Saw this on another site - What are we doing to teach ourselves to not need [them]?
(media.greatawakening.win)
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I have a plan, get out of the suburb and use my cash to buy a homestead. I have some skills but what if my garden fails? What if my animals die? I also am looking for books. I bought a book on how to butcher most animals which has detailed instructions. I also need a canning book, would be good to memorize the basics.
My other recommendation is to find like minded people. Trying to do everything is a LOT of work. Trade eggs and veggies for wool or steaks that kinda thing.
That is exactly what my plan was. How do you go about finding other "prepers(?)" without putting a sign at the road that says "Hey! I am crazy and doomsday prepping! Wanna trade???" :)
Local fb groups, farmers market, farm shows, conversation at the feed or farm store. Most of us are pretty helpful and really like to talk about our animals or complain about the weather haha.
That's why you have reserves. Canned food (either purchased or from pervious years) dry goods, that kind of thing.
As for the animals, well chickens are pretty damn easy. They self replicate too haha. Chicken feed and shelter (not that mine ever use the coop I spent a ton of money and time on) and then predator protection. That's probably your biggest concern. Hawks, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, stray dogs all are a problem. IMO the most effective defense is an excellent flock guardian. I have large fenced area that the chickens stay in (mostly) and the dog stays out there. Anatolians are the best, but they aren't for novice dog owners. A great Pyrenees is also a good choice, but they require lots more grooming. You can also look into a mix. There's a few other breeds also but they aren't as common.
Goats are hardy but Hella hard to keep fenced. Like extremely hard. Don't get them unless your neighbors are cool with waking up to a goat occasionally.
If you want a cow, look into the mini versions. They produce more meat/milk per pound of feed than the full size version. Bonus, lots of people like them as pets so you can sell offspring for a good price.
I have no experience with sheep, other than that they are assholes and a pain in an ass to handle lol. If you want wool type stuff, I would recommend an alpac. Never had one, but they are on my list when I by a bigger farm.
I was told by a friend of mine that I don't want a goat because they are assholes and destroy everything. It sounds like you agree with that. kek
Some goats are OK. I really want some fainting goats. They definitely are not for everyone though. I'll only get them move to the Sticks. Then I'll put them in the center of the property, so they'll have to cross multiple fence lines before getting to the neighbors.
Yes, me too! I have learned to can this year. Butchering - not so sure about. :) I WANT to know how, just haven't learned.
I don’t think God intends us to sit behind a desk our whole lives.
I want to run through the prairie and turn rocks over in the creek to see what’s underneath. I want to eat a meal of my own produce, I want to care for animals and the earth.
You are clearly a flower child like myself!
There probably are books out there on this topic, but my suggestion is find information online and print it - make your own books. Then you can tab the stuff that's important to you and have it if the grid goes down. I do that with binders on nutrition and home remedies (like you can use raw garlic as an antibiotic - I've used it to cure a respiratory infection). Then your info is tailored to your interests, and you can refer to it whenever you need. This is something you can do in the meantime while you're working on getting out of the suburbs - something my husband and I are also working on. Best of luck to you!!
There are endless books. My go to is eBay, used books can be had for $4-10. Ink is Hella expensive, so this can be more cost effective.
I second the binders and notebooks. Especially for growing stuff, since a lot of things are very regional.
Another option is to download the books or info and save it to an SD card. Put the SD card into a phone or tablet. I have several power banks and then solar charges for them.
True, ink is expensive. Also great ideas! :)
I find a lot of good how-to books for sale at my public library for $.50
Yep, another great place.
Oh, and yard sales! You can find all kinds of useful things at yard sales. Estate sales are great if you are looking for equipment.