I've been really enjoying this cooler weather and so have the rabbits!
It's hard to believe that summer's about over with and most schools around our area are starting tomorrow (we started two weeks ago)!
Today Buttercup had two healthy babies. I sort of lost track of when she was due. Of course I had it marked on my calendar, but I didn't really think she was pregnant. So, I just forgot about it. When I went to check on the rabbits this morning, sure enough there was Buttercup pulling fur off of herself. At that moment she was sharing a cage with Chunk and Éowyn, so I had to get them moved out and add a nesting box and hay to the cage. Buttercup instantly started arranging her nest once she had hay. A few hours later there were babies! Buttercup is definitely my best breeder.
A week or so ago, little Puffy escaped from her cage. I thought she was gone forever. A couple hours later, I noticed Liberty over by the rabbitry playfully chasing something. I just knew it was Puffy. I found her full of mud, dog slobber and some burrs. She was pretty scared, but recovered quickly and was back to her normal self soon after. PTL! Liberty was so good not to kill her like she did Svart.
I'd have to say that I have learned so many things from raising rabbits. One thing I learned is that many books, websites and rabbit forums say that you should never handle a newborn rabbit or the mother'll abandon it. I've found that to be a myth. I've handled ALL my babies since birth (held them just after they were born) and have NEVER had the mother abandon them. Maybe that happens in the wild, but not to my domesticated rabbits. So, go ahead and hold (very gently) those babies after they're born!
I need to sell Chunk and Otter soon. And shortly after, Blueberry and Puffy. Anyone interested or know of somebody?
I have been considering closing my rabbit business. I really love doing it, but I have found that I haven't been able to properly care for them. Plus I'm spending money to feed them and not making costs since I haven't sold any babies this year. So, Minnesota Minis may be closing in the near future :(. I just can't keep up with rabbits plus school, activities, and the busyness of life! If I do end up closing, I'll probably keep one or two rabbits as pets (currently I have ten!).
I hope everyone had a relaxing Labor Day!
It's hard to believe that summer's about over with and most schools around our area are starting tomorrow (we started two weeks ago)!
Today Buttercup had two healthy babies. I sort of lost track of when she was due. Of course I had it marked on my calendar, but I didn't really think she was pregnant. So, I just forgot about it. When I went to check on the rabbits this morning, sure enough there was Buttercup pulling fur off of herself. At that moment she was sharing a cage with Chunk and Éowyn, so I had to get them moved out and add a nesting box and hay to the cage. Buttercup instantly started arranging her nest once she had hay. A few hours later there were babies! Buttercup is definitely my best breeder.
A week or so ago, little Puffy escaped from her cage. I thought she was gone forever. A couple hours later, I noticed Liberty over by the rabbitry playfully chasing something. I just knew it was Puffy. I found her full of mud, dog slobber and some burrs. She was pretty scared, but recovered quickly and was back to her normal self soon after. PTL! Liberty was so good not to kill her like she did Svart.
I'd have to say that I have learned so many things from raising rabbits. One thing I learned is that many books, websites and rabbit forums say that you should never handle a newborn rabbit or the mother'll abandon it. I've found that to be a myth. I've handled ALL my babies since birth (held them just after they were born) and have NEVER had the mother abandon them. Maybe that happens in the wild, but not to my domesticated rabbits. So, go ahead and hold (very gently) those babies after they're born!
I need to sell Chunk and Otter soon. And shortly after, Blueberry and Puffy. Anyone interested or know of somebody?
I have been considering closing my rabbit business. I really love doing it, but I have found that I haven't been able to properly care for them. Plus I'm spending money to feed them and not making costs since I haven't sold any babies this year. So, Minnesota Minis may be closing in the near future :(. I just can't keep up with rabbits plus school, activities, and the busyness of life! If I do end up closing, I'll probably keep one or two rabbits as pets (currently I have ten!).
I hope everyone had a relaxing Labor Day!