Deciding to raise chickens for eggs is a big one, but how do you get there once you make that decision? You can either find ready-to-lay hens (pullets), or you can start from scratch by raising chicks of your own. Here’s how.
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Raising Backyard Chickens: The Basics
So you’ve been thinking about getting some chickens. For many people, raising backyard chickens is a logical next step in the homesteading/self-sufficiency adventure.
As far as livestock go, they’re small and don’t require a lot of space, expense, or hands-on care. They’re fun to have around, a good experience for the kids, and a great source of natural fertilizer. And of course, they produce eggs, one of the healthiest sources of protein you’ll find. I had some doubts too, but in my experience, chickens are about as easy as it gets. If you have a cat or dog, chickens shouldn’t be any more work, plus dogs don’t lay eggs.
I could (and many people have) write a book about raising backyard chickens, but for those of you who like the abridged version of things, I’ll try to boil it down to the basics. Obviously, there are numerous specific topics that you may run into that aren’t covered here. In those cases, a quick search is all you need. Otherwise, I hope to touch on enough to get you comfortable with the idea of raising backyard chickens yourself!
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The Black Pig
Situated on a corner in the middle of the bustling Ohio City neighborhood, The Black Pig is much more than just an homage to pork.
Though the brick building itself doesn’t stand out, the inside exudes a sense of comfort and welcoming. Exposed brick walls left me wondering about what history they had seen (sorry, I have a thing for exposed brick in old buildings), while abundant natural light and rustic wood accents added an extra element. All told, it’s a cozy place to settle down for a meal.
Of course, I couldn’t care less about what it looks like if the food is no good, and on that end, The Black Pig shines. The oft-changing menu offers “European-inspired New American cuisine” slanted toward local and seasonal fare. Although pork is obviously a highlight, you’ll also find other meats and pastas, along with a few veg-friendly options.
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The Harp
Every once in a while, I get a craving for good Irish pub food.
Somehow, I had never heard of The Harp, an Ohio City institution for years. Named to many local and national “Best Of” lists, The Harp boasts a fantastic Irish-American menu. You’ll find staples like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie, but also more traditional American fare for pickier eaters. One of the highlights is the Boxty Cake – a jumbo potato pancake folded over a variety of fillings. Think a Reuben taco, except the taco shell is a potato pancake.
As much of a highlight as the menu is the patio overlooking the lake and downtown skyline – it’s absolutely beautiful on a warm afternoon or evening. Toss in some live music and you have yourself a nice summer-in-Cleveland outing.
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Two-Ingredient Healthy Homemade Jello
Every kid loves jello. I remember Jigglers being a big deal when I was a kid.
Back then, jello was a special dessert treat, and rightly so, because I remember the sugar that we had to add, and that vivid shade of blue definitely didn’t come from anything natural. That was great when I was a kid, but now that I have kids of my own, I certainly don’t want to load them up with garbage. If you want to treat your kids and still feel good about what they’re eating, try this homemade jello instead.
