2 Dead

10:31 am, 9 February 2010
Temperature: 41 F, overcast, calm

Found two more dead kits in Minnow's cage this morning. Three are definitely alive and staying close to mama; their eyes are still closed, but they're otherwise doing ok. The two dead kits died at different times. One was easily twice the size of the other and showed more development, so they died a day or two apart. Likely the smaller one died after the move to the new environment; the other one probably died during the night due to exposure, as Minnow seems to have trouble covering more than three at a time and three is debatable as to how well now that they're getting bigger. During cooler weather we may want to keep her inside, or at least in the garage, until kits are weaned.

Six ducks were out including Mr. Thorton, our drake. Didn't molest the rabbits although the rabbits were made nervous; that's pretty easy though. Mostly interested in rabbit chow that fell out of cages and in hunting for bugs among rabbit dung and straw. Got five including drake back in during feeding.

The ewes have gotten incredibly bold during poultry feeding. Even giving them their hay first doesn't help. Reaching in and yanking sheep away by their horns works for a few seconds, then they charge in for more. It enabled the geese and ducks to get a share, at least. Good thing there aren't any polled ewes in that lot.

Checking back in on the rabbits found Minnow realized 'the cord back here has some give, I can get my nose through here if I try hard enough!' - and then untied the cord and made a break for freedom. Three babies in a shivering pile, no Minnow. Finally found her over by her old cage, up on her hind paws against it. Chased her almost all the way around the house before she darted behind the compost container to try hiding or escaping that way, but there was no room for her there so we got her. She tried to get away a little, but not a serious fight.

For now the back corner is ziptied and if need be the front one will be as well. She wants her and her babies back in her old cage but that's just not an option. Hopefully some will make it in this litter.