SUMMERS LANDING RANCH
Our mission is to produce quality livestock and educational resources to help more families like us in Colorado Springs, or anywhere else in the world, take their first steps toward food security and self sufficiency through back yard farming.
Don't Have enough land to farm?
learn how to Feed your Family even if you live in town
52 % of U.S. households describe their neighborhood as "suburban"
Grow Food in an apartment
27% of U.S. households describe their neighborhood as "urban"
Homestead on whatever land you have
21% of U.S. households describe their neighborhood as "rural"
Back Yard Farming
Small Garden Solutions
Small Garden Solutions
Small Garden Solutions
Limited space should never be a hindrance to growing your own food. By utilizing creative solutions such as vertical gardens, window boxes, container gardening, hydroponics, and other innovative techniques, you can turn even the smallest of spaces into thriving, productive gardens. Whether you live in an apartment or have a small backyar
Limited space should never be a hindrance to growing your own food. By utilizing creative solutions such as vertical gardens, window boxes, container gardening, hydroponics, and other innovative techniques, you can turn even the smallest of spaces into thriving, productive gardens. Whether you live in an apartment or have a small backyard, these solutions offer a path to self-sustainability, fresh produce, and a greener lifestyle.
Coturnix Quail
Small Garden Solutions
Small Garden Solutions
There's nothing like the satisfaction of gathering your own farm fresh eggs! Coturnix Quail are low maintenance livestock, high producing birds that can be comfortably kept in a simple hutch on a porch or balcony - perfect for back yard farming. Quail reach maturity in only 6-9 weeks! That's less than half the time of chickens. These litt
There's nothing like the satisfaction of gathering your own farm fresh eggs! Coturnix Quail are low maintenance livestock, high producing birds that can be comfortably kept in a simple hutch on a porch or balcony - perfect for back yard farming. Quail reach maturity in only 6-9 weeks! That's less than half the time of chickens. These little birds can provide you and your family with a speedy and steady supply of delicious nutrient dense quail eggs and meat.
Meat Rabbits
Small Garden Solutions
Dwarf Dairy goats
Delicious, nutritious, prolific, quiet, and soft! While these adorable floppy eared animals have recently risen in popularity to keep as pets, rabbits make great small back yard farming animals have been an heirloom staple protein in cultures all over the world! Not to mention you can raise this quiet livestock in suburban neighborhoods or even an apartment.
Dwarf Dairy goats
Small Garden Solutions
Dwarf Dairy goats
Fresh milk, cream butter, yogurt and cheese made at the end of your cul-de-sac? You better believe it! Pigmy and Nigerian dwarf goats grow to be the size of a dog, and are becoming increasingly popular as pets. Having one or two dairy goats in your back yard farming operation can produce more than enough milk, butter and cheese to feed your family year round.
Vertical Gardens
Vertical gardens are a perfect solution for those with limited horizontal space. Use wall-mounted planters, hanging baskets, or trellises to grow climbing plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans. Make the most of your vertical space and enjoy a lush garden even in a compact area.
Window Boxes
Utilize your windowsills with window boxes. These versatile containers can be filled with herbs, salad greens, or dwarf vegetables like cherry tomatoes and peppers. Not only do they maximize sunlight exposure, but they also add beauty to your living space.
Hanging Herb Gardens
Hang a series of small pots or containers from a rod or railing to create an herb garden. This not only saves space but also makes it convenient to access fresh herbs while cooking.
Stackable Planters
Stackable planters or tiered garden systems are an efficient way to grow a variety of plants in a limited area. These vertical planters allow you to grow different crops on each level, maximizing your yield while minimizing the footprint.
Container Gardening
Containers are the go-to solution for small-space gardening. Choose a variety of pots, buckets, or even repurposed items like old crates and barrels to grow herbs, vegetables, and fruits. Ensure proper drainage and use lightweight potting soil for optimal growth.
Hanging Fruit Baskets
Hang baskets filled with strawberries or other trailing fruits from sturdy hooks or beams. Not only does this save space, but it also adds an aesthetic appeal to your space.
Trellises and Arbors
Install trellises or arbors to support vining plants such as grapes, melons, or squash. By training these plants vertically, you'll maximize the use of space and create a visually appealing garden feature.
Window Farms
Window farms combine hydroponics with vertical gardening. These innovative systems use recycled materials to grow plants in a soil-less environment, providing a year-round supply of fresh produce.
Indoor Hydroponics
Hydroponics is an ideal solution for small spaces. Utilize hydroponic systems like the Kratky method or aeroponics to grow leafy greens, herbs, and even small vegetables without the need for soil. These systems are efficient and can be set up even in compact indoor areas.
Pallet Garden
Transform a wooden pallet into a hanging vertical garden. Securely attach pots or planters to the pallet and hang it on a wall or fence. This unique approach offers a rustic charm while maximizing space.
Mini Greenhouses
Construct a mini greenhouse using clear plastic or plexiglass to extend the growing season and protect your plants from harsh weather conditions. These portable structures can be placed on balconies, patios, or even in small backyard spaces.
community Garden
If you lack space at home, consider joining a community garden or renting an allotment plot. These shared spaces provide the opportunity to grow a wide range of crops while fostering a sense of community and knowledge sharing.
Limited space does not have to prevent you from growing your own food. By utilizing creative solutions such as vertical gardens, window boxes, container gardening, hydroponics, and other innovative techniques, you can turn even the smallest of spaces into thriving, productive gardens. Whether you live in an apartment or have a small backyard, these solutions offer a path to self-sustainability, fresh produce, and a greener lifestyle. So, let your green thumb flourish and embark on your journey to growing food
Bunny Berries as Garden Fertilizer?
Rabbit manure and store-bought fertilizers have some key differences that are worth considering:
Nutrient content: Both rabbit manure and store-bought fertilizers can provide essential nutrients to plants. However, the nutrient content may vary. Store-bought fertilizers are often formulated with specific nutrient ratios (NPK) to address specific plant needs. On the other hand, the nutrient content of rabbit manure can vary depending on factors such as diet, bedding, and composting methods. While rabbit manure generally contains a balanced blend of nutrients, the exact ratios may not be as precise as in store-bought fertilizers.
Organic vs. synthetic: Rabbit manure is an organic fertilizer, derived from natural sources. It is free from synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and additives that are commonly found in store-bought fertilizers. Organic fertilizers like rabbit manure contribute to a healthier and more sustainable gardening approach by promoting soil and environmental health.
Slow-release vs. immediate-release: Rabbit manure provides a slow and steady release of nutrients over time. This gradual release ensures that plants receive a sustained supply of nutrients, reducing the risk of over-fertilization and nutrient leaching. In contrast, many store-bought fertilizers are formulated for immediate nutrient release, providing a quick boost to plants. However, this can increase the risk of nutrient imbalances and may require more frequent applications.
Soil health and structure: Rabbit manure offers additional benefits beyond its nutrient content. It improves soil structure, enhances moisture retention, and promotes the growth of beneficial soil microorganisms. These effects contribute to long-term soil health and fertility. Store-bought fertilizers may lack these soil-building properties and may require additional soil amendments to achieve similar benefits.
Cost and accessibility: Rabbit manure can be a cost-effective option, especially if you have pet rabbits or easy access to a local source. It can be obtained at a lower cost or even for free. Store-bought fertilizers, while convenient and readily available, may come at a higher price point, especially for high-quality or specialty formulations.
Environmental impact: Rabbit manure is environmentally friendly, as it is a natural byproduct and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. Store-bought fertilizers, particularly those containing synthetic chemicals, can have a greater environmental impact due to their production methods, packaging, and potential for water and soil pollution.
Try it!
Ultimately, the choice between rabbit manure and store-bought fertilizers depends on factors such as your gardening goals, budget, availability, and preference for organic or synthetic inputs. Many gardeners find a combination of both approaches beneficial, utilizing rabbit manure for its organic and soil-enhancing properties, while occasionally supplementing with store-bought fertilizers to address specific nutrient deficiencies or growth requirements.
Coturnix Quail F.A.Q.'s
How big can Quail get?
How do Quail eggs scompare to chicken eggs?
How do Quail eggs scompare to chicken eggs?
Quail chicks are extremely small when they first hatch. Fully grown some are as small as four inches tall, but they can range up to 11 or 12 inches in height. Standard Size Coturnix Quail weight 5-8 oz. Jumbo varieties have been reported to weigh up to 14 ounces at maturity.
How do Quail eggs scompare to chicken eggs?
How do Quail eggs scompare to chicken eggs?
How do Quail eggs scompare to chicken eggs?
Quail eggs contain more fat and protein by weight, double the iron and riboflavin, and about one-third more vitamin B12 than chicken eggs. On the other hand, chicken eggs contain more choline. It takes 3-4 quail eggs to equal one chicken egg.
What does Quail taste like?
How do Quail eggs scompare to chicken eggs?
What does Quail taste like?
Quail meat tastes similar to dark meat chicken, but more rich and flavorful than your typical store-bought poultry. Quail also has a slight “wild” flavor.
how many eggs do Quail Lay?
how many eggs do Quail Lay?
What does Quail taste like?
Coturnix Quail hens begin laying eggs in 7 weeks, and lay up to 300 eggs a year. To maximize your egg production make sure to provide 14-16 hours of light for your birds. After two years and beyond, their fertility will start to decline as they age, but they can still produce 200 or more eating or hatching eggs annually
What do Quail Eat?
how many eggs do Quail Lay?
Do Quail need a nest Box?
Quail are considered omnivores – this means they will eat plant-based food, such as seeds and leafy, green vegetation, as well as animal-based food, such as insects. When selecting a feed for your farm, choose an option with higher protein like a 30% Game Bird Crumble. Small quail chicks will need the crumble blended into a fine powder for the first two weeks.
Do Quail need a nest Box?
how many eggs do Quail Lay?
Do Quail need a nest Box?
There are some breeds of Quail who have no interest in nesting and seldom make nest. A nest box may provide your quail with a cozy hideaway. Some hens may choose to lay eggs inside but they are not necessary when raising quail for eggs. A quail hutch with a slanted roll-away floor will help keep your eggs safe and clean in addition to saving you time gathering eggs.
How long until Quail hatch?
How long to quail need a brooder?
How long to quail need a brooder?
Quail hatching eggs generally take 18 days to incubate at 99.5 ° F and 45% humidity. Quail chicks can hatch as early as day 16 or as late as day 20. On day 14, stop turning the eggs and increase the humidity to 70%. Hatched chicks can stay in the incubator up to 24 hours, and at that point, quickly move them to the brooder, which should already be up and running at 95 ° F.
How long to quail need a brooder?
How long to quail need a brooder?
How long to quail need a brooder?
Keep the quail chicks in a brooder for about two - three weeks. Then, you can move them to the cages in the same location where the other adults are kept, whether that is outside during the summer or in a small barn, shed, garage, or patio.
How Quickly do Quail mature?
How long to quail need a brooder?
How Quickly do Quail mature?
Coturnix quail chicks mature quickly and grow fast. They begin laying eggs in 7 weeks, 17 weeks earlier than Bobwhite Quail. Birds raised for meat can be harvested after 7 weeks, when they reach full size and maturity.
How long do Quail Live?
How much space do Quail need?
How Quickly do Quail mature?
The average lifespan seems to range from 1.5 years to 4 years. Once they achieve adulthood, Coturnix quail have very basic requirements to maintain optimum health. Some quail may even live up to 6 years in captivity.
How much space do Quail need?
How much space do Quail need?
How much space do Quail need?
For hutch environments you can keep 2-3 standard birds per square foot. Jumbo quail require about a square foot of space per bird. Spacing requirements may vary depending on their age, and your male to female ratio. Small quail chicks may be kept in a smaller brooder space for the first few weeks.
Do quail need a dust bath?
How much space do Quail need?
How much space do Quail need?
Many birds, including quails, use dust baths as a way to clean themselves. Dust bathing helps quails free themselves of any parasites that may be lurking under their feathers. Small pebbles and grit in the dirt or sand may also be eaten to help aid the quail in grinding and digesting food.
nigerian dwarf dairy Goats
The Nigerian Dwarf
The Nigerian Dwarves are miniature dairy goats with short faces and small, upright ears. Their hides come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Both bucks and does have horns, though it is common for owners to have them removed, or disbudded, when they are kids. As their name suggests, these goats are small, only reaching a height of 23 inches.
Nigerian dwarfs produce milk that is very sweet and high in butterfat and protein. Despite being miniature, a healthy milking doe will produce up to two quarts of milk per day. Goat's milk can be used for almost any orphaned animal, so extra milk is often used to raise calves or pigs.
Due to their small size, they don’t require as much feed or space as larger breeds, making them a good choice as a pet. They also have very friendly and gentle personalities and are easily trained."
Goats Milk
Goats milk is very nutritious and often used as a milk replacer for newborn babies and many other species of mammal. According to Michigan State University; "Goat milk is an excellent source of protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and vitamin A. When you look at the nutritional qualities of goat milk, it is higher in fat and calories when compared to cow milk, and it also contains more protein, vitamins and minerals."
While goats milk has been known for a gamier flavor and smell, this can be remedied by proper handling of the milk and adjustments to your animals diet. Goat milk can also be processed with household kitchen tools into almost any kind of cheese as well as butter and yogurt.
Red Meat
Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats can also be raised for meat, and their compact size makes them an ideal candidate for back yard farming. Goat meat is very similar in both taste and texture to "mutton" or lamb, though it can be difficult to distinguish between the two if you are unfamiliar. Goat is quite lean with a slightly sweet gamey flavor. When compared to beef, lamb, chicken and pork, goat meat is actually lower in calories, total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. This makes goat meat healthier than most common red meat and white meats, even better than chicken!
Goat meat is commonly used in Asian, African, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern cuisine. It's widespread use throughout the world makes goat one of the most consumed meats. It has been less common to cook with goat meat in western countries, such as America, Canada, and Australia, due primarily to cultural differences since English farmers more commonly raised cows and sheep. A custom that has prevailed through western societies.
Summers Landing Ranch
Pet Bunnies
Feed & bunny gear
Feed & bunny gear
Local Bunny Farmer of Colorado Springs. We breed adorable pet bunnies as well as quality Holland Lop show stock according to the ARBA 'Standard of Perfection' for 4H projects and Fairs.
Feed & bunny gear
Feed & bunny gear
Feed & bunny gear
Shop Rowe Nutrition rabbit pellets and homemade enrichment treats and feed toppers. Browse some of our favorite bunny gear to prepare for your new bunny.
Rabbitry
Feed & bunny gear
urban farm
Learn fun facts about rabbits and how to raise and handle them. Meet our specialty breeds and reserve breeding stock to start or add to your own rabbitry. Check out the "Rocky Mountain Rabbit Train" routes and transport schedules to have your furry friend delivered.
urban farm
Feed & bunny gear
urban farm
Browse our homesteading blog to learn how to grow food in small spaces and find more ideas on back yard farming and suburban self sufficiency. Scroll through some of our YouTube videos for entertaining and educational content!