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How to Butcher a Rabbit Humanely

Home Animals How to Butcher a Rabbit Humanely

Want to know how to butcher a rabbit humanely? Whether you’re raising them for food or planning to go off the grid, it’s an important skill any homesteader who is keen on harvesting their own protein should know.

— This post is courtesy of SurvivalLife.com and shared with permission —

How to Butcher a Rabbit Humanely

A Vital Skill for Homesteaders and Survivalists

In my last article, I wrote about the costs and benefits of raising rabbits for food. I went over the cages, food, separation of male and female, breeding, babies, and use for rabbit poop. Now it is time to discuss how to take that cute a cuddly rabbit and turn it into a meal.

Preparation

There are a few things that I need to prepare before I take on the job of butchering a rabbit. I need to make sure I have three knives sharpened. This is out of convenience rather than necessity. I need two large bowls and one trash bag. Since I hang my rabbits upside down, I also need my ropes to be ready.

Leading Up to the Kill

First, I make sure that my dog is in her kennel. She will go nuts if she sees or hears it happening. Then, whichever rabbit I have selected, I grab by the skin near the back of the neck. Sometimes the rabbit will fight and kick to try to escape, other times not. I tie slip knots around the rabbit’s hind feet just above the ankle. Both ropes are attached to a stick. I let the rabbit hang upside down. At this point, the rabbit will struggle for a few moments, and maybe scream. I take the rabbit over to a tree branch and hang it at a height that is convenient for me, with its back facing me.

To Kill a Rabbit

When I first started to learn survival skills, I did not think much about the idea of killing an animal for food. I figured it was something that had to be done, and when the time came, I would be able to do it. The first two times that my rabbits were killed to be part of a meal, my father-in-law handled the killing because he had more experience than I.

After having witnessed a couple of killings and butchering, I got familiar with the process, but the courage was hard to find. I did not like the idea of hurting animals, so I resolved to make it as quick and painless as possible. My initial method was to whack the rabbit on the back of the head with a heavy piece of wood, then cut off its head as quickly as possible after that. It worked well, but sometimes the damage to the skull or neck was such that my wife was not happy with the result. So I moved to another technique. I now place a large knife to the back of the rabbit’s neck and cut as hard and fast as I can. It is quick, without the structural damage that clubbing the rabbit can do. I have looked for other ways to kill the rabbit quickly. I even asked a physics teacher if it were possible to make a “rabbit guillotine”. He was intrigued by the idea, but his wife did not want him doing that.

Removing the Skin

Once the head is separated from the body, the best thing to do is wait until the blood stops flowing. Then, make a small incision on each hind leg between the muscle and the skin. Next, peel the skin with the fingers until the top of the hind legs. Cut off the tail. Cut the fur near the genitals and peel it back in both directions. Pull the skin down until it comes off at the front paws. Rabbit skins and furs can be made into clothing or accessory items once they have been processed.

Removing the Insides

Once the skin is off the rabbit, the next thing you need to do is remove the entrails. Pinch the meat at the base of the belly and poke a hole in it. Stick two fingers inside and point them towards the rabbit’s chest. Slide the tip of the knife inside the meat and between the fingers, without puncturing any internal organs, and cut the meat to the chest. The intestines, stomach, and liver will almost fall out of the rabbit.

The first thing to remove is the bladder. Pinch it off and cut so that the bladder remains intact and no urine spills onto the meat. Next, pull out the intestines as best as you can. Slice the rabbit open to the anus to remove all of the intestines.

Once all intestines are out, reach into the abdominal cavity and free the stomach, liver, heart, and lungs. On the liver rests the gallbladder. It is a greenish tube. Remove it without breaking it. Cut the rabbit down the middle to the throat. All that is left on the inside are the kidneys. Pull them out.

Almost Ready to Cook

The rabbit is now hollow. Cut off the furry paws, wash it off, and you’re done!

Spare Parts

It is up to you what you want to do with the spare parts of the rabbit. The stomach can be used as a small container, the skin can be used to make clothing, the brain can be used to tan the skin, etc.

Remember, it will probably be a sloppy job the first time you do it. Make sure that your knives are sharp and do your best to ensure that the rabbit does not suffer. Practice will make you better.

Need a video? Watch with discretion.

Do you think you’re more ready to do this new learned skill? Let us know below in the comments!

Next Up: Livestock Options for Meat on a Homestead

And: Raising Rabbits Quick Start Guide

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Self Sufficiency

NYC Adds Nearly 4,000 People Who Never Tested Positive To Coronavirus Death Tolls

New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll Tuesday, bringing coronavirus-related deaths in the city to around 10,000 people.

The city decided to add 3,700 people to its death tolls, who they “presumed” to have died from the virus, according to a report from The New York Times. The additions increased the death toll in the U.S. by 17%, according to the Times report, and included people who were suffering from symptoms of the virus, such as intense coughing and a fever.

The report stated that Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio decided over the weekend to change the way the city is counting deaths.

“In the heat of battle, our primary focus has been on saving lives,” de Blasio press secretary Freddi Goldstein told the Times.“As soon as the issue was raised, the mayor immediately moved to release the data.”

The post New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll appeared first on Daily Caller

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Self Sufficiency

How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar

The thing about homesteading is you get to create your own ingredient right from scratch! Cheese, yogurt, butter and now sauerkraut, a delightfully sour and crunchy ingredient you can use on your meals — or consume by itself — while on a homestead, or while facing this health crisis!

This homemade sauerkraut is a great meal because it has a long shelf life. You can either make plain sauerkraut or mix it with herbs and spices. In this tutorial let us make Lacto-fermented sauerkraut that preserves all the good probiotics in a jar, good for your guts.

So how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar?

RELATED: How To Make Buttermilk On Your Homestead

Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know

Why Make Sauerkraut?

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Not only does sauerkraut spoil a long time, but it is also a meal in itself, and it is also easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert cook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.

So let us get started. Here are the steps in making sauerkraut in a mason jar.

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of cabbage or 2 1/2 lbs cabbage
  • 1 tablespoon of salt

Tools Needed:

  • knife
  • bowl
  • mason jar
  • smaller jar
  • rubber band

Step 1: Wash & Clean the Tools & Ingredients



Wash all the equipment and utensils you need. Wash your hands too.

You don’t want to mix your sauerkraut with bad bacteria, anything that is going to make you sick.

Next, remove the faded leaves from your cabbage. Cut off the roots and the parts that don’t seem fresh.

Step 2: Cut the Cabbage Into Quarters & Slice Into Strips



Cut your cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, slice it into strips.

Step 3: Place in a Bowl & Sprinkle With Salt



Put the stripped cabbage into a bowl. Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of salt.

TIP: Use canning salt or sea salt. Iodized salt will make it taste different and may not ferment the cabbage.

RELATED: Homemade Yogurt Recipe

Step 4: Massage the Cabbage



Massage the cabbage for five minutes or more to get the juice out.

TIP: You’ll know it’s ready when you see a bit of juice at the bottom of the bowl and will look similar to coleslaw.

Step 5: Press Cabbage Into the Mason Jar



Add the cabbage to the mason jar gradually. Press it in hard to allow the juice to come out. Do this every time you add about a handful of cabbage.

IMPORTANT: Food should be covered by the liquid to promote fermentation. Add any excess liquid from the bowl to the jar.

Step 6: Press a Smaller Jar Into the Mason Jar



You want to squeeze every ounce of that juice from the cabbage. To do this place the mason jar in a bowl and get a smaller jar.

Fill it with water or marble to make it heavy. Press it into the bigger mason jar. Allow any juices to rise to the surface.

Step 7: Cover the Jars With Cloth & Tie With Rubber Band



Leave the small jar on. To keep your jars clean from annoying insects and irritating debris, cover your jars with a clean cloth. Then, use a rubber band to tie the cloth and the jars together, putting them in place.

Step 8: Set Aside & Check Daily

Set it aside in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. It should always be above the cabbage.

Step 9: Taste Your Sauerkraut & Keep at Cool Temperatures

Homemade Sauerkraut Cumin Juniper | How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar

After about five days, you can taste your sauerkraut. If the taste is to your liking, tightly cover it with the lid and store in the fridge or cellar.

NOTE: If after five days it’s still not your desired taste, leave it for a few more days. This will allow the fermentation process to continue.

You can now enjoy your sauerkraut in a mason jar. Enjoy its goodness! You can use it as a side dish or mix it with your favorite sandwich.

Things to Remember in Making Sauerkraut

  • Store away from direct sunlight and drafts.
  • Colder weather will make the process longer. Spring is the best time to make them since the warmth helps activate the fermentation.
  • Always make sure that the cabbage is below the water level during the entire fermentation process.
  • If the water level decreases during the fermentation process, you can make a brine and add it.

Let us watch this video from Kristina Seleshanko on how to make delicious Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar!

So there you have it! Making Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar is as easy as slicing the cabbage into strips. Remember that as long it remains unopened, your sauerkraut can last for months. Best of all, you can partner this sauerkraut in many recipes.

What do you think of this homemade recipe? Share your best sauerkraut recipe in the comments section below!

Fellow homesteaders, do you want to help others learn from your journey by becoming one of our original contributors? Write for us!

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Self Sufficiency

9 SPRING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR GARDEN

Having plants in the house will bring peace to people. Having a little garden with vegetables is even better! You can grow these vegetables in your backyard garden easily as well!

RELATED: Microgreens Growing Guide

In this article:

  1. Tomato
  2. Eggplant
  3. Beet
  4. Spinach
  5. Pea
  6. Carrot
  7. Radish
  8. Cauliflower
  9. Asparagus

Growing veggies in your garden will give you an opportunity to understand what you eat and value it more. Early spring is when most vegetables are being planted. Keep reading to learn about 9 spring vegetables that anyone can grow in their garden!

Tomato

Tomato is the most popular garden vegetable in the States! There are different varieties to choose from. Tomatoes need to be planted in early spring because they won’t survive a frost.

Because tomatoes are consumed daily, try adding them to your garden! They’re not difficult to grow either.

Eggplant

Eggplants are known to have low-calorie, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Plus, they are delicious! So why not plant them in your garden?

Eggplants shouldn’t be planted too early because they won’t be able to survive a frost. So you could consult an expert in your area before you plant your eggplants.

Beets

Beets are known to be a superfood for its various health benefits. They’re easier to grow in the garden, usually around late March or early April.

If the weather is always cool, beets will keep getting bigger and bigger. Once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need to harvest them, or they’ll go to waste.

Spinach

Spinach is a delicious early spring veggie, and it’s also very beneficial for health. And it’s not difficult to grow spinach in your garden!

Spinach needs cold weather to grow. Getting spinach to grow is easy, but keeping it growing will require some extra care.

Pea

Peas are usually planted in late April. Peas will die in freezing temperatures, but they also won’t survive the heat either. So make sure you plant your peas in early spring.

Peas are widely used in many different ways, and there are different types of peas. The soil you’ll be planting your peas should be suitable for them, so make sure you ask while buying seeds.

Carrot

There are different types of carrots, but regardless of their size and color, it’s a fact that carrots are both delicious and rich in vitamins.

They’re root vegetables, so with proper sun and watering, they can be picked up as baby carrots as well.

Radish

A radish is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require too much care. Radish is easy to harvest.

Radish grows fast, so it’s better to keep an eye on it after a few weeks. Radish usually is grown pest-free, but there’s always the chance of unwanted guests, so watch out for worms. Radish can be eaten raw or can be added to garnish recipes.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower isn’t the easiest vegetable to grow at home, but it is very popular.

Cauliflower grows better in colder weather, so before you plant it, consider the climate of your garden. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is known to be very beneficial for health.

Asparagus

Freshly picked, tender asparagus is very delicious!

Asparagus plants get more productive with each harvest, and mature asparagus harvest can last for months! Make sure you plant them at the correct time, or else they might go to waste.

All the vegetables listed above are great for your healthy diet, and it’s fun to watch them grow. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your own veggies and eat healthy this spring!

So tell us which veggies will you be growing this spring? Tell us in the comments section!

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