Just curious who else is living super frugal

[LindaB220]

Linda , just to clarify . . . the white muscovy that my friend hatches and raised probably were not from this source at least not directly. Just meant that the white muscovy in general are bred for meat meat meat.

Kids ae more duck soup for dinner-- even the child that hates dark meat.

I have so much on my plate right now, but the thought of the other dark meat (besides beef) in very interesting Beef is so rediculously high right now I may really consider it. My DD Brandi came to see me today and I sent her home with 18 eggs. She was happy and said that large eggs at the store now are $2.99. That's up over $1 or more in the past few months. She said she would help me process when it comes time. The only family member that will discuss it.

 

[Peep_Show]

re: Inflated capons

I did incise them to get the air out....and there was A LOT of air. As I said, you could pick the birds up and they rattled around in their skin. Anyway, I did the incision and got the air out, but then the scabs at the incision site turned green. By the time they all healed up the scarring made for a very unappetizing looking carcass. At that point I opted to buy meat birds in the future for growing table chickens.

I even went so far as to have the vet (a good friend) give me chicken anesthesia/tranquilizer so that they didn't squirm around so much. Anyway, it was just too much for me. I'm glad you're having better successes with it.

 

[LindaB220]

re: Inflated capons

I did incise them to get the air out....and there was A LOT of air. As I said, you could pick the birds up and they rattled around in their skin. Anyway, I did the incision and got the air out, but then the scabs at the incision site turned green. By the time they all healed up the scarring made for a very unappetizing looking carcass. At that point I opted to buy meat birds in the future for growing table chickens.

I even went so far as to have the vet (a good friend) give me chicken anesthesia/tranquilizer so that they didn't squirm around so much. Anyway, it was just too much for me. I'm glad you're having better successes with it.

Then put it out of you mind and go to something that will be protitable for you. Lots of options. CX's raised like chickens and allowed to road a little each day will get you a lot of meat without all the drawbacks. And I read today about white muscovy ducks from JM Hatchery that grows large in 12 weeks and tastes like beef without all the greasy taste. Hum Something else to think about.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: At least you have one to help!!! lol

I love beef , and buy very little of it now. I cruise thru the meat cases admiring the meat but disgusted at the pricing. I have wondered if the beef has better iron availabliity than duck meat . . .?? Pill form of iron is not well absorbed in some forms; I vaguely remember that it needs to be chelated for good absorption. Beef had been my go to source until the prices started to rise drastically. THanks to a few bad corn years AND the huge amount shipped abroad according to the guy that runs the local grain mill ( all his grain comes from the mid-west).



I have been thinking about asking for a job at the local meat processing company . . a family owned small business . . in hopes of a few extra dollars and an "in" for getting unwanted venison.

 

[Melinda66]

I'm a single mom of 6 kids with 2 still at home. I started thinking about going debt free a few years ago and began praying for it and reading all I can about how to manage that. Mainly, I just wanted it in the front if my mind at all times. It worked because now I'm very focused on it. I stepped out if my career 4 years ago to care for my dad after a stroke 24/7. He worked hard for his farm and was miserable in a nursing home. Bringing him home was great for him. The house he was building my himself is right next to mine in the country. He passed away a year ago at home. I am in the process of settling my dad's estate. He left me the house he was building next door and 65 acres surrounding both our houses. So....hard decision but I decided to sell 25 acres to my brother and keep 40 around the 2 houses so I can pay off my high mortgage loan. In the last year since losing dad I've learned to build things for my small farm and learned to fix things myself in my 2 houses. I rent one to my daughter which helps only a little because she lives with a very low rent payment. Dad always talked if having chickens and a pig or cow out here. I started with chickens this year (29 dual purpose, 4 boilers, and 4 runner ducks) I had to learn quick because my son brought them home one day as chicks (long story) all survived and enjoy a large coop and huge run (dad already had a chicken house so I built the run based on what I learned on this site) The eggs have been coming in. The boilers were an experiment that turned out OK. I just got 20 more and am building a big area to raise chicks in garage and out if my house! My cars were paid off over a year ago and I'll be debt free except for my student loans in a couple months I hope. I use the local pantries for food and donate back to them. I grocery shop once a month but can only buy a little meat and some milk/butter. I hope to find work soon.... If I can just stop loving my farm so much! I'm not sure how I've survived with no job and no state aid but I have. I keep learning and it's just a goal of mine. 4 years ago I was working as a counselor, making good money, and living in big debt. Now I think I'm a small time farmer who is trying to learn to garden, raise animals, and manage a small crop. I've talked to many, shared ideas, and exchanges (help with plumbing for help with painting, etc). My son in law hunts down and sells scrap metal and if he wasn't an idiot that would probably help him. People give away or throw away furniture all the time. I get it and give to others in need or spruce up and keep. My house and dads is completely furnished on free furniture! You would never know it. (except for my bed). The best I have done so far is staying focused, talking to everyone I can, reading up on it, utilizing my own gifts (I had none so had to learn to get those too lol) and just keep trying things. Always give back and help others along the way. There are more people out there than I realized wanting to get back to basics.... They will trade their skills with you.

 

[perchie.girl]

I'm a single mom of 6 kids with 2 still at home. I started thinking about going debt free a few years ago and began praying for it and reading all I can about how to manage that. Mainly, I just wanted it in the front if my mind at all times. It worked because now I'm very focused on it. I stepped out if my career 4 years ago to care for my dad after a stroke 24/7. He worked hard for his farm and was miserable in a nursing home. Bringing him home was great for him. The house he was building my himself is right next to mine in the country. He passed away a year ago at home. I am in the process of settling my dad's estate. He left me the house he was building next door and 65 acres surrounding both our houses. So....hard decision but I decided to sell 25 acres to my brother and keep 40 around the 2 houses so I can pay off my high mortgage loan. In the last year since losing dad I've learned to build things for my small farm and learned to fix things myself in my 2 houses. I rent one to my daughter which helps only a little because she lives with a very low rent payment. Dad always talked if having chickens and a pig or cow out here. I started with chickens this year (29 dual purpose, 4 boilers, and 4 runner ducks) I had to learn quick because my son brought them home one day as chicks (long story) all survived and enjoy a large coop and huge run (dad already had a chicken house so I built the run based on what I learned on this site) The eggs have been coming in. The boilers were an experiment that turned out OK. I just got 20 more and am building a big area to raise chicks in garage and out if my house! My cars were paid off over a year ago and I'll be debt free except for my student loans in a couple months I hope. I use the local pantries for food and donate back to them. I grocery shop once a month but can only buy a little meat and some milk/butter. I hope to find work soon.... If I can just stop loving my farm so much! I'm not sure how I've survived with no job and no state aid but I have. I keep learning and it's just a goal of mine. 4 years ago I was working as a counselor, making good money, and living in big debt. Now I think I'm a small time farmer who is trying to learn to garden, raise animals, and manage a small crop. I've talked to many, shared ideas, and exchanges (help with plumbing for help with painting, etc). My son in law hunts down and sells scrap metal and if he wasn't an idiot that would probably help him. People give away or throw away furniture all the time. I get it and give to others in need or spruce up and keep. My house and dads is completely furnished on free furniture! You would never know it. (except for my bed). The best I have done so far is staying focused, talking to everyone I can, reading up on it, utilizing my own gifts (I had none so had to learn to get those too lol) and just keep trying things. Always give back and help others along the way. There are more people out there than I realized wanting to get back to basics.... They will trade their skills with you.

Wow Welcome to BYC

from the San Diego High desert.... I am deb by the way...

 

[Melinda66]

Wow Welcome to BYC    from the San Diego High desert....  I am deb by the way...

hi Deb! Thanks. Illinois here...low, corn..dirt lol

 

[Turk Raphael]

At least you have one to help!!! lol

I love beef , and buy very little of it now. I cruise thru the meat cases admiring the meat but disgusted at the pricing. I have wondered if the beef has better iron availabliity than duck meat . . .?? Pill form of iron is not well absorbed in some forms; I vaguely remember that it needs to be chelated for good absorption. Beef had been my go to source until the prices started to rise drastically. THanks to a few bad corn years AND the huge amount shipped abroad according to the guy that runs the local grain mill ( all his grain comes from the mid-west).



I have been thinking about asking for a job at the local meat processing company . . a family owned small business . . in hopes of a few extra dollars and an "in" for getting unwanted venison.

My partner and I both have good jobs and our home is paid for....I inheritated it from my grand mother but even with that, don't feel we can afford to buy beef on any regular basis. With all the other costs of living, taxes, legal fees..etc, the money is just 'hoovered up'. Luckily, we are going to receive a portion of a beef that my dad and Brother will butcher later on in the fall. I guess we should all be grateful for what we have. My grand parents raised me and my sister on this farm and we all thought beef and other store bought meat was too high back then but when you think about it, raising one beef for a family and paying someone else to slaughter and wrap the meat is no real bargain either. I don't trust the butchers to give back the same beef one would take into them on the hoof. I've heard so many stories about butchers exchanging high quality beef for some ancient bull .

Grand dad butchered his own and the whole family (and local friends) helped for just a bit of meat. Plus, everyone got a big meal after the beef was skinned and hanging.

Sorry...off my soap-box

Turk

 

[Arielle]

I'm a single mom of 6 kids with 2 still at home. I started thinking about going debt free a few years ago and began praying for it and reading all I can about how to manage that. Mainly, I just wanted it in the front if my mind at all times. It worked because now I'm very focused on it. I stepped out if my career 4 years ago to care for my dad after a stroke 24/7. He worked hard for his farm and was miserable in a nursing home. Bringing him home was great for him. The house he was building my himself is right next to mine in the country. He passed away a year ago at home. I am in the process of settling my dad's estate. He left me the house he was building next door and 65 acres surrounding both our houses. So....hard decision but I decided to sell 25 acres to my brother and keep 40 around the 2 houses so I can pay off my high mortgage loan. In the last year since losing dad I've learned to build things for my small farm and learned to fix things myself in my 2 houses. I rent one to my daughter which helps only a little because she lives with a very low rent payment. Dad always talked if having chickens and a pig or cow out here. I started with chickens this year (29 dual purpose, 4 boilers, and 4 runner ducks) I had to learn quick because my son brought them home one day as chicks (long story) all survived and enjoy a large coop and huge run (dad already had a chicken house so I built the run based on what I learned on this site) The eggs have been coming in. The boilers were an experiment that turned out OK. I just got 20 more and am building a big area to raise chicks in garage and out if my house! My cars were paid off over a year ago and I'll be debt free except for my student loans in a couple months I hope. I use the local pantries for food and donate back to them. I grocery shop once a month but can only buy a little meat and some milk/butter. I hope to find work soon.... If I can just stop loving my farm so much! I'm not sure how I've survived with no job and no state aid but I have. I keep learning and it's just a goal of mine. 4 years ago I was working as a counselor, making good money, and living in big debt. Now I think I'm a small time farmer who is trying to learn to garden, raise animals, and manage a small crop. I've talked to many, shared ideas, and exchanges (help with plumbing for help with painting, etc). My son in law hunts down and sells scrap metal and if he wasn't an idiot that would probably help him. People give away or throw away furniture all the time. I get it and give to others in need or spruce up and keep. My house and dads is completely furnished on free furniture! You would never know it. (except for my bed). The best I have done so far is staying focused, talking to everyone I can, reading up on it, utilizing my own gifts (I had none so had to learn to get those too lol) and just keep trying things. Always give back and help others along the way. There are more people out there than I realized wanting to get back to basics.... They will trade their skills with you.

Welcome!!

You narrative made me smile!!

You are on the right track . . .

 

[LindaB220]

At least you have one to help!!! lol

I love beef , and buy very little of it now. I cruise thru the meat cases admiring the meat but disgusted at the pricing. I have wondered if the beef has better iron availabliity than duck meat . . .?? Pill form of iron is not well absorbed in some forms; I vaguely remember that it needs to be chelated for good absorption. Beef had been my go to source until the prices started to rise drastically. THanks to a few bad corn years AND the huge amount shipped abroad according to the guy that runs the local grain mill ( all his grain comes from the mid-west).



I have been thinking about asking for a job at the local meat processing company . . a family owned small business . . in hopes of a few extra dollars and an "in" for getting unwanted venison.

We only had one in the area and it was closed down because it was adding fillers to the ground meat. Idiots.