Rabbits
A rabbit enclosure
was created in the Summer of 2003. Two female
rabbits and a rabbit hutch were bought from a pet shop in April 2004. The rabbits were named
Trixie and Fifi. In November 2004,
a mass of white fur covered five kittens (baby rabbits). While others
were prepared to believe in an immaculate conception
(after all this is catholic Ireland), I wasn't! So after a brief
consultation with a rabbit book and a closer
inspection of Fifi and Trixie, it was quickly
established that Trixie was masquerading as
a female, when in fact she was a he! The
book also indicated that rabbits don't get
their reputation likely and that giving birth was the signal for Trixie to enhance his species reputation. Therefore,
it came to pass that another six kittens were born on St. Stephen's Day (26th December 2004). In the
meanwhile, Trixie had exclusive use of a single
hutch and exercised in the rabbit enclosure while Fifi
was safely locked in her hutch (rabbit birth control). Another two rabbit enclosures and hutches were built in the wood and that
is where all the males are presently situated. The females occupy the original enclosure and hutch. In the Summer 2005 two further concrete dens with removable
tops, were built in the goat enclosure and chicken enclosure. This enables
the rabbits to have grass in the
Summer months, while having access
to shelter in bad weather.
(click on the pictures
to enlarge them)
