Book Review: Get Your Pitchfork On! By Kristy Athens

http://www.amazon.com/Get-Your-Pitchfork-Country-Self-reliance/dp/1934170348/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343265412&sr=1-1&keywords=get+your+pitchfork+on


I recently purchased (and read) this book. Picked up at my local Indigo book store.

Well written, straight-forward, and entertaining. I really appreciated all the small things the author included that I don't think many people would consider during their move from Urban/Sub-urban living, to Rural life... I found the first chapter, about selecting land and what to watch out for, especially useful and insightful.As well as the chapter about dogs/pets in the country.

I'd say this book works best as a companion to the more detailed, or specialized literature that's out there. Like the Encyclopedia of Country Living, and other useful homesteading books. The author talks briefly about many things (from small town politics and etiquette, to Hunting and small town social practices), but doesn't go into particular details about things like animal husbandry or growing vegetables. Instead, directing people to read other books, or look up particular subjects online.

I will point out however that a lot of the content of the book is written (obviously) from an American point of view. Being that I'm in Canada, things are a bit different here (though I'm sure there are places outside my Province that may behave more like the rural USA in regards to their conservative nature, economic focus, religious and even racial leanings). Thankfully, where I am, much of that is tempered.

All in all, I'm happy with my purchase. Definitely one to add to the library.. and if you can find one used, or on sale... all the better. ;)

Grade: B

Random thoughts...

We base the health of our current (flawed)Economic System, on how much exponential growth it has. Growth of Consumption mostly, correct? How many Condos/Houses we build, buy and sell. How much "stuff" we make or buy. How well the Currency Markets grow or shrink. How high Oil, and precious metal prices are...etc.

How is this a good idea?

By the very nature of our existence, unlimited growth is impossible. We live on a single small planet, a closed system where by it's very nature, we are ultimately limited in how far we can expand. There's only so much space. So much Air. So much clean Water. We cannot grow exponentially without consequence. We cannot continue to consume indefinitely. So by the very nature of the current System, we're doomed to fail. Sooner or later "growth" will become impossible.

Unless we change our ways and our thinking, stop obsessing over how big our houses are, how much "stuff" we have.... we're essentially moving towards mass suicide. Are we not?  Too many humans, overpopulating. Cosuming too much of a finite resource, within a closed system that's already taxed to the limit and beyond. For what? To make "money"? What good is that when you're dead from starvation, or War over the last sources of clean fresh water?

Is that Million Dollar house in the city, or Condominium apartment really worth it when you can't grow food there, or keep any animals?



I'm not sure where I'm going with this... but I've been seeing a lot of nonsense lately that's got me wondering what the Hell is going on with people...

Great Rabbit Hutch Design!

I came across this post on youtube recently, of a fellow Canadian's awesome custom Rabbit Hutch.

http://youtu.be/7RusDM2ZczI

It's almost exactly the same idea I was trying to figure out for a milti-rabbit hutch, for my own rabbits. Given that other multi-rabbit housing ideas out there weren't up to my standards.

I wanted a solidly built hutch that can withstand the elements here in Canada, and is strong enough to withstand the attempts of predators to gain entry (all that hutch design in the video needs are a few locking latches that racoons can't figure out), with lots of space for each rabbit, and a nice "house" where they can get out of the elements/have their babies. Ferreriinfo1111's design is nearly perfect!

I love that the one unit can house three Does and one Buck. Just have a grow-out pen for the babies (Rabbit Tractor maybe?) and you'd be set!

Chickens!

                                                                 Light Sussex Chickens

To be clear, I don't have chickens yet! Their ownership is banned where I currently reside, so I have to wait until I move to get some...

This means I get loads of time to research what breeds I would like in my flock however! I've been focusing a lot on dual-purpose birds that are tolerant of climates where it gets cold in winter. Egg-layers that are big enough to also be good meat birds. Here are a few of the breeds I'm currently looking into:

 ~Wyandotte:
* "The Wyandotte originated in the U.S. in the 1870's. Wyandottes were made in Massachusetts, Michigan, and New York by 4 breeders. they we first called American Sebrights. They we made of mostly Sebrights and cochins, experts agree that brahmas and spangled hamburgs were used in making the breed."

 ~Jersey Giant:
* "The Jersey Giant is the largest chicken variety (roosters average 13 lbs., hens average 11 lbs.). This breed was originally called the Jersey Black Giant, being named after its developers, the Black brother, in the 1870s in New Jersey. The breeds used in development of the Jersey Giant were Orpingtons, Javas, and Langshans. These birds are rugged, and are slow growers, putting on their frames the first year and then filling out in the second."

~Plymouth Rock (Partridge/Barred) :
* "The Plymouth Rock originated in New England in the 19th Century and was first recognized as a breed in the year 1869. They created the first Rock (Barred) by using breeds such as Dominique, Dorkings Cochins, etc. After that other colors and forms of the Plymouth Rock were created. It has been a great bird due to hardiness, egg laying, broodiness, and meat production. The first production meat chicken happened to be the Barred Rock. But now The White Rock is typically the female used to create Cornish X meat chickens."

 ~Brahma (Light):
* "The Brahma is an Asiatic breed of chicken. The first Brahmas were brought to the United States in 1846 from China. The earliest male imports to the USA weighed around 14 pounds. They were used as a utility fowl for both their meat and eggs. Today Brahmas are mainly kept for ornamental purposes."




*Descriptions taken from: http://www.backyardchickens.com/
Photos are not mine! They were found through Google and are being used to illustrate what each breed looks like. I am not claiming that I own these birds, or have taken the photos. I'm just posting them here for educational purposes, for anyone interested. But please, if you're looking into getting chickens, please do your own research and find out what breeds are right for your climate, and make sure to check that they're legal to own in your area, considering many places still have ignorant bans in place against backyard chickens!

Livestock Guardians and Predator Protection.... (Dogs)

A recent event I heard about through youtube where a woman's (I am SO sorry Mrs. Volfie) homestead chicken coop was broken into by a Fisher, her entire flock of 40 meat birds, all massacred. She and her husband have two "toy breed" dogs on their homestead...Boston Terriers I believe. Neither of which apparently alerted to the attack despite what must have been a lot of noise. Which got me thinking...

I admit it. I'm already a "dog person".
I own an elderly American Pit Bull Terrier Cross that was rescued from a kill shelter.... She's a great dog, but she's a "city dog". I would not expect her to ever take on an angry Raccoon, much less run off Coyotes, Martins, Fox, or even Bears (or from what I'm hearing, Cougars now in our part of Canada... yikes!)...etc.

So, I've been looking into what breeds of dogs I may consider getting in the future. Not just as companions for myself, but just as importantly, dogs capable of protecting me and my livestock from interlopers and wild predatory animals.

I've narrowed it down some already, given my knowledge of dog breeds through my current and past job experience (I've worked in Animal Hospitals for years, shelters, and as a Dog Groomer, and many of my friends and associates are into dog sports, dog training, protection work, etc).

Here are my top five picks for my future Guardian dog(s). But please keep in mind these are my own personal choices, based on my own circumstance and taste, and is not meant as a guide for anyone else who may be considering a livestock or farm guardian dog. Do your own research, and find out what dog(s) suit you best! There are dozens of breeds out there (and mixes), some more common than others, that may work better for your situation. Please keep that in mind! :)

1. American Bulldog. (Scott/Johnson/Hybrid Types)
-Large, powerful, agile, intelligent, easy to groom, great natural protective instincts. I already have a lot of experience with them and think they'd be a great fit. Especially one from working bloodlines. Only down side is the short fur and lack of undercoat, thus intolerance to extreme cold and heat.

2. Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog).
- Large, intelligent, calm, accommodating, great natural protective instincts. Can stay outside all year, including winter if need be. Great dogs. Of all the European-bred Livestock guardians, this one is highest on my list. Only down side really, is the grooming requirements to maintain the dog's long, thick coat to keep it healthy and mat-free.

3. Dutch Shepherd.
-Depending on bloodlines, these dogs have insanely high work-drive. Large to Medium in size. Protective, extremely intelligent (moreso than any German Shepherd I've ever seen), infinitely adaptable (they're used for police and military applications, personal protection, bomb sniffing, search and rescue, etc), and they have the body of an Olympic athlete!

4. Valley Bulldog (Bullboxer).
-A Canadian Original. Originating from Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. Medium in size. Created for use as a catch dog, as well as to protect the farm from natural predators. They were created by crossing Bulldogs and Boxers (thus the nickname "Bullboxer"), and are known for their durability, athleticism, intelligence, out-going nature, an natural protective instincts. Downside of course, is the lack of undercoat or long hair, and some suffer from Brachycephalic syndrome if their snout is too short.

5. English Shepherd (Farm Shepherd).
- A rare breed. Interesting dogs with a long history. Medium in size. Intelligent, independent, adaptable, cautious of strangers, and trustworthy with livestock from Cows to baby chicks. They're bigger than Border Collies, and free of many of the genetic diseases that plague it's more popular cousins (Australian Shepherds /Border Collies).




Just to be clear; the dogs on my list, with maybe the exception of the Great Pyr' and English Shep', would not be housed  where they would have direct access to the goats, rabbits, ducks, or chickens. They would however, be able to "patrol" the property in order to keep livestock-killers like foxes, raccoons, martins, coyote, feral dogs, black bears, etc... out. As well as alert to any trespassers or unwanted visitors.

Remember. There are DOZENS of breeds (and mutts) out there that make great additions to the Farm/Homestead! Go to the library, find as many encyclopedias of dog breeds (especially ones that include RARE and unusual breeds, not just "AKC/UKC/CKC Recognized" ones) as you can. Read, read, read!! Then decide what's best for your location, situation, and taste. Keep in mind Vet' costs, food expenses (so many people forget that one), and Grooming requirements when making your choice!  Lastly, always make sure the breeder you purchase from does health checks (OFA/PennHip/etc), and also consider checking out your options at your local Shelter. Some GREAT Farm dogs can be found at the Pound (and you'd be saving a life to boot)!

Vegetable Garden List.

 I'm a firm believer in "Grow what you eat, and eat what you grow."

Here's a list of plants I am currently growing, and plants I plan on growing in the future (when I have more space).

-Garlic.
-Lettuce.
-Radishes.
-Peas.
-Corn (heirloom varieties).
-Butternut Squash.
-Pumpkin.
-Apples/Pears.
-Raspberries.
-Blackberries.
-Carrots.
-Potatoes.
-Gourds (Chinese water bottle and long-handled dipper mostly).
-Lavender
-Herbs like Rosemary, thyme, and Basil.
-Cauliflower.
-Green Beans.



What you will NOT find in my garden:

-Peppers of any type.
-TOMATOES (no thanks!).
-Cucumbers (except for pickling cucumbers maybe).
-Cabbage.

Why? Because there's no point in using space in the garden for items you rarely, or never eat. I hate peppers and asparagus, and eat cucumbers and cabbage so rarely, they're not worth taking up space to grow...

Grow what you eat. And eat what you grow!!

Wood burning Cook stoves!

I'm absolutely in love with the Heartland Oval cook stove, with hot water reservoir. The 1903 model is gorgeous. The Heartland Sweetheart  (model 2603) is beautiful too, but the oven is smaller... and I like to cook!

Heartland "Sweetheart" with hot water reservoir.

I also really like the look of the Elmira Stove Works  "Fireview" cook stoves. Being able to see the fire AND have a huge 3.0 cubic foot oven... sure, those options cost more money, but I think they'd be totally worth it...

I know there are cheaper wood cook stoves out there... but I keep coming back to the Heartland. And given how my cabin is laid out, I've decided that my wood stove must be easy on the eyes, as well as efficient and useable. I mean, I'm an artist... I don't think I would enjoy an "ugly" stove as much. *laughs*


I guess I better start saving up....! These stoves start at around 4k, and go up from there!!


Oooorrr.... I could just get a generic one via Kijiji. Given that I've found several beautiful older, useable stoves listed there for as little as $150.00!!  Crazyness!

Snakes!

I saw my first Dekay's Brownsnake of 2012 today! Found him warming himself on an old road leading to the lake. Adorable little thing! I think it's the second one I've been able to catch.

This is a photo of a Dekay' we found in '09. My Father is holding it for the photo... the one I caught today looked identical. :)



Other snakes I've seen and/or caught include the following;

 - Ringneck Snake - Diadophis punctatus
- Ribbon Snake - Thamnophis sauritus
- Eastern Garter Snake - Thamnophis sirtalis
- Red-sided Gartersnake - Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis
- Gray Ratsnake - Pantherophis spiloides

There are other native species I've yet to encounter... some are on my "Life List", such as the Smooth Greensnake, Blue Racer, Eastern Foxsnake, and Milksnake.... I really want to see those one day, for real, in the wild.

Only one here is venomous... the Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus). And they don't live in my region, thankfully.. and are extremely rare. Nearly extinct in fact.




Okay, I know it might freak some people out, but I absolutely love snakes... and am always happy to find them around. Especially the species that eat pests like slugs, snails, mice, and rats.  Horray for Snakes!!