Say Hello to My Little Friends

OK, couldn't pass on using the Scarface reference for the title of this post.

We caught two 30-35lb wild hogs in our trap recently.  By we, I mean the boys BJ, Donnie and Patrick actually did the heavy lifting.  Both hogs are female, and a bit on the surly side! 

They are finally picking up the fact that yes, those two legged animals will feed me!  At first they had no idea what they were getting, they are so used to foraging and food in a container was a totally new concept.  Feeding them hog feed and table scraps will go a long way in getting rid of the wild or gamey taste wild hogs are known for.  I'll get some new photos this weekend, they are getting  Buddha bellies!

They are being housed in what was our original hog trap, until we can finish building them a roomier abode.

The Moose stopped by our local Tractor Supply store and picked up a watering nipple.  After it was installed, he got their attention, pushed on the lever and had water run out.  That's all it took.  They are already using it.  Hogs are very smart, you think they aren't watching, but they are....  Show them something once or twice, and they'll learn from it.

The guys spent most of this past Saturday clearing out a large section for them.  Some sun, some shade, high and low ground areas. 

 

 

We all believe, that even though they'll end up as food, we are their stewards until that time.  They should be properly cared for.  Plans are to raise them out, butcher one and keep the other to continue with future generations.  Now, we'll need a smoke house!  Any suggestions?  This is just so much fun!

 



Container Update - sealing the outside

We have been busy at The Compound working on the container.  Getting it prepared to be lowered in the ground, or at least as low as we can go due to the water level in this area of central FL.  One of the issues we needed to address was protecting the container itself, especially since it will be buried.  We'd like it to last as long as possible, and adding layers should help.

We are using this roll-on sticky goop, as well as a roof flashing sealer and "rubber in a can" (you read that right, it really does work!) for around each of the bolt holes to keep water out.  All of them expand and contract with heat and cold, and keep water out.  Exactly what we need.

We spent the better part of the day painting two-thirds of the container with it's first coat.  The second coat will likely go on this next weekend.  The remaining third and roof will be done after it's in the hole.  It'll be easier to reach the other areas without hauling a ladder around.

Since we're all getting anxious, and realizing we're pretty close to moving the container into it's final resting place, the Moose and the Boys decided to work on digging out the remaining dirt in the hole.  It's not easy work, that's for sure, but none of them are afraid of picking up a shovel and getting it done!  That's what I love about our group, we all get dirt under our nails!

The walk in cooler is all cut to size and in place.  There are some final connections to be made, and then installation of the refrigeration itself.  It along with the inside of the container will be painted.  It would surely function just as it is, but since it's ours we'd like it to feel a bit more home-like.  Just because The Compound is rough and wild, doesn't mean everything on it, needs to be.

More to come...

I'm Here, Really

I've gotten a phone call or two wondering if we're OK, since I haven't posted in a couple of weeks.  All's well, we're just busy finishing up some projects on the home front.  Nothing important to add yet, but soon regarding the progress on the container.