My little chest could probably handle two dozen whole birds, if that were all I had in it. I was frightened to bits of a pressure canner, but I'm so glad I have it. It's easier than it seems. Plus, I can make a killer batch of "baked" beans with almost no effort, and this St Patrick's Day corned...
Chicks, I only have a half sized freezer - plus the one over my fridge. The little half sized one holds a lot more than you'd expect. Do you know how to can? Canned stock and meat can be stored under a bed.
Elke - you asked about treating myself, well let's just say I have a ball of egg noodle...
I've decided that from where the chicken stands, parts is parts. ;) I think this may have actually been a small part of what made my husband ok with homegrown. If they're willing to eat each other, he figures he should feel no qualms.
Gonna shove the free ranging CX in a tractor when I get the...
All done. Just too emotional over non-chicken stuff to keep on keepin on today. I must have put my big girl panties on inside out or backwards, or both. Ever have a day where nothing goes right? Yeah, that's today for me. I doubt I've ever had a more b____s-up time of processing. Missed the mark...
Bee, I think you knew I needed a shove today. I'm all set up, water's hot, but I'm shaking like a leaf - have had a truly bad couple of weeks capped by a completely rotten evening last night. But I just got some great health news about a best friend and I'm so emotional I almost dumped the water...
Like someone said upthread, I actually get a better response from my vegetarian/vegan friends. Mostly, though, what I hear is "I just couldn't do that." To which I usually answer "not everyone can. But I know too much about the commercial poultry industry to not raise my own when I can."...
De
Yeah, just like anything animal, chickens get stiff after death (rigor mortis) so unless you can kill, clean and cook in about ten minutes, they need to rest in your fridge a few days at least to allow rigor to relax. A 6mo cockerel would wait a week in my fridge. Freezing the same day you...
Also, Sally, don't you feed FF? And soak that whole grain 12+ hours? I can't wait to get back to FF. Just too hot here atm to keep it outside, and DH said "no" on it inside. I like the smell, sniff. ;) Sorry about your pullet, too.
Surviving chick has improved a great deal, I'm glad to report. No, no forcefeeding seems to be necessary, just came back from checking, and eyes are open and it's walking (gingerly) and eating and drinking. Standing in sugar water, actually. Feet have changed a bit, still swollen, but a little...
Yeah, I was a little afraid she may be overzealous. Woke this am to one dead chick, and the remaining is very weak, will not stand and has yet to open eyes. I have it in a wire basket near a water bottle as you suggested, in the box with the broody. I'm going to give it another dose of benadryl...
Thanks! Yeah, we're on what passes for a hill around here, and we get a lot of wind. I also have children under ten, and am not sure I want quick lime around just yet. We've had soo much rain in the last 30 days, the ants are going everywhere. Mounds are staying flattened - just spreading out...
Thanks so much, Penny Hen. Afraid toes are blackening, and they seem to be fairly intoxicated - very lethargic. :( But, I'll try a vinegar dip, (and keep it in mind when I or children are stung!) and see how the benadryl works. I've brought them inside with their broody, tho - should I worry she...