With everything we could want at our fingertips, why would we want to be less dependent on the global supply chain? Why would you bother when you have companies selling cheap goods that can be at your home in a matter of a few days, if not hours? The world is moving at a crazy pace, affecting our lives. More and more people are trying to figure out how to slow it down. One way to slow down the world…
Starting your flock is a very special thing. You are taking a big step to being less dependent on the system! While raising chickens may feel intimidating, you will be a pro in no time. Most chicken owners start with baby chicks. All baby chicks are cute, making your decisions harder on what to buy to get your flock started. You must be practical about how many chickens you need, how many you can hold in your coop, and the…
Chickens are usually the gateway drug for people wanting to be a little less dependent on the system. Chickens are generally low maintenance and easy for people new to small livestock. Considering the fluctuating prices of eggs, keeping chickens makes sense for a constant egg supply. When I started keeping chickens for eggs ten-plus years ago, I knew very little except that I had a good shelter for them to be safe and that they needed food and water. In…
Food storage can be daunting and takes time to figure out what you need to have in your stockpile. While I believe you should have the basics, your food storage should be personalized. Often we see lists on the internet telling us to stock up on this or that. I know because I have written several of them. I stand behind those lists because I firmly believe you should have well-rounded food storage for daily use and long-term use. I…
Once upon a time when groceries were much cheaper, canned meats were an inexpensive way of adding proteins to your food storage. Nowadays, not so much. Canning your own chicken can save you money. You can take advantage of good meat sales and have another option besides freezing or smoking the meat for preservation. Having canned meat is a great source of shelf-stable protein which comes in handy when the budget is tight or meat prices go sky high. Canned…
One of the basic tenets of emergency preparedness is to have water and food or a way to procure water and food. I am of the opinion that you should have both with you at all times. Water is easy to keep with you. You can either carry a water bottle (or several), keep a mini water filter device in your bag, and be able to drink or fill your bottle where there is safe drinking water. Food can be…