We lost another bunny last night, the one that didn't seem interested in nursing. We have two left. I brought them out to the barn this morning and both were quick to get under mom for breakfast. Feeding this evening was less productive, both babies were under momma but they didn't get the full bellies like they did this morning. I will continue to shelve these kits until either they are weaned or until they die. I'll give them every opportunity I can to see them thrive. The remaining bunnies have opened their eyes, they've started grooming themselves, and they are active. One is a broken tri color and the other is a broken black. We are hoping for the best for them.
It's been a rough week for baby bunnies. Our litter of eight is down to just three after losing another two today. I decided to try shelving the kits - where you take the baby bunnies away from momma-rabbit and only return them twice a day for feeding time. Unfortunately, upon taking the last three out tonight and giving them ten minutes with momma, one bunny started to get cold and lethargic and refused to nurse, and the two who actively latched on and nursed (audible suckling noises and one got dragged when mom moved) did not have full tummies. They're too young to be without milk, but it would seem that momma dried up. I have offered them cucumber in an attempt to keep them hydrated but they don't seem interested. I will see what tomorrow brings, but as it stands, I don't think we will have any baby bunnies by the end of the week.
In a related note, all loses are put in the freezer to be offered as reptile or BARF/Raw dog food, in case anyone is interested. Happy 4th of July everyone!
I'm going to be real honest here, I'm struggling financially now that I'm single-parenting five kids. I am trying to diversify as much as I can, but I'm already spread thin. Today I got a few old books listed on eBay, which join some 90's Christmas ornaments, and a few glass fitters for light fixtures. I also posted some homeschool books on Craigslist. I have baby geese that I could potentially catch and sell. Bunnies will be ready for new homes next month. I have some old losses in the freezer (rabbits and such) that I could sell as dog food. I've got tons of handcrafted stuff I'd like to sell, but it seems my Mercari shop doesn't move a lot of items. I'm great at making things, but I'm not so great at promoting and selling them. I need to start increasing my sales or I'm not going to be able to afford pet food and toilet paper much longer. I'm not looking for a handout, but if anyone wants to help support me and the kids and the homestead, I could really use some sales. Local / in person pick up sales, or sales online through Mercari or eBay or Bonanza... If I can move some stuff out of the house and have money to pay the bills, I'll be happy. Right now it runs about $300 per month just to feed all of the animals... that doesn't include Frontline or vet bills, that's just for food and cat litter. I have swapped out indoor lights for LED, and installed solar security lights. We rarely eat out (and if we do it's a treat that my son pays for). The rabbits are currently eating freshly harvested grass and weeds from the yard and kitchen scraps to cut out pelleted feed expenses all summer. I've cut every expense I can without having to get rid of our pets. I don't know what else to do. If you'd like to help me, the kids, and our homestead, please take a look at what I've got for sale right now! On eBay I've got some 90's Christmas ornaments, some 1940's-1960's school books, and some old lamp fitters. On Mercari I've got a small selection of some of my handmade items (earrings, key chains, bracelets, crocheted hats). I'm trying to get time to list more on both sites, but again, I'm spread thin already. The bunnies are a week old now, and they're doing great. Momma rabbit is doing a great job. There are eight in the nest box. The goslings are two weeks old and are adorable. I'd be willing to part with two of them - if I could catch them. |
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