Self-Reliance and Survival

Hubby and I have many reasons why we want to be self reliant--the 1st reason is because it is what God has called us to do--secondly we have to realize that at some point no matter how much food you stock, if there are no stores or there are rations you will eventually run out of that food--then what?--We are working toward getting stocked up for the here and now, but also preparing for the further down the road--When all those food reserves are gone--whatcha gonna do?--We are hopeful that we will be ok--With a little bit of forethought and planning you can survive for a very long time right where you are--

So here's our thinking--

Hens--We are adding a few more this spring--more of the broody type hens(buffs, bantys) and will let them set clutches of eggs--this will replenish our flock--they may not be the heritage breeds I have now, but cross breeds can lay eggs too!--LOL--All roosters will go in the freezer--period--no if's, and's or "oh mom that one is so cute can I keep it"--nope, can't happen--ain't gonna happen!

Roosters-- We now have 50 roosters that will be going in the freezer in a just a few months--will save 1 or 2 for helping in replenshing my flock--roos in the freezer--hens in the nest box!

Pigs--We are extending our pens to be able to add some females and begin a breeding schedule--this will give us meat, plus a small income from selling or even bartering when needed--

Goats--we are keeping the kids just born since they are does, they will be bred this fall(8 months or 80 lbs is breeding time) and they will help start a small herd--females will be kept, bucks will be sold and or bartered--males could be butchered in a pinch--Does will provide milk if no other source is available to us--could use the milk to make butter and cheese--

We live in the woods--plenty of fire wood--plenty of deer and wild game such as rabbits, squirrels and what have ya--

We have nut trees growing on our property, and wild berries if needed--of course we have our various asundry of berries and fruits that we have planted--

We are on a well, so water is not an issue as long as we could pump it from the ground--we are looking into a hand pump that will pump from a very deep well--Ours is either 360 or 380 feet deep--so we need a pretty good pump--found one just gotta get the $$ to get one--

Of course well know heirloom seeds can be used for years if saved correctly--so we have invested in lots of those not just for our veggies, but also herbs--again, we all know herbs not only serve as great seasoning for foods, but if medication were not available--you could use natural medicine--your medicine cabinet would be your front yard!

Gardening--We are building several raised beds this year for veggies--I also have a greenhouse now for fall/winter gardening--All that we will plant are heirlooms so seeds can be saved for next year--Lord willing--

Fruit-We have 2 peach trees--1 apple tree--and one meyer lemon tree--will be adding a sand plum tree this year--We also have strawberries, blackberries, blueberries & grapes we have planted--more will be added this year


Books--I do think its a great idea to have books about gardening, herbal medicine, survival skills etc... on hand--I think it was Denita that mentioned a binder full of things you find here on the internet--Awesome idea!

Our goal is to only need to purchase those things we cannot grow ourselves--salt, sugar, flour etc--Just like it used to be done--we are almost there!!

Finally it is also important to surround yourself with others that understand why you are doign what you are doing--people that don't get it alot of times will make you feel bad or bring ya down--Find those 'likeminded' indviduals, share ideas and help one another--you may find someone that really compliments what you know and vice versa--I know I have! :0)

Lastly I want to say--choose wisely who share information with--No need to tell everyone you know that you have 467 cans of green beans--LOL--it is not gonna serve the friendship necessarily, but could serve to be your undoing and your going hungry if they decided to rip ya off!--

::Until Next Time::
T.D.H