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Brandie Funk calls herself the “keeper of the Kardashihens.”
Naming her brood after numerous members of the Kardashian actuality TV household, Funk’s chicks have turn into the celebrities of her Instagram account. There, she paperwork the day by day actions that happen at her Southern Manitoba-based household pastime farm.
“My husband and I each grew up within the nation,” says Funk. “My dad and mom are honey farmers, and his dad and mom typically had a small herd of cattle. So we each knew we wished a rustic property that we’d be capable of have animals on at some point.”
We spoke to Funk in regards to the origins of her chickens and her household’s beekeeping legacy. We additionally touched on how chickens and wine make an ideal match.
Embracing the Instagram Homesteading Group
Wanting again on the second that impressed her full-on dive into homesteading, Funk factors to the creation of her Instagram account.
“I initially created it to share my chickens with family and friends. However after seeing the large homesteading Instagram group, I noticed the approach to life very a lot resonated with me,” she explains.
“We’re a household of seven, and elevating our personal meals is interesting. I additionally love the concept that our youngsters will be capable of work together with our animals and be taught accountability as they take care of them.”
Learn extra: These hen breeds thrive on small farms and homesteads.
Get to Know the Kardashihens
Funk’s flock of Kardashihens at present stands at 23. In relation to the Kardashihen with each probably the most distinctive persona and probably the most high-maintenance wants, Funk holds up Kim, a Silver Wyandotte.
“Kim’s undoubtedly obtained numerous persona,” she says. “She’s second in command after my roo’ Brucester, even above my second rooster. She’s the primary one to greet me (on the lookout for meals) and never afraid to place the opposite chickens in place in the event that they attempt to get treats earlier than her.”
Newbie Rooster Suggestions
In case you’ve been contemplating including chickens to your individual homestead or pastime farm, Funk says it’s essential to correctly put together for his or her arrival.
“Don’t simply bounce into it at some point with none provides,” she advises. “I’ve made that mistake, and it’s nerve-racking! Ensure you have a spot to accommodate them, a means of feeding and watering them and, in case you stay in chilly local weather, a plan to make sure they’ll be comfy by means of the winter months.”
Learn extra: Expertise retains chickens blissful at this homestead!
Summer season Nights, Chickens & Wine
In relation to having fun with dwelling with chickens, Funk says it’s all about taking time to understand the second.
“I really like sitting with a glass of wine on summer season evenings and watching them work together with one another and with me,” she says. “It’s so enjoyable to look at them and uncover their distinctive personalities.”
Convey on the Bees
Alongside the Kardashihens, you’ll additionally discover bees taking part in an important position at Hawthorn Creek Homestead. Funk grew up with dad and mom and grandparents who had been honey farmers, however it wasn’t till her husband “turned fascinated with the method” of extracting honey that they determined so as to add bees to their very own pastime farm.
“It’s been enjoyable studying alongside him and discovering how wonderful bees actually are,” says Funk. “I feel probably the most fascinating factor I’ve discovered is how instinctive they’re. For instance, in the event that they lose a queen, they know to feed royal jelly to a younger larvae and that larvae will then turn into a queen bee.
“It’s so fascinating to me that each one these little behaviors are engrained in every bee and so they all work collectively to create and keep a wholesome hive.”
Observe Hawthorn Creek Homestead at Instagram.
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