Our experiment in breeding rabbits this year is off to a flying start. Millie got pregnant on her first visit with Hector. Thirty-ish days later seven bald, blind little bunnies were born.
They are two weeks old today. Gone is the pink & naked stage & now we are in full on cute territory.
They love getting rubbed on their bellies and behind their ears and although they still seem to be sleeping most of the day, they have started exploring the hutch.
They are the easiest baby critters I’ve raised so far. All I needed to do was give her lots of hay and bedding when she started showing signs of nesting and she does everything else.
All that’s left for me to do is give them cuddles every day. Officially the best job EVER!
Mike,aka midas. says
Cute they might be!!but in the wild 5 rabbits eat as much as a sheep,dig holes in the paddocks,endangering the horses.Eat the veggies,Make a good stew though,n the young ones BBQ well.Have to shoot about 40 a week!!!ATB.mike
Jane Sarchet says
People do think I’m mad when our hedges are collapsing with the bunny activity in them, but I wanted to try raising them for a year just to see if it is worth it.
They require a lot less input at this stage than the Muscovies, chooks or weaners we rear, so we shall see!
How much land do you have to need shooting 40 a week Mike?
Janie x
Glamorous Glutton says
They are very cute, I’m assuming this is about the pot, how will you manage to end those cute little lives. I think I’d have to stick to shooting the wild ones. Just a thought – have you calculated how many you’ll have in a year?!? GG
Jane Sarchet says
I guess I grew up knowing that the cute little lamb I named and was bottle feeding before school every day would end up on the table GG, or the pet hen that stopped laying would end up in the pot. It’s just the life (and death) of living on a farm. As for how many, we could breed her every 2 months and they have between 5 and 12 babies a pop, so quite a few!
Glamorous Glutton says
Pragmatism, it goes a long way to taking the sentimentality out of farming. GG
Kate - gluten free alchemist says
How cute are they?! Don’t get too attached!!! I think it’s so important for kids to know where their food comes from…. my daughter relishes eating Skippy and Bambi burgers!!!! Maybe I could persuade her to eat a bit of Thumper too?
Jane Sarchet says
Haha! And I absolutely agree. Do let me know if she likes it Kate :)
Janie x
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
Oh my god – they are SO cute. I would love to have a farm one day, but I know I would get too attached to all the animals.
Jane Sarchet says
Beautiful aren’t they Dannii, there is some serious cute around at this time of year :)
Janie x
Madeleine Morrow says
Mustn’t look at these cute pictures too long or I will never be able to make lapin au moutarde again. Yes, it is important though to face up to what we are prepared to kill in order to eat meat.
Jane Sarchet says
It makes it very real doesn’t it Madeleine
Janie x
Nayna Kanabar says
These lok so cute and adorable, I can’t bear to think of their outcome though. :(
Jane Sarchet says
I do understand Nayna.
Janie x
Franglais kitchen, Nazima says
ahh that looks so sweet- definitely one of the best jobs ever as you say !
Jane Sarchet says
Absolutely :)
Janie x
Ren Behan says
They are very cute, but I note the tagline of your blog – From Field-to-Fork so I suppose we’ll be in for an adventure at the end of the experiment?! I think I’d get too attached :-///
Jane Sarchet says
They are very sweet and endearing but yes, they are a specific meat breed. Very large and heavy. I sure will miss them though.
Janie x
Tammy/Our Neck of the Woods says
Oh my goodness, Janie! They are soooo adorable! Now you have me wanting to get some rabbits of my own ;) I would just cuddle with them all day long. They look so soft!
Jane Sarchet says
Haha, aren’t they just! They are SERIOUS time wasters though Tammy, you have been warned :)
Janie x