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Uncle John’s Know-How

Explore a world of practical skills and creative hobbies, where every project is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Welcome to Uncle John’s

DIY Builds

Because hiring someone would spoil the fun.

Fishing Corner

Freshwater therapy — minus the therapy bill.

Off-Grid Know-How

Powering sheds, dreams, and occasional explosions.

At Uncle John’s, we believe in the power of hands-on learning and the joy of creating. Our mission is to provide you with the tools and knowledge to tackle any project, big or small. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or just starting out, you’ll find inspiration and guidance here.

Our website is a treasure trove of practical advice, step-by-step guides, and community-driven insights. From woodworking and fishing to off-grid living and pet care, we cover a wide range of topics to fuel your passions. Join us on this journey and become part of a vibrant community of makers and doers.

Latest from Our Blog

A watercolour painting of a confident woman in work clothes standing at a workbench in a rustic timber workshop. She is soaking organic rattan sheets in a small tin bath on another bench, with a 30-minute timer nearby. The workshop is well-organized, with tools, materials, and golden sunlight streaming through a window that reveals a peaceful countryside view.

Preparation Steps

aka..( How to Bathe Your Cane and Convince the Wood It’s Ready for Commitment) Before any rattan meets wood in holy (or slightly sticky) matrimony, there’s prep work to be done. Think of this stage as setting the table before the main course. You wouldn’t just dump…

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A watercolour painting of a confident woman in work clothes standing at a workbench in a rustic timber workshop. She is attaching soaked organic rattan sheets to a furniture frame using glue and staples. The workshop is well-organized, with tools, materials, and warm golden sunlight streaming through a window that reveals a peaceful countryside view.

Attachment Methods

(Also known as: Glue, Staples, Rattan sheets, and Other Mildly Dangerous Tools of Domestic Transformation) So. You’ve got your wood — clean, smugly sanded — and your rattan — soaked (or unbothered, if synthetic) and obediently cut to size. Now comes the bit where it…

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A watercolor painting of a woman in modern work clothes, holding a newborn chick in a bright, organized chicken breeding room with tables, shelves of books and supplies, and a window overlooking trees and fields.”

Breeding: Chickens

The Not-So-Mad Science of Chicken Breeding: A Backyard Guide with Feathers, Genes, and a Dash of Wit Introduction: Genetics, Grit, and a Cup of Tea Chickens, as it turns out, aren’t just egg-laying breakfast machines. They’re a walking, clucking puzzle of genetic…

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A watercolor painting depicting a partially built wooden chicken coop under sunny skies, surrounded by scattered building materials, a blueprint-filled table, and free-roaming chickens in a suburban backyard.

Habitat: Creating the Ideal Chicken Coop & Run

Creating the Ideal Chicken Coop & Run Your chickens’ living quarters (coop and run) are where your self-sufficiency dreams meet practical reality. A well-designed coop protects chickens from rain, wind, and predators, while giving them comfy spots to roost (sleep)…

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A watercolor painting of a woman in work clothes scattering feed to a flock of hens and chicks outside an Amish-style chicken coop, while her young daughter collects eggs from the nest boxes at dawn.

Husbandry

A Day in the Life of a Chicken Keeper Caring for chickens is a daily adventure in routine and surprise. Each morning, your hens expect you (their humble servant) to show up with breakfast. A typical daily routine involves letting the chickens out of the coop at dawn’s…

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A watercolor painting of a brown hen with her yellow chicks outside a rustic Amish-style chicken coop. A notice on the coop reads "Permit Issued & HOA Compliant," illuminated by warm evening light.

Legal Requirements

Keeping chickens may feel like a quaint hobby, but it often comes with a side of legal fine print. In the United States, local regulations for backyard chickens can range from totally permissive to “not in my backyard (coop).” The rules depend on your city, county,…

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A watercolor painting depicting a brown hen lying in a nest with a bandage around her head, surrounded by yellow chicks in a softly lit chicken coop with wooden perches, a metal waterer, and feed bags.

Health Considerations

Chickens are generally hardy critters, but they do have their share of potential health hiccups. Keeping your flock healthy is a mix of preventative care and prompt action at the first sign of trouble. The old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”…

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