A few days of sun and intermittent rain make an interesting opportunity for rabbit fun time. Just when we think they'll have some time to work their legs and nibble amongst the herbal variety, a down pour sneaks up and we're running to get everyone back under cover. The favorite hiding spot is the 'Tree House'. Flanked by native berry leaves they can nibble, they love to crawl in, around, and all over this unique living root structure. It's fun to watch them literally play 'Hide and Seek' then take off like a dart down a walking row between the beds.
While some are running and sunning, other are being groomed - brushed, blown out and combed. It's important to use the blower because it helps move out extra dander than can accumulate and keeps their skin breathing better. It's a much used tool in the show scene because you can really bring out the beauty, sheen and fullness in those angora coats! As we're grooming, we typically include a bit of massage to enhance circulation and it's most often welcomed and appreciated as they sit happily.
While some are running and sunning, other are being groomed - brushed, blown out and combed. It's important to use the blower because it helps move out extra dander than can accumulate and keeps their skin breathing better. It's a much used tool in the show scene because you can really bring out the beauty, sheen and fullness in those angora coats! As we're grooming, we typically include a bit of massage to enhance circulation and it's most often welcomed and appreciated as they sit happily.
We spent a lot of time trying to cover the entire perimeter fencing with rabbit proof borders. We tested and retested it and had to close many holes they find so easily! Remember those scent trails I told you about? They are effective and it's fun to watch them go back to a spot, only to realize it no longer leads to 'the outside world', guarded by the "Big Red Dog'.
Yes, those trails are still quickly found even after much rain. We've had some heavy winds and rain that ripped the plastic off our hoop house three times now and the extra rain has certainly made it harder for things to grow even in our raised beds. Seeds planted a month ago aren't doing nearly as well as last year...but we'll just be replanting through the next couple of months.
Yes, those trails are still quickly found even after much rain. We've had some heavy winds and rain that ripped the plastic off our hoop house three times now and the extra rain has certainly made it harder for things to grow even in our raised beds. Seeds planted a month ago aren't doing nearly as well as last year...but we'll just be replanting through the next couple of months.
And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Isaiah 58:11
Today we were able to circulate a number of rabbits through the 'Fun Run' today. Nutmeg and Sampson were hilarious to watch. You'd think Nutmeg, who is much larger, was trying to dominate Sampson and chase him away, over and over...only to find that once they wore themselves out, they'd flop down together under the shade of a comfrey plant.
We even brought out some little ones that had just begun nibbling their mom's greens while in their house. Lil Farmer had a lot of fun snuggling with them once they tuckered out. It's a great treat to enjoy so many hopping fiber puffs in the continually growing garden. We're so grateful for springs warmth and growth!
We even brought out some little ones that had just begun nibbling their mom's greens while in their house. Lil Farmer had a lot of fun snuggling with them once they tuckered out. It's a great treat to enjoy so many hopping fiber puffs in the continually growing garden. We're so grateful for springs warmth and growth!
For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. Isaiah 61:11
You'll also notice, where we don't have wood chip mulch, we put down used straw or hay from the animals. This has been an additional blessing because any left over whole grains have sprouted and as they run around, they nibble all those nutrient dense sprouts and grasses.
- Use what you can, where you are!