I wanted to give you an update on our farm adventures...we had gotten 3 "Meat Rabbits" about 2 1/2 weeks ago from a breeder in Albuquerque. We got 2 does and a buck. We decided that rather than caging them (which is such a mess to clean) we would let them live "Colony Style" which means they just reproduce at their rate and burrow rather than use the next boxes. They are living in the goat run with Nutmeg and have started their burrows to prepare for their babies in a couple of weeks!
There was a slight "cave-in" on this burrow, but we helped them cover it so Nutmeg won't step on it. It's really deep, we couldn't see the end of it!
This is the busy doe that has been working like crazy to get things ready. Her sister (who looks exactly the same) hasn't been as involved in the process so we think she will probably just piggy-back on her sisters efforts.
This is the opening to the main burrow. In the background you can see the buck. He is much more friendly than the does and will come up to me when I'm feeding and watering. He has been helping dig the burrow.
This is Elphie's nest box (I don't have a picture of Elphie right now!) We have her caged in the laundry room. On the top you can see a ball of fur. Elphie pulled hair from her stomach to put in the nest box for the babies. She gathered all of the hay from the cage to put into the nest box as well. She is such a good mom which is a relief because I didn't think she would turn out to be a very good mom, but she is doing great!
Here you can see 4 of the 6 babies that Elphie had. 3 are white and right in the center front is a black one. There are 3 babies that are much bigger than the rest, but all seem to be doing well and growing fine. Their eyes aren't open yet, probably another week and by 3 weeks these little things will be jumping around and won't need their nest box anymore!!! It has been amazing to watch this little miracle happen. I got to hold the babies and they are so tiny, not even filling the palm of my hand. What a fun thing to add to the list of things I've seen in my life! These babies will be ready to go to new homes the week of Christmas...so if you want a cute lop eared bunny call me!
This is the busy doe that has been working like crazy to get things ready. Her sister (who looks exactly the same) hasn't been as involved in the process so we think she will probably just piggy-back on her sisters efforts. 
This is the opening to the main burrow. In the background you can see the buck. He is much more friendly than the does and will come up to me when I'm feeding and watering. He has been helping dig the burrow.
Here you can see 4 of the 6 babies that Elphie had. 3 are white and right in the center front is a black one. There are 3 babies that are much bigger than the rest, but all seem to be doing well and growing fine. Their eyes aren't open yet, probably another week and by 3 weeks these little things will be jumping around and won't need their nest box anymore!!! It has been amazing to watch this little miracle happen. I got to hold the babies and they are so tiny, not even filling the palm of my hand. What a fun thing to add to the list of things I've seen in my life! These babies will be ready to go to new homes the week of Christmas...so if you want a cute lop eared bunny call me!
1 comments:
Hey Tiff are you going to be the next FFA or 4-H leader? You will certainly have the skills to do so.
What a great experience for Emma to watch the babies and momma and daddies interact. Maybe she's not ready for EVERYTHING though...know what I mean?
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