Fall and winter preps

[encorehunter]

We purchased a second incubator for eggs so we can be hatching every 12 days or so. Right now we have a lot more duck eggs than chicken, so the ducks hatch every 28 days. We put duck, turkey and guinea eggs in the same incubator to try a mixed hatch. So far it is working, we have hatched 5 ducks, 3 turkey and 1 guinea. I ordered plucker fingers so I can build a whiz bang plucker along with heat shrink bags. Water is always our biggest issue, but qoth controlling run off, we are able to have water for the animals most of the time without hauling it in.
I have stocked up on jars, and our garden is starting to produce. It isn't overly large, but I'm hoping to put up more vegetables than most years. I am trying the tire method for potatos this year and so far it seems to be working. We try to produce as much of our own food as possible. At work, my coworkers always enjoy my 'farm fresh' food. A few have started buying from me, including half hogs and now half beefs.
A root cellar is definitely in the works, but until time frees up, that is on hold. The water well is still in my thoughts, and I'm hoping to get it drilled early spring. It would take a lot of stress off of me and my vehicles. Hauling water in is no fun and expensive.