Self Sufficiency
Miniature Donkeys For Your Homestead

Most homesteading families and preppers have cows, chickens, rabbits, or goats as a part of their farm, but a new livestock favorite is now emerging across the United States – the mini donkey. Miniature donkeys are not only as lovable as a new puppy, they can pull a cart and perhaps most importantly, keep a deadly predator away from your other livestock, too. Sweet treats are just about the only thing mini donkeys enjoy more than attacking coyotes.
Miniature Donkeys For Your Homestead: Little Powerhouse
The mini donkeys instinctively behave in an aggressive manner towards predators. Although they do not have the size nor the teeth to kill a large predator or fend off a tack against multiple coyotes, they definitely serve as a great deterrent and alert the livestock guardian dogs on the homestead or survival retreat that danger has arrived and their services are needed to finish off any intruder that did not heed their warning.
They don’t eat much by way of feed and typically live at least 35 years – making them easy and affordable keepers. Before just a few years ago mini donkeys were merely thought of as cute pets to occasionally ride the kiddos around on for fun.
Mini donkeys typically measure between 31 to 35 inches tall and weigh between 250 to 350 pounds. The height at the withers of the breed has shrunk by about three inches since the animals were first imported into the country.
These little powerhouses are perfect for a survival retreat or off the grid homestead. They can pull a cart long distances and over very rugged terrain – like a goat-only type of ground. Miniature donkeys are sure-footed and although female minis don’t tend to like mud, they can slug through it without getting stuck or panicking.
Unlike mules, miniature or otherwise, the little donkeys are affable creatures and take direction well. The breed originated in Sicily and Sardinia and are sometimes referred to as Mediterranean or Sardinian donkeys. Villagers in the region frequently utilized the strength and tenacity of the mini donkeys to their benefit. The compact members of the equine family could often be seen hauling heavy supplies up into the mountain region and walking in circles for hours on end to power grindstones.
When the Mediterranean donkeys first arrived in the United States during the 1920s, they were dubbed “dinky donkeys” by curious onlookers and breeders. NYC stockbroker Robert Green so admired the intelligence, affectionate, and durable character of the breed he spent a significant amount of money bringing a herd onto American soil.
Importation of the mini donkeys continued at a steady pace well into the 1960s in an effort to fully establish the breed in the United States. Today there are about 50,000 known miniature donkeys roaming in pastures around the country.
Miniature donkeys are a perfect hands-on training tool for children. They are docile and yearn to soak up all the affection which comes their way. Homesteading youngsters can easily learn how to care for, ride, halter, harness, and cart with these eager to please animals.
Typically mini donkeys can carry about 100 pounds on their back. Children up to a certain age can safely and humanely learn how to ride on the back of a miniature donkey. Purchasing or making a pack saddle is another superb way to make the most out of the mini donkey’s work ability. Moving supplies about the homestead or survival retreat over terrain a cart cannot go could easily be accomplished by packing up to medium-weight loads on the back of miniature donkeys.
Like their larger counterparts and horses, miniature donkeys can founder, suffer from colic, require regular worming, and vaccinations. They should have their hooves trimmed about every eight to 12 weeks. There is no need to shoe the miniature donkeys unless they will be frequently ridden on pavement.
Mini donkeys are herd animals and should be allowed to share a stall of a 3-sided shelter with another of their breed or at least other friendly livestock. They can be kept in the same pasture and barn as standard-size donkeys and horses – they do not even mind communing with goats.
My bossy mare accepted our two mini donkeys into HER herd without incident. Sure, she ran them a good bit and blocked them from entering HER barn for several hours on day one – but my Ruby does that to every new addition.
A lonely and bored donkey could begin to act out an WILL bray loudly to register their displeasure when in a bad mood – or you are five minutes late for their feed. A half acre of land should provide a pair of miniature donkeys with enough pasture to suit their needs except during the winter months, depending upon the climate where the prepper retreat or homestead is located.
Breeding mini donkey could be another valuable way to make a steady stream of extra money from the homestead. As the animals become even more popular, the demand for both jennies and jacks will grow. All miniature donkeys have a dark brown cross shape which runs across their withers and down their back.
While gray dun is the most common color of miniature donkeys, they come in a plethora of other colors as well. Common coat colors also include black, white, or brown. The more unusual color, the higher the price tag – especially if you could garner an hard-to-find ivory mini donkey with blue eyes.
Miniature donkeys with a red or chestnut coat, roan, paint, or spotted paint or spotted pattern are unique but not as rare as an Ivory donkey and sell for significantly more than a typical gray mini donkey.
Animal Planet shows a video on pet 101 on mini donkeys:
The price per animal depends largely upon the local market. Jennies often garner more than jacks, especially if they are still young enough to breed. Typically a gray miniature donkey would sell for between $350 to $600 each. A breeding jennie could garner up to $2,000 depending on her personality and age. If the animal becomes registered with the International Miniature Donkey Registry or the Miniature Donkey Registry, the price could increase if being purchased by either a breeder or someone interested in showing the mini donkey.
Do you want a miniature donkey for your homestead? Let us know in the comments below.
You can also start teaching your children homesteading skills!
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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?
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
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!
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In this article:
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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