June Life on the Homestead: New Faces, New Projects, and Fresh Starts

It’s a busy, beautiful time of year here on the 12 acres. The season has brought a whirlwind of activity to the barn, some bittersweet goodbyes, and a lot of exciting forward momentum. I wanted to take a moment to pull back the curtain and share what’s been happening behind the scenes.

A Full Barn and New Friendships

The nursery is lively! We recently had a bit of an adventure when we hatched a lone guinea keet. The poor little thing was…

Seasonal Magic: From Hot Summers to Cozy Fall in Eastern NC

Welcome to crissyoshow.com, where Crissy O’s Clucky Chronicles celebrates the rhythms of life in Eastern North Carolina! As we wave goodbye to the steamy days of summer 2025, the air is turning crisp, and my heart swells with the beauty of this seasonal shift. From scorching July heat to the cooler breezes of August, this corner of the world is painting a picture of change—and it’s a joy to share it with you. Let’s waddle through the warmth…

Rainy Days and Duck Delight

There’s nothing quite like the sight of my ducks splashing in the yard when the rain starts tapping on the roof. Tracee, with her sleek green head, leads the charge, quacking like a cheerleader as the first drops fall. Vickie and JaneLily follow, their little webbed feet pattering across the grass, while Monique, the quiet strategist, scopes out the perfect puddle. Mollie May and Sherrie Dee bring up the rear, their fluffy tails bobbing with excitement. Out of their enclosures…

The History of Free-Ranging Chickens and Commercial Feed: A Clucky Evolution

Welcome to crissyoshow.com, where Crissy O’s Clucky Chronicles digs into the past to enrich your homestead! Today, we’re exploring the history of free-ranging chickens and the rise of commercial feed, tracing how these practices shaped chicken keeping from ancient times to 2025. Whether you’re letting your flock roam or mixing store-bought feed, this journey offers insights to guide your choices. Grab a snack, and let’s cluck…

The Clucking History of Chicken Keeping: A Journey Through Time

Welcome to crissyoshow.com, where Crissy O’s Clucky Chronicles brings the coop to your screen! Today, we’re taking a 25-minute (or so) dive into the fascinating history of chicken keeping, from ancient junglefowl to your backyard flocks. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s explore how these feathered friends became a cornerstone of human life—complete with a few laughs and practical tips along the way!

Ancient Origins: The Jungle Rockstars

The Joy of Fresh Eggs

Fresh eggs from your flock taste better and retain nutrients.

Save hundreds yearly compared to store-bought eggs.

Start small with 3-4 hens for 10-20 eggs weekly.

Cooking at Home: A Simple Revolution

Ditch processed foods for wholesome, customizable meals.

Save $200-$300 monthly versus eating out.

Batch cook egg dishes like quiches for convenience.

Health Benefits of Fresh Eggs and Home Cooking

Eggs offer protein, vitamins A, D, E, B12, and choline.

Duck and quail eggs add omega-3s and…

Why Flock First Aid Matters

Your backyard flock is more than just egg-layers—they’re part of the family. Spotting issues early, like a chicken limping or a quail with a dull comb, can prevent bigger problems. First aid isn’t about replacing a vet; it’s about buying time and offering comfort until professional help is available.

Simple First Aid Tips

Checking for Injuries: Gently inspect birds for cuts, swelling, or parasites with clean hands.

Pecked Comb or Wattle: Clean with a cool, damp cloth and apply…

Blog Post: Preparing for Eastern NC Summer Storms and Hurricane Season on the Farm

Hey y’all, it’s Crissy O from Crissy O’s Clucky Chronicles, bringin’ you some down-to-earth advice straight from Eastern North Carolina! Summer storms are rollin’ in, and with hurricane season peakin’ from August to October, it’s time to get our farms—and our flocks—ready. Livin’ here, we know the drill: heavy rain, high winds, and the occasional tropical trouble like Hurricane Florence in 2018, which dumped 30 inches of rain…

There's nothing quite as heartwarming (and let's be honest, a little chaotic in the most charming way) as a new batch of babies on the farm. And if you're like me, Crissy O, and have a soft spot for the majestic, often-misunderstood turkey, then hand-raising poults is an incredibly rewarding experience.

Those tiny, fluffy bundles of potential are a far cry from the magnificent, gobbling giants they'll become. But with a little care, patience, and a whole lot of love, you can raise healthy, happy turkeys who…

Hey y’all, it’s Crissy O back with another scoop of homestead love for Crissy O’s Clucky Chronicles! After that wild lightning strike that knocked me offline for 12 days, I’m tickled to be back with my Starlink Gen 3, sharing the joys and trials of farm life. Today, let’s chat about the progress on some exciting projects and whip up a summer treat to cool you down.

First off, I’ve been hard at work on my e-book, From Poverty to Poultry: A Homesteader’s Journey. It’s comin’ along nicely, blending my Eastern…