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Episode Show Notes

Guest: Rebecca Lynch
Farm: Thieving Otter Farm
Location: Tennessee
Host: Mary Lewis

In this episode of A Tiny Homestead, Mary chats with Rebecca Lynch of Thieving Otter Farm in Tennessee. What starts with a conversation about unpredictable winter weather quickly turns into a fascinating deep dive into otters, quail, chicken genetics, deer hunting, ADHD superpowers, and planning ahead in homestead life.

In This Episode

The Story Behind Thieving Otter Farm
Rebecca shares the heartwarming story behind her farm’s name. After setting up trail cameras on her wooded six acres, she discovered river otters visiting her creek and pond. Despite their habit of stealing fish, Rebecca could not be happier. From spotting baby otters to watching an entire family swim by, these “fish bandits” inspired the name Thieving Otter Farm.

Raising 4,000 Coturnix Quail
Rebecca is primarily known for raising Coturnix quail, and she estimates she has around 4,000 birds. She explains:

The difference between domestic Coturnix quail and wild bobwhite quail
Why Coturnix quail thrive in smaller spaces
How they can be ideal for homesteaders in areas with HOA or city restrictions
The importance of understanding wildlife conservation when it comes to releasing captive birds

Rebecca also shares her journey from casually accepting a dozen quail in 2020 to becoming deeply involved in quail genetics, writing standards, and judging international shows.

Developing New Chicken Breeds
Rebecca is currently developing two new chicken breeds, with the ambitious goal of becoming only the second woman to have a breed accepted by the American Poultry Association.

She discusses:

How her first line, affectionately called “Mop Tops,” began with mixed breed birds with crests
The selective breeding process for temperament, egg size, body type, and color
A second accidental breed that started from a mystery chick that did not match its hatchery label
The long, detailed process required to stabilize a breed before applying for APA recognition

Her birds are known for sweet temperaments and prolific laying, including large brown eggs.

ADHD as a Homesteading Superpower
Rebecca was recently diagnosed with ADHD at age 47, and she reflects on how it has shaped her homesteading journey. From raising thousands of quail to out hunting the guys during deer season, she embraces her tendency to dive deep and go all in on new interests.

Mary shares similar experiences from her own homestead, including experimenting with rabbits, planting fruit trees, and considering quail after her husband fell down a research rabbit hole.

Avian Flu and Planning Ahead
The conversation turns to avian influenza and how outbreaks impact egg prices and poultry availability. They discuss:

The risks associated with migrating waterfowl
Biosecurity challenges with free range systems
Strategic planning for adding laying hens before potential outbreaks
The importance of thinking one season ahead in homestead life

As always, homesteading involves balancing opportunity with responsibility.

About Thieving Otter Farm

Rebecca raises Coturnix quail and is actively working to develop two new chicken breeds with strong genetics, excellent temperaments, and productive laying ability.

You can learn more at:
thievingotterfarm.com

Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Steel Spoon Farm. Founder Jen Kibler teaches homesteaders how to build a sustainable blog or email list and use Pinterest for long term marketing without relying on social media algorithms. Inside the Content Seeds Collective, members receive weekly live coaching, a private community, and access to the Root Seller Resource Library. Join for $37 per month at SteelSpoonFarm.com.

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