Sunday, December 11, 2005
Graduation Day
It's amazing to me how kits seem to know when graduation day comes. That is, the day they graduate from the nest box. In summer, that day is at two weeks. For cold weather, it's at three weeks. Yesterday I went to the barn to remove nest boxes only to find kits popping around the cages everywhere. Just the day before, they were all snug in their boxes. Somehow, they just knew it was time to come out.
I love to see kits when they first get out of the box (assuming it's the right time). The first thing they think is "Great, now I can nurse whenever I want to!" But the dam takes the first 15 minutes to establish new rules. Being near mom does not mean another meal anymore.
Some will find a corner to hide in, but others have to explore every inch of their new world. Later, they will huddle together. I often provide an empty oatmeal box or a pile of hay for the first couple of transition days.
Others will find the feed and water dishes right away. I use ceramic cat dishes for tiny kits' first meals. I feel safer with them since kits can keep their nose above water, even if they get totally into the dish. Later, I'll use a full-sized crock in addition to the automatic water system. They can handle it better then and need more water as well.
But the really bold ones will skip the ceramic dishes and go right for the J-feeder, hopping on top with a "this is all mine" attitude. The cutest ones are those who stretch up high and begin drinking from the automatic watering system, just like a big boy or girl.
I think that three weeks old is the most adorable age for kits. Really, there's no cuter rabbit in the world than the round ball of fur with the short little ears poking straight up, binkying around the cage. I also think it is the binkying-est stage of a rabbit's life, too. Three steps, binky, two steps, binky. It's joyful to watch.
Another great thing about three-week-olds is that none of your hopes and dreams for them have been dashed yet. There are no rabbits with ears too long. Fuzzies may even be keeping their secret still. They all seem to have short bodies and curvature. No, hope-dashing is for another day. Today, they are all perfect and adorable.
Laurie Stroupe
The Nature Trail Rabbitry
"Holland Lops Of Distinction"
Precious Pet Rabbits
Pet Rabbit Care Information, Quality Pet Rabbit Care, and Rabbit Fun
¶ 12:09 PM
I love to see kits when they first get out of the box (assuming it's the right time). The first thing they think is "Great, now I can nurse whenever I want to!" But the dam takes the first 15 minutes to establish new rules. Being near mom does not mean another meal anymore.
Some will find a corner to hide in, but others have to explore every inch of their new world. Later, they will huddle together. I often provide an empty oatmeal box or a pile of hay for the first couple of transition days.
Others will find the feed and water dishes right away. I use ceramic cat dishes for tiny kits' first meals. I feel safer with them since kits can keep their nose above water, even if they get totally into the dish. Later, I'll use a full-sized crock in addition to the automatic water system. They can handle it better then and need more water as well.
But the really bold ones will skip the ceramic dishes and go right for the J-feeder, hopping on top with a "this is all mine" attitude. The cutest ones are those who stretch up high and begin drinking from the automatic watering system, just like a big boy or girl.
I think that three weeks old is the most adorable age for kits. Really, there's no cuter rabbit in the world than the round ball of fur with the short little ears poking straight up, binkying around the cage. I also think it is the binkying-est stage of a rabbit's life, too. Three steps, binky, two steps, binky. It's joyful to watch.
Another great thing about three-week-olds is that none of your hopes and dreams for them have been dashed yet. There are no rabbits with ears too long. Fuzzies may even be keeping their secret still. They all seem to have short bodies and curvature. No, hope-dashing is for another day. Today, they are all perfect and adorable.
Laurie Stroupe
The Nature Trail Rabbitry
"Holland Lops Of Distinction"
Precious Pet Rabbits
Pet Rabbit Care Information, Quality Pet Rabbit Care, and Rabbit Fun
¶ 12:09 PM
