|
|
Post by wolverina on Jun 4, 2024 3:37:42 GMT
So I have always been prepared, and am not a city gal, but I need to figure out my new lifestyle! I want to get animals, the right and most useful ones! I want to be off grid, but don't know much about how to accomplish that!! I have a nice dehydrator, and want a freeze dryer, again, I know little about them!! Doing the outdoor kitchen, I think I've got that! I also need to check out and revamp the storm cellar, there are jars of food in there!!👍😊 The jars are marked 2021, 👍👍👍 So I may be asking too many questions, but I'm set on doing this ...living in my bug out location!!
|
|
|
|
Post by drhenley on Jun 4, 2024 4:17:51 GMT
You are one step ahead of me, but I'm walking down the same path.
|
|
|
|
Post by eastenerwesterner on Jun 4, 2024 4:57:30 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by georgiapeachie on Jun 4, 2024 11:01:26 GMT
Wolverina, as you realize you have lots to learn, but don’t stress as it will only constrain you. Set priorities.
1) Clean Water (Have a way to filter your water as well as a way to kill all bacteria. I bought “ULTIMA TKO pool shock as it doesn’t have anything harmful added to it. Bleach does not stay stable enough to stock).
2) Food. (Try to gather as much as you can and store it properly so bugs, rodents and such can’t get to it. Start a garden asap. Gather all the seeds you will need, plus some)
3) Housing (you’ve got that covered. Just make sure you can stay warm in the winter…think small wood stove that can be put in the RV)
4) Animals are a must have. (Easiest and most economical are Chickens for eggs. Chickens for meat. And Meat Rabbits. Don’t overlook the rabbits as one Doe can provide you with up to 280. To 290 lbs. of meat a year.)
Get these basics done and you are well on your way!!
|
|
|
|
Post by wolverina on Jun 4, 2024 12:20:37 GMT
Wow, and thanks!! Yes, prioritize!! I can't get everything done immediately, so I am getting all the necessities going first! I appreciate your list GeorgiaPeachie! I think a good generator that is able to run the well pump is a necessity. Not immediately, but water will be a big issue if ever there was no power for the well! I'm doing research on going off grid!
|
|
|
|
Post by eastenerwesterner on Jun 4, 2024 16:45:48 GMT
georgiapeachie You are a list person. You might have per person food one that will help.
Wolverina, you dont have to get everything at once. Getting some now, some 6 months from now so you can set up a rotation system. I mention this because you said you have jars labeled 2021.
“Prep what you eat, eat what you prep.”
Before I started a 2lb bag of rice lasted us a year. Now 25lbs lasts us 2 years. 20lbs of pasta lasts us 2 years. We have altered our diet a little for the lifestyle
|
|
|
|
Post by ban1985 on Jun 4, 2024 17:04:56 GMT
So I have always been prepared, and am not a city gal, but I need to figure out my new lifestyle! I want to get animals, the right and most useful ones! I want to be off grid, but don't know much about how to accomplish that!! I have a nice dehydrator, and want a freeze dryer, again, I know little about them!! Doing the outdoor kitchen, I think I've got that! I also need to check out and revamp the storm cellar, there are jars of food in there!!👍😊 The jars are marked 2021, 👍👍👍 So I may be asking too many questions, but I'm set on doing this ...living in my bug out location!! Also organize Weapons and the Accessories, otherwise everything will be stolen from you if World War 3 starts. If this thing takes off when Uncle Putin gets mad, it's going to be hell on Earth, and you better have some Defenses when Sheep and Townsfolk on the run come to visit you to steal. |
|
|
|
Post by georgiapeachie on Jun 4, 2024 18:04:04 GMT
EW knows me too well! LOL. I’ve always been a plan maker with lists. It makes me feel secure to have a backup to a backup plan and supplies.
Wolverina, Take a look at this below. As EW advised don’t buy what you don’t eat. So go thru this list and remove what doesn’t work for you. Calories are what we all need to be counting. At least 2,000 per day…more during certain times of the year. And of course different for every individual according to age, size, and activities. Someone chopping wood all day will burn much more than someone baking all day.
Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by danil54grl on Jun 4, 2024 22:11:08 GMT
I would add maybe a couple goats for milk. You can always sell the babies or raise them for meat. You can even go with a dwarf since you are by yourself. You just need to keep more than just 1 since they are heard animals. Edit so say that if you do get goat milk, the cream does not seperate and you would need a seperator to actually get it out of the milk to make butter.
Brave search results:
Dwarf milk goat
The Nigerian Dwarf goat is a popular breed of dairy goat known for its small size, friendly temperament, and high-quality milk production. Here are some key characteristics and facts about the Nigerian Dwarf milk goat:
Size: Nigerian Dwarf goats are small in size, weighing between 20-40 pounds (9-18 kg) and standing about 17-23 inches (43-58 cm) tall at the shoulder.
Milk Production: Nigerian Dwarf goats are known for their high-quality milk, which is rich in butterfat and protein. They produce an average of 1-2 quarts (0.9-1.9 liters) of milk per day, with a butterfat content of around 6.5%.
Temperament: Nigerian Dwarf goats are friendly, curious, and docile, making them a great choice for families with children or for those who want a pet goat.
History: The Nigerian Dwarf goat originated in West Africa and was brought to the United States in the 1930s-1960s for exhibition and as a companion animal. They were later bred for dairy production and are now recognized by the American Dairy Goat Association.
Uses: Nigerian Dwarf goats are used for milk production, as pets, and for land management. They are also used for meat and are considered a good choice for small-scale dairy farming.
Care and Feeding: Nigerian Dwarf goats require regular care and feeding, including a balanced diet, fresh water, and regular veterinary check-ups. They are also prone to certain health issues, such as respiratory problems and parasites.
Breeding: Nigerian Dwarf goats are bred for their milk production, and breeding programs focus on selecting for desirable traits such as high milk production, good temperament, and hardiness.
Conclusion: The Nigerian Dwarf milk goat is a popular breed for its small size, friendly temperament, and high-quality milk production. They are a great choice for small-scale dairy farming, as pets, or for those looking for a unique and rewarding experience.
|
|
|
|
Post by wolverina on Jun 7, 2024 20:51:46 GMT
Goats are high on my research list! Definitely good sources of meat and milk!! I will be looking into a tractor with a brush hog and a front end loader too! The couple who previously owned this property had a deal with a neighbor for brush hogging and cutting firewood. The shop has a nice wood stove, I would be able to cook on it besides using it for heat. I can use a chainsaw, but will let the neighbor guy and two sons do a bunch of cutting and splitting. We walked the woodsy part of the property to look at which dead trees will go down first!
|
|
|
|
Post by wolverina on Jul 4, 2024 20:45:14 GMT
I think I at least have my priorities straighter!! My son in OK City and two friends are pretty sure they can build a tornado safe room in the shop! That's first on the list! Then the kitchenette in the shop, I 'll be able to can and dehydrate in their! Solar oven and outdoor kitchen last, nothing fancy! So physical progress has been slow, but planning and strategy are important!!
|
|
|
|
Post by amishheart on Jul 4, 2024 21:17:43 GMT
Try a small fall garden. Even in containers if you're not sure about your soil. Store food and water....so many sites on how to do this properly. For animals, I'd start with chickens, but build the chicken house first.
|
|
|
|
Post by eastenerwesterner on Jul 4, 2024 22:24:01 GMT
I think I at least have my priorities straighter!! My son in OK City and two friends are pretty sure they can build a tornado safe room in the shop! That's first on the list! Then the kitchenette in the shop, I 'll be able to can and dehydrate in their! Solar oven and outdoor kitchen last, nothing fancy! So physical progress has been slow, but planning and strategy are important!! Give yourself enough space for those activities. I was looking at building a 12x16 room for my wife for canning and her cast iron hobby Still going to be too small The loser in the space war will be my preps room. Look for bargains. Online auctions a a great resource Ones with weekday pick up dates, things go cheaper My wife picked up a restaurant double sink 2x8, 36 inch commercial stove, a couple of 2x8 stainless tables for under $500 I hope some of these ideas help. |
|
|
|
Post by wolverina on Jul 5, 2024 20:27:07 GMT
All these ideas REALLY HELP!! I have a garden area planned, will till it and add compost and cow manure to my soil. There is a local farmer I can get manure from. I am container gardening now, going great! And great tip on space, once a project is done it would be hard to go back and enlarge a room!! I hope as my new journey unfolds I can be of help to someone as you all are so helpful to me!!
|
|
|
|
Post by amishheart on Jul 6, 2024 3:39:37 GMT
If you can get sheep manure or rabbit poop, you can use it right away, it's not considered a "hot" manure. Chicken, turkey, cow manure needs to sit. Too hot to use for a year.
|
|
|
|
Post by eastenerwesterner on Jul 6, 2024 21:30:36 GMT
Horse manure is also semi Hot.. You also have to deal with Hayseed because it is not digestible
When I put pony poop in, I didn’t plant the first year. Still had hay growing up under weedcloth.
But the soil year 2 was atomic.
|
|
|
|
Post by wolverina on Jul 15, 2024 16:30:41 GMT
Not much has changed/ happened yet! I'm not on the Internet much, thought I would check in and see what's new! My boys are going to build an apartment (for lack of a better word) in the shop, insulated (whole shop has insulation too)! Small kitchen, bathroom, small sleeping area will be the safe room for storms! They have it figured out, lol, I'll know more as it's happening!!
|
|
|
|
Post by wolverina on Aug 15, 2024 13:51:55 GMT
Hi everyone, been a while since I've been here! Been staying busy on my place. My sons almost have the apartment/safe room in the shop finished. It will have an A/C and heat unit built in an outside wall. It's been hot lately, but the camper is doing great. The truck and trailer park under a large cover off the shop and are always in the shade!! I have been working on the perimeter fencing. Most of this 25 acres was fenced for a small herd of cattle the former owners had. I still haven't made any animal decisions yet, still getting a feel of the weather here. I'm hearing the winters can be tough. It's SW Oklahoma, so not like up north, but worse than the central Texas winters I'm used to! So I'm just plugging away, trying to make smart decisions!!
|
|
|
|
Post by georgiapeachie on Aug 15, 2024 15:28:38 GMT
Happy to hear from you Wolverina! It has been a hot summer here so gardening has been more challenging. However, it now feels like we are going to have an early Fall. We’ve got temperatures now that normally don’t hit us until September 15th. You must be in Zone 7b. If so that is the same as my zone and it is very compatible with about any animal and most fruit trees as well as vegetables. Citrus trees have to be protected in the winter.
|
|
|
|
Post by wolverina on Sept 16, 2024 15:36:33 GMT
So my "safe" room/micro apartment in the shop is finished. So is the small kitchenette that is close to the walk door and covered grilling area! I think I want a freeze dryer, but I am not familiar with brands! I'm seeing there are counter top models, sounds like what I need! Any input on freeze dryers would be appreciated!!
|
|
|
|
Post by Proud Prepper on Sept 16, 2024 16:03:31 GMT
So my "safe" room/micro apartment in the shop is finished. So is the small kitchenette that is close to the walk door and covered grilling area! I think I want a freeze dryer, but I am not familiar with brands! I'm seeing there are counter top models, sounds like what I need! Any input on freeze dryers would be appreciated!! |
|
|
|
Post by eastenerwesterner on Sept 16, 2024 16:10:00 GMT
We have a 4 tray Harvest Right. Most of the videos put out are using this brand. Most videos say they have good customer service, though we haven’t had to use it.
It’s a bit of trial and error with the time and temp. Watching videos can help with the process.
|
|
|
|
Post by drhenley on Sept 16, 2024 16:56:54 GMT
I think I want a freeze dryer, but I am not familiar with brands! I'm seeing there are counter top models, sounds like what I need! Any input on freeze dryers would be appreciated!! I definitely want a freeze dryer, but there are other pressing priorities right now. |
|
|
|
Post by wolverina on Oct 9, 2024 11:59:15 GMT
Checking in with some updates! Our weather in SW Oklahoma has been warm and dry, got a lot of fence work done! Also finally cleared out the little (and I mean little) storm cellar! It's kind of rocky here, the original property owners started a storm cellar, but it's more like an in ground closet! I would not go in there during a storm, hence the safe room/mini apartment! But the previous owners did have canned goods stored in the cellar, just 3-4 years old. so my youngest son was here, cleared out the spiders (yuck) and got the canned goods moved to the building! There literally is barely room for two people to stand in there! We are trying to figure out what to do with it! I'm getting pretty good with the chainsaws, had a neighbor split a bunch of wood. I am definitely gets splitter! So these are my latest adventures!
|
|
|
|
Post by garp58 on Oct 10, 2024 17:45:05 GMT
Hang in there Wolverina, I was born in Duncan, grandmother and granddad in Ardmore and did some time in uniform in Ft. Sill / Lawton, one aunt in OKC and the other at Lake Texoma....we are almost family....live free, Gary
|
|
|
|
Post by oddcaliber on Oct 11, 2024 0:55:21 GMT
Ok hears my 2 cents, I dwell in the burbs in a rather small apartment. Storage is very limited. But I do keep on hand at least 3 months of food and a Berkey water purifier. Have guns and ammo to defend my fort. Been through enough hurricanes to know the drill. One major advantage you have is that you are far enough away from a city that it's going to take several days if not weeks before they get to you. Hopefully when I retire I can get the hell out of here before anything major happens.
|
|
|
|
Post by wolverina on Feb 16, 2025 13:08:35 GMT
Hi everyone, again, been a while since I've been here! Having a cold but fair winter here, unlike many other places! Everything has been going smoothly and I really feel settled in here now!! I am living full time in the tiny shop apartment instead of the fifth wheel, much more efficient!! My son's stay in the fifth wheel when they come, works out great! It's a safe room/apartment and I am wanting to add a safe storage room. I like the idea of a root cellar, but it's pretty rocky ground here! Guess that could be a good thing. My boys and I are heavily researching the idea! I'm doing these projects on my husband's life insurance money so I'm making sure to do things wisely. Updates as we decide! Hope you all are doing well!! What a great community here!! Thanks for letting me be a part of it!
|
|
|
|
Post by eastenerwesterner on Feb 16, 2025 14:34:34 GMT
Shallow bedrock at my main place and high water table at my new place have been deterrents for a root cellar for me.
I am going with a well insulated room in the shop at the new place. 3 inch in the walls, 6 inch in ceiling. But I don’t have heat to contend with there.
A Walipini design may be may be right for climate and soil conditions.
|
|
|
|
Post by georgiapeachie on Feb 16, 2025 15:19:05 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by wolverina on Feb 19, 2025 6:09:38 GMT
Great link georgiapeachie, I really appreciate it!
|
|
