RIP kits

Unfortunately, this afternoon we found all of Mary's newborn kits deceased. As she began nesting, we moved her inside to the upper, unused chicken coop. The weather has been absolutely terrible here with high winds and pounding rain, so we moved her indoors to protect her and her kindle from the elements. She gave birth sometime yesterday/overnight. Andy added a heat lamp to help keep them from getting too cold, but it still didn't help. We are not sure why, but her entire kindle didn't survive the night. 

Andy is still convinced that raising rabbits is worth the time, money, and effort, but I'm having my doubts. I love raising our own meat and the feeling of sustainability, but it hasn't proven to be successful or profitable just yet. I hope I can hold out long enough for my love to prove me wrong. I'm not sure how many more dead newborns I can handle. 

The girls said goodbye.

Today was an exciting day!  Andy and the girls processed our first rabbit. We decided to eat Mary first since she wasn't producing any offspring. To be sure, we both palpated her tummy today and also a few days before. I would have hated to cut into her and have kits in the womb, but we were right to say she was barren. I couldn't get over Matilde continuously asking if she could "take out the guts!"  Andy just shook his head and answered no.  Evan and Tilly were great through the whole process.  They have both come to an understanding of why we raise animals and are grateful for the food they provide. 

Along with the rabbit, we harvested about 10 pounds of chicken with only two birds!  Two chicken breasts weighed in a whopping 2 pounds by themselves. I couldn't believe it. Amazing what 10 weeks of food scraps will do to a hungry chicken!  Tomorrow I get to make chicken stock with the remaining carcasses and can it for later use. Busy day tomorrow!  

A new bunny!

We just recently added another happy rabbit to our family. Evan named her Mary. She and Eve will help to fill our freezer full of lean and protein rich meat for our family. Just another small step...