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Tired of grocery store mystery meat & wilting lettuce? Let’s grow real food, raise happy chickens, and earn money—no acres or fear required.

Does this sound familiar?

  • You’re over the mystery meat and wilted lettuce life.
    You’re tired of not knowing what’s in your food—or where it came from. You're craving a real connection to your meals (and maybe a tomato that actually tastes like a tomato).

  • You live in the city but your soul belongs in the dirt.
    You’ve got dreams of chickens, raised beds, and canning jars—even if you're still stuck in a tiny apartment with a windowsill garden and a compost bin that scares your roommate.

  • You’re ready to stop treating your homestead like a hobby.
    You're putting in the work—growing food, raising animals, doing it all—and now you're wondering, “Wait... could this actually make money?”

If these frustrations resonate with you, you're not alone.

Let’s be real—lots of people want to live closer to the land...


But most of the info out there is either sugar-coated nonsense or so overwhelming it makes you want to throw your phone in the compost.

You're not alone—and you don't have to figure it all out yourself.

That's where Annie's Homestead comes in.

It's time to take control of your food, your lifestyle, and your future by embarking on a homesteading journey like no other.

Here, you'll find courses tailored to individuals just like you, providing you with a homestead roadmap

It's okay if you're living in a city right now! You can homestead exactly where you are.

Learning skills of fermentation, baking, bush craft, gardening and more, can help you become a homesteader even if you live in the heart of the city.

Turn your homestead into a cash cow by capitalizing on your talents so you can leave your 9-5.

Are you a home baker or gardener? Or neither? Our Homestead courses will help you discover your passion to turn into an income.

chicken coop automations

Want to streamline your chores?

From automatic door openers to refillable waterers, these innovations streamline maintenance tasks, ensuring your flock stays happy and healthy with minimal effort on your part.

Whether you're a seasoned keeper or just starting out, these time-saving solutions are a game-changer for any chicken enthusiast.

Hey There,

I'm Annie

I'm here to help you homestead with ease

You want to raise clean food. You want chickens that thrive, a garden that actually produces, and maybe even a little off-grid dream of your own.

But every time you Google something, it turns into a black hole of conflicting advice, overpriced courses, and blog posts that never really get to the point.

I get it. I was there too.

Now I live off-grid with a flock of mixed birds, an indoor grow room, and a greenhouse—because I’d rather avoid whatever’s falling from those ch3mtra!ls in the sky. I created Annie’s Homestead to make real-deal, straight-to-the-point content that helps you feel confident, not confused.

No gatekeeping. Just honest, tested resources to help you grow food, raise birds, and get out of the system—one chicken (or coop automation) at a time.

Top Resources

Streamline your chore list with our chicken coop automation list

Prepare For Emergencies with our Chicken First Aid Kit

Prepare For Your New Chicks with our Favorite Essentials

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baby chicks in grass

How to Prepare for New Chicks in 4 Easy Steps

February 17, 20252 min read

How to Prepare for New Chicks in 4 Easy Steps

Bringing home baby chicks is one of the most exciting parts of raising chickens, but getting everything set up ahead of time is key to making sure they grow up to strong, healthy chickens.

When we first started raising chicks, we learned the hard way that a good setup can mean the difference between healthy, happy chicks and unnecessary losses. Now, we follow a simple system to make sure every batch of chicks gets the best possible start.

Here’s your ultimate guide to setting up for chick arrival, whether you’re hatching them yourself or picking them up from a local hatchery!

Step 1: Set Up a Warm & Safe Brooder

New chicks need warmth—they don’t have full feathers yet, so they rely on external heat to stay comfortable.

✔️ Brooder Box – A large plastic tote, stock tank, or even a repurposed playpen can work!
✔️ Bedding – Pine shavings (avoid cedar) or paper towels for easy cleanup.
✔️ Heat Source – A heat plate is safer than heat lamps, which can be a fire hazard.

💡 Off-Grid Tip: If you don’t have power, you can use hot water bottles wrapped in towels and deep bedding to help chicks stay warm.

Step 2: Fresh Water & High-Quality Chick Starter Feed

🐤 Fresh, clean water is essential – New chicks can get pasty butt (a life-threatening condition) if they don’t drink enough water.

🐤 Use a chick waterer – Open bowls can lead to drowning hazards and dirty water.

🐤 Start them on a high-quality chick starter – Look for non-medicated feed with at least 18–20% protein for healthy growth.

Step 3: Check for Pasty Butt & Monitor Behavior

Pasty butt happens when poop sticks to a chick’s vent, blocking them from passing waste. If not caught early, it can be fatal.

🚨 How to Fix It:

  1. Use a warm, damp cloth to gently clean the vent.

  2. Apply a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent further sticking.

Watch your chicks closely—if they’re huddled under the heat source, they might be too cold. If they’re avoiding it, they might be too hot.

Step 4: Slowly Introduce Them to Their Coop

At about 6–8 weeks old, when chicks are fully feathered, they’re ready to move out of the brooder and into their permanent home.

✔️ Start with short outdoor visits on warm days.
✔️ Introduce them gradually to your existing flock.
✔️ Make sure the coop is predator-proof before the first night.

Setting up for chick arrival doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes the right prep and a little patience. A warm, clean brooder, fresh water, and high-quality feed are the foundation for strong, thriving chicks.

💡 Want to make sure you’re prepared? Grab my FREE Chick Arrival Guide for a complete checklist and step-by-step instructions for raising happy, healthy chicks!

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It's time to take the first step towards your homesteading journey.

Don't let uncertainty hold you back any longer.

Our homesteading courses offer a comprehensive roadmap to self-sufficiency, guiding you step-by-step through the process of creating your own thriving homestead, no matter where you live.

Enroll in our course today and take the first step towards a brighter, more empowered future!

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