Jake and I went to the fair yesterday to take a look at all the livestock animals. It was fun, the farm possibilities spread way out in front of me. I was really hoping to see more large breed meat rabbits. The only ones we saw were: New Zealand (all white with red eyes), Californian ( white body, black feet, nose, and ears, red eyes) and Creme de Argent ( flecked tan and white with brown eyes). The only one of these we would consider raising is the last one, the Creme de Argent. Commercially it's very easy to get a hold of a New Zealand or a Californian since that's what most backyard growers raise. Honestly I want something that doesn't scare me when I look at it. Red eyes and all that. I know weird right? But whatever, I am the way I am.
New Zealand and Californian images from
here.
The raising rabbits for food is still an open discussion between us, we've not decided yet to go ahead with the idea. I think it's a logical step though considering what we already do here. We aren't able to raise chickens in any quantity, not with out Jake going insane from the noise. Chickens have a tendency to get rather loud and sometimes obnoxious, plus we have close neighbors. :o) Rabbits don't smell either, that was one thing we noticed when walking from the rabbit area to the chicken area at the fair, it got stinkier as we walked to the birds.
We did check out the goats too. They actually had a
dwarf nigerian dairy goat for me to see. They are about the size of Kai only much thicker. It would be a manageable addition to this small farm..... however I haven't lost my marbles entirely, one thing at a time. I must ask myself do I want an unbreakable milking with every morning and evening while the goat is producing milk? A question I can't answer yet because I am still working on rabbits.
I'am with you on the Rabbits! We have been trying since Easter and have had two litters and all died....Was supposed to have another this week..NOTHING!..who ever said "they Breed like rabbits"...needs a good whoop on the head! I have raised sheep, horses, and pigs and well!?!?! I don't know what to say! Let's just say I am still going to try until I succeed! Or Next month Rabbit stew for us :o)...And then Maybe start again...I did get the name of a Local Rabbit breeder maybe I'll have better luck then! We'll see!
ReplyDeleteQuinlyn- That sucks so much!! What breed are you raising and are they known to have kit issues? How frustrating. I say rabbit stew and start with new stock!
ReplyDeleteWe are going to the fair on tuesday to see the animals! We are so excited!
ReplyDeleteOne thing to think about with the Nigerian Dwarf goats (as we have them) is it is quite the process to milk these little gals unless you have an experienced milker whose teats have grown larger. One of our does was a first freshener this year and her teats are so small that I can just put two fingers and my thumb on them to milk her (which makes it even harder for my husband)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm not sure how much land you have but goats are foragers (not grazers), so they aren't too happy on just grass/hay. Just something to think about.
Good luck with the rabbits!
Mike- Enjoy the fair it was so much fun, and such possibilities arise from seeing livestock... :o)
ReplyDeleteMelissa- Thank you for the goat info! It's all theoretical at this point. I doubt we'll get goats before land. Rabbits, chickens, and bee's seem more manageable on a city lot. How much milk do you get to enjoy from a first freshener? Have you made cheese yet? :o)
what a lovely blog
ReplyDeletegreetings from Wales UK
John- Thank you and welcome. :o)
ReplyDeleteWell, as I got pregnant shortly after she freshened I didn't have the energy to milk her which was a bummer. But, we've been milking her a little bit now that the kids are weaned. Her supply is WAY down so I can't really give you a good idea on quantity. Lets just say I haven't had enough to make cheese unfortunately. I think I'm going to turn what we've got into butter. Thats the nice thing with NDG's- they have a high butterfat content to their milk.
ReplyDeleteBut we're getting a buck this fall so we'll be able to breed all five girls later this fall/winter and we should end up being able to make cheese next year- something to look forward to! =D
The red-eyed rabbits freak me out too! That's why we ended up with a Palomino doe and a mutt buck. I spent hours in the bunny barn at the fair. (So long that my kids were asking to leave!)
ReplyDeleteI want a goat too but in the city limits I'm afraid that won't work. I want bees too but . . . Not quite ready for that.
Hippie- I hadn't heard of Palomino but we will look into them. Anything to avoid the red eyes! :o)
ReplyDelete