Getting flack for killing our meaties -- and need some reassurance!

[malignstar]

I've got a triple whammy for y'all. I'm raising meat for my dogs and cats but I don't eat it myself. That really leaves a bad taste in people's mouths. "Why are you wasting good meat on the dogs?!" is the most frequent response. Yes, even kibble has inhumane raised meat in it chock full of hormones and antibiotics. So does grocery store meat. If I'm going for natural, healthy and fresh then I gotta do it myself. I'm getting tons of flack too for taking it one step further and rasising the food for my pets.

 

[honeydoll]

I need to get a backbone in this area. It's funny, when it comes to my kids I could stand up no matter what. But this has really got me. I know I need to just toughen up here. I know why I do it, I researched thoroughly how to process and make a quick kill. I know why I believe what I believe in this area, I know my facts. I just don't get why this bugs me so. Oh, I'll get over it, I've been thru worse that's for sure. Just needed a little encouragement I guess. THe logical side of me knows it shouldn't bug me, but my darn sensitive side won't follow suit. Ya, my hubby is a great example, he doesn't get mad or offended because he doesn't let it bother him, but he will say his peice and move on. Once he's done, it's over and he moves on. He really has it together in this area. I will process my chickens and rabbits this weekend, and I will try not worry about what "they" think. Just needed a little kick in the butt I guess, and this thread did just that.

 

[Nordwest23]

Hay There!!
You're doin' what is NATURAL, friend, and don't EVEN trip!! (in fact there's even a few bible passages that 'back your play'- but I wont go there, cause this isn't the forum for that- you could email me privately if you wanted more info on this topic)
ANYHOW- see what happens when the fit hits the shan, and the neighbors get hungry- you'll end up being the most popular family on the block- guaranteed. It's people's own fault they've become so disconnected... and weak. What can I say, cityfolk can be such a pain- hang in there!! - Kim Nord

 

[honeydoll]

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I've never heard of anyone doing that exclusively for their pets, but I think it's a neat idea. Why not? Is it a raw diet or do you cook it first. I tried giving my one cat a raw diet, very slowly, because she is a sickly cat. She just threw up all the time. She throws up most cat food too, she's been to the vet there is no physical reason for her to do this. He says just sensitivity.

 

[TipsyDog]

I cannot even believe this thread exists!

Most Americans have never gone hungry enough to have to get their own food - it's always there for them in the store. My SIL can't even tell a tomato plant from a weed AND when my Mom asked her to pick all the peaches from the tree she did just that - picked ALL the peaches. MOST WERE GREEN!!

 

[leahthor]

There are always going to be people that are going to come out and try to drag you down, don't let them.

As a lot of us on this thread have already said (and I'll say it again) good for you! You raise your meaties with the knowledge that they will feed your family. And even knowing this (and probably because of it) you offer those animals a wonderful, care-fored life. The are healthier and less stressed than those that you would find in the grocery store. They aren't self mutilators because of the stress of living in a cage barely big enough to turn around in. Be proud in the fact that you are connected to our earth and its creatures much more so than those that are trying to discourage you.

My kids love animals, and have been taught from day 1 that you must honour other life. We are also hunters but we only shoot that which we will eat (with the exception of an animal we might have to kill in order to protect ourselves of course). They know where meat comes from and they know that its nothing to be ashamed of. I know that they become attached to certain animals and its hard and a sad time for them when a pet dies but they also know that that is life.

I myself am an Animal Health Technologist. I went to college to learn to care for animals but that doesn't mean that I don't know where my meat comes from or that there comes a time when that animal's life is at an end, be it companion animal or an animal meant for consumption.

Anyone who eats meat but criticizes you for raising livestock in a humane and ethical manner are hypocrites. Plain and simple.

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

Quote:

Oh goodness gracious!

 

[dancingbear]

Quote:
http://www.meyerhatchery.com/page_211 , they're in Polk, OH. You might be able to get a better price at another hatchery, check Ideal. They often have specials. They're a little cheaper, but you might not want to order from them at this time of year, because of the heat. It could be hard on the chicks being shipped. https://secuservices.com/ideal/newideal/selectproduct.aspx?qty=1&ID=CRS&Product=399 They're in Texas. You might be able to pick your chicks up in person, and save shipping, at Meyer, if they are close enough to you.

 

[holachicka]

Quote:
Are you feeling bad for feeling bad now?

Don't worry, people we know looking at us like we are doing something wrong makes us feel bad! It's not about not having a backbone, it's more about realizing that they are ignorant, or may simply have a difference of opinion. A while back, I was considering raising rabbits because I LOVE the meat, My SIL looked at me and said, that's like eating a cat, rabbits are pets!! It's taken me a while to get over that... It hurts! So now I'm just starting to consider it again and think she doesn't have to eat them... but I still worry about others opinions of me, it's normal and natural, we want those surrounding us to approve of us. but one way of gaining approval is to do our own thing, what we know is right for our families. not copy cat everyone else. Just display CONFIDENCE IN YOUR DECISION when people confront you, it will make them question if THEY are right or wrong.

 

[Peep_Show]

Honeydoll,

Remember, the quickest way to insanity is to try to please everybody. If you're a people pleaser, you need to repeat that over and over until you get it. It is impossible to make everybody happy or to make everybody like you, so be happy with your ownself and secure in knowing that what you are doing is right for you at that time. That's all you need and what anybody else thinks or feels is their own responsibility. They're entitled to their opinion just as you are entitled to yours...and then repeat the first sentence of this posting again...and again....and again......