Farm Vlog – Surprise Chicks, Grumpy Rabbits, and Wildfire Smoke

Welcome back to Andersen Acres! In today’s farm vlog, we’re juggling chaos and calm as the unexpected happens—again. We discovered baby chicks running loose in the barnyard, and here’s the twist: our ducks hatched them. That’s right—some sneaky ducks decided to brood chicken eggs, and now we’ve got surprise chicks who think they’re ducklings. We scooped up as many as we could and moved them safely into the brooder.

But that’s not all—our solid blue Rex rabbit, Smeagol, gave birth this morning! She had four adorable babies, though she’s not too thrilled with me about it. She keeps boxing me, so Rowan’s taken over most of the bunny care duties. Smeagol’s got attitude, but we love her anyway.

Meanwhile, the wildfire smoke continues to blanket the farm, making the air thick and the sky hazy. We’re safe for now, but it’s a reminder of how unpredictable homestead life can be.

If you love animals, hobby farming, or just want a peek into our unpredictable day-to-day life, don’t miss this one!

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#hobbyfarming #farmvlog #homesteadinglife #raisinganimals #babychicks #rexrabbits #barnyardchaos #unexpectedanimals #rurallife #farmanimals #andersenacres #ducksandchickens

Farm Vlog – Puppies at 6 Weeks, No Kittens Left, and I’m Melting

It’s brutally hot, the mosquitoes are out for blood, and I made the shortest farm vlog I’ve ever filmed—because honestly, I just couldn’t anymore. Welcome back to Andersen Acres, where even when nature tries to chase us back inside, the animals still need us and the camera still rolls. In this quick check-in, we give you a six-week update on our Great Pyrenees puppies—who are doing amazing, barely need their mama now, and are absolutely thriving in the sunshine. They’ll be heading off to their new homes in just ten days!

We also talk about our now kitten-free barn, since all of our little fluffballs have officially gone to new families. And Twig the bunny? He’s likely packing his bags for a new adventure by Friday. If you’re into realistic farm life, where not every video is long and polished and bug-free, this one’s for you. Come sweat with us.

Whether you’re a homesteader, an animal lover, or just someone who enjoys a peek into farm life, this bite-sized vlog is still packed with updates.

#hobbyfarming #homesteadinglife #puppylife #greatpyrenees #farmvlog #andersenacres #homesteadersofyoutube #farmanimals #barnlife #backyardfarm

Farm Vlog – Heatwave Hustle and Puppy Socializing on the Homestead

When the summer heat hits hard, we adapt fast here at Andersen Acres! In this week’s farm vlog, we’re sharing how we handled an intense heatwave while still caring for all the animals on our hobby farm. From topping off clean, cool water to checking shade spots, our top priority was keeping everyone safe and comfortable—including us!

We also brought the Great Pyrenees puppies out for some gentle animal socialization. Getting them used to our goats, ducks, chickens, and mini horses is an important step in their development as future livestock guardian dogs. Even in the heat, those little fluffballs made us smile.

Whether you're raising animals, dreaming of homesteading, or just love a peek into daily farm life, this video gives a real look at what it’s like to balance animal care and summer survival. No big projects this time—just doing what it takes to get through a scorcher on the farm.

Don't forget to subscribe for more hobby farming vlogs, animal care tips, and behind-the-scenes moments at Andersen Acres!

#homesteading #hobbyfarming #farmvlog #summeronafarm #livestockguardians #greatpyrenees #animalcare #homesteadlife #raisinganimals #heatwavefarming #farmdogs #backyardfarm

The Real Cost of Raising Your Own Eggs – Feed, Bedding, and Time

Raising your own chickens for fresh eggs might sound like the ultimate self-sufficiency dream—just imagine grabbing warm eggs from the coop every morning, no grocery trips required! But here on Andersen Acres, we’ve found that while the idea of backyard eggs is charming, the reality is more expensive than many people expect.

Let’s break it down.

🐔 The Startup Costs

First, you’ve got the upfront investment. Chicks might only cost a few dollars each, but you’ll also need:

• A brooder setup with heat lamps
• Bedding and feeders
• Starter feed
• A safe, predator-proof coop (which can run anywhere from $200 DIY to $1000+ prefab)
• Fencing or a run to give them room to roam

Even before your hens lay a single egg, you could be in for several hundred dollars. And that’s just the beginning.

🥚 Ongoing Feed and Supplies

Once your hens are grown and laying, the costs continue. On average:

• Layer feed runs around $20–$30 per 50lb bag. A small flock of 6–8 hens will go through that in 3–4 weeks.
• Grit and oyster shell help with digestion and eggshell strength—about $10 every few months.
• Bedding like straw, pine shavings, or hemp needs regular replacing. Expect $10–$20 monthly depending on how often you clean.
• Supplements and snacks, like black oil sunflower seeds or kitchen scraps, add up too (and let’s be honest—we all spoil our hens a little).

🧼 Time and Labor

Let’s talk about your time. Chickens are low-maintenance for livestock, but they’re not no-maintenance.

• Daily egg collection
• Feeding and watering
• Regular coop cleanings
• Health checks and parasite prevention
• Managing flock behavior (pecking order disputes are real!)

If you ever have a broody hen, an injured bird, or predators in the area, the time and stress increase fast.

💸 What Does That Egg Really Cost?

Let’s say you get 5–6 eggs a day from your flock. That’s about 150–180 eggs a month. But if you spend $40–$60 monthly on feed and bedding, you’re paying about 25 to 40 cents per egg—not counting time, setup, or unexpected costs (like vet bills, fencing repairs, or a raccoon-proofing emergency).

Compare that to a store-bought dozen? The numbers speak for themselves.

💛 But It’s Not Just About the Cost

We still love our chickens. We love knowing where our food comes from. We love the fresh taste of just-laid eggs. And we love watching our hens roam the yard, dig in the dirt, and cluck their little chicken gossip.

But we also believe in being honest about the commitment. Raising your own eggs can be deeply rewarding—but cheap and easy? Not so much.

If you’re thinking about backyard chickens, go in with open eyes—and maybe a spreadsheet.