This is the line that I struggle with. The line between the pet and rescue mentality, and the farm mentality. They were bred for food, they are food, and that's the only reason they're here. Because when push comes to shove and I can't sell them, they can sustain us throughout the winter. But on the other hand, I've gone through the effort of handling them almost every day, naming them, memorizing which is which, noticing their temperaments and personalities in hopes of finding them good pet homes. They have names, they have personalities. I hate that it comes down to this line. I am running low on meat in the freezer, and their feed bill is now threatening to impede paying the mortgage. Somethings gotta give. I've put everything into selling them. They're posted on no less than four websites, and in 20+ Facebook groups. I've posted and cross posted, bumped, updated, and tagged people. I've replied to every "want" ad I could find. So far I've only mustered two responses, and neither of them responded after I got back to them promptly.
It can't possibly be the price tag. I mean, half off on a $10 or $15 rabbit? The local pet stores have been selling rabbits for $45+ with no problems year round for ages. I'd consider selling them to the one local pet store now (legally I can sell without a licence as long as I don't sell more than $500 worth in a year period), but I'm fairly certain they won't want older kits, or large breeds like we have. Floppy ears sell, and I avoid floppy ears like the plague because I know I won't be able to eat them.
I even offered to barter for the rabbits. Seriously - give me your used junk and I'll give you a rabbit. It's virtually free. I will not give them away for free because they will end up with someone else who will do what I'm struggling to do. Bop them on the head and put them in their freezer. No, if it must be done, I'll do it myself. At least that way I know it was done humanely and quickly. But it still breaks my heart. I get a little closer to vegetarianism every time I have a slaughter day. It really rips my soul out and makes me seriously question my abilities.
The brown one is still my favorite. He (or she?) is obviously different than the other bunnies. With crimped curly whiskers, and short bristly coat, it's got the hallmarks of being a Rex, but the coat is harsh, not soft. It has tiny cowlick places, almost reminiscent of an Abyssinian guinea pig after a close shave at the groomer. I have never seen this in any of our other rabbits, and it makes me really curious as to what breeds he has in his lineage. I wish this one was a girl, but I suspect it is likely another buck. I don't have the space for another breeding project. Darn it.