Free is not really free. Sounds pretty ominous, right? Lol, NO, I'm not going off on a wild tangent about government. What I'm talking about are free animals. I love how people look for "free" pets. I'm not talking about dogs or cats. Those we have in numerous amounts that need (and deserve) good homes. No, I'm talking about the people who are always looking for "free" chickens, or "free" rabbits, etc...
With Easter ending, I have seen some people already looking for "free animals". These animals are not simply free, not easily given away now that the holiday is over. Do you already have a home for them? Do you already have the feed, the waterer and food dishes, the bedding? Looking for an animal at the last second is not only a bad idea, it normally means that you are not responsibly set up to keep the animal.
Please do your research before looking for, or accepting, a "free animal". Most animals such as chickens, pigs, rabbits, etc are free for a reason. And normally, not good ones. They may be sick, may be mean, or may be too old for their original use (think hens or old rabbits that don't produce anymore). Make sure you are not paying for a "useless" animal, especially if you are looking for something that is NOT going to be a pet. Many people have these animals for pets, and that is a good thing. All animals deserve humane care, regardless of their use. But if you are looking for a working animal, make sure that it is really what you are looking for.
Because, like I said, Free is not REALLY free....
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Rabbits: Pros & Cons
Okay, so for most people, this will be an ICKY subject that they may have issues with in reading. I am talking about killing rabbits for meat production. If this isn't something you want to read about, STOP HERE...
Still here? Okay good. Let's get down to business. Rabbits have been a delicacy all over the world for centuries. Why? Because they are tender... and no, they don't taste like chicken. My DH and I are currently about to build a connected rabbit hutch that will hold 3 rabbits. The center hutch will hold a male while the 2 sides will hold a female each with extra room for when they kindle (have their kits). We intend to breed them and once the babies are 8 weeks old, we will slaughter them for our freezer. This might sound mean to lots of people (rabbits have a huge following with their own pedigrees) BUT they are a meat production animal and much better for your digestion. Lets get started on the pros vs. cons...
PROS:
1. Rabbits are GREAT for people with digestion issues such as acid reflux or IBS, etc... It doesn't have the harshness that other meats can have and is easier for the stomach to digest.
2. Even though they do NOT taste like chicken, rabbit meat can be substituted for chicken in your recipes. This is great in that you don't have to worry about having "special" recipes just to use. It is a versatile meat.
3. Rabbits do NOT take up much room and are quiet animals. So you can have them in your backyard and they won't disturb the neighbors.
4. Each rabbit only eats about 1/2 cup of rabbit food daily. Now, they still need treats (even if you plan on eating them, a quality life is still very important) but they aren't as expensive to feed as other animals.
CONS:
1. They are CUTE. Really. Really. Cute. This can be an issue if you have small kids or (like me) pick up any animal that looks like it needs a good home.
2. They bite & scratch and believe in doing their jobs well. Even though rabbits get used to being around people, they have very sharp claws and will leave a nasty gash. Always have antibacterial soap AND germ x when dealing with them.
3. Even though it is super easy to kill the rabbit quickly and humanely... it is difficult to do. They really play the cute card. (Not that I blame them.. use what you got!)
4. Don't breed them unless you are going to put them in your freezer or can the meat (grinding the meat is GREAT for canning) OR you have homes for the babies. Each doe will have 6 to 15 kits... at a time. Really. There is a reason why the ol' saying goes "breeds like rabbits". lol
That's all I have got so far when it comes to pros vs. cons. Being on a farm, whether homesteading, prepping or going "green" means going back to the old school ways. To me, that means living off the animals and gardens that we have ourselves - living off the land and taking care of reproduction and the disbursement of what we have. Next time, I will discuss types of rabbits to use for meat production - the breeds who have the quickest growing time along with best meat.
Still here? Okay good. Let's get down to business. Rabbits have been a delicacy all over the world for centuries. Why? Because they are tender... and no, they don't taste like chicken. My DH and I are currently about to build a connected rabbit hutch that will hold 3 rabbits. The center hutch will hold a male while the 2 sides will hold a female each with extra room for when they kindle (have their kits). We intend to breed them and once the babies are 8 weeks old, we will slaughter them for our freezer. This might sound mean to lots of people (rabbits have a huge following with their own pedigrees) BUT they are a meat production animal and much better for your digestion. Lets get started on the pros vs. cons...
PROS:
1. Rabbits are GREAT for people with digestion issues such as acid reflux or IBS, etc... It doesn't have the harshness that other meats can have and is easier for the stomach to digest.
2. Even though they do NOT taste like chicken, rabbit meat can be substituted for chicken in your recipes. This is great in that you don't have to worry about having "special" recipes just to use. It is a versatile meat.
3. Rabbits do NOT take up much room and are quiet animals. So you can have them in your backyard and they won't disturb the neighbors.
4. Each rabbit only eats about 1/2 cup of rabbit food daily. Now, they still need treats (even if you plan on eating them, a quality life is still very important) but they aren't as expensive to feed as other animals.
CONS:
1. They are CUTE. Really. Really. Cute. This can be an issue if you have small kids or (like me) pick up any animal that looks like it needs a good home.
2. They bite & scratch and believe in doing their jobs well. Even though rabbits get used to being around people, they have very sharp claws and will leave a nasty gash. Always have antibacterial soap AND germ x when dealing with them.
3. Even though it is super easy to kill the rabbit quickly and humanely... it is difficult to do. They really play the cute card. (Not that I blame them.. use what you got!)
4. Don't breed them unless you are going to put them in your freezer or can the meat (grinding the meat is GREAT for canning) OR you have homes for the babies. Each doe will have 6 to 15 kits... at a time. Really. There is a reason why the ol' saying goes "breeds like rabbits". lol
That's all I have got so far when it comes to pros vs. cons. Being on a farm, whether homesteading, prepping or going "green" means going back to the old school ways. To me, that means living off the animals and gardens that we have ourselves - living off the land and taking care of reproduction and the disbursement of what we have. Next time, I will discuss types of rabbits to use for meat production - the breeds who have the quickest growing time along with best meat.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Baby Chicks Galore!
It's official: we are being overrun with babies!
I've already hatched out 2 incubators of baby chicks and now I am working on the next two. Where do they all go? Well, this year I am doing something different. I normally hatch up quite a few purebloods to sell. This year though, I am only hatching out a specific breed for me. I am now working on the French Black Copper Marans. They lay the most beautiful (almost chocolate) brown eggs I have ever seen. The eggs are very rich (many high-quality restaurants use this type of egg only) and have a wonderful taste. They are also a rare bird that is in very high demand... which is always a good thing when you are trying to sell the "eggstra" babies or eggs! lol I'm also working on my own breed of chicken. I love playing with genetics and even though this is something that takes years to do, it is well worth it.
What does this really have to do with homesteading? Actually, a lot. Whether you are wanting to leave a "greener" imprint on our beautiful planet or a prepper that is making sure you have everything set up for the "fallout", chickens and genetics are an important part of life. Here are just a few reasons why:
1. Not only do we need the eggs for cooking/baking but the hens can go in the stew pot once they are finished laying ( around 2 or 3 years and then they don't lay nearly as much). Keep only roosters that can enrich the next generation.. the others go in the freezer.
2. Keeping different types of pureblood birds will ensure their continued existence. Certain types are already almost wiped out and even though we have LOTS of breeds to choose from, we need to keep variety. Remember, variety is the spice of life!
3. Chicken poo is GREAT for gardening. Seriously, that stuff is gold when it is composted.
4. As long as your garden is contained in a fence, chickens are GREAT buggers. They will keep your yard almost completely bug free. However, they will scratch a garden to pieces so make sure they can't get in it. Otherwise, all your work will be wasted!
Okay, enough with the reasons. I promise I am not doing 2 incubators of just those. We have an Amish community here and I made a deal with one family to incubate their eggs in return for a few of the babies. The have beautiful birds that lay pretty brown eggs and are very docile. (Plus his wife is going to show me how she cans later this summer. It will be great!)
I've already hatched out 2 incubators of baby chicks and now I am working on the next two. Where do they all go? Well, this year I am doing something different. I normally hatch up quite a few purebloods to sell. This year though, I am only hatching out a specific breed for me. I am now working on the French Black Copper Marans. They lay the most beautiful (almost chocolate) brown eggs I have ever seen. The eggs are very rich (many high-quality restaurants use this type of egg only) and have a wonderful taste. They are also a rare bird that is in very high demand... which is always a good thing when you are trying to sell the "eggstra" babies or eggs! lol I'm also working on my own breed of chicken. I love playing with genetics and even though this is something that takes years to do, it is well worth it.
What does this really have to do with homesteading? Actually, a lot. Whether you are wanting to leave a "greener" imprint on our beautiful planet or a prepper that is making sure you have everything set up for the "fallout", chickens and genetics are an important part of life. Here are just a few reasons why:
1. Not only do we need the eggs for cooking/baking but the hens can go in the stew pot once they are finished laying ( around 2 or 3 years and then they don't lay nearly as much). Keep only roosters that can enrich the next generation.. the others go in the freezer.
2. Keeping different types of pureblood birds will ensure their continued existence. Certain types are already almost wiped out and even though we have LOTS of breeds to choose from, we need to keep variety. Remember, variety is the spice of life!
3. Chicken poo is GREAT for gardening. Seriously, that stuff is gold when it is composted.
4. As long as your garden is contained in a fence, chickens are GREAT buggers. They will keep your yard almost completely bug free. However, they will scratch a garden to pieces so make sure they can't get in it. Otherwise, all your work will be wasted!
Okay, enough with the reasons. I promise I am not doing 2 incubators of just those. We have an Amish community here and I made a deal with one family to incubate their eggs in return for a few of the babies. The have beautiful birds that lay pretty brown eggs and are very docile. (Plus his wife is going to show me how she cans later this summer. It will be great!)
Monday, February 13, 2012
Gardening Memories
I have lived in Mississippi my entire childhood and most of my adult life so I'm used to hot & humid weather. My grandmother (who raised me from the time I was 2) always had a garden, apple trees and honestly, you don't want me to describe what would happen if you missed a spot of grass when you mowed the lawn. Anyway, her garden was always aligned so nicely, rotated yearly but neatly set and, even now, I can see it, even though she passed 2 years ago and hadn't had a garden in 20 years.
I also remember all of her advice (insert "orders" here lol).
1. Don't put the holes to close together.
2. Don't put that many seeds in the hole.
3. You're over watering... ( insert *sigh* here)
4. Are you trying to weed out the butter beans or just take out the whole garden?
You can see that gardening wasn't my strong suit growing up, especially as a teenager. lol Now though? I enjoy it immensely. Well, the few times we have had a garden since we've moved to our farmhouse. This year though, we are having a much bigger garden and I can't help but remember all the "advice" my grandmother gave me. We are going to have different types of tomatoes, corn, black-eyed peas, pole beans, cucumbers, squash, butter beans and many others. Enough to last us almost the entire winter, if not longer. It brings back all the times of being out there with her, the Sundays my uncle would come for lunch and everything would be fresh from the garden... I can't wait to torture... ugh, I mean... enjoy our kids being out in OUR garden, learning how to take care of the plants that will take care of us.
What kind of memories do you have of gardening when you grew up? Did your parents have a garden? Where you "forced" to help or did you enjoy it?
I also remember all of her advice (insert "orders" here lol).
1. Don't put the holes to close together.
2. Don't put that many seeds in the hole.
3. You're over watering... ( insert *sigh* here)
4. Are you trying to weed out the butter beans or just take out the whole garden?
You can see that gardening wasn't my strong suit growing up, especially as a teenager. lol Now though? I enjoy it immensely. Well, the few times we have had a garden since we've moved to our farmhouse. This year though, we are having a much bigger garden and I can't help but remember all the "advice" my grandmother gave me. We are going to have different types of tomatoes, corn, black-eyed peas, pole beans, cucumbers, squash, butter beans and many others. Enough to last us almost the entire winter, if not longer. It brings back all the times of being out there with her, the Sundays my uncle would come for lunch and everything would be fresh from the garden... I can't wait to torture... ugh, I mean... enjoy our kids being out in OUR garden, learning how to take care of the plants that will take care of us.
What kind of memories do you have of gardening when you grew up? Did your parents have a garden? Where you "forced" to help or did you enjoy it?
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Starting A Homesteading Adventure
The past few years, I have raised chickens. It's something that I enjoy and honestly makes me feel... I don't know.... CALM, after a long day or lots of stress. Watching them grow from chicks that I had bought turned addictive and, well, you know how it goes. I just had to try an incubator. Now, two years later, I am still using the incubator, breeding my own chickens. I'm even trying to make my own type of bird. It's only February and I have chicks getting ready to hatch tonight~ they've already started pipping the eggs. Our kids love it.
That's the thing about homesteading~ you are learning.. you are doing.. and even though it is very hard work, it is so fulfilling. This year, we are going all the way. We are redoing a pasture fence so that we can have our own horses, calves, goats, piglets... and my chickens. lol We are also raising rabbits for meat production and a HUGE garden. I will be learning to use a pressure canner as well as canning the regular way. I plan on having guest writers on different subjects as well as links to help get us all on our way to learning the old ways of doing things. Regardless of why we are homesteading, ( prepping, going green, getting away from city life) it's important to enjoy it as we learn. Hope you enjoy learning with me!
That's the thing about homesteading~ you are learning.. you are doing.. and even though it is very hard work, it is so fulfilling. This year, we are going all the way. We are redoing a pasture fence so that we can have our own horses, calves, goats, piglets... and my chickens. lol We are also raising rabbits for meat production and a HUGE garden. I will be learning to use a pressure canner as well as canning the regular way. I plan on having guest writers on different subjects as well as links to help get us all on our way to learning the old ways of doing things. Regardless of why we are homesteading, ( prepping, going green, getting away from city life) it's important to enjoy it as we learn. Hope you enjoy learning with me!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)