@Burnt Brass Homestead
Come say hello to @Burnt Brass Homestead who has been a member since May 2023.
Come say hello to @Burnt Brass Homestead who has been a member since May 2023.
1. Tell us a bit more about yourself. And is there a story behind your member name?
I was born and raised in one of the largest cities in the United States. After college I moved from the city to the suburbs to get closer to my job. While living on my own in an apartment, I realized the deep dependencies we have on other entities for food, water, and other basic necessities. I wanted to break away from that norm. So, I started a garden on the balcony of my apartment, which was great. I then started learning how to preserve food, raise livestock, repair minor things, and DIY build projects.
I now live in a small rural town on a small parcel of land, raising chickens and ducks. We also have various fruit trees, berry bushes, outdoor gardens and a DIY greenhouse. And it isn’t just me any more; I rubbed off on my family, friends, neighbors, and even co-workers.
My name, Burnt Brass Homestead, came about when I decided to start a YouTube channel which focuses on seeking the old ways (Jer 6:16). This was a result of being annoyed at YouTube prepper channel scaring people into buying things they didn’t need to survive difficult times. My YouTube channel focuses on being self-sufficient without a dependency on fancy or expensive gadgets. And this can be accomplished without spending a lot of money.
2. Why and when did you start keeping poultry?
I started raising chickens in 2017. Ducks were added in November 2024. I raise chickens and ducks for eggs, meat, and cooking oil (duck fat).
3. Which aspects of poultry keeping do you enjoy the most?
The birds are fun, entertaining, and necessary when your goal is to be more self-sufficient. We have enough eggs to share with family and friends.
4. Which members of your flock, past and present, stand out for you and why?
Overall, I like the duck’s characteristics and behavior. The way they eat, walk/waddle, swim, splash water, shake their tails, and march from one area of the yard to another. I even like the quack and raspy sounds.
5. What was the funniest poultry related thing that has happened to you in your years as an owner?
One of the funniest moments was when one of the chicks learnt to perch. It did so on top of the waterer, so there was only room for one. The other chick jumped up and pulled it down of the waterer and it jumped up itself. That was the funniest and cutest thing. Don’t worry, I built a long perch bar so that chicks had enough room to perch and keep off the waterer.
6. Beside poultry, what other pets do you keep?
We keep honeybees for honey, pollen, and wax. However, someone sprayed something that killed all of the bees in our area. I do plan on replacing them next year.
7. Anything you'd like to add?
Feel free to follow me on my YouTube channel, Burnt Brass Homestead. I use this platform to encourage others who may be interested in homesteading but are hesitant because of lack of experience. I didn’t have experience either, I started small then grew to what I have now. I am the first in my circle of family and friends to start a homestead and now others around me are doing the same.
Trust me, if I can do it, so can you.
@Burnt Brass Homestead
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For more information about the interview feature and a complete list of member interviews:
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I hope you can replace your bees soon. 
