September started out with car troubles. DH is outside replacing the fuel pump of our only vehicle. Friends have been so helpful with rides and even lending a truck for a few days. Thanks to all of them.
School is in full swing andthe kids are happy and I relish a few hours alone every day. Work is going well. I am fortunate to work with a great group of people.
Rabbits are growing and eating. Am getting ready for the State Fair next week. I am entering only one angora and four v-lops. However, I think that only one will meet the ear length qualifications. I am keeping records of weight gain and ear length weekly. I want to try to plot out an average of growth rate. Would be nice to be able to predict if the kits will make the 14 inch requirement at 8 - 12 weeks. And I do know that there are exceptions to every rule. But will keep up the records and see what comes of it. One of my little v-lops died last week. I could not see what went wrong. He was fine in the morning and then a few hours later was dead. I could not see any marks on him. His rear was clean and I saw no diarhea or weird looking poops. The other two are doing very well though.
I sold two french angora mixes last week. They just were not the correct body type and size for my program. The new owners wanted them as pets.
Oh, we had two guinea pigs that we thought were both females. Well, about 2 weeks ago we woke up to 3 baby pigs. I guess we were mistaken about the sex. They are so cute and such a contrast from baby bunnies. These guys had all their fur, teeth, eyes open, and were running around on day one.
I lost a roll of film and have not processed the others, however, when I do, I will post many pictures.
Enjoy the last of summer.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Is it really August already?
Just a quick note today. We made it back from Oklahoma in one piece. It was a lovely little wedding at Laverne's Wedding Chapel. I lost my roll of film so am unable to post pictures at this time. April - my new daughter - is lovely too. It was a pleasure meeting and spending time with her. Her family is wonderful too It was all very spontaneous and they were so supportive and up for anything. I wish Julius and April the very best.
It was fun to see the Pow-Wow and my youngest, Anna, wants to dance so her dad is making her moccasins and other things needed. Most Quapaws are tall so she fit right in.
Rosie is off to another semester at UNM. She is working for the theater there as props mistress and she is going to be busy designing sets for some fall productions. I am glad to see her so happy and fullfilled. Cameron - the boyfriend- came with us to Oklahoma and he is a very sweet boy.
David spent a week near Tulsa at a Bible Camp and made some good friends. He has started school again. Cross my fingers will graduate from high school this year.
As for my rabbits, they are doing well. I am pleased with the Velveteen Lops. They are growing and sweet and I will be showing them at the NM State Fair in September. The angoras are doing well also. Thor still likes to get outside his cage so I have been letting the stud bunny loose a few hours a day. Make sure all the female cages are secure first though.
The air condidioner I put in the barn is working wonderfully. Heat here is a problem and this sure beats wetting and draping material and blowing fans on them to keep the rabbits cool.
Well, need to go out and weigh, groom and of course feed and water the bunnies.
Hope all are enjoying your summer.
It was fun to see the Pow-Wow and my youngest, Anna, wants to dance so her dad is making her moccasins and other things needed. Most Quapaws are tall so she fit right in.
Rosie is off to another semester at UNM. She is working for the theater there as props mistress and she is going to be busy designing sets for some fall productions. I am glad to see her so happy and fullfilled. Cameron - the boyfriend- came with us to Oklahoma and he is a very sweet boy.
David spent a week near Tulsa at a Bible Camp and made some good friends. He has started school again. Cross my fingers will graduate from high school this year.
As for my rabbits, they are doing well. I am pleased with the Velveteen Lops. They are growing and sweet and I will be showing them at the NM State Fair in September. The angoras are doing well also. Thor still likes to get outside his cage so I have been letting the stud bunny loose a few hours a day. Make sure all the female cages are secure first though.
The air condidioner I put in the barn is working wonderfully. Heat here is a problem and this sure beats wetting and draping material and blowing fans on them to keep the rabbits cool.
Well, need to go out and weigh, groom and of course feed and water the bunnies.
Hope all are enjoying your summer.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Road Trip
Well, in a few hours we will be off to Oklahoma. My husband is a Quapaw indian from northeastern Oklahoma nnd they have a pow-wow over the fourth of July. This year we are braving the heat and humidiy and high gas prices to make it back there. My son is also getting married. So, will be away from my little world of rabbits for a few days. Will be back with pictures and stories.
Happy Fourth to all.
Happy Fourth to all.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
One Week Old
Here are new pics. You can see they have darkened a bit. Maybe the lighter ones are both fawn...maybe they will get darker and be orange. They are growing like crazy and their mom is great. She is the best mother I have seen in my brief history of breeding. She jumps right in, takes care of them and they are so stuffed and full they can barely move.
Anyway, here are the pics.
All of them together:
And the two fawn/orange ones:
The Chestnut:
The Broken:
The solid:
Anyway, here are the pics.
All of them together:
And the two fawn/orange ones:
The Chestnut:
The Broken:
The solid:
Friday, June 20, 2008
Name that color
The three velveteen lops are growing fast and changing colors. I need help. Unfortunately some of the colors are a bit washed out.
Here is Kit One:
And now Kit Two:
and finally Kit Three:
Here is Kit One:
And now Kit Two:
and finally Kit Three:
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Velveteen Lops
In May I bought 3 velveteen lops. 2 Juniors, a buck:
and a doe:
and one bred doe:
Today she kindled three kits.
I have to say that in the few weeks that they have been living with me I have totally fallen for these guys. They are so sweet and affectionate. I look forward to raising them.
and a doe:
and one bred doe:
Today she kindled three kits.
I have to say that in the few weeks that they have been living with me I have totally fallen for these guys. They are so sweet and affectionate. I look forward to raising them.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Half Way Through June
It is hard to believe that it is half-way through June and I have only posted once. School is out which is good and bad. Good because I know the kids need a break but bad because Anna is already bored. We have some summer fun classes scheduled but not every week and this is one week she is home. Last week she made lots of things out of old jeans. A skirt, some purses, some wall hangings. All very cute and things I would have never thought of making. Next week she is back at class - Arts and Crafts I think.
David is out looking for a job. He is putting in applications all over. He is at a bit of a disadvantage because he didn't start sooner but he was in a play at school and felt he could not commit to anything else. We shall see. He may have to work in food. Gasp!;). Oh the horror ;). I believe he just needs to get a job. He will be in his senior year in the fall. Hard to believe I will soon have three out of high school.
The heat is setting in. We were lucky up until about a week ago. The weather was cooler than usual. So, now have fans and water bottles and a swamp cooler and wet cloths over cages trying to keep everyone cool.
Unfortunately, I lost the last litter of FA. It was almost like a failure to thrive. They stopped growing. I watched them eat everyday but they didn't get much bigger. The only other unusual thing with them was that I had to remove large poop pellets that were half way sticking out. Their mom had lots of fresh water and feed and she did not have any poop problems. They also had an eye discharge that I faithfully cleaned each day.
Anna's two remaining babies are doing great. I had them in a big plastic tub in my bathroom during the night and part of the day. It is about a 30 gallon tub. Well, they are able to jump out of it. I was surprised to find them sitting on the floor looking so proud of themselves. They are staying out with mom now all the time.
We had another litter born three weeks ago. Three babies - 1 tort and 2 ermine?. Their dad is ermine and has a dark nose, dark eyes and ears are dark. These guys look like they will have his appearance. I am weighing them everyday and they are growing ok I think.
Bred two more does and they will be due around July 8th.
My oldest son told me he is getting married on the 4th of July in Oklahoma. My husband's tribe has their big pow wow every year on that date. So, will be going to OK first week of July. A bit surprising but he is 20. I think so young. But when I was 20 I thought I was all grown up too.
Will have pictures up by early next week I think.
Blessings
David is out looking for a job. He is putting in applications all over. He is at a bit of a disadvantage because he didn't start sooner but he was in a play at school and felt he could not commit to anything else. We shall see. He may have to work in food. Gasp!;). Oh the horror ;). I believe he just needs to get a job. He will be in his senior year in the fall. Hard to believe I will soon have three out of high school.
The heat is setting in. We were lucky up until about a week ago. The weather was cooler than usual. So, now have fans and water bottles and a swamp cooler and wet cloths over cages trying to keep everyone cool.
Unfortunately, I lost the last litter of FA. It was almost like a failure to thrive. They stopped growing. I watched them eat everyday but they didn't get much bigger. The only other unusual thing with them was that I had to remove large poop pellets that were half way sticking out. Their mom had lots of fresh water and feed and she did not have any poop problems. They also had an eye discharge that I faithfully cleaned each day.
Anna's two remaining babies are doing great. I had them in a big plastic tub in my bathroom during the night and part of the day. It is about a 30 gallon tub. Well, they are able to jump out of it. I was surprised to find them sitting on the floor looking so proud of themselves. They are staying out with mom now all the time.
We had another litter born three weeks ago. Three babies - 1 tort and 2 ermine?. Their dad is ermine and has a dark nose, dark eyes and ears are dark. These guys look like they will have his appearance. I am weighing them everyday and they are growing ok I think.
Bred two more does and they will be due around July 8th.
My oldest son told me he is getting married on the 4th of July in Oklahoma. My husband's tribe has their big pow wow every year on that date. So, will be going to OK first week of July. A bit surprising but he is 20. I think so young. But when I was 20 I thought I was all grown up too.
Will have pictures up by early next week I think.
Blessings
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Hard to Understand
It is really hard to lose so many baby bunnies. About a week ago Anna lost 5 from her Dutch litter and now has only 3 left. In the past two days I have lost three from the last French Angora litter. With the Dutch the mom stomped on three of them and then two just died. The three I lost all looked good except for Chizzi. He was scrawny and not gaining weight. But the last two were hopping around a few hours before I found them dead.
I start to question my abilities as a breeder. I know I clean the cages and the next boxes regularly. With the adults I watch their poop and feed them a good variety. From the lists I read feeding is a very personal thing and people have very strong opinions. I think there is really a broad spectrum of what is good to feed and that people should do what they have found works for them. We have a lot of fresh alfalfa and clover growing and the rabbits all seem pleased to get some.
I am sure that it is for the best that these babies pass on. Perhaps, they do not have a strong immune system, perhaps, they have traits not best passed on. I just want to make sure I am not doing something that inadvertantly contributes.
In other news, the heat has started up here. Have found that turning the fans and swamp cooler on early in the morning and then at noon wetting materials and putting it over the cages really keeps the heat at bay. I also clipped and or plucked the angoras tonight. I also read about freezing ceramic tiles to put in the cages. Will get some and try it out.
The ducks are growing up. Two of them have been laying since February. My son and husband are selling them to a local health food store under the name "Eggs Are Us". It is buying the duck food. The ducks are very funny actually. They swarm around me when I go out to take care of bunnies if David has not fed them enough. And they lie in wait until someone doesn't latch the gate properly then they head out onto the road. They are relatively easy to herd back into their yard though.
I start to question my abilities as a breeder. I know I clean the cages and the next boxes regularly. With the adults I watch their poop and feed them a good variety. From the lists I read feeding is a very personal thing and people have very strong opinions. I think there is really a broad spectrum of what is good to feed and that people should do what they have found works for them. We have a lot of fresh alfalfa and clover growing and the rabbits all seem pleased to get some.
I am sure that it is for the best that these babies pass on. Perhaps, they do not have a strong immune system, perhaps, they have traits not best passed on. I just want to make sure I am not doing something that inadvertantly contributes.
In other news, the heat has started up here. Have found that turning the fans and swamp cooler on early in the morning and then at noon wetting materials and putting it over the cages really keeps the heat at bay. I also clipped and or plucked the angoras tonight. I also read about freezing ceramic tiles to put in the cages. Will get some and try it out.
The ducks are growing up. Two of them have been laying since February. My son and husband are selling them to a local health food store under the name "Eggs Are Us". It is buying the duck food. The ducks are very funny actually. They swarm around me when I go out to take care of bunnies if David has not fed them enough. And they lie in wait until someone doesn't latch the gate properly then they head out onto the road. They are relatively easy to herd back into their yard though.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Catchinig Up
The day we were leaving to go to a rabbit show in Tucson AZ we woke to a late snowstorm. It was so beautiful We had rain or snow the whole trip. It was lovely. Any moisture here is definately welcomed.
We went through Salt River Canyon. The road winds and twists and seems to go straight down and at the bottom the river runs wild. Then it is back up twisting and winding. There was a young man selling jewelry and wire scorpions and spiders. I couldn't resist a purple scorpion. I will add a picture as soon as I get the film developed.
Here is a picture of the canyon from the top.
And here is Anna and my husband at the bottom with the river in the background.
The show was a quad over two days. It was held in the ballroom of a hotel. Nice rooms and a great swimming pool.
I brought my 2 month old french angoras mainly to get some comments. They have great wool for juniors but did not make the weight so they were DQ'd. They were the only french angoras there. I sold one of them to a young girl from Arizona. I kept Jett who is the more promising of the two for my breeding program. I still get excited thinking of starting my own line and she will be bred back to the two bucks. (Not in one breeding of course ;)). I know it will take years but this is the beginning.
Here she is checking out my organic bunny treats that did not sell at all. Oh well, don't know until you try.
Anna brought her Polish doe and was happy to win BOSV and BOSB at two of the shows. It was interesting to see the differences in judges.
My husband bought me a lionhead I had admired. She is named Moonbeam and I will get a pic up of her as soon as they are developed. That he did this touched me more than if he had given me a diamond necklace. She is being spoiled. Has her own little cage inside and I hold her on my lap every evening while I knit. She is just precious. He also bonded with a rabbit. He told me the rabbit must be a reincaration of someone he knew in the 60's.
I also picked up three velveteen lops. One was a bred red doe. One a REW buck and one a broken black doe. I am looking forward in helping with this breed. They are incredibaly sweet. Pics to follow.
I do have pictures of the desert.
And here are the 6 french angorss at 2 weeks. There are 2 blacks, 3 torts and 1 rew. I keep going back and forth on their sex. I think there are at least 2 bucks.
Well, this is getting a bit long so will close here. I hope everyone had a good holiday weekend.
Blessings
Friday, May 16, 2008
The Working Nights Blues
Working the night shift. Need I say more? To those who have worked graveyard perhaps not. To those who have not had the privilege not sure I can convey the feelings.
Oh well, slept a bit since I don't have to work tonight and then woke up. When I work nights I don't see my rabbits as much as other days. My husband and children do the daily chores. Today, I went out and hung out with the buns. Always grounds me and makes me feel peaceful. Did a bit of grooming. My FA babies are almost 7 weeks old. Jett weighs 2 lbs. 14 ounces and Baruka is 2 lbs 6 ounces. Their wool is lovely. I used the blower on them for the first time today. They didn't freak. Then I tackled Obsidian. He has a bare spot on his left side. No evidence of mites, no flaking. Skin looks great and he is growing in some more hair. Then Thor. He was under guard so he couldn't make another great escape. He has lovely wool that is not quite ready to pluck. Had a few matts around his rear area that came out easily.
Then I tattooed the babies. They tolerated it well. I used some essential oils to numb the ear first. They had minimal bleeding and did not scream when I clamped down. Not my favorite chore but am getting better at it.
It is hot here today. 76 degrees in the bunny house. They seem to be doing alright though.
My older daughter comes home from college for the summer tomorrow. It is hard to believe that she has finished one year already. She seemed to enjoy it. My youngest is graduating from 6th grade on Wednesday. She is in a catholic school that only goes to 6th grade so she will move onto public school next year. I worry about her adjustment but I must trust that it will work out.
One of our dogs dug into my knitting bag and chewed up my favorite pair of knitting needles. I am working on socks. Making both at the same time. Luckily, for her, she did not chew the actual knitting...just the needles. She is in the dog house with me.
Well, think I will do some knitting, get supper and relax. Have the weekend off and have a lot of plans for outside.
Oh well, slept a bit since I don't have to work tonight and then woke up. When I work nights I don't see my rabbits as much as other days. My husband and children do the daily chores. Today, I went out and hung out with the buns. Always grounds me and makes me feel peaceful. Did a bit of grooming. My FA babies are almost 7 weeks old. Jett weighs 2 lbs. 14 ounces and Baruka is 2 lbs 6 ounces. Their wool is lovely. I used the blower on them for the first time today. They didn't freak. Then I tackled Obsidian. He has a bare spot on his left side. No evidence of mites, no flaking. Skin looks great and he is growing in some more hair. Then Thor. He was under guard so he couldn't make another great escape. He has lovely wool that is not quite ready to pluck. Had a few matts around his rear area that came out easily.
Then I tattooed the babies. They tolerated it well. I used some essential oils to numb the ear first. They had minimal bleeding and did not scream when I clamped down. Not my favorite chore but am getting better at it.
It is hot here today. 76 degrees in the bunny house. They seem to be doing alright though.
My older daughter comes home from college for the summer tomorrow. It is hard to believe that she has finished one year already. She seemed to enjoy it. My youngest is graduating from 6th grade on Wednesday. She is in a catholic school that only goes to 6th grade so she will move onto public school next year. I worry about her adjustment but I must trust that it will work out.
One of our dogs dug into my knitting bag and chewed up my favorite pair of knitting needles. I am working on socks. Making both at the same time. Luckily, for her, she did not chew the actual knitting...just the needles. She is in the dog house with me.
Well, think I will do some knitting, get supper and relax. Have the weekend off and have a lot of plans for outside.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
An Enjoyable Evening
Last night I held a meeting for those interested in starting a rabbit club. I anticipated that no one would be interested and was feeling a little down before the meeting. Therefore, I was so happy when 6 people came to the meeting. And are interested in continuing.
Some of the people are non verbal but had communicated their interest to the person who was taking care of them that night. We had brought some very friendly, personable rabbits with us and to see the delight of these gentlemen touched my heart. A woman and her grandson also attended. They have a house rabbit and wanted more information on how to take care of him. They asked great questions and had information on how they take care of their pet to add. We have set another meeting for a month from now and will go over grooming and what are good plants and foods for rabbits. After the meeting, my son, daughter and husband all commented on how good they felt after the meeting and expressed happy anticipation at the next meeting.
I am happy to say that my Chizzi rabbit is no longer Chizzi. Just skinny. And such a beautiful color. I am looking forward to seeing their wool grow out. Three are sort of honey/golden colored, two are black and one is white. They will be a week old tomorrow.
My older babies are now 7 weeks old. One weighs 2.5 pounds and the other is 2.1 pounds. They are so cute and friendly.
I am working on the outside pen for the rabbits. I have no more room in my barn. We have a dog pen I used to use for the rabbits and ducks before I got the barn and fenced in part of the yard. I am putting up a bamboo shelter thing since I couldn't find the slat things for chain link fences. I believe I will move the boys out there. It is a nice shady area that gets a good breeze. Will put up a sunscreen over top of the pen. The goal is to have another barn by next fall.
Am planning on going to a rabbit show in Tucson AZ over Memorial Day weekend. I will be getting 3 velveteen lops to add to my herd. I am not really ready to show french angoras and would like another breed. Anna has dutch and polish and I am drawn to the velveteen lops. Have been since I first saw them. I am so excited.
Well, I guess I need to do some cleaning up in the house. Would rather just work outside but can't always do what you want.
Some of the people are non verbal but had communicated their interest to the person who was taking care of them that night. We had brought some very friendly, personable rabbits with us and to see the delight of these gentlemen touched my heart. A woman and her grandson also attended. They have a house rabbit and wanted more information on how to take care of him. They asked great questions and had information on how they take care of their pet to add. We have set another meeting for a month from now and will go over grooming and what are good plants and foods for rabbits. After the meeting, my son, daughter and husband all commented on how good they felt after the meeting and expressed happy anticipation at the next meeting.
I am happy to say that my Chizzi rabbit is no longer Chizzi. Just skinny. And such a beautiful color. I am looking forward to seeing their wool grow out. Three are sort of honey/golden colored, two are black and one is white. They will be a week old tomorrow.
My older babies are now 7 weeks old. One weighs 2.5 pounds and the other is 2.1 pounds. They are so cute and friendly.
I am working on the outside pen for the rabbits. I have no more room in my barn. We have a dog pen I used to use for the rabbits and ducks before I got the barn and fenced in part of the yard. I am putting up a bamboo shelter thing since I couldn't find the slat things for chain link fences. I believe I will move the boys out there. It is a nice shady area that gets a good breeze. Will put up a sunscreen over top of the pen. The goal is to have another barn by next fall.
Am planning on going to a rabbit show in Tucson AZ over Memorial Day weekend. I will be getting 3 velveteen lops to add to my herd. I am not really ready to show french angoras and would like another breed. Anna has dutch and polish and I am drawn to the velveteen lops. Have been since I first saw them. I am so excited.
Well, I guess I need to do some cleaning up in the house. Would rather just work outside but can't always do what you want.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Chizzi Rabbit
In the Navajo language Chizzi means rough, scaly. And here is my chizzi rabbit:
Today most of the flakes are gone. Someone suggested that it was the amniotic fluid that had dried on it. This could be. I am just glad that it is coming off.
Here are the Dutch on parade:
They look like they are playing follow the leader.
Our ducks are growing too:
We brought some of their eggs to a local health food store and they bought them. We have free range stickers and the federal food label on the carton. I thought they might just stock them and see if they sold and then pay us some of that but they said they would buy what we have. So, the egg money has started and next time we need to buy some feed will use that fund.
And last but not least here is our latest kitten. S/he is about a month old, is black with the prettiest eyes.
Has been a busy week between work, kids, rabbits, ducks, building a new porch. I guess I do get some sleep in there too.
I hope all the mothers out there had a blessed and happy day with their families.
Today most of the flakes are gone. Someone suggested that it was the amniotic fluid that had dried on it. This could be. I am just glad that it is coming off.
Here are the Dutch on parade:
They look like they are playing follow the leader.
Our ducks are growing too:
We brought some of their eggs to a local health food store and they bought them. We have free range stickers and the federal food label on the carton. I thought they might just stock them and see if they sold and then pay us some of that but they said they would buy what we have. So, the egg money has started and next time we need to buy some feed will use that fund.
And last but not least here is our latest kitten. S/he is about a month old, is black with the prettiest eyes.
Has been a busy week between work, kids, rabbits, ducks, building a new porch. I guess I do get some sleep in there too.
I hope all the mothers out there had a blessed and happy day with their families.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Finally
I have been so busy the last few weeks and am only now finding time to post.
On 5/7/09 we had two more litters. My daughter Anna is breeding Dutch and the brood doe she purchased in early April gave birth to 9 babies. I was out in the barn feeding and playing and noticed that my angora mix doe was pulling fur. I had bred them both on the same day so I put a nextbox in each cage at about 1130. At 1300 my husband came in to tell me that Raina (Anna's dutch) had just given birth. By the time I got out there (all of 5 minutes) Peaches had delivered too. Peaches had 6. They both used the nest boxes and I was certainly relieved to have no kits on the wire.
Here is a picture of Raina's babies:
One of them still had the placenta and membranes over its head and by the time I realized it was too late so, 8 have survived so far.
Here are Peaches babies:
One of them was born with shiny skin (the one on the right) and it seemed like no fur. Today, the skin is cracking and some areas on the head and nape of neck and in a triangle down the back have regular fur. I will try to get a better picture of it.
My other babies are growing in leaps and bounds. Here are pictures of them. I find them hard to tell apart. They will be seven weeks old on Sunday. I plan to tattoo next week.
baby one
baby two.
This past weekend we spent in Phoenix watching the Mets play the Diamondbacks. I have been a Mets fan since I was 13 years old. Many moons ago. I was a fan when Rusty Staub and Willie Mays still played for them. I love going to the ballpark and Chase field is wonderful. I have to admit though, that I find it disenchanting that all sports areanas are named after companies.
I will leave you all with a picture of America's pasttime
Monday, April 28, 2008
Hard to Get Used to
We had a litter born yesterday morning. My huband checked on them and I went out about an hour later and found them cold on the wire. I do not understand why she did not use the provided nest box. I managed to warm up three of them but one had crawled away from the others and never revived. Two of the three lasted only about 2 hours before they expired. The one remaining was doing alright last night. I fed her some kitten replacement as the mother would not nurse her. And I have a cat who is nursing a kitten so I put the baby at her teat and she drank. Today, however, she just did not make it. I tried again with the mother and even tried holding her while the baby drank but it did not work. I will definately not re-breed this doe.
The 5 week old babies are doing great. Took some pictures of them today so will post them later this week. (I really want my digital camera back). They are very sweet and their fur is so long already. Their mom took good care of them. They are black but have rings on their hair shaft. Their dad is black and does not. Need to look up colors again. I doubt I will ever get them memorized.
I rearranged the rabbitry and cleaned out the corners. I put Thor's cage lower to the ground as he kept jumping out of his cage. I was grooming him on a grooming table and he just jumped right off it. My daughter Anna lured him back with yogurt treats and then grabbed him. He kicked her in the face. She let go laughing. We did eventually catch him. I thought it would be less dangerous if he gets out of the cage to be closer to the floor.
Last night we heard a commotion in the rabbitry around midnight. When my son David went out to investigate he found that Thor was out and had pushed open one of the doe's doors and was having a good time. We have since wired his cage shut to keep any more unwanted breedings to occur. I can't help it. I find this buck very amusing. He is quite a character.
Anna purchased a lovely broken black polish doe to breed to her black polish buck. He is wonderful except that he has a small spot of white on his nose and another on his front paw. So, broken black seemed the way to go with him. I took a picture of her too and will post it soon. Anna tried breeding but the doe was reluctant. So Anna wants to wait until the doe feels more comfortable.
We have two more litters due on the 8th and now one due on the 27th. I hope that they all make it. It is hard losing these new little lives. And I will do what I can to prevent this from happening.
The 5 week old babies are doing great. Took some pictures of them today so will post them later this week. (I really want my digital camera back). They are very sweet and their fur is so long already. Their mom took good care of them. They are black but have rings on their hair shaft. Their dad is black and does not. Need to look up colors again. I doubt I will ever get them memorized.
I rearranged the rabbitry and cleaned out the corners. I put Thor's cage lower to the ground as he kept jumping out of his cage. I was grooming him on a grooming table and he just jumped right off it. My daughter Anna lured him back with yogurt treats and then grabbed him. He kicked her in the face. She let go laughing. We did eventually catch him. I thought it would be less dangerous if he gets out of the cage to be closer to the floor.
Last night we heard a commotion in the rabbitry around midnight. When my son David went out to investigate he found that Thor was out and had pushed open one of the doe's doors and was having a good time. We have since wired his cage shut to keep any more unwanted breedings to occur. I can't help it. I find this buck very amusing. He is quite a character.
Anna purchased a lovely broken black polish doe to breed to her black polish buck. He is wonderful except that he has a small spot of white on his nose and another on his front paw. So, broken black seemed the way to go with him. I took a picture of her too and will post it soon. Anna tried breeding but the doe was reluctant. So Anna wants to wait until the doe feels more comfortable.
We have two more litters due on the 8th and now one due on the 27th. I hope that they all make it. It is hard losing these new little lives. And I will do what I can to prevent this from happening.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Practical Matters
I thought I would talk a little bit about how I manage my rabbitry. Now, this is not the best way to do this nor the only way to do this. This is just the way I am doing it right now. I always learn and am willing to read more and take suggestions.
Food - I have read a lot of comments on the type of feed, how much to feed, brands, mixes etc. I have to admit that I have found the Wal-Mart has the best prices and where I live they carry feed. I use Animal World (I think that is the name of the brand) for rabbit pellets. Whatever is the cheapest calf manna and black sunflower seeds. I use two bags of the rabbit pellets, one bag of calf manna and 1 bag of sunfower seeds mixed together. I keep it in a big tub and can tell by looking at the mixture what I need to add next. Right now, it is sparse on sunflower seeds so will add that. Now, I have two angora bucks who are a year old and underweight and I have been adding sweet feed to their diet. As to how much I give them, it depends on the rabbit. I have a small herd so it is not that hard to do. If they are dumping their feed and wasting it, I give them less. If they are eating it all I give them a bit more the next day.
I recently added a day of pellet fast a week after reading about how that helps with wool block. I do watch the poop of the rabbits when I clean the cages. (I worked as a school nurse and would ask kids who presented with abdominal problems what their poop looked like. I got a lot of weird looks ;)). So, on the fast day I give them a mixture of oats, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds and garlic powder. Just 1/4 cup. The first week I did this none of the rabbits ate it enthusiastically. Today, which is the 4th week they chowed down immediately. I also give them a pinecone and hay. At first they eyed the pinecones distrustfully but today they dug right in. I have seen less pearls of poop and some really nice big ones over the last four weeks. I gather the pinecones (ponderosa pine) in the mountains just a few miles away from my house.
I give them alfalfa hay or fresh alfalfa in the summer 3 or 4 times a week. And, of course, fresh water is available at all times. I have found some yogurt treats that I give after grooming. Thor loves them. As do most of the other rabbits.
Well, I think this is long enough for today. I am always open to what others do that work for them and will give it a try.
Food - I have read a lot of comments on the type of feed, how much to feed, brands, mixes etc. I have to admit that I have found the Wal-Mart has the best prices and where I live they carry feed. I use Animal World (I think that is the name of the brand) for rabbit pellets. Whatever is the cheapest calf manna and black sunflower seeds. I use two bags of the rabbit pellets, one bag of calf manna and 1 bag of sunfower seeds mixed together. I keep it in a big tub and can tell by looking at the mixture what I need to add next. Right now, it is sparse on sunflower seeds so will add that. Now, I have two angora bucks who are a year old and underweight and I have been adding sweet feed to their diet. As to how much I give them, it depends on the rabbit. I have a small herd so it is not that hard to do. If they are dumping their feed and wasting it, I give them less. If they are eating it all I give them a bit more the next day.
I recently added a day of pellet fast a week after reading about how that helps with wool block. I do watch the poop of the rabbits when I clean the cages. (I worked as a school nurse and would ask kids who presented with abdominal problems what their poop looked like. I got a lot of weird looks ;)). So, on the fast day I give them a mixture of oats, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds and garlic powder. Just 1/4 cup. The first week I did this none of the rabbits ate it enthusiastically. Today, which is the 4th week they chowed down immediately. I also give them a pinecone and hay. At first they eyed the pinecones distrustfully but today they dug right in. I have seen less pearls of poop and some really nice big ones over the last four weeks. I gather the pinecones (ponderosa pine) in the mountains just a few miles away from my house.
I give them alfalfa hay or fresh alfalfa in the summer 3 or 4 times a week. And, of course, fresh water is available at all times. I have found some yogurt treats that I give after grooming. Thor loves them. As do most of the other rabbits.
Well, I think this is long enough for today. I am always open to what others do that work for them and will give it a try.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Musings
My children seldom keep me up at night anymore. There are no more waking for feedings and they seldom have bad dreams. I have also become better at allowing them to do their own thing with minimal interference from me. I have fed, bathed, housed, clothed, comforted, played, counseled, protected and many more words could be added. I think they have turned out alright. They have kind hearts and are considerate of others. They are on their way to supporting themselves. Maybe not the way I envisioned ;).
Last night one of my cats kept waking me up. She had a kitten that we were keeping in my bathroom in a lovely bed. The kitten is about 2 weeks old now. He is black with blue eyes. Just adorable. I liked this arrangement as it protected the kitten and was a quiet place. Well, Odie, did not think so last night. She kept waking me up by meowing and clawing the rug under the door. She kept going in and out and I kept getting up to let her in and out. One time I woke to find her trying to shove her kitten under the door. Of course, I, wanting to maintain what I thought was the best environment for the kitten, put them back in the proper place. Well, Odie persisted. Finally, I just gave up and watched where she was taking the kitten. She made a place under my bed. And that is where they are now. I needed to respect the mother cat and trust that she will do what is right for her kitten.
I was out in the barn just awhile ago. And after the chores are done, I sit and enjoy the rabbit and duck energy. And I started thinking. How I take care of my rabbits is what I used to do for my children. I feed, house, protect, and clean them. I try to counsel but Thor pays me no mind about staying in his cage ;). And rabbits are different from kids in that they do not verbally tell you that they really want captian crunch instead of raisin bran for breakfast.
I wonder if I am afraid of the empty nest syndrome and so am beginning to transfer my need to take care of children to rabbits. Now, on one hand that is not a bad thing. Rabbits are affectionate...they rub my hand as I put their food dish in the cage. They are quiet, well, unless they are throwing their dishes around at the joy of seeing me. And I have always been a little odd (not like the other mothers ;)) and so do not mind growing into the title of crazy rabbit lady. ;)
On the other hand...I still have to make sure someone is around to feed and water them, still no spontaneous, let's take off to the mountains for a week. And my "extra" money is going to provide food and housing and going to shows.
But all in all I think that life after children (living in the house) will be alright.
Last night one of my cats kept waking me up. She had a kitten that we were keeping in my bathroom in a lovely bed. The kitten is about 2 weeks old now. He is black with blue eyes. Just adorable. I liked this arrangement as it protected the kitten and was a quiet place. Well, Odie, did not think so last night. She kept waking me up by meowing and clawing the rug under the door. She kept going in and out and I kept getting up to let her in and out. One time I woke to find her trying to shove her kitten under the door. Of course, I, wanting to maintain what I thought was the best environment for the kitten, put them back in the proper place. Well, Odie persisted. Finally, I just gave up and watched where she was taking the kitten. She made a place under my bed. And that is where they are now. I needed to respect the mother cat and trust that she will do what is right for her kitten.
I was out in the barn just awhile ago. And after the chores are done, I sit and enjoy the rabbit and duck energy. And I started thinking. How I take care of my rabbits is what I used to do for my children. I feed, house, protect, and clean them. I try to counsel but Thor pays me no mind about staying in his cage ;). And rabbits are different from kids in that they do not verbally tell you that they really want captian crunch instead of raisin bran for breakfast.
I wonder if I am afraid of the empty nest syndrome and so am beginning to transfer my need to take care of children to rabbits. Now, on one hand that is not a bad thing. Rabbits are affectionate...they rub my hand as I put their food dish in the cage. They are quiet, well, unless they are throwing their dishes around at the joy of seeing me. And I have always been a little odd (not like the other mothers ;)) and so do not mind growing into the title of crazy rabbit lady. ;)
On the other hand...I still have to make sure someone is around to feed and water them, still no spontaneous, let's take off to the mountains for a week. And my "extra" money is going to provide food and housing and going to shows.
But all in all I think that life after children (living in the house) will be alright.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Growing Up
I thought my kids grew up fast. Not compared to the baby rabbits and ducks.
The litter that was born on Easter is down to 2 that have survived. One was found exposed on the wire and one was a runt that succumbed. The two remaining bunnies are wonderful fun.
Here is a picture of the three. You can see how much smaller the white one is.
And here are the two black ones at 2 weeks.
Tomorrow they will be three weeks old and are already nibbling at hay and some pellets. They are funny to see crawling under their mom upside down to eat. We brought them inside every night due to the cold and brought them out every day to mom to feed and take care of. This picture was right after they had fed. Their bellies would get so full I thought they would burst.
The baby white ducks we got have bonded and are growing up too. They are able to stay outside now.
Bought a blower for the angoras. It works rather well. Better than I thought it would. And I did my first tattoo last week. I need practice. I was concerned about the pain of the tattoo and used some essential oils to help numb the ear. I think I am going to place my rabbits into two groups. One group will get baby orajel and the other group will get the essential oils. Perhaps it won't make a difference.
I finished my pair of socks...the ones that I made at the same time. They are great and I have started another pair. I must say that I love being able to wear the socks as soon as they come off the needle. I also found some circular needles I love. They are from KnitPicks. Wooden circulars size 1. Oh, I have never fallen for needles so hard before. If you get a chance to try them you will see what I mean.
The litter that was born on Easter is down to 2 that have survived. One was found exposed on the wire and one was a runt that succumbed. The two remaining bunnies are wonderful fun.
Here is a picture of the three. You can see how much smaller the white one is.
And here are the two black ones at 2 weeks.
Tomorrow they will be three weeks old and are already nibbling at hay and some pellets. They are funny to see crawling under their mom upside down to eat. We brought them inside every night due to the cold and brought them out every day to mom to feed and take care of. This picture was right after they had fed. Their bellies would get so full I thought they would burst.
The baby white ducks we got have bonded and are growing up too. They are able to stay outside now.
Bought a blower for the angoras. It works rather well. Better than I thought it would. And I did my first tattoo last week. I need practice. I was concerned about the pain of the tattoo and used some essential oils to help numb the ear. I think I am going to place my rabbits into two groups. One group will get baby orajel and the other group will get the essential oils. Perhaps it won't make a difference.
I finished my pair of socks...the ones that I made at the same time. They are great and I have started another pair. I must say that I love being able to wear the socks as soon as they come off the needle. I also found some circular needles I love. They are from KnitPicks. Wooden circulars size 1. Oh, I have never fallen for needles so hard before. If you get a chance to try them you will see what I mean.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Time is whizzing by
Not a lot of time to write tonight and am waiting for pictures to be developed so in a few days I will be back with pictures.
Meanwhile, we went up to the NMRCBA Convention in Farmington NM this past weekend. I had a great time. I even wrote for one of the judge's. Not all day but for an hour or two. Did not show any rabbits but my daughter had her polish and dutch evaluated. The polish is lovely and his only problem is that he has a tiny spot of white on his nose and one of his paws. So, we will look for a broken doe to breed with him. Her dutch had mottled eyes so we picked up a doe and a buck and bred them tonight.
Did my first tattoo tonight. Will post more about that in the upcoming days. The babies are growing in leaps and bounds...more pictures of them soon.
Meanwhile, we went up to the NMRCBA Convention in Farmington NM this past weekend. I had a great time. I even wrote for one of the judge's. Not all day but for an hour or two. Did not show any rabbits but my daughter had her polish and dutch evaluated. The polish is lovely and his only problem is that he has a tiny spot of white on his nose and one of his paws. So, we will look for a broken doe to breed with him. Her dutch had mottled eyes so we picked up a doe and a buck and bred them tonight.
Did my first tattoo tonight. Will post more about that in the upcoming days. The babies are growing in leaps and bounds...more pictures of them soon.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Judging
I am not talking about the show judging of our rabbits but rather the judging we do to other people. There is a discussion on one of the yahoo rabbit lists I read about animal auctions. I have also read and heard comments about how someone raises their rabbits, children, dogs, etc. I was sitting in the barn earlier, enjoying the bunny energy and thinking about what I would do if my family was hungry and needed food. I had asked my husband if he would be able to butcher our rabbits. I was thinking of perhaps raising some meat rabbits and selling it locally. Perhaps, this would be a way of paying for some of the feed and hay. He told me that he didn't want to kill a rabbit he knew. Hunting wild rabbits was a different thing. I thought about why I didn't think I could butcher myself and found my old excuses of being a "city" girl, of butchering being men's work and realized that I had been raised being removed from the whole meat process. Steaks and chickens were not really alive. I just got them from the supermarket all cut up and appealing looking.
I also thought about our ducks. I love our ducks.
Here is Aflack:
.
And Chips:
And the two new ones:
They are a source of endless amusement to me. (I know...it doesn't take much to amuse me anymore ;)). They are laying eggs. At least two a day. I have used them in baking and had a lovely omlet and have eaten them hard boiled. One of my daughters says that she has a mental block about eating duck eggs and I realized that I do have a bit of hesitation on eating the eggs. Eating chicken eggs from the supermarket doesn't bother me in the least. Now, is it because I see the source? Would I have a problem if I had chickens? I am not sure.
There are people who are vegetarians (one of my daughters was one for a year). And different people have different reasons for refraining from eating meat, chickens, eggs, milk etc. If we judge them or label them in a negative way what are we hoping to accomplish? If we judge how someone takes care of their animals (am not talking about neglect that leads to the death or suffering of the animals) what are we really saying? That our way is the best or only way? I can't do that. Well, I try not to do that. If someone raises rabbits for meat or pet food or show or pleasure why do we take issue with that? Rabbit rescue and PETA seem to be especially judgemental of others. And if they feel strongly about it that is their privledge. When they come to my rabbitry and feel I am wrong for keeping my rabbits in cages and not in the house and judge me they cycle continues.
Then I asked myself why I am raising rabbits and I found there are several layers. I love fiber. I love to feel it in my hands. I want to get better at spinning. I begin to see so many ways I can promote fiber. I live near the Navajo Reservation. I see many women struggling to take care of their families...what if we could get a co-op and start selling hand spun, hand dyed yarn? Maybe we could all make a little money and keep alive tradional practices.
I love the challenge of breeding a great line of rabbits. I like genetics and seeing what happens.
I love the energy of rabbits and I like taking care of them. I can't explain it any better.
I am not going to judge why someone raises rabbits. There are probably as many reasons as there are people. I look forward to talking with rabbit breeders to find out what works for them that might work for me. And to enjoy their passion along with my own
I also thought about our ducks. I love our ducks.
Here is Aflack:
.
And Chips:
And the two new ones:
They are a source of endless amusement to me. (I know...it doesn't take much to amuse me anymore ;)). They are laying eggs. At least two a day. I have used them in baking and had a lovely omlet and have eaten them hard boiled. One of my daughters says that she has a mental block about eating duck eggs and I realized that I do have a bit of hesitation on eating the eggs. Eating chicken eggs from the supermarket doesn't bother me in the least. Now, is it because I see the source? Would I have a problem if I had chickens? I am not sure.
There are people who are vegetarians (one of my daughters was one for a year). And different people have different reasons for refraining from eating meat, chickens, eggs, milk etc. If we judge them or label them in a negative way what are we hoping to accomplish? If we judge how someone takes care of their animals (am not talking about neglect that leads to the death or suffering of the animals) what are we really saying? That our way is the best or only way? I can't do that. Well, I try not to do that. If someone raises rabbits for meat or pet food or show or pleasure why do we take issue with that? Rabbit rescue and PETA seem to be especially judgemental of others. And if they feel strongly about it that is their privledge. When they come to my rabbitry and feel I am wrong for keeping my rabbits in cages and not in the house and judge me they cycle continues.
Then I asked myself why I am raising rabbits and I found there are several layers. I love fiber. I love to feel it in my hands. I want to get better at spinning. I begin to see so many ways I can promote fiber. I live near the Navajo Reservation. I see many women struggling to take care of their families...what if we could get a co-op and start selling hand spun, hand dyed yarn? Maybe we could all make a little money and keep alive tradional practices.
I love the challenge of breeding a great line of rabbits. I like genetics and seeing what happens.
I love the energy of rabbits and I like taking care of them. I can't explain it any better.
I am not going to judge why someone raises rabbits. There are probably as many reasons as there are people. I look forward to talking with rabbit breeders to find out what works for them that might work for me. And to enjoy their passion along with my own
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)