheggs #farmlife #homesteading #chickens

Finally cleaned and organized the pantry.

Newest recipes on the blog. #comfortfood #applepie #foccaciabread #breadrecipe #recipe #recipes #soup #stew

🥬🥕 Dreaming of harvesting veggies from your own backyard garden? Our "Gardening for Beginners" guide breaks it down step-by-step from soil prep to planting to troubleshooting and beyond. Planning and planting your first garden is totally doable if you start with the basics. Follow our tips to make your gardening debut a success! 🌻 #gardening #gardeningtips #backyardhomestead

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