Caley Tolver

Hello Fellow Permies,

I am a new land owner and our first homestead animal is chickens. Because of the unique nature of our property I also got 2 geese to help with protection/alerting (yes I have other forms of protection as well). I am going back and forth wondering if 2 geese are a good idea or if I only need 1?

Many sources I have read say that 2 will bond to each other and will not watch out for the chickens. Other sources say up to 2 is fine. I have a safe, happy home for the second goose if need be, but I don't want to re-home unless absolutely necessary.

Does anyone have a guard goose pair with 15 chickens and it works out well? All are being raised together as babies.

Thanks!

Hello Permies!

At our current location, the only "livestock"  we can legally have is rabbit. I purchased a rabbit from a neighbor to make sure we enjoy the meat, but I have no idea how to cook it besides stew/soup. Anyone have any awesome rabbit recipes.?

Welcome! I love the summary. I started adding more herbs to my herbs garden, especially medicinal ones! This book may be right up my alley, because we eat food everyday. I only take a tincture or other medicine when I remember or think I need it.

Hi Angi,

I am so excited to see this thread come through my notifications!! I purchased a Presto pressure canner that is set to be delivered next week. I have a few question, if you don't mind.

1. In your opinion, what is the best food (or non food) to start with to get the hang of things? Water is a thought, but I don't know. I just hate wasting the lids when they are still in short supply.

2. Can you use Tattler/reusable canning lids with pressure canning?

3. What is your favorite canning book besides your own? I love having multiple references to pull from when cooking.

Thank you so much! I look forward to learning more about this process and trying my hand at it soon!!

Caley

Hi Anne,

We currently live in Colorado, but we are looking to move to Texas/Tennessee/Carolinas/Kentucky area OR Montana/Idaho/Dakotas area. That is very up in the air because we are at least 2 years away from that dream coming to fruition.

As for the needs, we currently source our beef products from local ranchers, so we want to stick with that no matter if we raise it ourselves or we find a local rancher in our new area. I like the idea of having a family dairy cow, but am not certain that we can consume the amount of milk that is provided. Hence, the question about mixed breeds. Something that gives a decent amount of milk, but also tastes good? Is that possible and still sustainable? I also feel that my kids would get attached to a dairy cow, but if beef cattle are raised farther from the house on pasture, they wouldn't get as attached, so many that isn't a requirement I want to tackle. Would love any and all feedback. Thank you!

Hello everyone! My name is Caley and my dream is to move to land, but for now am in a suburban setting. If one was to do research, both on dairy cows and beef cattle, where would you start to learn the basics about feed, maintenance and daily requirements. In your opinion:

Is beef or dairy cattle an easier starting point?
What is your favorite breed and why?
Is there a benefit to mixed breeds (half dairy and half beef)?

Would love the good, bad and ugly info. That is the best way to stay informed.