But alas, in the last 15 minutes or so, as most of the other bidders had left, a couple rabbits came up with more reasonable prices. They were all cages that weren't back in the barn when we went through to look, so I couldn't really tell what was in the cages. I bid on one cage with two rabbits and got it for $4 each ($8 plus tax for the cage). By the time we made it home I was absolutely exhausted, so I didn't even take the time to look them over. They were labeled as rex doe and lop doe.
Today I took them out and handled them. They are both does, and appear to be the breeds indicated. The lop seems friendlier in the cage, coming right up to the door, but when actually handled, the rex doe is much tamer. I've put them in a quarantine cage out back away from the barn rabbits. They do not have names yet. The Rex doe is some kind of otter. I'd say black, but the fur at the back of her ears is distinctly brown. Perhaps she's just a very dark chocolate otter. I've always been fond of the otter colors. The lop is pretty, almost a blue/cream color. I'm not familiar with lop colors, but judging by online photos of other rabbits, I'd say maybe she's a lynx color? Anyone familiar with rabbit colors - I hope to have some updated photos soon - help me out?
I added ten more eggs to the incubator today. These chicks will hatch Easter morning if they're on time. I put in only blue and dark brown eggs. These will be my first keepers. I'm hoping the weather will be a lot nicer in three weeks. It snowed today. SNOW!
I've got four more eggs that were supposed to hatch today but as of 11pm none have pipped.
Despite the snow (seriously, did I mention - it was snowing today?), Tony and I worked on getting the netting up over the colony yard to prevent the barn cats from getting in again and stealing or killing baby bunnies. We're not sure if this initial attempt will be enough to deter them. We will know if the cats get stuck in the colony enclosure. I'm hoping this pole and net set up will be enough. If it isn't we may have to turn to chicken wire to keep the cats out. It's not like they're hungry either. They get fed well with cat food. This recent massacre was done purely for fun and that, perhaps, is what makes me so upset about it.
Working with the kids, we managed to get the house back in order. It always gets out of hand when I'm gone for a day. I think Tony must let them run amok the whole time. Tonight I can go to bed and rest easy though. The dishes are all washed, the kitchen got swept, and I got a couple loads of laundry done.
All together a rather productive day.