Today it was just above 50 degrees, so I took the opportunity to send #4 behind the wood board to raid the colony nest to do a head count and a health check. Looks like six healthy babies. There are two broken black, two broken fawn (possibly a tri color or tort - it was underneath and I didn't get a good view), one Dutch marked, and one tricolor (harlequin pattern, but with white as well). I have added this photo to the rabbits page to mark the litter officially. They will be given Star Wars names since their available date is May the 4th, and we are nerds.
Some of these varieties have been on my wish list for a while. A few I just saw and liked.
The kittens went back to the vet today for their second round of distemper shots and dewormer. They all got weighed and a quick once over. They're all over 2 pounds but under 3 pounds right now. Small for their age, but all of our kittens seem to be. They have an appointment for two weeks out for their rabies vaccinations, and an appointment has been made for June 10 for them to be spayed and neutered. This visit was over $100. I anticipate that that June visit will be pricey. I'm not looking forward to that bill, but once they're all fixed they'll be ready to find new homes!
The single egg in the hatching incubator has not pipped. I can't remember if I candled it before I put it in there. The eggs that are set to hatch on the 31st have to go into the incubator tomorrow. I did candle them tonight. Two are duds, three have live chicks, and one is too dark for me to see through the shell.
Happy Saint Patrick's Day! We had a nice dinner with my parents and my brother and then had some game time. It was actually a pretty nice day. The high temperature was above freezing, and all the snow from the barn was in a heap on the ground when we got home. I really hope none of the critters were there when it came down. Both barn cats are accounted for. I didn't close up the barn tonight (one of the kids did), so I didn't get to do a head count. Not that the birds stay still for that anyway. We got five chicken eggs from the barn today.
I didn't really have much time to work on any other projects, so this is a rather boring blog post for today. I will try to be more interesting tomorrow.
Here is a photo of Moose, snuggling with Cloud. Cloud was purring the entire time Moose was giving him kisses. He ended up all slobbery, but he just kept purring and never tried to get away. Then Cloud and I took a short nap together. I will have to wash my sheets tomorrow from all the drool left behind.
Cloud and Moose, snuggling on the bed.
I'm so looking forward to weather warm enough to open the windows and have a nice fresh breeze again. I want to be able to hear the birds outside (both wild and tame). Soon... It will warm up soon.