Rolling Acres - This and That

[farmerjan]

I have used my own canned stuff that was over 5 years. Apple butter, applesauce, sliced fruit, other stuff. Canned tomatoes; I always check the seal, make sure it smelled right, and make sure there is no mold, or anything. I also don't throw out all store stuff that is out of date as most of the dates say "best if used by" not that it is going to be "bad". Most things that are "older" just lose some flavor, or food value. If the seal is good, and the food is stored in a "dark" cabinet, closet, pantry, it should be fine. I will trust my own canned stuff before I trust store bought though. I like the old style canning jars with glass lids, because they would let go a seal if the food was even questionable. I always store those jars with the metal bail off the top of the jar. Of course, those jars are not even supposed to be "used" today..... but you can buy the rubber ring and I still use them. They don't stack or anything, but I still like them. Kind of like the Tattler lids... I like them because , they don't have the metal that will eventually rust through, like the ball lids.

 

[farmerjan]

What "breed" of laying hen is the one who didn't lay after molting? The "sex-link" type chickens, are really a hybrid and they usually lay good for 2 years then they kinda just "peter out".... I didn't keep any of mine past the 2 years when I was providing eggs from free range hens. They do usually produce larger eggs the second year, and most still lay pretty good although maybe a bit fewer. But after that most do not lay well enough to justify the cost of feed. Now, my purebreds are different because I am trying to retain, and use hens to carry on a certain bloodline. They are not for "production" but again, even with them I try to only keep them for 3-4 years most times. But show birds/purebreds are a whole different ball game. No point feeding a fat old hen that lays few or no eggs, and is still eating. Even though you are probably not buying alot of feed, it still costs money. And she is taking space that another productive hen could be using. Put her in the freezer/soup pot.

 

[RollingAcres]

I also don't throw out all store stuff that is out of date as most of the dates say "best if used by" not that it is going to be "bad".

I don't have a lot of store bought can goods that will last until after the "best by date" because I normally just buy what's needed to last a few weeks then buy some more after. But when it comes to dairy (yogurt or milk), I'll give it a few days after. For milk, by the time it gets to the "best by" date, we're usually almost done, might get 3-4 glasses out of that. I'd drink it first to make sure it's still good before giving to my son.

What "breed" of laying hen is the one who didn't lay after molting?

I think she is a Rhode Island Red, she looks just like one. My step-daughter "gifted" me with some chicks she got from a farm when we first moved in. It was a mixed bunch.

 

[Mini Horses]

@Baymule @Mike CHS @Mini Horses @Bruce and anyone else who'd like to share your input on this:

• Do you have home canned goods that are older than 12-18 months in your pantry?
• In your experience have you eaten any home canned goods that are older than 2 years?

Yes & yes....Like FarmerJan, check it and go. I actually found a few jars of green beans at my moms, brought in from WV, that were over 7 yrs old. I wanted the jars, so opened and dumped the beans but, did taste and they were just fine!

Milk -- I find my goat milk lasts a long time, well refrigerated. I love my "own dairy" It doesn't "go bad" but may change form to clabber, then clabber cheese, etc. Too much milk? my chickens love the milk, clabber, cheese....AND, the benefit from it! Pushes them thru a molt really nicely and save my wallet, too.

 

[Senile_Texas_Aggie]

Miss @Ridgetop,

I can't advise on keeping past "best by" dates as my wife won't let me eat anything like that, and we don't do our own canning.

You mentioned your step daughter. I don't recall you mentioning her before. If you don't mind my asking, is she residing with you and your husband along with your son, or is she somewhere else? If you don't want to answer, I understand.

Senile Texas Aggie

 

[RollingAcres]

I still have a few jars of apple sauce that I canned a couple of years ago. I wasn't sure if I should still eat them but I also didn't have the "heart" to throw them out (I worked hard to can them ) yet. Now I guess I'll open the jar, if still smell good and no mold, then I'm eating it!

 

[RollingAcres]

Miss @Ridgetop,

I can't advise on keeping past "best by" dates as my wife won't let me eat anything like that, and we don't do our own canning.

You mentioned your step daughter. I don't recall you mentioning her before. If you don't mind my asking, is she residing with you and your husband along with your son, or is she somewhere else? If you don't want to answer, I understand.

Senile Texas Aggie

Oh Mr. STA, this is RollingAcres. I think it's the second time you have referred to me as Miss Ridgetop but no big deal. lol

I think I may have mentioned my DSD (and my step son) before a few times but don't remember when. She's 28. She currently resides with her mom(she moved back in with her mom after moving out/ending her relationship with her ex-boyfriend). My step son is 31, he lives with his girlfriend.

 

[RollingAcres]

Too much milk? my chickens love the milk, clabber, cheese

Hmmm I can't remember where but I remembered reading that dairy product can give chickens diarrhea so I've been avoiding giving them dairy.

 

[Senile_Texas_Aggie]

Miss @RollingAcres,

You are absolutely right about it being the second time! I don't know why I keeping doing that! I am glad you are a good sport about it!

Thank you for explaining about your step daughter and step son.

Senile (and stupid!) Texas Aggie

 

[RollingAcres]

OMG STA, don't beat yourself up! Maybe you remembered that I have a sister who lives in CA, that made you think of Miss Ridgetop because she lives in CA...