We got FREE LAND! // Why is Portugal so empty?
A bit of a rambly video, though it was cut down from a one hour rant about the socio-economic policies of the EU to 20 minutes of seeming cohesiveness. Hope you enjoy & Happy New Year, folks!
Podcast Recs:
PART 1 open.spotify.com/episode/0rf7...
PART 2 open.spotify.com/episode/1XXT...
In rural areas, the lack of work is a defining factor as to why people move away, but here's an ARTE documentary (in English) that shows the situation in Lisbon:
• Video
We are Zak and Jackie and together with our child and our old dog Caat we live in the mountains of Central Portugal. In 2019 we found ourselves buying 2 hectares of abandoned land and a house and we finally made the move in 2022. Follow us on our journey of rehabilitating former Eucalyptus plantation land, building a house and a life in a new country.
Our Instagram: / _oakandolive_
If you'd like to support our video making and help us buy more trees for the land, this is our paypal: www.paypal.com/paypalme/oakolive
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:45 How did we get free land?
03:46 Why is Portugal so Empty?
05:34 A loss of knowledge
07:42 Property Prices are ridiculously inflated
08:15 The Last day of the year
16:44 Cold Plunge at the Waterfall
hello from Canada I am a farmer here and would like to make a suggestion for your pigs and for your chickens, the pigs look very under weight, they need very high levels of protein especially at their age, what is best for pigs that age is keeping the feed on choice, that means filling a large feeder and let them choose how much to eat, they will eat a little more at first because they need to catch up but as soon as they equalize there optimal weight, they will eat much less. Also if there is a cheese making place near you or you know someone that makes cheese every day, the whey is very high in protein and will optimize your pigs very fast, for very cheap or even free because they often dump the whey. The best way to get your chickens laying is with supplementary light, if it is to dark for long periods of time like cloudy and short winter days they will stop laying, giving them a few hours of extra light in the evening will greatly improve the laying ratio. Chickens need at least 17 to 18 hours of continues light to keep laying no matter how cold it is, but keeping them well ventilated helps a little as well, just some well meaning suggestions, but you do you god bless
Thanks. I find this helpful at least.
Thank you for the advice. In the case of the pigs, they are a very old Portuguese breed called Bisaro. They grow much slower than other types of pigs. The black one has been putting on a fair bit of fat, and the pink one is getting longer but staying slimmer. They were traditionally raised to sausage meat cause they just don't give off much bacon... We use them to help us keep on top of the land management situation. Thanks again, it's great to hear from professional farmers.
Hi. Chicken do well over winter in the poly tunnel
Great suggestions for them...About chickens place around their coop the best choice is to build this at South destination to be have sun as much as you can,,,,,,,
I'm Portuguese so I really appreciate your video. You are so right in your comments about Portugal. During the dictator period Portugal was a very poor country not technologically developed, the salaries in agriculture were miserable. At the same time education in those areas, and in general, was not a priority. A huge percentage of the population didn't knew how to read and write. The huge task after the revolution was to "upgrade" the country to become part of an European community (not EU itself but be part of Europe), with real levels of development. I'm really don't know if we could achieve our present development without the EU, but entering the EU organisation took it's price: Portugal received funds for not fishing, funds for not producing vegetables cereals and to cut olive trees, winyards and others. The system of quotes from the EU, made Portugal downsizing yhe production. I always lived in Lisbon, and when I went to the supermarket I had fruit and vegetables from many other countries, and the Portuguese products were much more expensive if you find them. To have my Portuguese products, with taste, I went and still go to small markets. But I can afford the different price, but the people in general cannot do it. We were designated to be a service country, with tourism and other services provider, but not to produce. Portugal needs immigration to survive in many areas. I'm very proud to see your achievements and others, well educated people, that come to Portugal to keep this beautiful place. Globalisation in this sense is marvellous to see. And you are absolutely right, that we are forgetting knowledges, and is very sad to see that.
Thank you so much 🙂 here in the countryside it is still cheaper to get fresh vegetables from the local market, but all of the local people who sell their own garden produce are very old. As time goes on there will be less people growing their own food for the local market and then most people will be forced to rely on imported food at regular prices... Before we moved here we had a dream to make our own market garden but it seems that we will not have time for that in the near future. This year we will start to work with neighbors to produce more food though, like in the old day's.
Thank you, Teresa. I couldn't have said it better. Many foreigners are buying land in rural areas. These lands fed our people, especially under the dictator, I don't want to say his name. I am glad these lands are being used. Lest we forget. I was born in a village in Serra d'Aire. 👍💯🇵🇹🇨🇦
I am Portuguese... I don't want foreigners coming here ...fix your own problems in your own land.... We need to rid ourselves of socialism....
@@yodaz101 sorry that you feel that way. We've only been welcomed by people in our actual community though so we are going to stay and continue to learn your language and integrate into your wonderful country.
...amazing. thx so much for your insights & knowledge. It will take us years, but when we get there it's a priority to offer more in return to our adoptive community than we receive. What sorts of things would you suggest?
You've pinned out the real reasons why Portugal is so empty. I'm one of those who fled Salazar's regime in 73 after 3 years of compulsory army service, 30 months in the horrendous Angola war where I lost so many friends. Portugal needs enlightened people like you to recover from past errors. I'm too old to return now. Thanks for helping my motherland.
💗
We're very sorry that you went through that. Wishing you the best. Do you still return for visits sometimes?
I never actually knew much about Portugal and the situation at that time. We had a lot of Portuguese people in South African when I was growing up. I’m now wondering if that had anything to do with the situation. The timing is right as I was at school during the 70s.
That is so sad. I left my homeland 23 years ago, but it keeps pulling at me, at least a little. If you would go back now, you would find a completely different motherland. I do hope you go for visits, because only then you can find out wether your heart beats more for your current country or your motherland.
Comunista.
I am in Ireland and my hens barely lay eggs from late November through to the end of February. This is a very normal, natural cycle. It is triggered by the quantity and quality of daylight available.
Yes definitely a light thing… gives their bodies a much needed break
Dad put christmas lights on our coop and our hens started laying again.
@@dirtydan2721 Please don't do this and go against nature.
@@avalondreaming1433 Our hens enjoy the christmas spirit.
Olá, sou portuguesa. Em Portugal temos as quatro estações bem distintas, não se preocupe que a partir de fevereiro tudo rejubila e os dias soalheiros voltam. Há muitos anos atrás, todos os lugares estavam recheados de povo. As mulheres tinham muitos filhos, mas a falta de condições financeiras levou esses filhos para as cidades onde haviam fábricas e construções a ganhar melhor. Os que partiram não regressaram mais para morar. Nas cidades construíram as suas famílias. Agora, os jovens, mesmo que quisessem voltar, não sabem como trabalhar a terra nem têm dinheiro para reconstruir tudo. Quando eu era pequena, poucos incêndios florestais haviam porque as terras eram trabalhadas e as florestas eram limpas, pois fazia-se uma recolha de lenha grossa, miúda e fetos. No meu entender, o regresso às terras será inevitável, pois alguns já viram as vantagens de se viver no interior e já estão regressando, ainda timidamente, mas estão. Desejos de felicidades.🌻
Este foi um comentário muito agradável de ler. Obrigado por ver o nosso vídeo. Esperamos também tornar a nossa terra mais resistente aos incêndios florestais. Estamos a tentar melhorar o nosso português para que talvez um dia possamos fazer alguns vídeos na sua maravilhosa língua. Tenha um bom dia.
Quem fala assim, não é gago! Uma discrição bem acertada da realidade demogáfica de Portugal
Cem por cento de acordo ❤️
não sei como é que conseguiu dizer isso tudo sem falar na ditadura, nos pobrezinhos, nos atrasadinhos, nos coitadinhos... se há coisa que o povo gosta é que o respeitem. obrigado, portanto, pela objectividade do seu comentário, com o qual, aliás, concordo quase totalmente. acho que o regresso ao interior desertificado (aquele que não permite explorações agrícolas rentáveis) não será tão fácil, pelo menos para aqueles que não tenham uma actividade digital que lhes permita ganhar o suficiente para viver com um mínimo de conforto. não estou a ver os jovens de hoje com maior capacidade para enfrentar a rudeza de vida que levou os anteriores habitantes a emigrar. talvez nos valham os estrangeiros do norte, que em troca de um clima mais ameno, se disponham a sujeitar-se a alguns sacrifícios.
@@portuguesdomundo2730 tenho a experiência da cidade onde nasci e simultâneamente das aldeias dos meus antepassados situadas no interior norte de Portugal. Os dias actuais não são comparáveis aos de há 50 anos atrás. Hoje vive-se bem com todo o conforto, melhor que muitos citadinos. Infraestruturas já têm. As únicas faltas a apontar são: a oferta de transportes públicos e regulares e o acesso a mais especialidades médicas, pois a maioria ainda se encontram nos grandes centros( Porto, Coimbra e Lisboa). Quanto aos empregos são fáceis de resolver, quantas mais pessoas se deslocarem para o interior, mais oferta de trabalho haverá, se aliadas também às vantagens que o Estado possa oferecer com a deslocação de empresas ou a criação delas no interior do país. Tudo se resume a vontade política em fazer acontecer... Explorações agrícolas de grande escala não são possíveis devido aos terrenos montanhosos, ainda se pratica uma agricultura de sobrevivência, mas se tivermos em conta que muitas pequenas explorações perfazem as grandes, pode-se sim cultivar. Na minha opinião, a agricultura intensiva é prejudicial para os solos, pois torna-os inférteis no decorrer do tempo, coisa indesejável. Manter a essência pelo respeito da natureza, e porque não tirar partido dela? Por exemplo, no cultivo de frutos frescos e secos, no lugar de ter de se importar o que aqui pode haver com fartura. É a melhor das soluções.
As a Portuguese myself who had to flee the 08 crash and find better professional opportunities abroad (we're in the US) now, this really hit me on a emotional level. We plan to return eventually, as fast as we can, we just miss it to much and I somehow feel that we can still give back to such a beautiful country with such amazing ancestral history. Subbed to your channel, hoping you can continue to make this kind of content.
This means a lot to us.
Volta pra casa! Home is where is your heart is... Beijinhos!
@@helenacouto8359 ❤️
there no place like home
@@leeprice386 absolutely
I just found this video and it brought me tears. I'm Portuguese and find it very sad what's happening in my country due to mostly our own poor decisions. I appreciate your understanding and concern about the current situation though. All the best! Take care of the land and your neighbours and they will do the same for you
If I were still young like you, I would leave Germany in a split second. Politics have gone mad here, so every reason to find luck in Portugal! Good luck my dear!
It's only too late once we pass away.
@@pedroclaro7822 of course you got a point there, but once you are entangled in a zillion responsabilities, and I am in my 60ties, then things get incredibly complicated. For example, we got a mortgage on our house, and we could pay it off since we worked our buts off, but if we do that, we have to pay a huge fine to the bank here in Germany for paying it off early. And that leaves debt behind....These are things you do when you try to behave resposibly, but nowadays you get punished for that big time here in Germany aka Absurdistan.
@@marvelenia6702 So true,da muss ich dir voll Recht geben deshalb verliess ich 2021 Germany und kam hier nach Kansas ( Germantown ) eine von German Settlers erbaute sehr kleine erbaute Town ( 1873 ) ich kaufte hier 2015 schon das Parish House von der Katholischen Kirsche im Victorianischen Baustyl und sehr viel fruchtares Land dazu ( incl Barn zwei sehr tiefe von Deutschen hand gegrabene Brunnen innen alles gemauert mit Limestone usw. Alle meine Nachbarn hier sind die Ur- Ur Enkel von den Deutschen Auswanderer ... das Pfarrhaus hier ist sehr rießig ca. 3000 Scare Feet . Das Pfarrhaus war und ist in einem sehr guten Zustand alles mit Klimaanlage und Gas Zentral Heizung , ich zahlte 2015 für alles zusammen mit 4 Acre Land nur 45000 $ bei mir in South- West Germany near Stuttgart hätte ich gerade eine betonierte Garage bekommen .Und das beste hier ist outside Sity Limit ... du kannst auf deinem Grundstück bauen was du willst ,duch brauchst keine Baugenehmigung, keinen Bauantrag usw wie in Germany und der Nachbar kann sich auch nicht beschweren auf dem Rathaus wie in Germany einfach nur toll. Lg Gerhard
@@michaelhorath6851 Da hast du wirklich alles richtig gemacht! Gratuliere! Wie das hier mal enden wird, keine Ahnung. Immer denke ich, jetzt ist das Limit des Wahnsinns erreicht, aber nein, ich werde immer wieder eines Besseren belehrt. Seit Gestern hat diie Satansbrut der EU die Verarbeitung von Insekten zugelassen, es soll jetzt überall drin sein, von Brötchen, bis vegane Fleischalternativen (was an einer Grasshupfer vegan sein soll? Beats me...) Die wollen uns alle durch und durch krank haben, es reicht wohl noch nicht... Lass es dir gut gehen!
@@marvelenia6702 Ja vielen Dank für deine rührende Worte, ja ich denke auch das ich alles richtig gemacht habe, und bin sehr froh das ich die EU verlassen habe wie ich dir schon erwähnt habe hier ausserhalb im Country living da hast du das sagen auf deinem Grundstück ... nicht wie in Germany mit ihren vielen Gesetzen und EU Vorschriften . Zweitens sind die Kaufpreise hier bei uns im wilden Westen für uns Deutsche sehr sehr billig ... 1 Acre ( ca. 40 Are 3000 $ . Ich muss hier auch kein teures Abwasser bezahlen es ist eine sehr große betonierte Sickergrube vorhanden . Wünsche dir auch alles Gute
My husband also left in the 70´s, we just returned last year and would live to have a piece of land to live on but even though property is not crazy expensive we arrived without the financial means to purchase. Someday we might have our miracle. You are so right about why Portugal is running "empty".
Good luck in finding your property 🙂 it must feel good to be back.
If you can, get some clay from low down in your ponds, add on top of the mulch in your beds. Then add some chicken manure, then some wood ash, then a little more much and lastly sprinkle some clay on top. Tarp with a black tarp, let it warm up as late in the spring as possible before planting to allow good insect and fungal activity. No need to mix or dig! Good luck there I love what you are doing!
Wow nice tip 👍
The word is not clay. Sludge is what is good for the garden. Clay is what you make pottery with. Also though, real clay can be used to make a pond hold water, so if there is real clay at the bottom of a pond, you should not remove any of it!
Good ideas to build soil. Also, rabbit "pills" (manure) can be used directly on plants without having to age it like chicken manure because the fresh rabbit manure won't burn the plants like fresh chicken manure will.
I am Portuguese and you are so right! We as a culture are condemned, people can not aford life in their own land let alone have children due to life price. Sooooo no children no people no culture no nothing. We are waving fare well to the world. Remember us with all our defects and qualities, achievements and wrongdoings. We were a part of this world. 😶😑
There will always be a future, our son will go to school and grow up Portuguese. There are several other new families like us in the area too so there is some new life again 🙂 just a lot smaller than what it used to be.
We are coming from south africa to buy land and raise our children as portuguese farmers. Dont give up hope we are bringing with us optimism snd energy to restore and rebuild.
This is the common fate that giant global organizations are pushing onto the entire western world. I just hope enough people can wake up to it and bring back some of what we have lost before it's gone forever.
Não é verdade, Querido. Não perca as esperanças... Portugal jamais deixará de ser... Sending you Love.
Not saying it will happen but what if Portugal does cease to exist someday, then It's good thing we have Brazil to carry some of the Portuguese culture to the future...
it could even be compulsory for people who come from other regions of the world with a different climate who acquire vast tracts of land with water systems, terraces, old orchards etc, to receive some education from older Portuguese farmers. I want to cry when I see what some people do. I'm basing my judgement on about 6 other youtubers I used to watch till I was too depressed by them to continue and follow anymore. Its likely that not all new landowners are like this, but it seems very widespread. This is why I was so bowled over and excited to see your attitude and a different, more sensitive approach. The first thing the new land owner seems to want is create a blank slate. The only thing they see and recognize are olive trees and vines and everything else is eliminated. They do not know what they are doing, because you can see how proud they are of the removal of native flowering plants and all the 'weeds' and indigenous bushes, etc. and that is really really sad. The next thing is to come in with earth moving equipment and plough up the landscape. For the good of all Portugal and the preservation of its soil fertility and biodiversity, they do need to integrate into the history of the landscape and its context sensitive knowledge. They need help from knowledge holders to acquire this knowledge. The state could pay the old farmers, and some young ecologists to teach new land owners.
I too am very picky as to who I "follow". Too often I have subscribed to a channed, to realise later than they are SOLELY off grid, providing their own electricity to keep the same style of living that they allegedly want to get away from!
So Caroline, great to hear such opinion. I am about to buy some land in near future in Central Portugal and approach with permaculture concepts, is it ok?
@@honzacapek2571 Hi Honza Capek ! I do not know in which way you wish to challenge me !! So I will answer you honestly, with my opinion, since you have named my name, and I hope to satisfy you and others, whatever your intention may be. Permaculture is potentially a very sensitive fit in many contexts, but I've found it to have a major flaw when it comes to promoting biodiversity. The reason is, I think, that the 12 principles do not specifically promote native vegetation. There is a vague reference to 'local solutions' and frequent reference to 'nature' which could mean anything. The thing with native vegetation is that it supports insect diversity and microbial diversity, and they support diversity in the whole web of life. Many insects are adapted to their host plants and they are mutually dependent. If you remove the plant or the insect, both die out. For insect diversity more native flowering plants are needed and for these to flourish, SOME low nutrient soil is needed. This point is supported in prairie, wildlife and Naturgarten knowledge and lore. There is an echo in the invisible realm of microbes, at least in my region. For example many permaculture farmers plant exotic support plants. Their N fixing bacteria colonize and invade, and move aside the native N fixers, leading to exotic plants having a better survival and pushing out the native plants and changing the whole web of life in that locality. For this reason I constantly explore growing native legumes, which no one else seems to have on their radar... so there is something for permaculture to expand into. Because permaculture does not drive hard on the native vegetation issue, I've seen strange things, for example a letter on permies.com from a young farmer: "I've just cleared an acre of native forest on my land... and I don't know what to do next" replies came, offering advice to use cover crops etc. No one said "Please don't clear any more forest ! get your experience first and then find ways to integrate forest into a productive system" I was really shocked by the insensibility of the respondents on THE permaculture forum of the world and their support of the blank slate approach ! That is first annihilate 'nature' and then design your land use. I began to look elsewhere for a more nature sensitive type of philosophy and explored other types of gardening which are more sensitive. I found out about Markus Gastl's three zone and insect friendly permaculture, regenerative agriculture (which has the same set of flaws as permaculture), wildlife, prairie and Naturgarten, and Syntropic agriculture which gets some beautiful results while being productive. I've also been close to conservation and to farming via family. So I have strong opinions, and I think it is worth sharing them to point out this particular form of blindness to native vegetation. We are all blind in some way, and others can see it more easily than we can. So interacting improves our wisdom. What I say is not harmful to anyone, but could do a lot of good. I have a permaculture design diploma from 2016, and it was during my course in which I encountered my instructor's dismissal of native plants that I first became aware of permaculture's potential blindness, in its application, and depending on the person. Permaculture is a deep study and provides endless input into how I garden, and a very high resolution design methodology and sensitivity to microclimates, and works very well with waste and resources because of the questions it asks when designing, but... it is not enough ! I cannot advise on farming, I'm a writer, I'm busy rebuilding my old website greenidioim.com and never stop ranting about these issues in my articles. But I have a very small garden and I know this is very different to farming (My grandparents were mixed farmers, entirely organic before such a concept even existed, because that is the way things were done in history). The farmer experiences the pressure of their practice needing to make money to survive. It means they work harder than most other people, sometimes working themselves to death even ! They cannot afford the levels of engagement on the microlevel that I would be able to give as a gardener. Nonetheless general principles apply. If I were you I would never stop researching on people who have done well and been successful financially while still protecting biodiversity on their farms. There are many many people doing it around the world in many different ways. We need more people who care. To sum up, permaculture will get us all far, but is not strong enough on the issue of biodiversity in its design teaching. It was created a while ago and has a kind of general resources based ethos, but when it comes to natives has impaired insight and knowledge production..... Just my opinion.
As a movement, and with all movements, the individuals in them differ. But as a movement, and based on its principles, it is biodiversity weak.
we have experienced some things in portugal that we thought were not implemented anymore and that is why we have decided to buy some land there and learn more about it…..we are just watching, reading and exploring….i love the way they use water and how precious water is to local Portuguese people…well done. And we have also struggled with the humidity. old part of the house was dry whilst new addition to the house was extremely damp and our clothes that we were putting on felt uncomfortable to wear. We had some stay cats sneaking into the house who sadly brought us some more unwanted fungal troubles but we soon secured the house. However the animals in the area do need more medical help. We are not there but when we get there hopefully we will be able to do more. Beautiful part of the world and ALL LOCAL PEOPLE are EXTREMELY KIND, BEAUTIFUL AND LOVELY IN EVERY WAY ❤
I don't say there wasn't people emmigrating to France (mainly) to run away from poverty or from the military draft, but most of the land abandonement has happened after 1974. The policy of destruction of the primary sector, and rural exodus to the cities has been even more accelerated by joining the EU. Highly illuminated minds in high places of power both in the EU and Portugal have decided that this should be a country of turism and services, and found a way to destroy our agriculture ("it's a thing of hill billies!") and our fishing industry and more, with the few industry and educational system following. It's not very accurate to blame it on Salazar, it maybe politically correct though. I know from secure source that the villages were full of people and young people in the time of Salazar, and that the forests were all cleaned up, and the fields were being taken care of, there were no forest fires, and agriculture was working fine, only needed some modernisation, nothing more. Who has been destroying this country for these last 40 years? it hasn't been Salazar, that died poor, and 40 years is more than time enough to make a lot of babies and see them growing, so how come that the blame is all on Salazar now? Anyway, regardless of politics and opinions, be welcome, and wish you a GOOD staying!
Thank you for the comment, we only see Salazar as part of the problem. The other things you mentioned ring true. Have a nice day 😊
@@oakolive Thanx! 🙂
Portuguese have contributed much to California. The farms and ranches are just one example. This has been eroded by the conversion to housing and "development" and more recently by crazy water policies. Meanwhile our food has gotten progressively worse. The produce in our large supermarkets are largely inedible, especially after CV19 ... old and tasteless. It takes years to make land productive .... a valuable set of skills not to be underestimated. Best Wishes
Who wants babies in such conditions?????? Another slave for the government?
Increadibly baseado comentário
My project is on 1 hectare in Greece but I enjoy watching some of the projects in Portugal develop. This channel just popped up and I wondered if it was one too many for me. I was pleasantly surprised. Subscribed. Best wishes as you approach your first thousand milestone.
Awesome! Thank you!
I found this interesting. I am moving to Portugal later this year from the UK and find videos like this insightful
Good luck setting up your new life 🙏
We just visited Portugal for the first time last winter, driving from Lisboa to Porto through small towns, a beautiful country with very interesting history. We just love the place and your video is really inspiring, giving us more background on what's going on. Really want to contribute some efforts in rebuilding the countryside...
I just stumbled on your channel and i really like how you had explained so well many about Portugal and how We people in general are losing those ancient knowledge and skills. I think you guys are doing the right thing listen to your bodies and working when you feel it or when the weather allows to do so, modern society kind of push as to work all the time.
My Portuguese friend said that the young people aren't being priced out they just don't want to commit to the hard work and long hours associated with (subsistence) farming preferring town life,indoor plumbing and depending on the State,the same poisoned chalice offered by Governments everywhere...🤗
We visited and stayed for some months in Portugal more than 30 years ago, we were driving everywhere especially inland where there were still so many wonderful villages with horse's, donkeys carts and mules, and a few cars. There were many things I experienced I hadn't experienced in the countryside where I grew up. I was attracted by your title about why there are so few people now in Central Portugal. So that is why I started watching. I am now up to date and have hit the bell so I will not miss an episode. We'll done. You are stars in my book.
5.23 Portuguese people have been emigrating way before they joined the EU. They tended to move to the ex-colonies especially Brazil and places like Bermuda where their market gardening skills were much appreciated
Chickens naturally slow egg production in the fall and winter. That is so they can save the energy to stay warm. The amount of daylight is also a factor. West coast of Canada, we don't see the sun out for weeks at a time. I added a piece of plexiglass on the roof of my small coop (8 chickens) and with that I got eggs in the winter. My coop was also weather proof. If your cold out there, imagine them!
We have plans for a new and improved coop this year. Unfortunately we lost the whole flock to a small predator that got in at night through a hidden hole. Great idea for a plexiglass skylight! Definitely inspired...
@@oakolive Set a small concrete foundation down before the coop goes up. Nothing can tunnel under then
We have eggs all throughout the winter. All they need is hot water and they keep producing.
Loss of Knowledge ! yes, it is happening everywhere. My grand parents were mixed farmers. Then my mother left the farm and went to town for education and to join the professional classes. After skipping a generation I would love to know what my grandmother knew about growing vegetables, but I can get very little out of my mother. Her brief descriptions of what the garden looked like to a small child are very tantalizing. My grandma must have practiced techniques which appear to be something like syntropic gardening, as did many people with small farms all around the world. In our family that knowledge is gone. A reflection of the bigger picture. Thank you for your thought provoking assessment of the flight from the land in Portugal.
permaculture! Gaias garden is a great resource - there are many but I think it would inspire you
I was so surprised to find how damp, rainy and cold Portugal is, when I got here 4 years ago. People here keep telling me, every year, that "this year" is unusually cold/wet; but so far I have not experienced it differently, except the three months of summer, of course
this is year, yes, it is unsually wet, not cold; last winter, it was unusually dry and cold...
@@QuintadaCancela it feels darned cold to me. Wasn't the snow on the mountain early this year?
depends on the region you are in
@@skurinski yes, every region is different. I have been/lived in most. But I find them all colder/wetter than we are constantly told it is. Even Algarve is cold right now and the oceans are cold, even in summer. I expect this in most north EU countries, but people keep saying PT is warm. Many foreigners who come here from north EU tell me it is the coldest they have ever felt due to damp/housing. It is just the disparity between what is reality, and what we are told exists
Atlantic coast weather, Algarve weather in winter is damm cold the interior is going to be miserable no work opportunities, an isolated lifestyle it's got cheap houses and land for a reason.
To be fair, the same thing is happening in France and other countries as well. Not just Portugal. Other than Africa, the worlds population is now dropping, at a time of high govt, corporate and personal debt, which means there is nobody to pay back the debt. At least if you have food producing land, you can eat - somewhat and stay poor. Keep on prepping!
Its all buy design no random event. Evil Lives
Thank you for your thoughtful perspective on what’s going on in rural Portugal.
...November and December this year were among the wettest in recent decades in Portugal... The forecasts for January are for less rain and a relative drop in minimum temperatures... All Good ✌😉
Hi if you put a light in with your chickens they should start laying again. They don't mind the cold they just need 12-14 hrs of sun to lay. Its cold in Canada and mine will lay all winter. Good luck.
Beautiful video! In our village is exactly the same story, all the people who live here are 70+ and their children live in France or Lisabon. I think, if the Portugese younger people where interested to come back to live on the land, it would be still possible now, they would just have to talk to the old people in the village and someone would give them land for very cheap, just to see the land being used. But as you say in some years when the old people die and all the land belongs to the generation in Lisabon or France, then the only way to get it would be through the agencies who offcourse put the prices up what the foragners can pay.... At what area are you guys?
We live in Leiria district, there are lots of villages like ours here.
it's super sad to see whole villages where there is maybe only life in a couple of the houses and the rest are empty, but the prices is still super high (guess because I am a foreigner asking) but sadly I am not of wealth either, but maybe some day I get to move to this lovely country with so much history and a wealth of nature. But when they begin asking way high prices for something that is unliveable (no roof, floors rotted gone, windows gone etc. it's literally just a couple walls in bad shape... then I back off... land shouldn't go for more than €1/m2 and lower if is unkempt... asking higher then that then it's because there is a useable building on or the land is kempt and there is fruit trees on but bare land shouldn't be highly priced. it would be nice with more life in all those empty places. Getting a loan for that is hard (banks don't like it under 30.000) and owner financing seems to not exist in Portugal but it is very common in other places like USA.
Fully agree, the properties are very overpriced these days. We see it in our own vicinity as well. Although we are quite sure that there are no such thing as "foreigner prices". If you make a personal deal with a local, you might get a lower price but most property here is sold through real estate agents and the price is the same, whether you're Portuguese or immigrant :) it's just a really inflated market and Portuguese people really like their cash in hand!
@@oakolive well if you see the realestate sites that also cater to "english" then the prices are way higher than other sites that are in portugese only. so what just what I noticed.
The land is expensive, and a land with 4 walls is even more expensive because new construction in this lands are not allowed, but 4 walls can be reconstructed and transformed in a new house again. In "virgin" land you can't construct new houses.
I just found your channel!! So absolutely true what you say ,I also left in 1984 to the USA,I had to,but I miss it all the time !! So sad that so many villages ard quite empty but people had to look for means of income do they emigrated to other countries or to the cities !! I’m so happy that a lot of these properties as being taken care of buy wonderful people has yourselves ,it’s wonderful!!
@@rasputindasilva858 It is the same all over EU I guess. Hard or almost impossible to build new houses in the countryside. This is of course a planned agenda in order to herd people into cities to ensure that people are as dependent as possible of the government. It is all about control, but disguised as care for the planet, this "mother earth cult" is nothing else than paganism revived.
I hanged light blankets on the inside walls too and that made my chickens happier and laying eggs again.
Very well explained what your aspirations are and the recent Portuguese history of land abandonment. Thank you. May good fortune be with you.
Welcome to Portugal! I wish you the best of success and happiness. If I were younger my project would be the same
Respect. Please continue to keep us updated on your journey. Best of luck!
so proud of you guys forging forward on this unique path of yours. Loving the ramble Jacky! I'm here for more : )
❤❤❤
Hi you are so right with your comments. I am Armando both in Seixal (South side from lisboa ) bit live in London for 35 years and cunt wait to move back to Portugal
Your report on life in rural Portugal is fascinating. You really are making your own life and I enjoy watching. Thank you!
Just this morning I came across your video and eager to watch and learn more about Portugal. I'm Dutch from origin and for some years rent a wooden cabin in Belgium but it isn't what I would say my Home for Ever. My passion is dogs and don't know if there is a option to intergrate one way or another within this Country. All goods for this new year.
There are many dogs here that need help!
@@oakolive Thank you for responding and who knows that could be a new path to taken!
If you were to do wild boar removal, you could possibly try a breed that has been bred to round up wild boar or cattle. They're called the catahoula, blackmouth cur, blue lacy...etc. I raise catahoulas here in the USA.
@@TedH71 Hai Ted no I'm not a Hunter and that was not my reason for reply in regard to dogs. But yes I know what the origin is from the Catahoula Louisiana State Dog. Some years ago a bought a lovely booklet from John Slaughter. Sadly also with this breed there are some health issues and to many appreciate it just for their looks. It's a working breed with much energy. All goods with your breeding stock.
I feel for you with the weather. We have also been hit here in southern Italy. I’m so done with winter now! Bring on spring! 👍🏻😊
I just subscribed and quite enjoyed your refreshing video I am looking forward to watching the other ones as well…Happy New Year!
Happy new year!
So nice to see a channel like yours love from Sweden
Thank you so much for watching!
Thank you for bringing a smile on my face. There is hope for some of us.
yap, some districts in Portugal, for example Viseu, had almost every kind of land cultivated at some time, you can see that, if you go to some mountains, forests etc, and you can still see old wells, mines, terraces, old walls, etc.
Hi there, you mentioned the chicken who don't lay eggs anymore. As far as I know thats normal and will last for about 2-4 month. At least thats the case with our chickens when winter starts. Just keep feeding them 😉 Greets from cold Switzerland
You can add a light to the coop to speed up the return to laying.
What an amazing topic you’ve brought up Politics and it’s adverse results. Positive or negative, the results is the same Portugal 🇵🇹 being a victim of said dictatorship back a few decades It’s something that affects every country in this planet of ours You have countries in Southamerica being completely destroyed by it, It’s people migrating elsewhere because of it. Argentina, Venezuela and Colombia being a clear example In the north you have every Central Americans, Mexico included You have Canadiens doing the same right about this time Africa and Asia? This young lady brought up a great point, it’s consequences I hope she never have a do what locals had to do in that same place she’s now calling home, having to flee to a safer place because of some asshole politician
Thank you for this energy 💕
Thanks, insightful. A fresh approach to Portugal. 👍🏼
Great video, with great sensitivity towards the history and culture
Also the land is very poor ;( not great for high yields of production of interesting marketable products on top of the fact the the average size was super small, barely sufficient to produce enough for a family.. You probably notice that traditional higher yield farming areas like wine regions do not suffer as much from the problem... Any way welcome to this little corner of Europe, keep at it we appreciate it.
Yes. I think you’re right. There is a lot of non-arable land, but good growing climate. I’m working now on a business plan for introducing hydroponic and aquaponic farming. Coming in March to do research.
Thank you for sharing
Finally someone who understands why I had a bout of winter depression in the middle of summer. I currently live near Rügen (Germany) and this has been my personal year without a summer. I adopted some neglected land here in July with a garden house roof to fix, but it took months because I had to wait for yet another "severe weather warning" to pass. Most of my harvest drowned. Thanks for the enjoyable video. Great job editing your babblings into a cohesive story. 😉
It's the lack of sunshine really, that is really mentally draining. And good on you for taking on your own projects, there's always bound to be ups and downs in a renovation project. Thank you very much for watching!
Looks like Appalachia in the US. Mountainous, poverty stricken and mostly abandoned. About the chickens, move them. You must have a drier spot somewhere on the property. Move them there. Don't dismantle the old coop just build them another in a drier spot and move them when needed. They're chickens, they'll be fine if you move them.
Unfortunately this was the wettest year in memory... Also there was an incident involving a predator after the video aired. The only surviving hen lives with the neighbors now.
Such a beautifully put together and thoughtful video, I’m going to check out the podcast you shared as I love learning more about our adopted home. Did you find your orange press here? I’m getting a strained wrist from squeezing them all the time 😆 oh and also someone commented on our videos once that oak leaves are not great mulch for veggie gardens, apparently there’s something in them that can inhibit growth 🤷♀️
We got that press in Germany but ordered it on Amazon. A few of our neighbours happen to have the same one so I think you can find it here 🙂 oak leaves might not be the best mulch but these ones will lay there till march before we plant in that spot so lots of time to break down. We are going to get our olive prunings chipped soon and they should make nice mulch.
thank you for all the information. very helpful.
I am seriously contemplating my move to Portugal...this year is the year...
Come :)
Wow,,, Amazing place for your family.. Jackie and Zak you did the best... And many wise words from Jackie in this video,,,,,,
Just stumbled over your channel and love it. As a gardener a little hint: Eichenlaub hat viel Gerbsäure und verrotet nur sehr langsam. Gut als Mulch für säureliebende Himbeeren, Blaubeeren... aber nicht sehr gut für Gemüsebeete ;-) Wünsche euch viel Erfolg und hab euch abonniert :-)))
Danke, da hast du natürlich Recht! Für uns war es wichtig, schon vorhandene Resourcen zu nutzen, auch wenn sie nicht immer ideal sind… Wir werden mit dem Rasenmäher des Nachbarn die Blätter mulchen, damit sie einfacher verrotten. Die Blätter werden außerdem unter einer weiteren Schicht Mulch und Kompost sein, da wir vor allem mit Lasagna Gardening letztes Jahr Erfolg hatten. Und wir haben noch einige Monate, bevor wir dort pflanzen, damit sollten die Gerbstoffe einigermaßen abgebaut sein (zumindest war das die Theorie lol). Danke für's Abo!
I've been considering moving to Portugal from the UK and your story has further inspired me. Thank you - subscribed!
Good luck!
Very interesting. I watch a few vids of people buying homesteads in Portugal so your background info has been useful.
Obrigada.... Thank You, like other comments I appreciate Your candor and transparent review of Your lives in Portugal. Please continue to share... Gracias.. [;-]
I loved the way you present. Great voice and great tempo 👍
Wild video! Thank you!
The atmosphere makes me very interested in this condition, I can witness an area like this, it is indeed speechless!!!
Very interesting and insightful video. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
What part of pourtgal is this
@@johnconnors6732 we live in Leiria district 🙂
Old locals still know how all this worked! Gonna find a 85 year old grandpa somewhere and interview him properly! All the best!! 😊
Just come across your channel, really enjoyed your insight and candour, thank you. Your super fresh orange juice must taste lovely, no chance of scurvy with all that vitamin C!! Do you make marmalade during the cold winter months? xx
Good video with good perspectives and insights. Thank you.
I wish you all the success in the world!
I also live in the Spanish bush a bit like you! Are chicken's were laying very little but with conventional food mixed with milled corn wheat and barley they do a lot better!! Also as someone said in winter they do really well in the green house plus preparing the soil for spring! I am jealous of how much water there is amazing 😍. After such a swim a nice sandwich with jamón!!!
Will you make a video about that watering system? I'd love to know more about it!
Amazing video! I'm trying to get a land for myself in the near future here in Portugal.
Good luck 🤞 the more people the better.
Glad this got shared and this channel very cosy and informative :)
Really enlightening video ( am old!) Love that area, been playing golf few times in the south, been to south Spain alot, Living in nz but thinking why not invest there as well, cheers!
All you say is so true and sad ! We plan to move to Portugal in a few years . As always the bottom line comes down to the have and have nots ? In my humble opinion one way to protect the locals , while truly helping the economy , is to ….ONLY !! Allow purchase of property for living ! Meaning you can’t purchase for reason of investment only . Investigators only invest to increase their personal wealth, because they can and often care little about the locals , or the effect they have on the standard of living for locals , or those who wish to make the country their home and live and help the locals prosper indirectly! While sadly , very sadly pricing property out of reach for others who would make wonderful additions to any country , but simply due to lack of funds will never get the chance ! Investors only care about their increase of wealth . It is a shame that countries don’t see the long term effect for short term gains ! That and people don’t realize, or as I said care about the real impact in a country when you swoop in and over pay for real estate, and the negative impact it has for those who can’t keep up ! Add to that the fact that this environment, only encourages locals and property owners to hold on to real estate , while it crumbles in the hope that they too will attain more financial gain . This will never change as it makes the rich richer and the poor poorer , and it never politically advantageous to care about the poor ! Sorry ! Had to get this off my chest !
Yes !!!!! From Florida
I’m to old to really do much manual labor. In my mind however I would love to give farming a try. I think most of us have lost contact with the earth and the nature it provides. I know it’s important to understand you local area. Nature is relentless and fighting it makes no sense. We can’t make the land do thing it doesn’t want to do. Figure out what your property is best suited for then determining how you can best make it work for you.
Some chicken food companies in the states have altered their chicken feed and it actually prevents them from laying eggs!
Nice to see such a filosofical video. Also share you same thought (about depopulation) and concerns (loss of knowledge). Thank you.
They want everyone in the smart city and rewild everything else. They want the ppl off the land. Very cool what you are doing. I wish you success in your adventure:)
,Hai, I wonder why the Portuguese farmers had to cut down part of the ir olive trees ,their vineyards and vegetables. In exchange of money when they entered the EU or take part of Europe. I can imagine that by great production the prices are low and the competition in other countries did not like that .Or is there an other reason.I don't know? greetings from clarisse. Thanks for the nice video .beautiful leather handcraft !!
Maybe I am wrong but I don't think anyone is or was forced to cut down any productive trees. But the agricultural subsidies in the EU have quite strict rules (farmers in any member state will tell you that). So you get subsidies for grain, soy, etc. but not for olive oil. You'd have to look up the exact subsidy rules to find that out. As far as I understand it, it is mainly a financial gain and misdirected policy. // Jackie
Are you in central Portugal or north? North of Estrela mountains the weather is a bit colder and a lot of rain, at south less rain really hot over the summer. Edit: Just read you are living in central Portugal. Good luck! I wish I could go back to Portugal but my kids here in the states and my wife will not move.
Thank you for the nice Video Very friendly person
When I had chickens, they hardly laid in the winter months....but began laying again in January. How old are they? If young, it usually takes almost a year for them to begin laying. Once they get to be over 4 or 5 yrs old, they don't lay as much. As the person from Canada mentioned, using supplemental light would promote laying, but it also decreases the laying life of the birds. Also be sure they have plenty of gravel for egg formation. I covered their coop floor with sand, which really helps keep their feet clean and makes it easier for you to clean up after them too. Let them forage in the leaves....they will eat more nutritiously that way. Use their poop for fertilizing your garden. Good luck!
We had some 1.5 year olds and some that were just about six months. The main problem was the weather, as soon as it got drier they started laying. Then they got all killed tho so we're taking a chicken break.
@@oakolive oh i am so sorry to hear that. that is awful! I almost lost my hens when a weasel moved in under their coop. predators are difficult to deal with. One has to be very very careful in the design of the coop & the pen in order to keep them out. I even put netting above their pen, so that flying predators would stay away. I too, lost one, and even that was too many.
Great video! Will you come and talk to us on Good Morning Portugal!?
Good video
Oak leaf mulch may not be great. Best to compost first to reduce acidity.
They will sit on those beds till march before planting, with some chicken manure and compost for good measure.
I read somewhere that there are now parts of Portugal that foreigners can’t buy any more. I think this is a good thing. I am looking at land with a small house in the middle of Portugal as it’s really reasonable. But now with Brexit things are not so easy for us brits. I’m a resident of Spain so I could move between the two countries till I decide where I want to be 🙏
Hm, as far as we know that is something that some municipalities consider but is not the case (yet). It might have to do more with investement firms buying up property in nature reserves on the coast to build "eco-villages". There is a movement to restrict that. I'd be careful. Being resident of one EU country does not give you the right to reside in another country… You'd have to start the immigration process all over again.
Foreigners can buy without restrictions, what changed was the rules for the Golden Visa (an investment visa for relatively expensive properties), Lisbon, Porto and Algarve are no longer eligible for the Golden Visa but no restrictions to buy and demand permanent residency or other kind of visa. The interior still has the Golden Visa for properties above 300K I believe, but that is not necessary to buy a property and live permanently, it was just a shortcut.
Super video.
I've heard the opposite economic history of Portugal (so yours is a bit of a surprise to me). The other version goes like this: Under Salazar, himself, Portugal did pretty well, economically, but it was a dictatorship, so things weren't so good, socially. Salazar was apparently an actual genius (with dumb political ideas, so it's no guarantee of perfect leadership). He was incapacitated by a stroke, I think, and from then on various of his yes-men ran the show, so "the good side" of his rule was lost. And then there was the revolution, which led to social improvements (no more people vanishing in the night, and no more going off to Angola and Mozambique, etc, to kill and be killed), but there were radical socialist reforms that didn't work very well, so the Portuguese economy tanked for a while. And then some balance was restored, Portugal joined the EU, the peace dividend began to pay off, and now you have this Portugal of today. That's just what I heard. I have no good reason to believe either version of history is true (although if you arrive to "fix things up" and you make a mess of it, one of the ways to cope with that is to find someone else to blame, preferably someone too dead to talk back.) As far as people "leaving the land" goes, you might find the old dictators had a sentimental attachment to the idea of the old ways of the country, and had measures in place to prevent people escaping from their beautiful dead ends to the cities (where people tend to become "troublesome" in dictator-terms.) There's a natural tendency to bail out of rural poverty traps, and it takes authoritarian measures to prevent people from moving to the cities. (This is something I've seen in South Africa. As is well known, the apartheid government wanted to force (black) rural people to stay rural, and had measures in place to ensure this. Those were done away with in the reforms that prepared the ground for the current constitutional dispensation, and as soon as they were, there was mass migration from some of the most beautiful poverty traps in the country to the cities - to informal settlements, largely, so you can imagine how hard life was in those pretty valleys, just by that. Places that were full of people long ago, are empty, now.) I only know about the South African case; I'm just guessing about the Portuguese one.
I'm not entirely sure what point you're trying to make here. History is very much an evidence-based science and some people like to misrepresent those facts. There are historical facts and then there are narratives pushed by various (often far-right) parties. Fact is that while the Estado Novo was "better" than the previous dictatorship (better economy, less polictical murder, slightly less oppression), it was still a terrible place to live in. Hence why people fled. Whether Salazar was a genius must depend on who you ask. He did pretty well, economically in the first years of his rule and saved Portugal from economic doom. But at what price? Fact is also that Salazar deliberately kept the people poor, uneducated and without access to proper healthcare. The old people in the surrounding villages can barely read and live in little stone houses with open fire places to this day, because they've never known anything else. If you compare living standards in other European countries at the same time, they were far far poorer. And that was planned by Salazars regime. An uneducated people too poor to care for politics in Lisboa is easy to oppress. Critics of the most recent social-democratic policies like to point the finger and say things were better back in the day, etc. etc. But I'd disagree. If you can't provide basic services such as education, healthcare and food to ALL your people, you have a failed government. There are people in Germany who think it wasn't all that bad under Hitler. Well, yeah, it wasn't if you were a good little middle-class Arian. If you were a persecuted minority, you'd disagree hard on that one. Same goes for Portugal. A dictatorship is always bad. The "good dictator" doesn't exist, because you will always need to oppress the voices of the people to push your agenda.
@@oakolive Like I said, I don't know much about this, and I heard what I heard. I'd have to look deeper into it to get some idea of what the real facts might be. For the time being I now know there are at least two different views of what became of Portugal's post-revolution economy, in the short term. As for the dictatorship, yes, I still agree that dictatorships are bad. (Like kings, but sometimes even worse.) And it doesn't matter if your dictator is a genius or not; what matters if you have no better option is the dictator's values. I did hear that he was legitimately highly intelligent (which would probably make him the only such dictator in the 20th century, if it's right - with all the others just thinking they are.) Again, I just heard that. I'd have to put in more work than I'm likely to be willing to, to verify or discount the claim for myself. I would not be surprised if the claim that Portugal's economy tanked after the revolution, though. (That doesn't make the dictator good; it just makes what replaces him not automatically good. I need only think of South Africa, and the second chance we got when the previous regime stepped down to make way for The Future, and how with 20:20 hindsight it has turned out that those pigs are at least just as bad as the last pigs. At least the last pigs didn't promise a better world, and they stole less than the current pigs do. Take a long view of Portugal, and it does look like they managed to at least not go from one set of pigs to the next like South Africa did.) (And the Portuguese former colonies. The revolution turned Mozambique into an armpit, and Angola into something that oozes with the pus of corruption today. When your New Tomorrow dawns take care. There's a good chance that all you're about to do is leap from frying pan into fire.) In countries where these places are just stories - just "Evidence", whose sole purpose is to Prove some one Right when viewed from a safe distance - these facts might sometimes need to be edited to make the "truth" fit the Rightness of whoever needs it to be in a better shape than it really is. And what's that got to do with Portugal? (And ignorance about what really went down in Portugal in the immediate aftermath of the original nightmare state). Well if the liberators could turn those places into such holes, then it's possible that liberators elsewhere made holes of their own - at least for a while. And this isn't "cheering for the other side". I give you the example of the hole the government that took over the old Soviet nightmare, and created the first "free Russian nightmare", too. Or the restoration of culture and decency in Iran, long ago. There are all sorts of ways of jumping out of the frying pan and straight into the fire. (From what I hear of Portugal, today, though, it sounds like whatever happened, eventually they sorted things out there, and finally solved their problems - unlike what seems now to be the norm, where the dawn of hope is often just the start of the next bad day.)
@@sicko_the_ew my grandparents were born under Salazar's rule. They were miserable, they went hungry many times as children, my grandmother had her first shoes at 7 years old. She finished 3rd grade and was put in a house as a servant girl at 9 years old, her mother came at the end of the month to get the money she made. This was very common. Portugal endured unbearable poverty and uneducation, to this day the culture is far behind most other European countries, I am Portuguese, left 12 years ago and we are planning to move back this year but the lack of culture is one of our greatest obstacles and we are still not sure to be able to adapt again. We will see.
Hi from Russia, here same things happened, but now many families going to be farmer. Good Luck To You!
Hi ! I was just watching your channel for the first time and saw you're not getting any eggs from your chickens. They're pretty finicky about the weather ; so when that happens you need to feed more corn and calcium. Calcium is needed for the whole egg laying process . Calcium helps the muscles work to get the eggs out ; so they'll get egg bound and can die another reason could be that they're past their prime , typically they lay for 2 years and it kind of slacks off after that .
Thanks for the info, unfortunately a predator got into the coop recently and we lost all the flock except for one... She has been re-homed. That is useful information for the next flock though.
@@oakolive That's a bummer , good luck with the next round
Our native forest was mostly portuguese oaks Cork trees azinheiras azinho not the damn pine trees and eucaliptus. We need to recover it.
Agreed, the next two videos that we make will be about this topic. Concordo, os próximos dois vídeos que fizermos serão sobre este tópico. Obrigado por assistir.
If you don't have electric power on your place you could easily make it with that lovely dam. Could use that for light for your chickens or many other uses.
I loved your philosophical musings and intellectual observations. Such a refreshing voice amongst the off gridders. Have subscribed and looking forward to your content. We arrive in may to rent a quinta till we can buy our own. Bringing my 3 kids who will grow up as portuguese farmers, who can work remotely online from their farms in the future, if they want to. I love your dress and apron did you make ot or buy it?
Oh and the chickens need a certain amount of daylight to lay… it is to allow their bodies a break to build up reserves for summer laying. The factory farmers keep bright lights on at night to fool their bodies in to laying. Do you ket them out in the daytime to forage for insects, to cut feed costs?
Best of luck in your property search :) The dress is a Dirndl and was made by my great-grandmother and I inherited it as my wedding dress. Now I try to wear it from time to time so it doesn't get dusty. // Jackie
@@NextStopThailand we tend to let them out mid afternoon time so they get a chance to lay in the mornings and then go back in before feed and roosting. There is a big predator problem around here so we are careful. We lost the chickens recently to a Marten or Weasel... Getting new ones soon.
In which area are you? It is near a mountain? I love your optimistic way of viewing things. You are very inpirational. Thank You!
We live in Leiria district, central Portugal. There's a lot of big hills and a few Mountains near us. The bigger mountains in Serra de Estrela are a few hours drive.
Handling chickens and hens off-grid involves managing their basic needs for shelter, food, water, and healthcare without relying on conventional utilities. Here are some tips for off-grid chicken and hen care: Shelter: Build a sturdy coop: Construct a well-insulated and predator-resistant coop using locally sourced materials. Ensure proper ventilation and protection from extreme weather conditions. Solar-powered lighting: Install solar-powered lights inside the coop to provide illumination during the dark hours. Water Supply: Rainwater harvesting: Set up a rainwater collection system to gather water for your chickens. This can involve collecting rain in barrels and then using gravity to distribute it to water containers. Natural water sources: If you're in an area with nearby streams or ponds, consider how you can utilize these natural water sources for your chickens. Ensure the water is clean and free from contaminants. Feeding: Free-range foraging: Allow your chickens to free-range during the day, allowing them to graze on insects, seeds, and plants. This not only supplements their diet but also reduces the amount of purchased feed required. Local feed sources: Source local grains, seeds, and other feed options to reduce reliance on commercial feeds. Consider growing your own feed if possible. Healthcare: Natural remedies: Learn about herbal and natural remedies for common chicken ailments. For example, some plants and herbs can be used to boost their immune system or treat minor illnesses. Regular checks: Perform routine health checks on your chickens to catch any potential issues early. Keep a first aid kit with essential supplies. Waste Management: Composting: Implement a composting system for chicken litter and bedding. This can be used to enrich the soil in your garden or growing areas. Manure utilization: Use chicken manure as a natural fertilizer for your garden. Ensure it is properly composted to reduce the risk of pathogens. Energy Sources: Solar power: Use solar panels to generate electricity for lighting, heating, or other energy needs in the coop. Wind or hydro power: Depending on your location, consider other renewable energy sources like wind or hydro power to generate electricity. Predator Protection: Build secure fencing: Install predator-resistant fencing around the coop and run. This can include buried wire to prevent digging and overhead netting to deter aerial predators. Livestock guardian animals: Consider using dogs or other guardian animals to help protect your chickens from predators. Breeding and Brooding: Natural reproduction: Allow your hens to brood naturally if you plan to expand your flock. This can reduce the need for artificial incubation. Homemade incubators: If artificial incubation is necessary, consider building a simple, off-grid incubator powered by renewable energy. Remember to adapt these suggestions based on your specific off-grid location, climate, and available resources. Regular observation and thoughtful planning are essential for successful off-grid chicken and hen management.
Nice music
You live in a beautiful place!
thats brave to go swimming...looks so cold..
How easy or difficult is it in Portugal to get permission to install Hydro electric vortex turbines on your own land? I'm very interested In buying an old farm with land to go off grid but hydro is essential for me. Many thanks 😊
As one of your commenters (Teresa Quintinha) clearly explained Portugal's history and its effects, I believe Portugal is now facing a new threat, that being, that the rapidly increasing number of foreigners moving here (me included) is beginning to negatively affect some prime elements of life in PT for it's native people. That would mostly be influencing the costs of accommodation for local people, who generally earn much less than foreign residents. While this is currently a small scale influence on house/apt prices to buy or rent, I believe that is because the majority of current foreigners have a high cash/income (relative to most PT nationals) which allows them to choose the higher end accommodation so doesn't impact locals too much. However, I believe that is changing. Increasingly, people like me (not rich, live on a pension & rent a small apt) are talking about moving here as their own countries are suffering increasing economic hardships and other negative issues now. In my view, this is the point at which PT politicians must give serious considerations to trying to understand at what point the numbers of foreign residents could begin having a negative impact on local people? The UK of today is the prime example of that. One of the most important things about Portugal for me, is the old style culture that still exists here...that's what makes Portuguese people so friendly and accommodating to foreigners. By old style I mean, close family ties, the young respect the older generations, PT people are physically affectionate to their children which creates strong loving bonds/families, it also creates a society where crime is at a low level (Crime in PT is about 3 times less than the UK!). Global movement of large numbers of people via vacation travel has been enormous in the last 40 years or so, however, as a traveler to more than 20 countries over that time, the influence on many small nations around the globe is very noticeable, and often not good for the locals! So, for the sake of the Portuguese people & culture, I hope politicians give serious considerations to what 'limits' may be needed to ensure the native Portuguese people/communities do not suffer what can be serious negative impacts of too much outsider influence in the future.
If the Portuguese government is able to limit immigration, which is only possible for third country nationals (outside the EU) then within thirty years this country will face an economic crises. The largest generation in Portugal is comprised of people in their 40s and 50s. During the next twenty years those people will reach retirement age. The problem is that when you have more people in retirement than you do in the work force, the social welfare system is completely unfeasible... Funding the pension system impossible... Not enough tax payers to fund the government. It is very important that Portugal gains more people of all social classes in order to remain viable. The government must ensure that enough housing exists to alleviate pressure on the property market. It's a problem that many countries and regions face and it has a solution: more housing. The real challenge that Portugal faces in regards to the actual immigration situation is that many of the people who migrate here are pensioners. They do bring a certain amount of capital but someone who is able to work or generate value is more appropriate for Portugal's wellbeing. Around here it's a mix of pensioners and a few young families like ours. The families are in the minority though so unless something changes in the next decades, our children will face the same problem that the Portuguese have been facing since before we settled here; not enough people. In the end though I think that we and our descendents will become integrated and a part of the future Portugal, we are committed to making this place our home and we're grateful to be welcomed.
@@oakolive yes, see that. Lets hope there's less people like me and more viable young families like yourself in the future then. Good luck :)
@@sayitasiseeit626 hopefully we get enough people of all kinds to make society keep working as it should and we can all live harmoniously together 🙂
It is a double edged sword. Portugal is stuffed without immigration, but too much may not be good for locals either. With economic growth does come opportunities for locals though, so I do not believe immigration from wealthier EU citizens is a bad thing, especially if the newcomers are generous and giving many opportunities to locals
I read somewhere that this year it has rained has never before in Portugal
We heard that it was the most rain in one year since 1941, we can confirm that it was a lot...
With an abundance of running water, it would be easy to process the acorns from the oak trees for you to eat. They should be an excellent source of fat and protein. In America, pigs love acorns to eat. To cut back/save on chicken feed and pig feed you can ferment their feed. It makes available more digestible vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and protein plus pigs and chickens love it. When summer comes if you have black soldier flies in Portugal you can feed the flies and feed the grubs to the pigs and chickens. Feed for bsf can be meats, veggies, pig & chicken dung. If you give the flies pig dung feed the grubs to the chickens. If you feed the bsf chicken dung feed the grubs to the pigs. The grubs are a great source of protein, fat, minerals and vitamins.