Starting a homestead is exciting, overwhelming, and sometimes a little messy, but it’s also one of the most rewarding adventures I’ve ever embarked on (aside from becoming a mother). Looking back, there are a few things I wish I’d known before diving in, and I want to share them for anyone thinking about starting their own homestead journey.
1. Start Small, But Think Big
When I first started homesteading, I already had years of experience with ducks, so I knew their routines, personalities, and quirks pretty well. That knowledge made it easier when we introduced geese—they are very similar in many ways, so the transition felt natural.
Nutmeg, our Rex rabbit, was a different story entirely. I had never cared for a rabbit before, so learning his needs, behaviors, and how to safely handle him was a challenge—but also one of the most rewarding parts of our homestead. Nutmeg quickly became a soft spot for my husband, and watching him interact with the rabbit has been a joy and a learning experience for both of us.
Starting with animals you’re comfortable with—or ones that align with your existing experience—can make the early stages of homesteading much smoother. But don’t be afraid to take on something new; the growth, surprises, and love that come with it are worth every challenge.
2. Expect the Unexpected
Homestead life is full of surprises, and every animal brings its own personality and quirks. Our ducks are familiar companions—they know their routines, love a good snack, and sometimes insist on following us around when we’re busy with chores. The geese, being similar, also have their moments of curiosity and mischief, often testing boundaries in ways that make us laugh.
Nutmeg, our Rex rabbit, is where the real surprises come in. Unlike the ducks and geese, rabbits have entirely different needs and behaviors. Nutmeg loves exploring, hiding in unexpected places, and occasionally “helping” in ways that are… less helpful. Learning his personality has been a journey, and it’s given my husband a new favorite companion on the homestead.
Some days, the animals cooperate beautifully; other days, you’ll find spilled water, overturned straw, or a rabbit in a corner he shouldn’t be in. But those moments—the laughter, the little lessons, and the unexpected bonds—are what make homestead life so rewarding. The chaos and unpredictability become part of the charm.
3. Gardening is a Journey, Not a Race
If you peek at my garden right now, you’ll see—it’s only weeds. Over the past months, my garden was left on the back burner as I got into a routine as a mother and focused on learning how to properly care for Nutmeg, our Rex rabbit. Between establishing feeding schedules, learning rabbit behaviors, and managing our ducks and geese, the garden simply had to wait.
This taught me an important lesson: homesteading isn’t about perfection, it’s about balance. Just like with animals, the garden has its own rhythm and pace. You can’t force it, and it will have its ups and downs. Right now, it’s a bit chaotic and overgrown, but that’s okay—next season, armed with everything I’ve learned, I’ll be able to approach it with more confidence and care.
It’s all connected back to point #1: starting with what you know and learning as you go. Just as I relied on my experience with ducks and geese to ease the introduction of Nutmeg, I’m using my homestead knowledge to tackle the garden now. It’s a journey, not a race, and even weeds have a story to tell.
4. Community is Key
Homesteading can sometimes feel isolating, especially when you’re juggling new routines, family life, and learning to care for animals you’ve never had before—like Nutmeg. Early on, I realized that having a community to lean on makes a huge difference.
Whether it’s local homesteading groups, online forums, or even social media communities, connecting with others who understand the ups and downs of homestead life is invaluable. I’ve learned countless tips from fellow homesteaders—everything from how to introduce a new animal safely, to creative ways to manage weeds in the garden, to homemade treats that our ducks and geese absolutely adore.
Community isn’t just about advice—it’s also encouragement. There are days when you’re knee-deep in straw or staring at a garden full of weeds, and hearing from others who have been there reminds you that you’re not alone. Sharing stories, celebrating small wins, and learning from others’ experiences has made my homestead journey not just manageable, but joyful.
5. Celebrate the Small Wins
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on the homestead is to celebrate the small wins. Every clean coop, every duckling that thrives, every successful meal for Nutmeg, or even simply getting a garden bed ready—even if it’s just clearing the weeds—is a victory.
These small moments might seem minor to an outsider, but they are the heartbeat of homestead life. When I stop and notice the little successes, it reminds me why I love this lifestyle. The squeak of ducks splashing happily in a clean water bucket, the curious hops of Nutmeg exploring a safe corner, or the smell of freshly turned soil—they are the everyday joys that make all the work worth it.
Recognizing these wins also helps you stay motivated when things don’t go perfectly. The garden may be full of weeds, or a chore might take twice as long as planned, but each small accomplishment builds momentum and confidence. Homesteading isn’t about instant perfection; it’s about appreciating progress and embracing the journey.
Starting a homestead isn’t about having the biggest garden, the most animals, or the perfect setup. It’s about embracing the journey, learning as you go, and creating a space you love—one chore, one plant, and one animal at a time. It’s about finding joy in the messy moments, celebrating the little victories, and discovering your own rhythm in caring for the land and the creatures that live on it. Every small step teaches you something new, and every challenge becomes part of the story you’re building.
If you’re thinking about starting your homestead journey, what’s one thing you’re most excited—or most nervous—about? Maybe it’s tending your first garden, introducing a new animal, or simply carving out time to enjoy the outdoors. I’d love to hear your thoughts, your hopes, and even your worries—because this journey is all about learning together and sharing the adventure.