Here we are at the end of the year. Where did it go? We always say that, don't we?
I have very few new babies to show for all the breeding that's been going on. Does are breeding but not having. Hmmph. Currently there are 3 - 5 wk olds, 4 - 3 wks olds, and 4 - 1 wks olds. That's 6 or 7 litters in just 3 nestboxes. A lot of fosterlings.
Had another boxful but the doe dropped the ball and let them die. At least I had fostered her most valuable kits to another doe and they are doing fine so far. That other doe Eirene is a bit nervous or something. She's a 1st timer and might not like the safeguard routine where I take the box in the house at night so I don't lose the litter to being dragged out on the cold wire. Already lost one of her fosters to that. But she is feeding them well so I will continue the routine.
All but 6 buns have been moved into the shed for the winter. I'll have to deal with frozen bottles on the 6 but it's easier to thaw than 18+. I soak them in a pail of hot water. By the time I'm done feeding everyone, the bottles are thawed. Then I use the warm water to break up the ice from the other animals' water bowls around the yard.
Don't have any Xmas litters due this year. I just didn't pay any attention to the dates and bred does as they would. A few are due around 12/29, and more in Jan.
Happy Holidays to All
tnt
