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Health – Page 7 – Homesteader Depot

Category: Health

  • 8 Amazing Uses for Tea Tree Oil

    8 Amazing Uses for Tea Tree Oil

     

    Contrary to its name, tea tree oil is not remotely related to the tea plant.  It is actually native to and only grown in Australia.  Which is probably why its benefits have gone largely unspoken of until recently.

    It is important to note that tea tree oil is very toxic if swallowed.  However, it can be used topically, and its ability to disinfect naturally makes it a viable alternative to harsher synthetic products.

     

    Antiseptic and Antifungal

    One of the most popular uses of tea tree oil is as an antiseptic and antifungal treatment.  Its antibacterial properties make it an excellent treatment for wound care and skin irritations.

     

    Cough Relief

    Bring a pot of water to a simmer then remove from the heat.  For convenience, consider pouring the water into a bowl.  Add two drops of tea tree oil to the hot water. Using a towel draped over your head to act as a tent, inhale and exhale the vapor for several minutes.

    If you aren’t comfortable inhaling the oil vapor, an alternative method is to massage a few drops directly onto the chest.

     

    Insect and Pest Repellant

    Tea tree oil is known to not only repel certain pests but also have pesticide properties.

    A few recipes to keep in mind include:

    Tick and Head Lice Repellent Spray

    • 1 Cup Witch Hazel
    • 2 Tsp Tea Tree Oil
    • Mix and spray on your feet, shoes, your pets and where ever else you want to create a tick barrier. Did you already pick one up?  Apply two drops of tea tree oil directly on the tick to eliminate it.
    • Spray directly onto hair and massage into scalp to keep your child coming home with this unwanted guest.

    Insect Repellent

    • 1 Quart Water
    • 15 drops of Tea Tree Oil
    • Mix and spray anywhere you want to repel insects.

     

    Parasitic Infection Treatment

    Apply tea tree oil to insect and parasite bites to soothe any itching and ward off infection.

     

    Personal Care

    Make your own antibacterial soap by adding it to basic liquid soap and mixing well.

    Problems with itching and irritation in the more personal areas of your body? Add 15 drops of the oil to a lukewarm bath and soak for 20-30 minutes.

     

    Psoriasis Free For Life….Get rid of Psoriasis Quickly and Permanently – GUARANTEED

    Pain Reliever

    Tea tree oil’s natural properties let it penetrate the skin and muscle underneath quite easily.

    Massage a few drops into affected areas to soothe pain from inflammation.

    Sunburnt?  Mix a drop of tea tree oil with a drop of lavender oil, and a Tsp of coconut oil for a soothing topical ointment after a day in the sun.

     

    Disinfectant Spray

    Mix with water to use as a disinfectant spray throughout the house.  Mix a Tsp of oil with a cup of white vinegar to clean taps, light switches, doorknobs and more to kill off cold and flu viruses that may be lurking.

    Suggested Article: The Best Essential Oils to Start a Collection

    Air Freshener

    Tea tree oil is also a popular aromatherapy scent.  Just soak cotton balls in the oil and place them discreetly around the home to ban odors and freshen the air.  Make sure they are out of reach of children and pets since the oil is toxic if eaten or swallowed.

    And the List Goes on and On

    We have touched on many of the most popular uses for tea tree oil, but truthfully, the list could continue for days.

    Regular users of tea tree oil will tell you how versatile and effective it can be around the home.  From the medicine cabinet to the cleaning supply shelf, this amazing oil is your one-stop shop to stay healthier and happier.

  • Never Waste Water Again

    Never Waste Water Again

     

    Picture this, for every inch of rain that falls on a 500 square feet area of your roof; you can collect up to 300 gallons of it to use around your property.

    If you live in an area that doesn’t restrict the use of rain barrels, you could be saving money every month on water. Rainwater can be used for a variety of tasks including:

    • Rinsing off your garage floor
    • Watering your indoor plants
    • Watering your outdoor plants
    • Flushing your toilet
    • Creating an outdoor shower
    • And more

    I know a potter who has a studio in her garage.  If you are at all familiar with pottery making, it required quite a bit of water to keep the clay at a usable moisture level, to rinse and clean after working, and to recycle the clay itself.

    Thanks to her ability to collect water every time it rains, she can exclusively use rainwater for everything she does in her clay studio.  Can we say WOW!

    Here’s what you need to do to make your own DIY Rain Barrel and tap into the otherwise free natural resource.

     

    Supplies Needed

    • Bulkhead Fittings:
      • ¾ inch Ball Valve Faucet
      • ¾ inch Fitting
      • 1 ½ inch Fitting
      • Downspout Attachment
      • Mosquito Screening (8 inches by 8 inches)
      • Overflow Hose with Valve and Fittings
      • Teflon Tape
    • Drill
    • Flathead Screwdriver
    • Felt Pen or Marker
    • Tape Measure
    • Rasp or Round File
    • Hole Saws:
      • 1 ½ inch Hole Saw
      • 3 inch Hole Saw
      • 5 ¼ inch Hole Saw or a Jig Saw
    • One 55-gallon Food Barrel
    • Two 6-inch plastic flower pots

    Here We Go!

    1. Clean and dry your food barrel inside and out.
    2. Measure 4 inches up from the bottom of the barrel and mark with your felt pen. This is where your ¾ inch bulkhead fitting and faucet will go.
    3. Cut a hole using the 1 ½ inch hole saw. You may want to place the barrel on its side for easier access to the drill site and better stability.
    4. Measure 4 ½ inches from the top of the barrel and mark.
    5. Switch to your 3-inch hole saw and make the hole for the overflow.
    6. Clean loose pieces of barrel material from around the holes’ cuts using the rasp or sandpaper.
    7. Use a 5 ¼ inch hole saw, or a jigsaw to cut out a circular hole out of the top of the barrel. This opening is where your DIY filter will fit inside and where the water will enter the barrel.
    8. Depending on the flexibility your downspout, you’ll probably want to place this hole toward the opposite side of the barrel from the location of your faucet hole.
    9. Install the ¾ inch Faucet Fitting.
    10. Install the ¾ inch Ball Valve Faucet using the Teflon tape to prevent leaks.
    11. Install the 1 ½ inch Bulkhead Fitting Into The Overflow hole (the second hole cut).
    12. Create the filtration system, using the 6-inch flower pots and the mosquito screen.
    13. Attach the screen to the bottom of one flower pot then put that pot inside the second one. Basically, you are sandwiching the screen between the 2 flower pot when they are stacked together.
    14. Place your new “filter” into the hole on the top of the barrel.
    15. Place your new rain barrel on the site you want to use it and insert the downspout into the filter.
    16. Attach the overflow hose to the upper side hole. This hose can either be placed away from the barrel to disperse excess water when the barrel fills or can be used as a link to another barrel, where it becomes the supply line instead of a downspout.

    Voila!  You are now able to save water (and money) with your new supply line that comes straight from nature.

  • 10 Amazing Uses for Lemons

    10 Amazing Uses for Lemons

    Lemons, good for making lemonade, adding to your tea with honey, squeezing over fish, the list could go on and on.

    It even goes on to some amazing home remedies!  Who knew?  Someone apparently because we’ve been able to put together a list of 12 you can try in the comfort of your own home.

    Break up Congestion in Your Sinuses and Chest

    Getting that familiar sore throat or wheezing sound?  No problem.  Heat 4-6 oz of water and mix in 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 2 Tsp of honey.

    The honey will soothe your throat while the lemon will help break up the mucus and provide Vitamin C to boost your immune system.

    Why Are Allergies Worse in the Fall?

    Sooth Menstrual Cramps

    First thing in the morning mix the juice from one lemon with 1 Tbsp honey into warm water.  The combination has an alkalizing effect on a women’s body that helps keep you hydrated.

    Ease Headaches

    You have two choices for this one.  1. Add a few wedges to water or tea and drink.  2. Rub a wedge or slice against the temples and forehead.

    Or, get crazy and do both.

    Fever Reducer

    To help keep a fever from getting too high, mix 1.5 Tsp Cream of Tartar, 1/2 Tsp Lemon Juice, 2.5 Cups Warm Water, and 1/2 Tsp Honey. Sip slowly.

    To Help Treat and Avoid Kidney Stones – Make Lemonade

    Yep, you read that right.  According to an article on WebMD, doctors prescribe potassium citrate for patients prone to this painful ailment.  However, it’s now known that lemon juice is packed full of natural citrate.  And, while it doesn’t work as well as the medication, if you are trying to avoid adding another prescription to your routine, this “treatment” may be an option.

    The article gives a recipe of ½ Cup Concentrated Lemon Juice mixed with 7 cups of water.  To avoid excess sugar intake, use as little as possible, or a substitute like honey or stevia.

    If you would prefer to use fresh lemon juice, 2 Tbsp of concentrate equals one whole lemon.  Don’t worry; I’ve done the hard math for you.  Use 4 lemons for this recipe.

    Can Apple Cider Vinegar Boost Gut Health?

    Helps You with Your Weight Loss Goals

    Lemon juice helps detox your body, curbs your appetite and aids in better digestion.

    Help your weight loss along by drinking lemon water.  Need a little sweetness?  Add a touch of honey.

    Consider making this in large batches and keeping it in your fridge for easy access.

    4 Reasons Apple Cider Vinegar Works For Natural Weight Loss
    (Will Open In A New Window)

    Treat Acne

    Losing your battle with acne? Here is a completely natural way to go about it.  First, wash your face with mild cleanser and rinse.  Rub a slice of lemon over affected areas or dab fresh lemon juice on with a cotton ball. DO NOT RINSE.  Leave overnight.  Rinse first thing in the morning and moisturize.  Repeat every night.

    If you discover your skin is sensitive to lemon juice, dilute it with water before applying.  For more ways to use lemons for fight acne, check out this post at HomeRemediesForLife.com.

    Take the Itch Out of Insect Bites

    Insect bites are annoying at the least and can lead to infection at the worst if scratched into an actual wound.  To ease these irritations naturally, simply apply a lemon slice over the area and let it soak for a few minutes.  Alternatively, soak a cotton ball in fresh juice and apply liberally to the bite area.

    Related Article: Home Remedies Only Mother Nature Could Come Up With

    Get Rid of Pesky Blackheads

    This remedy only takes 5 minutes and doesn’t require ripping an adhesive strip off your nose at the end. This will be the quickest solution you can find for your blackhead problems. Take half of a lemon and pour approximately 1 Tsp honey onto the cut surface.  Rub the lemon all over your face but pay extra attention to the areas you are prone to blackheads.  Leave this mixture on for 5 minutes and then rinse with cold water.

    Turn Yellow Nails White

    Nail polish looks great after a manicure, but it’s also notorious for turning your nails yellow.  If you aren’t the type that keeps their nails polished 24/7 all year round, here is your solution.

    Mix approximately 1 Tbsp Baking Soda, ½ Tsp Olive Oil, and 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice into a paste.  Enjoy the volcano effect fizzle of the lemon and soda combining.  Apply the paste to your nails and let sit for 5 minutes then rinse and moisturize.

    So, now you know, when life gives you lemons…use them!

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  • 11 More Natural Mosquito Repellents

    11 More Natural Mosquito Repellents

     

    From the early 90’s encephalitis scares to today’s news of Zika and West Nile virus, people are looking for as many options for mosquito repellent as possible.  And, thanks to the chemical scares that occurred long before, effective organic options are highly desired.

    Fortunately, there are a number of options to make spring and summer night much more comfortable and much less life-threatening.

    From Lemongrass to Citronella Oil

    One of the most well-known mosquito repellent plants is lemongrass. Lemongrass is the plant citronella oil is extracted from. Use as a natural spray, burn in candles or put in oil burners to create a “safe area” outdoors.

    Basil

    Yep, the same stuff you use to cook with and make pesto.  Adding this to your outdoor garden or in pots on your patio will do more than keep you cooking with fresh herbs.  The fantastic smell it gives off will also ward off several types of insects including mosquitos.

    Catnip

    Not just for making your cat go gaga, Catnip is also known as one of the powerful natural insect repellents. It is actually 10 times stronger than DEET.  Whether you use it fresh by planting it in your garden or buying an essential oil version, the aroma will repel mosquitos (and your cats will LOVE you).

    Lavender

    Lavender’s aroma is popular for its calming effect on us, but did you know its also a great mosquito repellent?  Fortunately, because of its popularity as a stress reliever, it’s very easy to find.  From candles and incense to essential oil to wear or disperse through a burner, you can de-stress and be bug-free all at the same time.

    Marigolds

    Another option to add to your garden, Marigolds are not just colorful, they are a natural mosquito repellent.

    Cedar

    This natural option works on more than just moths. Used to make some repellent sprays on the market, you can make your own with essential oils.  The smell is not only repellent to mosquitos but destructive for them as well.

    Chamomile

    Keep that used tea bag instead of tossing it.  Since most tea bags can be used more than once, just make one cup for you and one cup to cool and add to a spray bottle for a fresh smelling repellent spray.

    Chrysanthemums

    These beauties are known for their insecticide compounds.  Chrysanthemums contain Pyrethrum. This compound actually attacks the nervous system and disrupts female mosquitoes. They are also a great air purifier so feel free to plant them inside and out to get their full benefits.

    Horsemint

    Several members of the mint family are known to be effective repellents.  In the case of horsemint (aka bee balm) simply crush them to release the essential oils and rub onto your skin.

    When planted outdoors, it will also attract bees and hummingbirds to your garden.

    Related Article:  “Natural Relief for Insect Bites”

    White Sage

    This particular plant will keep blooming all summer making consistent repellent for mosquitos and several other animals, including deer.  Just keep an eye on them, they can be invasive if left alone.

    Lemon Verbena

    As the name suggests, this herb has a very lemony aroma that is ever stronger when crushed.

    You Don’t Have to be Afraid to go Outdoors

    Creating a mosquito barrier around your home can go a long way to making your backyard activities much more comfortable and safer to your health.  Thanks to the options we’ve discussed above, you have a number of ways to accomplish building a barrier without having to rely on harsh chemicals that can pollute the environment.

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  • Home Remedies Only Mother Nature Could Come Up With

    Home Remedies Only Mother Nature Could Come Up With

    Even with modern science, many home remedies are even more effective than their commercial alternatives. If you prefer to save the commercial remedies for more severe symptoms, learning some simple home remedies will make you feel better while they make your family feel better.

    Whether you choose to cultivate them in your garden or forage for them, medicinal plants and oils have been successfully used for millennia.  In fact, some of them have been used as far back as ancient Egyptian times.

    Marsh Mallow

    Treats inflammations and irritations of the respiratory mucous membranes and urinary membranes. On the outside, you can apply it to bruises, aching muscles, insect bites, splinters, and sprains.

    Aloe Vera

    Well known for its ability to relieve skin irritations like burns and sunburns as well as cuts and other inflammation, Aloe Vera sap can also be ingested to help with digestive problems, chronic constipation, and ulcerative colitis.

    Pot Marigold

    On the outside, you can use pot marigold for bites, stings, sore eyes, and sprains. On the inside, it can treat chronic infection and fevers.

    Chamomile

    In addition to being great for stress relief and helping you sleep, it can also be used for toothaches, earaches, and neuralgia.

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    Chinese Yam

    This sweet tasting option is great for calming your stomach, as well as counteracts tiredness, helps with weight loss, poor digestion, asthma, and even emotional issues. Used as a balm, it can treat skin ulcers, abscesses and boils.

    Echinacea

    We could have a home remedy list without including this immune booster.  In addition to helping you fight off whatever bug is making its way around the office, it can also be used topically for stings and bites.

    Siberian Ginseng

    Use this herb as a preventative measure for, well, almost everything.  Its properties can be used to help:

    • Angina
    • Anti-Inflammatory
    • Geriatric Debility
    • High Cholesterol
    • Improves Memory
    • Increases Endurance
    • Insomnia
    • Menopausal Problems
    • Mental Stress
    • Physical Stress
    • Bone Marrow Suppression (due to radiation and chemotherapy)

    Related Article: 5 Natural Medicines You Are Unaware of

    Tea Tree Essential Oil

    Look at any label for a natural remedy; there is a good chance one of the ingredients listed will be tea tree oil.  Nicknamed the “medicine cabinet in a bottle,” it can be used dozens of ways.  We’ve narrowed the list down to just over sixty, but there are many more. If you can only keep one thing handy in your first aid kit, this would be your one. So, without further ado, away we go, you can use tea tree oil for:

    1. Abrasions
    2. Acne
    3. Allergies
    4. Arthritis
    5. Asthma
    6. Athletes Foot
    7. Bacterial Infections
    8. Bad Breath
    9. Bladder Infection
    10. Blisters
    11. Boils
    12. Bronchitis
    13. Bruises
    14. Bunions
    15. Burns
    16. Calluses/Corns
    17. Canker Sores
    18. Carbuncles
    19. Chapped Lips
    20. Chicken Pox
    21. Insect Bites
    22. Cold Sores
    23. Coughs
    24. Dandruff
    25. Dermatitis
    26. Dry Skin
    27. Eczema
    28. Emphysema
    29. Fungus
    30. Gout
    31. Gum Disease
    32. Hives
    33. Homemade Mouthwash
    34. Immune System Booting
    35. Inflammation
    36. Insect Repellant
    37. Jock Itch
    38. Laryngitis
    39. Muscle Aches/Pains
    40. Nail Fungus
    41. Psoriasis
    42. Rashes
    43. Rheumatism
    44. Ringworm
    45. Rubella
    46. Scabies
    47. Sciatica
    48. Seborrhea
    49. Shingles
    50. Shock
    51. Sinusitis
    52. Sore Muscles
    53. Sore Throat
    54. Staph Infection
    55. Sunburn
    56. Thrush
    57. Tonsillitis
    58. Vaginal Infection
    59. Viral Infections
    60. Warts

    Final Words…

    Keep in mind that the information above should not take the place of advice from a doctor, especially for serious illnesses or infection.  Additionally, some natural remedies can have adverse reactions if mixed with prescription or over the counter meds.  If you are thinking of starting a supplement or are taking a prescription, check with your doctor to see what you should avoid preventing any harmful side effects.

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  • Building Your Very Own Smokehouse

    Building Your Very Own Smokehouse

     

    There are a number of DIY smoker methods, ranging all sizes and prices.  If you only need to smoke small items or one medium item at a time, like a Christmas turkey, all you need is a large terracotta pot or unused metal trash can.

    But, if you need a good-sized smokehouse to help you prepare for winter on a homestead or other rural area, this design based on pallet wood should provide what you need without breaking the bank.  Its also designed so that you only need the most basic of woodworking skills to complete it.

    An important note about using pallets, most are treated with industrial chemicals. You’ll need to make sure that any pallets you use for this project are food grade wood.

    If you can get your hands on enough leftover wood from friends or other projects you’ve done, you can still use this plan; you’ll just need to adjust a little when the word “pallet” is mentioned.

    Materials List

    • 20-30 Deconstructed Food Grade Pallets or other Food Grade Wood
    • 4’ x 3’ Raw Corrugated Tin (this metal must be raw, do not use galvanized)
    • 3 Hinges
    • Aluminum Flashing
    • Aluminum Screening
    • Handle (for the door)
    • Heavy Duty Tin Foil
    • Screws – 2 1/2 inch stainless steel or other weather resistant screws
    • Screws 1 1/4 inch stainless steel or other weather resistant screws

     

    Select Your Materials

    Whether you are using actual pallets or sourcing your wood another way, there can be some challenges if you are working with low-cost or free materials.

    The wood you get will probably have some issues such as warping and splitting. But, if its free (especially if its free) it can be worth the hunting and sorting to keep expenses down.  Just consider that time spent as sweat equity.  If you are using pallets, you will need at least 20-30 for this plan.

    If you are using pallets, you’ll want to get your length from the middle of the panels, so the ends are trimmed off.  Doing this will help avoid splitting and remove most of the nail pieces you’ve just cut through. If you are using other wood sources, use the wood cut list below to create your pieces.

     

    Wood Cut List

    Make the following Cuts from 2x4s unless otherwise noted.

    1. 2 each 33”
    2. 2 each 70”
    3. 2 each 29”
    4. 2 each 6’ (Front End of Side Wall)
    5. 2 each 5’ 6” (Back End of Side Wall)
    6. 8 each 33” 2 x 2 (Used 2x2s or cut 2x4s in half lengthwise
    7. 8 each 32 ¾”
    8. 8 each 30 ½“

    Cut this from a 1×1 sized piece

    1. 2 each 5’4” (part 6)

    Cut these from Pallet Panels:

    1. 36 ¼“ pieces, enough to cover the left and right sides (part 10 and 11)
    2. 35 ¾” pieces, enough to cover the front and back (part 12 and 13)
    3. 38” pieces for the roof (part 14)
    4. 2 each 18” to 24” vent (part 15)
    5. 1 each 36” (Part 16)

    As a precaution against your wood splitting as you work, it’s a good idea to pre-drill and countersink each screw.

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    Getting Started

    Begin by putting together the 2 sides wall frames of the house that include the rack supports.

    Take one piece from the cut pieces listed above for the first side unless otherwise noted:

    #4 – 6’ Wall frame front

    #5 – 5’6” Wall back

    #6 – 4 pieces of 33”

    Make sure the bottom of your #4 and #5 pieces are squared at the bottom then attach the 33” pieces across at 24” from the bottom, 36” from the bottom, 44” from the bottom, and 52” from the bottom.

    NOTE:  Secure the cross pieces to the 6’ upright flush to the end, BUT secure the cross pieces on the 5’6” upright 1.5” in from the end.  This is to leave room for the #9 pieces later.

    Create the first side with the 6’ (front) board on the right and the 5’6” (back) board on the left.

    Create the other side with the 6’ (front) board on the left and the 5’6” (back) board on the right.

    When you’ve completed the 2 sides, you’ll have mirror image sections that resemble ladders with one side higher than the other.  The Difference in heights from front to back provides support for a slatted roof.

    The cross pieces become the rack (shelf) supports on the inside of the smokehouse.

     

    Making the Door Frame

    Next, you’ll need the two pieces each from #2 – 70” and #3 – 29”.  Simply connect them to make a 37” x 70” rectangle.

     

    Attach the 3 Sides Together

    To make the next steps easier, screw the door frame to the face of the walls for better stability. There will be a 2-inch difference at the top between the highest point of the side walls and the top of the door frame

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    Cut the Roof Angle

    Using a spare panel or another straight edge, draw a line from the back of the side panel to the front to create the slat line for the roof and cut off the excess.  Do this on both sides.

    Use the pieces from #1 to (33”) to span the width of the smokehouse at the front and back ends of each wall.

     

    Add the Rear Support Frames

    Attached both #9 pieces 5’4” to the backs of the side walls, under the roof supports.

     

    Adding the Paneling

    Starting with the Back, fill in your walls with paneling from the ground up, then move on to the left and right sides.

     

    Finishing the Door

    1. Unscrew the door from the smokehouse after the side and back paneling is in place.
    2. Add the hinges to one side
    3. Install the door frame to the house.
    4. Add paneling to the door in such a way that the door has clearance to swing open.
    5. Add the handle to the side opposite the hinges.

     

    Put on the Roof

    Attach paneling from the front to the back of the house, across the pieces that span the width.

    Screw on the corrugated tin.

     

    Building Your Smoke Rack Shelves

    Create wooden frames that fit inside your smokehouse and can slide on and off the supports constructed on the interior.

    Stretch your metal screening across and around the wooden frame to complete your “shelf.”

     

    In Conclusion

    With the most basic woodworking skills, scrap pallets and some determination, you could have your own smokehouse build by none other than yourself.

  • Game Meat: From Field to Freezer

    Game Meat: From Field to Freezer

    You’ve chosen your weapon, you’ve stalked your prey, you’ve made your shot, you’ve downed your first kill…Now What?

     

    First – Get Those Guts Out

    The faster you can remove the entrails, the better off you’ll be.  But what is fast?  Most experts will tell you if you can get it accomplished in less than 4 hours after the kill, you’ll probably be OK.

     

    Next – Skin the Hide

    You’ll need to remove the skin shortly after the guts so the meat can begin to cool.

    As you go, avoid puncturing the meat or cutting through the hide to let fur onto the meat as both ways can let harmful bacteria in.

    When you do get fur on the meat, you can pick it off with your fingers or burn it off with a torch to kill any bacterial contamination.

    Once the animal has been relieved of its skin, cover it with a cloth game back or clean fabric.  This cover will absorb any oozing blood and guard it against contamination.

     

    Cool It

    While gutting and skinning gets the cooling process started, you’ll need to continue and speed up this process to ensure the meat doesn’t spoil.

    If you are dressing your kill before you leave the area, keep a portable cooler in your vehicle so you can expedite the cooling process. If you only have ice available, try to keep it in sealed containers.  Exposure to water (ice) can compromise the texture of your meat and affect its flavor.  If you have the means, consider a clean ice alternative like ice packs or frozen water bottles.

    Have your cooler cooled and ready to go so there will be no delay in getting your meat down to optimal temps.

    Get Slicing

    Using a sharp set of tools, butcher your meat for optimal storage and to make easy use of it later.

    This process also is the time to rid the meat of unwanted items like silverskin, tendons, or large vessels that sometimes appear in the muscle tissue.  Basically, if you know you don’t want to eat it, cut it out now.

     

    Keep it Stored – Correctly

    If you are dealing with a big game kill, like a deer, you probably aren’t going to be able to consume all your fresh meat before it spoils.  Freezing the surplus will give you access to protein months later, but you need to make sure you are using the proper storage supplies.  Containers and storage bags specifically designed for “Freezer” use are what you want.  Anything else isn’t going to be made of a thick enough barrier to prevent freezer burn.  Ziplock and Glad both make excellent products for long-term deep freeze storage, or you can go old school with freezer paper and masking tape.  This option also makes labeling what’s inside, a breeze.

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    Ideally, you’ll want to portion your meat according to how much you and your family will eat in one sitting.  This eliminates thawing out more than you need since it’s dangerous to re-freeze meat after it’s been thawed unless you cook it first.

     

    Keeping it Cheap

    If you have the ability to hunt for food, you could save hundreds on grocery bills.  Whether you live in a rural area or take the time to spend a long weekend stocking up before going back to the urban jungle, being able to dress it, butcher it and store it in a timely manner will is a wonderful skill. These skills will also allow you to provide for yourself in an emergency survival situation.

     

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  • Simple 15 Step Chicken Hoop House

    Simple 15 Step Chicken Hoop House

     

    If you are gearing up to add chickens to your homestead, or your current chicken coop isn’t cutting it, here’s a design that works well and doesn’t take a lot to put together.

    The goal of this design is to have a good amount of space for the chickens to graze, in an area that was safe from predators and that can be moved around as needed.

    For this project you will need:

    • 2x4s
    • Cattle Panels (enough to cover the roof)
    • Hardware Cloth (enough to cover the cattle panels and the side walls
    • Expanded Metal (enough to cover the base as flooring)
    • Zips Ties
    • Bailing Wire
    • Decking Screws
    • Wood Screws
    • Industrial Castors (7-9 depending on where you place them)

    Instructions:

    1. Start by building an 8’ x 8’ square base using 2x4s. Then add corner braces for added strength.
    2. Add a center joist down the middle of your square and then two more on either side for extra support of the base. Attach the industrial castors underneath so you can easily move your coop to avoid mold developing underneath.
    3. Install the flooring on top of the base. If you want to avoid having to crawl inside and shovel chicken poop out on a regular basis, its best to use expanded metal for flooring instead of a solid alternative like plywood.  This also provides better drainage and airflow.
    4. You will need to construct the wooden rafters.  These will help give added strength to the top in case of heavy snow, or if local animals decide to climb on top.  To make these, you’ll essentially be creating a bottomless triangle.  Each side will be attached to the outsides of the base.  Then attach the two pieces over the middle of the base.  If you want a higher roof, you’ll need longer pieces.  Connect the apex of the rafters with a cross piece, creating a solid top to attach the top part of the roof too.
    5. Begin to attach the cattle panels to the frame starting at the top. Center the first panel on the ridge of the roof support and zip tie into place.  Adjust the panel as you go to make sure it’s centered over the area of the coop.

    1. Use baling wire to secure the centerline to the ridge of the roof then remove the zip ties. Overlap the next cattle panel with the left flank of the top panel and zip tie.  Do the same thing on the right side.
    2. Continue to add panels until you reach the base structure of the coop on either side. The zip ties will keep the panels in place while you add the hardware cloth.
    3. Drape the hardware cloth over the roof and zip ties together until you cover the entire roof with the cloth.
    4. At this point, if you’ve used durable zip ties, you could just trim them and move on. If you have the time and the inclination, you can connect all the areas held together by zip ties by “weaving” them together with baling wire.
    5. Once you’re done, you can clip off the ties or leave them for added durability. By weaving in the baling wire, you can also make the holes of the walls and roof smaller, making it more difficult for smaller animals like snakes and lizards, to sneak in and steal eggs or hatchlings.
    6. Now for the front and back walls. Use the hardware cloth and zip ties to “hang” each panel of the front and back wall, adjusting and trimming to the varying heights as you go.
    7. “Sew” the seams of the roof and walls together with more baling wire, then secure the bottom of each wall to the wooden base.
    8. Cut an area out of the front wall to install a gate, then install your gate.
    9. You can install roosts within the coop by placing long tree branches or 2x4s across each side and securing them to the lower parts of the rafters.
    10. Finally, cover the roof with a plastic tarp and secure it, and there you have it, a nice place to for your chickens to be safe and secure at night, away from predators and protected from the weather.

    I wanted to show you another option for your chicken pen so I included this video from Chris.  He has made a great hoop pen out of PVC that might be a better option for you, check it out: