I am trying to figure out how to prep so we can be self sufficient in 2014. We have a deer in the freezer and doing more meat birds this year. I am building up the laying flock to 25 birds. Trying to find more canning jars and a pressure canner. I have a breeding trio of french angora rabbits coming the middle of the month. I am planing the garden for this year to try and shop out of my basement during the winter. I am needing to get the stuff so I'm ready for dairy goats in 2014. So what else should I do?
So what do I need to do to be self sufficient in 2014?
- Thread starter ninny
- Start date
BarredBuff
El Presidente de Pollo
I'd adapt the meat rabbits better, maybe add a quad of New Zealand. I'd also consider Geese, and Ducks even if you don't have a pond, a kiddie pool works wonders. They reproduce good and can provide extra eggs, and meat. I'd also get perenials established ASAP. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, asparagus, rhubarb, multiplier onions, and garlic. I'd also lay back plenty of canning lids, and bulk staples like rice, beans, flour, sugar, etc.
May I ask, why 2014?
May I ask, why 2014?
the funny farm6
Super Self-Sufficient
not sure how far you are wanting to go, but you might look into non-electric things as well. some things are easy- a hand can opener, a sstove top popcorn poper, oil lamps. other things not as much- a well? kerosine refrigerator?
i agree with barredbuff i would add some meat type rabbits. i had a long haired breed for a short time, they didnt breed well and required more care. please dont let me discourage you- they might be a good fit for you! but a trio of new zelands, or new zeland mix might yeald more meat for the table.
i agree with barredbuff i would add some meat type rabbits. i had a long haired breed for a short time, they didnt breed well and required more care. please dont let me discourage you- they might be a good fit for you! but a trio of new zelands, or new zeland mix might yeald more meat for the table.
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- #4
baymule
Sustainability Master
For jars and pressure cooker, try the Goodwill stores in your area. You never know what they will have until you go there.
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- #6
Easy question to answer--what size would you use most? How much of each food do you need for whatever you use it for?ninny said:
We can:
tomatoes/tomato sauce, pickles, and fruit (peaches, pears, fruit cocktail) in quarts
meats (ground bison, chunks of chicken/bison/pork) in pints (a pint = roughly a pound of meat)
convenience foods (soups, chilis, stews etc.) in pints
relishes, chutneys, and jams in half-pints
- Thread starter
- #8
Thank You! I going to go off of this for now!!moolie said:Easy question to answer--what size would you use most? How much of each food do you need for whatever you use it for?ninny said:
We can:
tomatoes/tomato sauce, pickles, and fruit (peaches, pears, fruit cocktail) in quarts
meats (ground bison, chunks of chicken/bison/pork) in pints (a pint = roughly a pound of meat)
convenience foods (soups, chilis, stews etc.) in pints
relishes, chutneys, and jams in half-pints
Has anyone done fruit juice before?
baymule
Sustainability Master
Durgan on www.theeasygarden.com (link at bottom of the page) has some excellent tutorials with pictures posted. Here are a few to get you started. 
http://www.theeasygarden.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=34750
http://www.theeasygarden.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=34749
http://www.theeasygarden.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=34710
http://www.theeasygarden.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=34750
http://www.theeasygarden.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=34749
http://www.theeasygarden.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=34710
Neiklot
Lovin' The Homestead
The most common problem Is that people want to be self Sufficient "right now"!
Now I do not know how you looking at the term "Self Sufficient", but in my eye's it's When You produced most of the things (food escpecielly) that you need on your own.
Of course, you can be there in one year, but it's a rough of a job Until you get a routine on it.
Hope I did not sound too negative now.
Good luck!
Now I do not know how you looking at the term "Self Sufficient", but in my eye's it's When You produced most of the things (food escpecielly) that you need on your own.
Of course, you can be there in one year, but it's a rough of a job Until you get a routine on it.
Hope I did not sound too negative now.
Good luck!
