Alasguns Hopper Haven

[Alasgun]

It’s been a while since the last installation of cuteness; so i thought id fix that today! They are clean, quite and low maintenance so i tend to ignore them a lot; and i shouldn't! The Rabbit venture is working out well and at this point i’m composting all the leavings (poop, bedding etc) before applying it in the beds. I like this arrangement because i dont have to remember who got what, when trying to equally distribute just the poop or urine. This way everything gets the same amount; once a year, in the fall; and since the compost bins are within 25 ft of the Rabbit barn it’s user friendly on that score as well.

We’re at the time of year where i’m actively seeking greenery for the bunnies and the sunflower patch is carrying that load for a bit. Noticing how they rellish them; i staged a little photo shoot today to see what i could capture. Piece of cake; in the next little bit i’ll bring some of the big flowers over and do this again but they’re still precious; even with tiny flowers.

 

[Alasgun]

They like Violas too.

 

[ducks4you]

I still don't quite understand. Are you butchering any?
Doesn't bother me. I would be butchering chickens right now, but the run/coop are a mess after last November, when a weasel took my flock for the 2nd time.
DH and I disagree about what to do. HE thinks I should put meat on the rat traps I got when I had rats (from garbage storing deadbeat neighbors who foreclosed across the street,) which was before my good kitties got them ALL, even with no access to the run. They were digging tunnels underneath the chicken's coop.
Then, close up the run so the dogs and cats won't get hurt.
I don't think that will work.
I think it will be more like using Japanese Beetle traps, where you attract ALL of your neighbors JB's with the traps.
I believe there are probably a couple of dozen weasels 1/4 mile from my house. I don't want them hanging around.
My neighbor bought the "farm" down there, and are keeping chickens, goats and were keeping guineas. The guineas flock was desimated and one moved in to my property. Cute little guy is hanging with the horses. He's been here for about 2 weeks and I plan to make sure that he has water and some bird feed this winter. Once the horses spend the nights inside, he will probably roost in the loft, like where I saw him last week after dark.
My solution for the chicken run is first to cut and staple 1/4 width hardware cloth (which I have on hand), in front of the two windows, which now have plastic screening.
I might try some young roosters in the Spring, and see if putting them in a closed coop will keep them safe.
I also want to build a 2nd and smaller run inside the run, with a structure and and door made with plywood and 1/4 inch hardware cloth.
I have named my guinea, "Harold," I am getting attached.

 

[Alasgun]

It’s been a while since i added anything here so i thought i’d show off “Meredith”, my new doe. She’s only 11 weeks old but i like what i see at this point. Her parents are purebred; California (buck) And a New Zealand doe. The breeder is a meat guy like myself and somewhat particular about his crosses.
I’ve decided to branch out a wee bit and this doe (in time) will replace one of my older does next year sometime.
I’ll be interested to see what she’ll produce with my Satin Bucks.

The rest of the Rabbitry is “business as usual” and we currently have some butcher bunnies ready in another couple weeks, a litter of 4 week’ers and one prego doe. I’m happy with all this going into winter and as long as they keep the poop factory flowing it’s win, win!

 

[flowerbug]

It’s been a while since i added anything here so i thought i’d show off “Meredith”, my new doe. She’s only 11 weeks old but i like what i see at this point. Her parents are purebred California (buck) And a New Zealand doe. The breeder is a meat guy like myself and somewhat particular about his crosses.
I’ve decided to branch out a wee bit and this doe (in time) will replace one of my older does next year sometime.
I’ll be interested to see how it goes with my Satin Bucks.

The rest of the Rabbitry is “business as usual” and we currently have some butcher bunnies ready in another couple weeks, a litter of 4 week’ers and one prego doe. I’m happy with all this going into winter and as long as they keep the poop factory flowing it’s win, win!

i'm glad those are not the type of rabbits we have around here because i'd never be able to hunt something that cute - even when needed!

 

[ducks4you]

Me, neither! I kept rabbits as pets as a kid, and can't butcher them. You are supposed to snap their necks and make it quick, but?...nah!!!

 

[Alasgun]

Meredith and Belle both delivered nice litters a week ago and once they start moving about i’ll post some pictures. Im hoping to be able to open them up to the outside by this time next month, I don't notice any “cabin fever, in them but they do like having the full run; especially Mom’s who may have young. My breeding schedule is structured to keep ”crowding” to a minimum.

Of greater interest to someone with small animals might be a recent addition to the water system.
Due to our long freeze potential my water system is designed to be bullet proof with constantly moving water being provided. In the summer a hose connects the barn to the house so that’s a no brainer.

In the winter i use this 7 gallon bucket as a storage tank and the water is pumped thru the cages and returns to the tank, constantly.
Keeping that water absolutely clean is important for a number of reasons and i’ve recently started using a paint strainer made to fit a bucket rim and am very encouraged with the results.
This picture shows the top with the return line removed for filling and the filter in place. With a snap fit lid a tight fitting return line to that lid And this filter; it’s pretty perfect. When i notice any little bits of hair or hay in the bucket i simply change out the filter and wash it out for next time.

 

[Alasgun]

In the last couple weeks i’ve gained 2 litters of new bunnies and have 1 more on the way. They’re sure cute at this stage!

Im sorry for not being able to share a video, some days devices are more user friendly than others!

 

[peteyfoozer]

I’m picking up a couple young does and a buck in a couple weeks. It’s gonna be awhile before they produce for us but looking forward to it as I love rabbit and I like to feed the dogs raw, as much as possible

 

[Alasgun]

This time of year im able to forage for the bunnies. Succulent branches/shoot’s with leaf buds And the wide blade grass are high on the list.