… Before All Hell Breaks Loose
Many will have been prepared before hand, having recognized the perilous times we as Westerners are living in today.
But the vast majority are just not likely to be prepared. When that day finally comes, those not prepared are going to be in for a rude awakening. Grocery stores have been cleaned out and have shut their doors. Rioters far outnumber local police and many urban-nites are likely to lose their lives or fall to rape, beatings, and possibly kidnapping and or torture.
… And Then The Shootings Begin.
Anyone who’s been thinking of using their arsenal of guns and ammo may suddenly feel a lot more emboldened and just come out guns blazing. Though most gun owners are in their right minds, there’s a handful that are crackpots, as the recent mass shooting in Las Vegas tells us — and the next several mass shootings we’ll likely see as well are going to only serve as reminders. What are we in for next?
Those Preparing Are Not Fools
Yet out in suburbia, especially out toward rural country, will be a great number of people scattered across the land formerly known as the United States of America, who have been preparing, and now stand prepared for what’s to come.
The Day After Tomorrow
Armageddon Animals: Not Just Pets But Partners In Survival.
The recent reports of hurricane disasters in Texas and Florida always seem to tell of left behind pets and abandoned horses. This is sad. Man’s best friend does not always seem to be man. Horses are left to drown in their stalls or fend for themselves as self-centered owners flee. In a catastrophe or post Armageddon scenario your pet will be a lifesaver. They should go where you go and be a part of any survival plan. From dogs and cats in an emergency evacuation to donkeys and goats for planned relocation, your animals will have great value in providing security, food sources and transportation in a survival environment.
In a survival situation you will have to be your own veterinarian. Be sure to have books about how to care for your animals, and plant identification guides. Animals benefit as much from herbal medicines as we do, but some natural substances can be harmful to animals while safe for humans. Also be sure to have dependable brushes and clippers for cleaning and trimming coats, hooves, and claws.
Choose Animals That Can Thrive On Native Foods
Other than dogs and cats, any larger animals should be selected so as to thrive in the relocation area. Native foods should be available and the animals should be able to survive the climate. Checking for noxious weeds and plants should be part of the regular home site inspections. Watch for predators as well since they will likely be a part of the new ecosystem.
Breeding
Here is a note of caution about selecting domestic animals for a planned relocation, especially breeding. Breeding requires a degree of knowledge about the animals. Knowing about gestation periods, fertility cycles and when to keep females in heat away from the males is an important to intelligent management. Over breeding can be a real hazard when food supplies are limited and larger animals eat more. Knowing which animals suit the selected environment is critical to effective survival.
Noise
Noise can be an issue as well. Goats and donkeys are well known for their “vocalizing”. If you are unsure as to what you will be encountering, select a breed that is as quiet as possible. Size is a factor too, forage and grass and what can be stored for winter have to be figured into the survival equation. Here are some suggested animals to be considered in a survival relocation plan.
The Best Armageddon Survival Animals Are…
Dogs
Dogs of just about all sizes and breeds can provide security and warning. They also can provide companionship. Dealing with an emergency that requires leaving behind familiar places and people is extremely stressful and dogs have been loyal friends in hard times for centuries. Dogs can also carry small loads or pull a cart or travois; they provide rodent control as well as help in hunting.
Cats
Cats are the “boss” when it comes to rodent control. Mice and other small rodents can ruin stored foods, chew on and damage equipment, and spread disease. They can provide companionship and comfort as well as any small domestic animal. They are easy keepers as well. Don’t forget “Kitty” when it’s time to bug-out.
Birds
Chicken and geese are absolute necessities. Eggs are an especially nutritious food and barter item. Free range chickens won’t last long in a remote area so pens and cages are necessity. Geese are also a good choice, select a breed that will thrive in your new home. Geese are excellent alarm sources; they notice any change.
Donkeys And Horses
Donkeys are excellent animals for a survival situation. They are strong beyond their size, can carry reasonable loads and even be ridden. They have even temperaments and are sturdy and easy keepers. They are guardians of small livestock and will alert you to any intruder, and they can deliver a good kick as well. In hard conditions they can fit inside a dwelling and they have a hardy metabolism and resist disease as well as being long lived. Donkeys are easy to acquire and the BLM has a burro adoption program as well. A breeding pair will provide a bartering resource. The gestation period is 11 months. Transportation, load bearing, farming : these are all in the donkey’s toolkit.
Horses require more food and skill in handling. City or suburban survivors might do better with donkeys. Donkeys weigh an average of 200-300 pounds whereas most horses start at 900 pound for a mature horse and increase. This translates into food and water consumption as well as winter care.
Goats
Goats come in many breeds and varieties. They can provide very vitamin-rich milk for yogurt and cheese. They are a reasonable load bearing animal as well. They are selective about what they eat and graze. If a breeding pair is kept they will supply meat and bartering goods. Their hair is legendary for toughness and resilience. The Apostle Paul, who other than Jesus had one of the biggest impacts on the spread of early Christianity, was a tentmaker as the Bible records and he used goats hair as his main material.
As a surprise to many people in the modern day West accustomed to cows for much of their supply of meat and dairy in life, goats actually supply more people around the world with milk and red meat and are a proven survival animal. Author Rick Austin, known for his book “Secret Garden of Survival” and a past writer on SecretsofSurvival.com, published the following book just last year, available here:
Survival Resources: Secret Livestock of Survival: How to Raise The 10 Best Choices For Retreat And Homestead Livestock (Secret Garden of Survival) (Volume 3)
Why Not Cows?
Cattle are an expensive source of protein. The acreage and food supply for one pound of beef exceeds what most in a survival situation may be able to manage. Cattle ranching requires considerable acreage, experienced ranch hands and horses. Raising beef cattle for the first time will be possible after “the dust settles” in a post-Apocalypse but not until some stability has seen achieved. In a post-Apocalyptic environment there will already be surviving cattle ranches so there is no reason to “reinvent the wheel”. Those who just have to have a steak will find someone who has the acreage and will accept a trade or barter.
Fish
Your common variety goldfish is an asset for insect control since they will consume larvae in standing water or small ponds. Fishing will provide adequate protein for everyone. Building a weir at a location where fish travel is a way to manage time and produce a return beyond the time invested in building and maintaining it. Drying and salting for storage are essential tasks as well.
Fish Farming And Aquaponics
Planned relocations should include a consideration of fish farming (aquaponics). This process will guarantee a supply of fish that weather cannot disrupt. The process is very straightforward. Creating a workable-sized pond and stocking it with the type of fish you want to raise is the most basic step. Fish live off insects and plant life. Winter fish farming can be conducted in containers, tanks, barrels etc. Just make sure the water is warm enough. A greenhouse can be very useful for this as well as a home for your “aquaponics / hydroponics” setup referring to a relationship of specific plants and specific fish raised and grown in a way that sustains one another.
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A post-Apocalyptic economy will involve being able to supply goods and services to those who can trade or barter. A “plant / fish” farm is a perfect example of one way this can be approached and be self-sustaining so as to produce food for many months to come.
Survival Resources: Aquaponics: The Beginners Guide to Growing Vegetables and Raising Fish with Aquaponic Gardening (Sustainable Living & Homestead Survival Series)
Hydroponics
Being able to raise vegetables and plants year round without soil is one way to counter weather, and other invariables. Investing in an off-the-grid hydroponics setup is a wise choice. Power supply, wind or solar powered and a source of clean water are critical here. This is an excellent option for year round food supply and in a planned relocation it will make a difference. Nutrients can come from the waste from your fish farm or other organic sources.
Summing It All Up…
As dangers from extreme weather and seismic and volcanic events (San Andreas, Yellowstone Caldera and others) increase, and as the world situation grows more hair-trigger dangerous, a relocation and survival plan is a necessity for the responsible person. Taking your pet, and planning to raise domestic animals should be a part of that plan.
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The first 72 hours after a disaster are the most critical for survival. Enter your email below to get a checklist of essential items you need in your 72 hour emergency get home bag…
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Very good advice and explained in detail. It seems we all should be ready for any catastrophe and have to depend on our always dependable animals for our survival.
Absolutely loved this article, very informative thank you