Another venture we’ve started within the last two years is the raising of Netherland Dwarf rabbits for the local pet store. With two bucks and six does, not to mention three meat rabbits and an older Mini Rex, our twelve hutches are full to overflowing. We’ve just started the spring breeding, and are expecting our next litters around April 21^st. Three of our does are new and we can’t wait to see what possibilities their added genetics will bring to our rabbitry.

These are two of our ND does, an orange broken by name of Lemon Meringue (top) and a tan called Maleficent for her sunny disposition (bottom).

Almost five years ago we had just received the meat from our two hogs, Napoleon and Wilbur, from the butcher. Now, once again, we are midway through the hog-raising adventure. Charlie (Sausage), Ham, Blaze (Ribs), Star (Bacon), and Spot (Pork) are our new pigs and we're almost ready for the first slaughter.

Price

The total cost of raising the pigs, including purchase, milk replacer, feed and slaughter came to $550.18.  With a total meat return of 230 lbs the total cost is $2.39 per pound of meat.  This definitely worked out in our favor given the cost of pork currently.  Plus it was a great family experience and the children got to learn a lot about raising our own food.

The Meat- Uncured

Today we got back 129 lbs of uncured pork as listed below.  The cured meats, ham and bacon, will come back in 2 weeks.

Pork Chops- 21 packages of 6/package- 53 lbs
Pork Steaks- 7 packages- 11 lbs
Country Style Ribs- 6 packages- 14 lbs
Spare Ribs- 4 packages- 11 lbs
Sausage- 32 packages- 32 lbs
Neck Bones with meat- 4 packages- 8 lbs

Napolean and Wilbur

Napolean and Wilbur went to the butcher today.  We have thoroughly enjoyed them but it was definitely time for this chapter to come to an end.  Napolean's estimated weight is 300 lbs and Wilburs is 220 lbs based on measurements of girth and length.  They had a great send off and we look forward to getting the meat back later this week.

Napping?

Chase hates to take naps.  But he was more than willing to try to sleep in the dogs' bed.  The dogs weren't too sure what to do about it though. 

Indoor Beehive

Indoor Hive Entrance

Although the weather wasn't pleasant today, it has been very nice the past few weeks.  Hopefully, those warm days will result in some large bee swarms this spring.  Our indoor hive is waiting for a nice swarm to decide to move in.  Alternatively, James may add a swarm he collects locally if necessary.  Already, a few scout bees have found the hive entrance and explore it daily.

Indoor Hive

(the exit is in the bottom left)