Sunday, 26 February 2017

Pantries and Preparedness. Your pets.

This week we are thinking of how to include our pets and farm animals into our preparedness. If you were stuck at home, the shops were shut or you couldn't shop for a period of time would you have enough food and supplies to go on with?

This is pretty easy for us. We have budgies, a larger parrot and chickens. All of them will eat a lot of supplementary things i.e. things I could pick from the garden, Ricky and the chickens will eat so many things from fruit scraps etc.
I try to stay well ahead with chicken feed. We keep a large bucket in reserve. I also keep back up bird seed and nuts in a whole heap of baby formula tins I made over to blend in with my other supplies.


Chippie  is our friendliest budgie but we also have two other blue budgies and one bright yellow one.


Hillhouse asked for advice on preparedness for her large dogs. This was well out of my sphere so I asked Glenda who has two Labradors how she covers them in her preparedness.  The following is some of what Glenda advised...

 The dogs do eat a lot and a lot needs stored for them. They go through one 26 lb bag of high quality dog food in three weeks, plus they have extra hamburger on their food and treats. To store the dog food we purchased Vittles Vault storage containers. Each container holds 50 lbs of dog food and they are stackable. The containers are heavy duty, airtight, FDA approved, and have a Gamma Seal to keep the dog food fresh. Keeping dog food fresh for long term storage is an issue, so these work great for that. Rancid dog food is unhealthy, but the oil in dog food does go rancid. We purchased the Vittles Vault containers from Amazon. The plastic containers from the Dollar Store and Walmart are inexpensive, but won't keep the dog food from going rancid, so the investment in the correct containers is important.
   We buy the dogs really high quality dog food, so we always try to get it on sale. Gracee has a sensitive stomach. Often, one of the farm/ranch supply stores will have the food for five dollars off per bag, plus if you buy six bags you get the seventh free.
   Finding storage space for food, water, medical, household, personal, and animals can be a real problem. We have two dedicated rooms downstairs to storage of food, medical, household, and personal items. We opted to take one of the stalls of a two car garage and make it a prep center. The Seville metal shelving works wonderful for storing heavy items, such as dog food, water, extra household case goods, etc. The shelves can be spaced in one inch increments, so they can be utilized for all types of storage. The shelves are strong up to 500 lbs per shelf.
   The garage is heated but we keep it at 42 degrees in the winter. Just warm enough to not freeze, but not so warm it runs up our electric bill. In summer it does get hotter, but it's well insulated so it's not too bad normally.
   In addition to food for dogs or other animals, herbs, extra med's, clippers, and other necessities should be stored in quantities for six months to a year. After six months of dog food, a back up plan should be in place, just in case there is not availability or money to purchase more dog food. Dogs that are active and on farms would eat more than our two house plants (LOL). I have a medicine cabinet full of extra med's for pain, and medical equipment specifically for the dogs. If no Vet is around or available it is wise to know how to care for the 'what if's' for the four legged members of the family. Knowledge of grooming would, also, be very wise and helpful.


Glenda also made the point to me that thought needs to be given to how to exercise big dogs when you are stuck indoors for any length of time. There is a lot to think about! 



These tins are on my kitchen shelves full of bird treats.

A good place to start might be to get several weeks ahead with pet food and keep that buffer.  
What pets do you have? How do you store extras for them incase it is ever needed?


Ricky totally loves Broccoli. But other favourites are chops, sausages, cheese, nuts, apples, toast. 


This is Chickies pot. Once there was a plant in it but we gave up. She loves this pot!

I think pets are important, they bring us so much joy everyday!

Have a wonderful week!  Our week is looking pretty warm but so far is is lovely. xxx
at

36 comments:

  1. Jane26 February 2017 at 16:27

    Hi Annabel and Bluebird friends,
    A Bluey update. He has had the all clear for any nasties, given to him by his GP. The GP believes that the swelling was most likely muscular in origin. This swelling may have been pushing on his stomach and caused the vomiting. Bluey was obviously as relieved by this as I was. Thank you for your prayers as, I believe, they have been answered. We have an appointment with the specialist surgical team on Wednesday. They may have more to offer.
    We have a 13 year old Jack Russell, who still thinks she is 10feet tall and bullet proof. We buy her dog nuts from Aldi. They only come in a large bag and we store half in a square, lidded, plastic container. When we need to access the store container, another bag is purchased. We also get her liver treats from Aldi. She usually has 2 or 3 bags of these in the pantry. Due to her age and her issues with cancer we have a special compartment in the fridge for her meds. We also have 2 different shampoos for her allergy ridden skin. The best treatment is a good swim in the sea. We just have to make sure that she doesn't go and roll in something disgusting before we get her off the beach.
    Bluey regularly buys big bags of wild bird seed. This goes on our front lawn early each morning for the many local birds who pop buy for breakfast, They also enjoy stale bread and some bread that has been soaked in the syrup from tinned fruit. These birds might have to fend for themselves if we were to run out of offerings for them in a disaster situation.
    Life is better.

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    1. Anonymous26 February 2017 at 16:53

      Jane that is so great to hear. It would be a great relief for you both. Thank you for sharing.

      Take Care
      Aly xxx

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    2. Anonymous27 February 2017 at 05:04

      Jane, thanks for the update. I'm so very glad to read that he's been cleared and is feeling better. Blessings, Cookie

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    3. Glenda27 February 2017 at 07:20

      I'm so glad to hear Bluey has been given an okay from his Doctor. Thanks for the update.
      As Always,
      Glenda

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  2. Anonymous26 February 2017 at 17:03

    Hi all

    Annabel I do hope you are feeling much better in yourself.

    We only have a kitten after loosing our beloved cat last year and DD6 struggling with this.

    I buy our food from the RSPCA and he only has dry food as I decided that I did not want to go down the road of having wet food and the dry food diet is the recommended one for him. I found that by buying in bulk this has saved me lots. Yes it was a larger outlay. The bag is a very heavy duty bag and I purchased some cereal containers from Kmart (think 2 for $5) and filled these to a capacity that DD6 could manage to be part of the feeding process.

    The bag of food is then placed in a plastic container with a lid and stored in it on a garage shelving rack. I find this easy to pull out and fill the conatiners when needed. The big bags of food see us through 3 months and when it is just under half full I purchase another one.

    To help us buy the bulk quantity we put $7 per week into a jar and then head off to buy more. This amount is not missed and not a cost to our weekly shopping. I did sit an work it out that with the dry food we are now buying we are saving around $4 per week. This is a massive saving per year.

    Aly xxx

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    1. Precious People Preschool26 February 2017 at 21:09

      Hi Aly,
      I am sorry about your loss. Hope you are enjoying your new kitty:) We only used to feed dry until our old men kitties developed some problems. The new vet suggested giving dry and wet. I guess kitties get moisture from the wet food like the pray in the wild. Anyway do some Googling. That is a great way that you set money aside for the food.
      Big hugs love,
      Patti

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    2. Anonymous26 February 2017 at 21:42

      Hi there Patti

      Thanks for the advice. I will do some investigating into dry and wet food feeding.
      My kitten is strictly indoors as was our other one. The only prey he gets near is his toys, which he proudly carries around like he caught it himself.

      Aly xxx

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    3. Annabel27 February 2017 at 18:27

      Dear Aly, I am so glad you got another cat! A kitten will be wonderful for your daughter.
      Yes I am doing much better thank you! It is heating up this week. I am at the point of looking forward to Autumn very much! With love, Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  3. Anonymous26 February 2017 at 17:53

    Hi Annabel & Beautiful Bluebirds!!

    This is a great post, Glenda!! Annabel, your bird family are so heartwarming!!

    Jane, the Bluey update is like a breath of fresh air! Autumn air!! Thank you!! May the LORD be your Shepherd (of both you & Bluey), & may goodness and mercy follow you both. Please let us know how the week goes for Bluey!

    Annabel, thanks very much for mentioning pink peppercorns in your previous post! I looked it up - Pepperina trees (Schinus molle). On sheep stations, leaves repel flies. Its 'punk wood' catches sparks for fire lighting without needing tinder. Its pink peppercorns have been mixed with true peppercorns as a spice, although toxicity should be considered for children. Aha! Pink peppercorns for the pantry!!!!

    All the best!
    Rachel

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    1. Glenda27 February 2017 at 07:28

      Thank you, Rachel. Our Golden Retriever's are our four-legged kids and, yes, spoiled (LOL). I am a huge animal lover and worry about animals, probably more than humans. Humans have the capability to take care of themselves, while domesticated animals are dependent on their owners for survival and care. The Bible instructs us to be good caretakers of the animals, so it's part and parcel of prepping.
      Many Blessings to you,
      Glenda

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    2. Anonymous27 February 2017 at 15:02



      This is beautifully said, Glenda! It sounds like you live at our place!!
      With a big smile,
      Rachel

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  4. Mrs. Kelley Dibble26 February 2017 at 18:23

    Annabel,

    I adore your feathered family members!!!!! Precious and sweet, indeed!

    *hugs*
    Kelley~

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    1. Anonymous26 February 2017 at 23:38

      Kelley, we hope your mother is resting well, & your hands are satisfyingly busy!!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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    2. Mrs. Kelley Dibble27 February 2017 at 21:53

      Rachel,

      How dear of you to send your thoughts my way. Mother's nephrectomy went well last Friday morning. She is eating solid food, walking the fifth floor with me at her side, pulling the IV tower along. Her temp was over 101 for a bit there but tonight we got it down to normal. The key is to keep pneumonia at bay with deep breathing exercises.

      We have had bouts of laughter beyond control in Room S505. Oh! Hilarious! We were afraid the nurse might have to come and sedate us both.

      Mum: I had two lumps on my leg this morning.
      Me: So what did Dr. Harmon say about the lumps?
      Mum: Lumps.
      Me: Yes, what did the doctor say about the mumps?
      Mum: No, lumps.
      Me: That's what I said, lumps. Mum, do you need new batteries in your hearing aid? (That hurt her feelings, to ask about the hearing aid.)
      Mum: No, I said lumps.
      Me: Yes, Mother, lumps. Look at my face, Mother. WHAT DID THE DOCTOR SAY ABOUT THE LUMPS ON YOUR LEG?
      Mum: Oh, I thought you were saying LUNGS.

      oo
      < ,

      Tomorrow the 'fun' begins as the epidural (pain block) will be removed. Her urologist had a frank and open discussion regarding the pain involved, so our prayer is that it won't be so horrible for Mother; her pain tolerance is fairly high, thankfully.

      Since Friday I have completed only the crochet edging of one white terrcloth dishcloth and one embroidered name birthday card.

      I have driven roundtrip to the hospital and home twice daily, sometimes thrice, and average crawl-into-bed time is 11. I do sleep in, though, because Mother can be assisted by the nurses in the morning. I have found that if I stay there, she wakes up to mention this or that to me, and I realized that she is not resting well.

      We're hoping she'll go home Friday. Thanks again for your prayers, Bluebird Nation.

      *hugs* to you, Rachel!
      Kelley~

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    3. Anonymous28 February 2017 at 04:17

      Dear Kelley!

      Just imagine - lungs on one's legs!! Laughter is a great medicine!!

      I don't know but, as we sleep tonight, your Mother may be having the epidural removed. I had thought that having it in the first place was challenging! Anyway, we call out to our Rock for help for your Mother. That is all we can do, and the best that we can do. Relying totally on Him, with none besides Him, is the way!
      Please let us know how you are both travelling!

      Regards,
      Rachel
      'Blog secretary'

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    4. Annabel28 February 2017 at 22:30

      Dear Kelley, Thank you for this report! I did laugh about the lumps conversation! By now the epidural is gone so I am hoping things are going well and your Mum isn't in pain. One day at a time is the only way to handle these times and you are doing well. With lots of love Annabel.xxx

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  5. Precious People Preschool26 February 2017 at 21:16

    Annabell,
    Your feather friends are so sweet. Thank you for the post on pets. I have a lot of canned food for the cats but was not sure how to store dry cat food because of it going rancid. I love the area of the special buckets.Thank you Glenda. The teck at the vet said you can freeze small bags of pet food to keep it fresh but I have not tried this.
    Love,
    Patti

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    1. Glenda27 February 2017 at 07:31

      Hi Patti,
      That's a very good idea of freezing dry pet food to keep it fresher, if heat and humidity are an issue. We live in a very dry climate (for the most part) and cold is our biggest issue here. Someone living in a humid climate would benefit from your Vet Tech's advice. Thanks for sharing that.
      Blessings to you,
      Glenda

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  6. Anonymous26 February 2017 at 22:16

    Annabel,
    I love your birds! Ricky is especially gorgeous.
    Glenda excellent advice on pet food storage good job!
    Jane I am so glad to hear about Bluey that is wonderful news.
    As for us we have cats and dogs and chickens. The chickens are super easy as far as food and care. The cats we feed both wet and dry food and keep plenty stocked for them in a cool dry place. The dogs we usually have between 50 and 75 pounds of dry food at a time and it lasts a long time because we make the bulk of their food and dry dog food is mostly so they have some carbs. I have foods canned for them and in the freezer both. I have a bin that I keep all other pet supplies in to keep them organized and inventoried. Like clippers, salve for their paws, worm medicines and extra collars and pet bottles just in case. We also keep extra to feed strays and this includes either food we have bought that our animals don't like or samples of food we have gotten in the mail.
    XOXO
    Vicky

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    1. Anonymous26 February 2017 at 23:41

      Vicky! Ha ha!! I think that half of the reason you like Ricky is because of the name!! Ha ha!! That's a wonderful reason, I think!!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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    2. Glenda27 February 2017 at 07:36

      Thanks, Vicky. Smart idea about having extra food for strays, in case of an economic disaster or a chaotic event, including a natural disaster. People will let animals stray and that would break my heart, so I will start adding cat food and some less expensive dog food to our stores. I would never turn an animal away that was hungry.
      Blessings to you,
      Glenda

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  7. Anonymous27 February 2017 at 04:57

    Hi Annabel,

    I loved seeing your birds and all beautiful storage containers.

    Although we don't have any pets at the present time, we do enjoy our friends dogs and cats and often help care for them. Thank you Glenda for your post and I'll be passing it along to them. Wishing everyone a beautiful day. Blessings, Cookie










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    1. Glenda27 February 2017 at 14:30

      Thanks for sharing in caring for the animals, Cookie.
      Many Blessings to you,
      Glenda

      Delete
  8. LaurieS27 February 2017 at 06:39

    Good morning, Here anyway, lol. I love the pictures of your birds they seem to be smiling! We used to have a budgie when I was growing up.
    I'm glad to hear you are mending after you insect bites.
    Hugs :)

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    1. Anonymous27 February 2017 at 20:38



      Thank you, Laurie, for sending in your comment!! The time differences can be such fun; we Aussies try to get things done while the Americans are sleeping!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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  9. Anonymous27 February 2017 at 10:06

    Rachel,
    LOL!! I think so!
    XOXO
    Vicky

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  10. Anonymous27 February 2017 at 12:29

    Hi Annabel and all,
    Another very useful post. How funny is Chickie in her pot?! I love chickens and their individual personalities. I would love a cat but we live right next to national park and there are too many little critters to catch. And I'm happy to enjoy other people's dogs and not have to clean up after them! So we have guinea pigs and chooks. We have enough backup feed for a while and both could live on scraps, etc. I've been trying to work out an evacuation plan for the chooks. I think two pet carriers might fit all five of them rather uncomfortably and hopefully they would all fit in the car! If it was a last minute rush, though, I would have to leave them to fend for themselves. I'm not going to risk my children to go chasing after the chooks!
    Jane, I am very glad to hear that Bluey has been given the all clear.
    All the best to all,
    Peach

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    1. Annabel28 February 2017 at 22:53

      Dear Peach, I think chooks make awesome pets. This is the crazy one who tries to come into the kitchen and lay eggs in my shopping basket.
      You re right about the order of priorities. In some fires we had a few years back tow young girls died on account of not leaving horses. The loss of pet horses would have been terrible but these two girls were lost as well. It has kind of haunted me. So you got to get out when you have the chance sometimes! That said I hope you could save your pets for sure as we all would try to do.
      Today my daughter got chickens so more chooks in the family! With love Annabel.xxx

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  11. Anonymous27 February 2017 at 12:34

    Oh, and I am very glad that you are getting better too Annabel! I have been reading about the benefits of raw garlic in fighting infections. Just make sure it is minced/chopped and left for about 5 minutes before you eat it. It is recommended to eat quite a few cloves a day while you are fighting the infection, but only for a limited time. Although you will smell like a fresh pizza! Maybe give some to Andy too so he doesn't complain.
    Peach

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    1. Anonymous27 February 2017 at 15:06

      I think you've got the right idea and priorities about animals, Peach! I'll find it interesting to discover the reason for leaving the cut garlic for five minutes before eating. We're enjoying the fresh Australian-grown garlic!!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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  12. Unknown28 February 2017 at 01:47

    We have two huge wolf hounds and two farm cats. We do things other people listed, like buying kibble ahead and rotating it. One other thing I do is when I'm canning meat, I can any scraps and a few non-poultry bones. These are labeled clearly as pet food and stored along with our home canned people food. It isn't my first choice for them, but along with some rice would keep them going in an pinch. Just a thought. Thanks for the tips, Bluebird Ladies (and Gentlemen)!
    Anne

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    1. Anonymous28 February 2017 at 09:30



      Anne, just think of those loyal eyes watching you open a jar of preserved meaty delights! That tells you that you are doing a wonderful job!
      Regards,
      Rachel

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    2. Annabel28 February 2017 at 15:04

      That is a really good tip Anne! Thank you! xxx

      Delete
  13. Annabel28 February 2017 at 15:05

    Thank you everyone! Time has got away from me with replies. But thank you for the ideas and I loved hearing about your pets! xxx

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  14. Unknown28 February 2017 at 20:25

    Hi Annabelle, thanks so much for this post! I have never heard of the Vital containers and ordered 6 of the 60 lb to begin with. I'm going to stock about 300 lbs of food to begin with when I get them and then rotate it. I know it seems like a lot but I have many critters and want to provide as well as I can. I have the water taken care of in 55 gal drums along with many 1 gal containers. And I really like the idea of canning meat to go with the rice I keep in stock just in case. From now on when I find chicken on sale I'll stock up & can it. Then I can eat too in an emergency. :) These are definitely things I feel I must have but pray I will never need! I'm much more aware of how much I need for my pets than myself. But hopefully before too long I will feel prepared and not worry so much. I really appreciate everyone's information! Sometimes when I'm worried about what to do I don't think as clearly. Blessings, Jan

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    1. Annabel28 February 2017 at 22:54

      Dear Jan, I should have called you Jan and not Hillhouse sorry! I knew Glenda was the person to ask for help on this and I am so glad it was helpful to you! With much love Annabel.xxx

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I really appreciate your comments thank you! The aim of my blog is the be a place of encouragement and happiness. Very rarely is anyone rude. Actually only twice so far! If you post a rude or aggressive comment I will read it but not publish it, thanks for understanding.xxx

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