Ecology

The definition of ecology is: the branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.

The most successful off grid operations work in balance with the environment or create tiny ecological systems of their own.

Right now we have rabbits which eat grass and hay and herbs. This creates manure and composting which we use to grow crops such as the tomatoes, okra basil, sunflowers, carrots, mint, jalapeños and micro greens we grew this year. This in turn feeds us and also the rabbits which starts the cycle over again. Starting January we are going to add chickens to our operation which adds eggs to our food supply and in return we give them composting and rabbit meat. The rabbit meat is so dense with proteins it enhances the quality of the yolks in the egg. In addition to the obvious benefits of getting eggs the chickens, they act as natural tillers, they fertilize the ground and they eat bugs.

According to county regulations I am restricted to only 6 hens unfortunately. I am looking forward to getting property that is agriculturally zoned. Residential properties are pretty restrictive even though we live outside city limits. Luckily it only takes a few rabbits and a few chickens to get started and make a difference in your self sufficiency.