As I read over my blog it is slightly comical. I take at least a dozen pictures of rabbits every day and haven't added photos in awhile. I will have to change that soon. :)
So the other day I was pondering the importance of keeping a journal. I have one on line, actually in spreadsheets for each doe. I keep notes on them regarding kindling, heavy milk, light milk, cannibalism, etc. Being that I am studying my lines I want to be a very educated breeder. When I sell my stock I want to be able to tell the buyer what to expect. I'm sure this may not always go by the book but so far, it has been pretty accurate. My first doe to kindle went a full day early. I noted this of course. Her second litter was the same so I was prepared for it and stayed close by. Saved babies from the wire this way. Both does from her litter have done exactly the same as she has. This is my only line that has gone a day early. Now when selling does from this line I feel fairly comfortable giving the buyer a heads up to this possibility. All 3 have also been slow to get their milk in and also don't produce as much milk as my other line. With this knowledge I know I need to make sure to have supplements ready for my does and watch them closer.
I have enjoyed raising our rabbits and really put my heart and soul into it.
When we first started growing out juniors I was slightly annoyed. The food bill doubled. The cleaning doubled. The trimming of nails doubled. They remained ugly for a good portion of the time so I couldn't even enjoy photos of them. But then, I have come to realize the important lesson in this. By taking the time to grow them out I have learned so much more than if I would have just sent them on their way out of the nest. I have an even greater respect for the top breeders who have dedicated so much time evaluating and improving their herds. Not only has it been an invaluable lesson it also helps me to have great pride in our rabbitry knowing that we are taking the time and doing things the way we feel are right.
So the other day I was pondering the importance of keeping a journal. I have one on line, actually in spreadsheets for each doe. I keep notes on them regarding kindling, heavy milk, light milk, cannibalism, etc. Being that I am studying my lines I want to be a very educated breeder. When I sell my stock I want to be able to tell the buyer what to expect. I'm sure this may not always go by the book but so far, it has been pretty accurate. My first doe to kindle went a full day early. I noted this of course. Her second litter was the same so I was prepared for it and stayed close by. Saved babies from the wire this way. Both does from her litter have done exactly the same as she has. This is my only line that has gone a day early. Now when selling does from this line I feel fairly comfortable giving the buyer a heads up to this possibility. All 3 have also been slow to get their milk in and also don't produce as much milk as my other line. With this knowledge I know I need to make sure to have supplements ready for my does and watch them closer.
I have enjoyed raising our rabbits and really put my heart and soul into it.
When we first started growing out juniors I was slightly annoyed. The food bill doubled. The cleaning doubled. The trimming of nails doubled. They remained ugly for a good portion of the time so I couldn't even enjoy photos of them. But then, I have come to realize the important lesson in this. By taking the time to grow them out I have learned so much more than if I would have just sent them on their way out of the nest. I have an even greater respect for the top breeders who have dedicated so much time evaluating and improving their herds. Not only has it been an invaluable lesson it also helps me to have great pride in our rabbitry knowing that we are taking the time and doing things the way we feel are right.
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