Preserving sausage casings?

[Questor]

I got some sausage casings to make my first batches of sausage with. But there sure are a lot of casings in an 8 ounce bag. Is there a good way of preserving them so I can use them throughout the year? They are natural hog casings coated with salt.

Thanks.

[john keyes]

dump the whole bag, casings, salt, saltwater and all into a small tupperware or empty margarine type container. put in freezer till next time

[Questor]

John Keyes:

Thanks! I'll do that. I appreciate the help.

[Buckskin]

Don't freeze them. Freezing causes them to weaken. Although depending on your freezer temp, they may not freeze due to the salt content.  Just keep them in the frig, they will be fine for at least 9 months. I have used them well over a year of being in the frig and they were fine. By the way, here is a fantastic site for sausage making. 

http://forum.sausagemaking.org/

[Questor]

Thanks, Buckskin. I don't want them to weaken. And with all the salt, it does seem reasonable that they'll last in the fridge.

I'll check out that site.