How to become self-sufficient (kinda) with chickens.

[crazyhen]

The well problem could be solved with a deep well hand pump from the amish catalog I have forgotten the name of it. Also I have been seriously considering a solar panel to run the water pump. I know it is an investment but it would later pay off.
Thanks Tackyrama. I do have some health issues and friends have been invaluable to me. I am doing well for the shape I am in at present. My hb is sick and we are far from home. A wonderful friend moved into my home and is caring for my chicks for me. She is an angel for sure. I am going to also check and see if there is a co-op of growers locally. That helps as well. We sometimes forget that our Grand parents helped each other. No one was suffiencent unto themslves all the time. Gloria jean

 

[speckledhen]

Crazyhen, is the catalog Lehmans?

 

[The Zoo]

Where does one buy comfrey seeds? My gardeners guide says it's a wonderful thing to pull and plant under potatoes.

He also *really* likes chervil.

 

[The Zoo]

BTW - we have 5 cherry trees that produce a ton of fruit (we actually got most of it this year before the birds did).
Where did we plant them? On either side of our driveway. They're happy trees there. I have strawberries growing underneath them and hope to get a good harvest next year. You can do a lot on a small plot of land.

 

[kimbobim]

I love this topic! I wanted to second the recommendation for "The Encyclopedia of Country Living" by Carla Emery. I grew up knowing her and her kids - an amazing family. Sadly, Carla passed away in 2005. I'm going to have to get another copy of the Encyclopedia - my sister stole mine!

 

[crazyhen]

Yes it is lehmans catalog. Hi Speckled hen. Gloria Jean

 

[tasymo]

http://www.richters.com/Web_store/web_store.cgi?product=X1870&show=&prodclass=Herb_and_Vegetable_Seeds&cart_id=6549952.9513

I've ordered from Richter's in the past and was very satisfied.

 

[LittleFeat]

Very interesting topic...don't have time to read all posts right now but some great books: Anim. Veg Miracle already mentioned. Omnivore's Dilema is a man's journey through each of the 4 methods we get food to our tables. Fictional book series where the world goes back to having to survive as pioneers did is the First Light series by Terri Blackstock is a good vision of all that would be involved with no cars, electricity or neighborhood stores. even the banking industry!

Looking forward to actually having chicks so I can begin to practice all the great education I'm gaining from this site. 5 chicks ordered...ship Aug. 17 from MPC.

 

[Mojo Chick'n]

I got my comfrey as roots from my sister - not sure where she got hers. It grows fantastic wherever you plant it. (shade or sun)

My geese and ducks love it. I haven't seen the chickens eating on it, but that could be because the geese would chase them away

I've used comfrey to make ointments and oils - it is truly amazing stuff.

If you make your own oil or ointment, make sure you extract the oils at a low temp - too high of a temp and it smells like butt juice.

I've used a crock pot to do it before and had good results. The temps (on low) are usually just about right for this application.

eta - the crock pot was one of those little ones for heating potpouri in.

meri

 

[tasymo]

Make sure you plant your comfrey where you want it- it can be very difficult to move, since any bit of root that breaks off and is left behind becomes a new plant. It is a perennial and comes back year after year. This makes it very easy to increase your number of plants!

Also, if you are going to use it to fertilize potatoes, make sure there are no roots attached to the plants you pull, or seed heads, or your potato patch will turn into a field of comfrey!! I make "comfrey tea" to fertilize my veggies.