Pyramid #3/52: Low-Tech II

[lwcamp]

Originally Posted by Brett

The point here is that poultry fatten on scraps, waste, spills, gleanings, and scraps, which are produced in proportion to the production of staple foods and the consumption of the household. Poultry is virtually free up to the amount that is supported by unavoidable waste: raising less that that amount means less production with no reduction in costs and no increase in alternative production. Or looking at that from the other side, raising poultry is a terrifically cheap way to produce food up to the point that is supported by the irreducible waste of handling grain, preparing food etc.

Interestingly, Guinea pigs in Andean cultures seem to follow these same economics. They are fed scraps and waste, and supply welcome meat (although not eggs). In a fantasy world, you may have Guinea pigs instead of or in addition to poultry.

Luke