The Rabbit Knows
I suppose all creatures have wiseness buried deep within them, rabbits being no exception. They know how to survive in the wild against some stacked odds, being card-carrying members of the bottom of the food chain and all. I’ve had a fondness for rabbits because they are peaceful animals (except when they get in a royal tiff amongst themselves. The does can be quite territorial and will give a buck a run for his money.) I enjoy being around them.
We recently acquired two retired does and released them in the chicken run so that they can go about their business doing rabbit stuff. The first day was comical. The chickens completely wigged out and clamored for safety, loudly clucking their disapproval of the unseemly creatures that were mucking about their digs. What were these ghastly things and how long were they going to stay?? The chickens have since decided to bear no grudges and seem to have accepted the larger mammals that hop about; in fact, it looks like the rabbits have commandeered the run and galavant as they wish, knowing the chickens will just move out of the way (mostly out of fear). Don’t move quickly around a chicken – she won’t hang around long to see what’s going to happen next.
We spread a bale of barley straw about the run yesterday and it sure is sweet smelling at the moment. It looks fresh, crisp and fall-like down there. I took the camera down this morning and lay about the run, snapping pictures of our new friends. Here’s Boo, a Flemish Giant doe of about three years of age. Flemish are the largest breed of rabbits and have delightful dispositions. They are much like dogs in their demeanors and can become quite tame.
The Rabbit Knows
Taken October 30, 2010
And here’s a shot of Georgia our Australorp hen. I was laying in the straw looking up at her (which is something I won’t do beyond today due to the freshly deposited chicken manure which is building up this very moment!) I chose to render this picture in black and white because it was more pleasing in my eye. Georgia is a very tame bird. The chicks are seventeen weeks now and soon we can start to expect some eggs!
Georgia
This chicken experiment has been quite satisfying. I highly recommend it as a way of adding some life and personality to your backyard! Check your city ordinances and see if chickens might be a viable and fun option for you and your family.
I like the chicken one in black and white too! The angle of the boards on the side lead your eye right to the chicken, very cool. Quite the menagerie you have going!
I swear, Katrina, you’re the only person who visits my blog
. Thanks for doing that. I’ve got two other blogs going, the homeschooling adventure and the photography business and sometimes don’t know where to put my energy. I just spread it around! It’s a process and maybe I’ll put more effort into marketing. Next year I’m going to do some bigger art fairs here and in Denver; maybe that will help get the word out and get my work out there. We have gotten a big kick out of the chickens and have become very attached to them, plus they make fun subjects for the camera because they are so goofy. Hugs!