Homestead Living and Livestock

Country Lore: DIY Portable Chicken Coops

By Mara Ziegler and David Hymel

Who knew there were so many ways to build functional, cheap, portable chicken coops? You do, now. Originally published as "Country Lore: Portable, DIY Chicken Coops" in the April/May 2009 issue of MOTHER EARTH NEWS.

How to Pick the Right Chicken Coop

By Victoria Gazeley

How do you find the best chicken coop design for your new flock? We'll help you walk through the evaluation process and give you a free analysis spreadsheet to help you decide.

Prepare Your Chicken Coop for Spring's Warmer Days

By Anna Twitto

Take a look at this checklist of things to do in the chicken coop in preparation for warmer days.

Let's Make Some Soap: A Simple Recipe for Lye Soap

By Sherry Leverich Tucker

Making a batch of homemade soap for family use can be done quickly and simply.

Explore the MOTHER EARTH NEWS App!

We're working to develop apps to let you take the best of our 40-plus years of information on sustainable living with you wherever you go. You can now download MOTHER EARTH NEWS apps on your smartphone or tablet and have an easy-to-use piece of the Original Guide to Living Wisely at your fingertips.

Dear Mother: Life in a Little House

By Mother Earth News readers

Check out this reader's letter about the big impact MOTHER EARTH NEWS has had on her life.

Hand Tools and Techniques for Home Landscaping

By John Vivian

Learn about hand tools and techniques for home landscaping, including working in wooded land areas, clearing brush, problems with established sod, removing tree roots and common sense landscaping tips. Originally published as "Hand Tools and Techniques for Home Landscaping" December 1997/January 1998 MOTHER EARTH NEWS. 

Why Raise Silkie Chickens?

By Kristen Tool, Olsen Farm

At Olsen Farm, we know all chickens are special, but there is something particularly magical about the silkie breed. Here are unique traits of these birds.