The show on Saturday was a big state convention. I felt a little dwarfed as I stood beside my fellow breed giants. I've gone to this show many times over the years, watched as it escalated. It's a good show, though it used to be a double, and it used to be reasonably priced. There were a ton of beautiful rabbits there, lots of old friends to greet. I didn't do so well on the table, but I did pick up a trio of BEW Mini-rex and an additional pair of chinchilla Mini-rex to add to my already existing herd. As usual the kids did better than I, with my 2nd placing 3rd of 7 in an open class of Havanas and my eldest... well she doesn't know how she placed, but we know it wasn't last!
My second also picked up an addition to her herd, a chocolate Havana doe she's named Ginny. And we sold the Angora doe. Since she tanked this litter and since I was already on the fence with regards to keeping/selling them, I decided to just make the cut. I had hoped to sell the pair together, put a great price on them in the hopes of that. But apparently, it wasn't meant to be. A lady bought the doe, but wasn't interested in the buck. Too bad, since he's actually the better of the two. Still, I'll see about selling him at the next show... in six weeks.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Deformed Babies
It's a rare occurrence, but deformities happen in all species. It stands to reason that eventually, something would pop up in my herd. The Angora had her babies last Friday. At first I wasn't sure, because she was in her usual spot in front of the nest. But then she suddenly hopped out and I got a good look at a tragedy. There were 3 large and very dead babies in the front of the nest. At first I thought she had trampled them to death, but on a closer inspection I realized that 2 of them had severe deformities of the head. The third was excessively large, but still warm. It was probably a DOA. A little farther back in the nest was one single live baby. I scooped the baby out of the nest and into my portable warmer. I then removed the nest from the cage and took the live baby upstairs. It's only hope was the other doe delivering soon. I found a small bucket and carefully wrapped the baby in as many soft towels as I could find, hoping that would be enough to keep it alive. The other doe did not kindle before we left for the show that night.
My fingers were firmly crossed when we got back. Even though it was extremely late and I was worn out thoroughly, the first thing I did on return was to check the baby. If it was already gone, there was no point in checking the other doe. However, luck was with me. The little baby was alive and seemingly well, if a bit thin. I then ran down and checked the other doe. Sure enough, she had put 2 nice little babies in a thick handful of fur. I ran back upstairs and got the baby and added it to the other doe's nest. So far, the baby seems to be doing well, still thinner than it's pseudo-nest mates, but coming along nicely. It looks to be a lilac tort.
My fingers were firmly crossed when we got back. Even though it was extremely late and I was worn out thoroughly, the first thing I did on return was to check the baby. If it was already gone, there was no point in checking the other doe. However, luck was with me. The little baby was alive and seemingly well, if a bit thin. I then ran down and checked the other doe. Sure enough, she had put 2 nice little babies in a thick handful of fur. I ran back upstairs and got the baby and added it to the other doe's nest. So far, the baby seems to be doing well, still thinner than it's pseudo-nest mates, but coming along nicely. It looks to be a lilac tort.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
No Babies
Incidentally, those 2 does I've been waiting on since Monday evening are still making me wait. They've each pulled a little fur and are now quite comfortable sitting in the front of their nestboxes. Enjoying an occasional nibble of the straw from the nests, but otherwise not really showing any interest in giving up the babies I can feel.
An Odd Situation
So I had an appointment today. I was supposed to go to a breastfeeding class, which I thought was utterly ridiculous. Having nursed 3 children successfully for 2 years each should certainly qualify me to skip such a class. Geez, I could probably teach the class! When I mentioned this to the lady, she looked at me for a moment, then asked me if I'd be interested in a job as a breastfeeding peer counselor. I told her "sure," because even though it would be part-time, every little bit would help. We'll see if anything comes of it though. I've become quite skeptical of employment opportunities of late, and with good reason.
I hear that in the city nearby there has been talk of switching to a 4-day school week, or alternatively simply mass school closings and layoffs. What kind of education will those children be receiving if that happens? Bussed outrageous distances and crammed into already overcrowded classrooms. How does that help this struggling economy. Putting even more people out of work. That's fewer taxes being paid, more people having to request government assistance, and a heavier burden on our already overburdened economy. it's a snowball, the problem will only keep getting bigger if something doesn't give soon. I hope these short-sighted officials think through the long-term consequences before doing anything rash. Though I doubt that will happen, I don't think it ever has in the entire history of this country! But I'll get off my soapbox about this particular issue. I leave most of the political smearing to my eminently intelligent other half, who has... shall we say, very decided opinions on all things political in this country.
I hear that in the city nearby there has been talk of switching to a 4-day school week, or alternatively simply mass school closings and layoffs. What kind of education will those children be receiving if that happens? Bussed outrageous distances and crammed into already overcrowded classrooms. How does that help this struggling economy. Putting even more people out of work. That's fewer taxes being paid, more people having to request government assistance, and a heavier burden on our already overburdened economy. it's a snowball, the problem will only keep getting bigger if something doesn't give soon. I hope these short-sighted officials think through the long-term consequences before doing anything rash. Though I doubt that will happen, I don't think it ever has in the entire history of this country! But I'll get off my soapbox about this particular issue. I leave most of the political smearing to my eminently intelligent other half, who has... shall we say, very decided opinions on all things political in this country.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
So Bored
I am so utterly bored at the moment! Honestly, how do people do it? I had a busy morning, put in for several jobs, checked on the expectant does, put in a pick-up order with the cage supply place, and soon I'll be leaving to pick up the girls from their various after-school functions. Other than that though there's been a lot of down-time today. Not fun at all. It's to the point that I'm thinking of casting on another pair of capri or shorts just for something to do! Now that's bad.
Incidentally, the does are both still pregnant. No babies yet, but it is still quite early. The Angora doe removed every bit of straw material from the nest and had strewn it all over her cage and the ground. The other doe was slightly better, she even pulled some hair and partly lined her nest, but then I suppose either she got cold or bored and she was just sitting in the front part of the nest when I last checked. Probably trying to keep her tootsies warm.
It is cold, but not devastatingly so, like it has been earlier this season. The weather place is still calling for snow, but at this rate, I highly suspect the only flakes we're likely to see are the guys doing the forecasting!
Uh oh... I'm off to get the girls! TTFN
Incidentally, the does are both still pregnant. No babies yet, but it is still quite early. The Angora doe removed every bit of straw material from the nest and had strewn it all over her cage and the ground. The other doe was slightly better, she even pulled some hair and partly lined her nest, but then I suppose either she got cold or bored and she was just sitting in the front part of the nest when I last checked. Probably trying to keep her tootsies warm.
It is cold, but not devastatingly so, like it has been earlier this season. The weather place is still calling for snow, but at this rate, I highly suspect the only flakes we're likely to see are the guys doing the forecasting!
Uh oh... I'm off to get the girls! TTFN
Monday, February 2, 2009
Rabbits, Gardening, & the Wacky Weather
Wow, it's hard to believe that in just 4 days I'll be expecting the first litters of rabbits that have been born here in a very long time. The expectant moms-to-be are a Mini-rex and an Angora. I'm not sure why, since I was so close to selling them, I chose instead to let the Angora reproduce. Though perhaps it was because I made the actual sales decision after she was bred. And the thought of selling a bred doe doesn't sit too well with me. I'm sure if I were to get unhappy enough, I would sell a bred rabbit, but then I would have just a single doe expecting. The Mini-rex girl is a nice doe, but not a great mother, and expecting a small litter too. So this is the Angora's chance to prove to me she deserves to stay. Neither are first time moms, but for both it has been a very long time between litters. Though that's true for all my rabbits these days.
I finally got the seeds planted yesterday that I wanted. Except for about 5 seed types, because they have been soaking overnight to aid in germination. I think I went a bit overboard though, I planted between 4 & 8 pots for each plant type. Three different kinds of tomatoes, peppers, herbs, plus squash, watermelon, cucumber, and beans. Now a lot really will depend on whether or not anything comes up from these plantings. So I'm not as concerned as I possibly ought to be. My indoor gardening skills are somewhat lacking, but I am trying to improve them. Of course, even with all these advance plantings, there are still 3 packets of seeds that have yet to be opened. The beets, onion, collards, and lettuce need to be sown directly into the soil after all danger of frost has passed. Therefore, it will be at least another month for those. Now what worries me is where to put everything, if indeed the plants germinate and thrive.
What's been really interesting though is the past day or so. Saturday was as cold as could be, yet yesterday was warm and sunny. And even though the weather station is calling for rain today, it has dawned warm and sunny, with nary a cloud in sight. Naturally that doesn't preclude the possibility for a rainstorm to come in later, but I refuse to dwell on possibilities and will instead enjoy the present beautiful weather conditions. It truly does lend itself to working outside, processing rabbits, breeding rabbits, cultivating soil, or even just a bit of spring cleaning. I'm sure I can find something useful to occupy myself outside so I can enjoy the unseasonable temperatures. Especially since they are then forecasting snow for tomorrow. I did warn that this weather is being wacky!
I finally got the seeds planted yesterday that I wanted. Except for about 5 seed types, because they have been soaking overnight to aid in germination. I think I went a bit overboard though, I planted between 4 & 8 pots for each plant type. Three different kinds of tomatoes, peppers, herbs, plus squash, watermelon, cucumber, and beans. Now a lot really will depend on whether or not anything comes up from these plantings. So I'm not as concerned as I possibly ought to be. My indoor gardening skills are somewhat lacking, but I am trying to improve them. Of course, even with all these advance plantings, there are still 3 packets of seeds that have yet to be opened. The beets, onion, collards, and lettuce need to be sown directly into the soil after all danger of frost has passed. Therefore, it will be at least another month for those. Now what worries me is where to put everything, if indeed the plants germinate and thrive.
What's been really interesting though is the past day or so. Saturday was as cold as could be, yet yesterday was warm and sunny. And even though the weather station is calling for rain today, it has dawned warm and sunny, with nary a cloud in sight. Naturally that doesn't preclude the possibility for a rainstorm to come in later, but I refuse to dwell on possibilities and will instead enjoy the present beautiful weather conditions. It truly does lend itself to working outside, processing rabbits, breeding rabbits, cultivating soil, or even just a bit of spring cleaning. I'm sure I can find something useful to occupy myself outside so I can enjoy the unseasonable temperatures. Especially since they are then forecasting snow for tomorrow. I did warn that this weather is being wacky!
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