hope this post finds you all enjoying the simple joys of self-sufficient living. Today, I wanted to share a glimpse into my little backyard flock here on our homestead. These two photos capture the heart of our daily routine — a lively mix of chickens and turkeys thriving together in our enclosure.
In the first image, you can see our speckled hens and a beautiful turkey hen gathered around a fresh green treat. That leafy plant is one of the many "forage" items we hang or grow near the fence line. The birds go absolutely crazy for it! Watching them peck away at fresh greens is pure entertainment and a great way to supplement their diet naturally.
The second photo gives a wider view of our setup under the shade of our fruit tree. Look at those majestic turkeys strutting their stuff! We have a couple of big boys and girls mixed in with layers of different breeds — some classic Rhode Island Reds, speckled Sussex-types, and a few heritage mixes. The turkeys add such character to the flock. Their curious personalities and deeper "gobble" sounds really make the yard feel alive.
Why We Keep Poultry on Our Homestead
Raising chickens and turkeys has been one of the most rewarding parts of our homesteading journey. Beyond the obvious fresh eggs (we’re getting a nice daily haul right now), these birds provide natural pest control, fertilizer for our garden, and even some meat when the time comes. Turkeys in particular are excellent at clearing larger areas and they’re surprisingly affectionate once they get used to you.
We started small a couple of years ago with just a few chicks from the local market. Now our flock has grown to a happy, healthy size. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of space and enrichment. Our run is fenced with sturdy wire, but we make sure to add perches, dust baths, hanging greens, and scattered scratch grains to keep them active and reduce boredom. Happy birds = fewer health issues and better production.
Daily Care Tips I’ve Learned
Feeding: We use a quality layer pellet as the base but always supplement with kitchen scraps, garden extras, and foraged greens. The turkeys especially love peas, berries, and leafy greens.
Water: Multiple stations are key, especially in warmer weather. We use those simple poultry waterers you see in the photos and refresh them daily.
Shelter: Protection from predators is non-negotiable. We have solid fencing and cover at night.
Breeds: Mixing in hardy, dual-purpose birds has worked well for us. They handle our local climate better and provide both eggs and meat potential.
Homesteading isn’t always glamorous — there are early mornings, predator scares, and the occasional broody hen drama — but moments like these, standing outside watching the flock forage under the morning sun with the fruit tree dropping leaves and pods, make it all worthwhile. There’s something deeply satisfying about closing the loop: garden feeds birds, birds fertilize garden, and we eat better because of it.
I’d love to hear from you all! What breeds do you keep? Have you tried mixing chickens and turkeys? Any tips for keeping a mixed flock healthy and productive? What challenges are you facing in your own poultry setup right now?
If you’re enjoying this kind of content — real homestead life, flock updates, gardening stories, and practical tips — please consider dropping an upvote, leaving a comment, or sharing your own experiences. Your support helps this small homesteader reach more people who are interested in self-reliance and sustainable living.
Thank you for stopping by, and happy homesteading!
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From @harmonelwithfarm