Hubby and I have always loved the idea of being more self-sufficient and saving money where we can. We have occasionally considered livestock animals, but only recently have we lived somewhere that it was feasible to have them.
Unfortunately, the land has covenants that prevent having any sort of large livestock animals (other than horses). Chickens and other birds have not been viable options because my father (we live together with my parents) absolutely loathes them.
So, that has pretty much put a damper on our desire to have more control (and better prices) for the meat that we eat. That is, until recently!
Friends of ours live on property that is partially covered by an incredibly thick mass of
blackberry canes. Last year, they raised a piglet for the freezer in a movable pen. The pig feasted on blackberry leaves and rooted up the canes, leaving clear, fertilized land that can be utilized for garden space. This year, they sought to double their clearings by raising two piglets.
But, they didn’t really need two sows worth of meat in their freezer, so they were putting the word out that they wanted someone to split the responsibility, the work, the expense, and the meat.
Long story short, we jumped at the chance and became kinda, sorta pig farmers. We have the benefit of someone else’s land and forage for them, as well as expertise in knowing how to successfully raise them. This greatly increases our chances for success by shortening our learning curve!
We chip in for food (which can include kitchen scraps as well as commercial feed), help with labor, and watch over them when the other family wants to travel. Plus, we are learning a new skill set that we enjoy dabbling in. It’s completely a win-win for us (we hope it proves worthwhile to the other family as well!).
Have you ever cared for livestock animals?
Till next time,
Another Hatchett Job.... 
If birds and big animals are a no-go, have you considered raising rabbits? They eat weeds and hay and pellets, they are quiet and small and easy to manage.
Hi QuarterAcreHome! Thanks for stopping by! Yes, I have considered rabbits and my friends that we are raising pigs with are raising rabbits as well. Unfortunately, I am afraid that my special needs son and his grandparents might lose their minds over killing fuzzy bunnies for food. We may have to work up to that. But, it is a great idea!
I’m glad you have considered it! I think butchering is very different when you actually start doing it yourself and raise the animals with being food in mind. I shall have to make a post on that. It’s a good topic.
Yes! I would love to read a post on that topic. Please feel free to link it here so others can see it as well. Thanks!