Sappy

So I never did tell you how maple sugaring turned out.

In a nutshell, it went well.  I pulled the taps last week and sugared off one final time, and wound up with 6 quarts and 1 pint of maple syrup, plus some uncounted amount that we used up.

Not bad from 29 taps, starting too late, and doing the sugaring on an outdoor turkey cooker.  Next year, things may be different, but I won't let on about that yet, until I know for sure.

In the meantime, I will leave you with a few pictures of the 6 week old "babies" in the house.

Collette at the feeder, which is where she likes to be, Pickle and Roy laying behind her

Roy is sleepy!



Collette, being interrupted in her meal

They are still getting a very little milk, but that's just about done.  I think the last time they'll get it will be Saturday, and then no more.  They eat the pellets and drink the water without a problem, and today I saw them eating hay.  They do love the milk, though, but they have less patience for it now.  They are raring to go, and don't want to stand still too long, even to drink milk.

They're not allowed to roam the house, but they are occasionally let out in the bathroom to run, because it's easy to clean.  I think Pickle would make an excellent house bunny, but I still have to convince my husband of that.  Either way, Pickle and Collette will be staying with us.  Roy, I'm afraid, will be sold when he's old enough.  I just don't have enough room to keep them all, much to my son's chagrin.  I can justify 1 black bunny, but two is a stretch.  Also joining Roy on the "sale block" will probably be Timothy, which is one of the bunnies from Bella's last litter.  He's a wonderful boy, also black, but he's no fiber bunny.  Despite the fact that he's half English Angora and half Jersey Woolie, he's got no usable hair to speak of.  Unfortunately, I can afford to feed only who can produce, and it's not him.  I am thankful, though, that my daughter is keeping Alexander as a pet, who is another from Bella's litter.  At least we'll have a little someone from that wonderful experience.

These decisions are hard, and not my favorite, but what can you do?  It's a part of the lifestyle.  I know that I'm going to have a much harder time selling the goat kids when it's time, but it'll still have to be done.

Sigh. 

I think I'll go snuggle a bunny or two.

Be well!