A new journey into homesteading "pic heavy"

[Chic Rustler]

I dont mind giving them more time. But they get the same feed as everyone else. If thats not good enought they can go in the freezer.

 

[NH Homesteader]

Yep, I don't give special feed either. That's the other reason they're gone.

 

[sumi]

It makes sense. They have to feed you one way or another, you can't keep free loaders.

 

[baymule]

I would love to have an empty freezer right about now. We will pick up Wilbur the hog, 506 pounds hanging weight, real soon. Been eating a lot of meat, trying to make room. I have one freezer 3/4 empty and a neighbor's freezer on stand by.

Have you tried canning chicken? I cut the breast meat off and freeze it for stir fry, but can the rest.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Im gonna try to make some dog food this time from the organs and add some whole grain like rice or oatmeal.

I betcha they'll love it!

 

[Hinotori]

Thickeners don't heat through properly. Same issue that squash has.

 

[baymule]

I can the backs, necks, hearts, gizzards and livers. I put a cup of COOKED rice in each quart. If I have any veggies, I put them in too. The canning process makes the bones mush and they are not a problem for my dogs. My husband mixes it with their kibble and they love it.

For us, I cut the meat off the bones and cook it enough to make it shrink, then I pack it in jars and can it. I simmer the bones for broth and can that.

Since we raise lamb and pork, I get the offal and can that for the dogs, with rice, same as above.

By all mean, can the backs and such for your dogs!

 

[Chic Rustler]

5 hours later..... About 5 more have pipped. And one is starting to zip out. The first ones have made no progress. Seems thats always the way it goes. The early birds dont get out of the egg

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Ahhhhhhhhhhh...chicks are so stinking cute!

 

[sumi]

Awww If the first pips don't make progress after about 12 hours, you can zip the shells for them and see if they can make their way out from there. Just work slowly and carefully and if you see blood, or veins, stop and wait another hour.