Joe Camarena

Thank you. As will I. I am going to try a couple as soon as it cools down a couple more degrees.

David Miller wrote:Um, or build your own kit. I'm relatively certain that there is a reason that the 1983 Mother Earth News article entitle "How to tan a rabbit hide" is consistently referenced. I have a freezer full and 15 days until I move to my farm, I'll get back to you on my personal testing.

supple...

I don't need to know how stinky the process is, I want to learn how to tan a hide. Hair on.

Final product will be to use for making warm hats. I've also identified a market that would purchase them if they are soft and subtle.

Joe

I have never tanned a hide. Can those that have please share their technique? Links, YouTube videos and/or detailed step by step instructions will all be greatly appreciated.

Joe

This is the best post I have ever read on Permies. Thank you!

Joe

Jay C. White Cloud wrote:Hi Dan, et al,

This is a quandary, for many animal species keep in captivity for many reasons from permaculture to zoological garden. Having a solid background in both those arenas I can share that my personal observation are we humans spend an exorbitant amount of time debating amongst ourselves about...what our 'kindred wee folk" are "thinking and feeling." This all to often is saturated with anthropomorphic extremes and mindsets that project "human affects" where there are none. We...living beings that is...on this plant have commonalities within shared ethologies/physiologies. I feel that until we (few can or will do this) actually learn to "live like," with or through an animals perspective...will ever achieve much understanding what may, or may not be taking place within their level and/or mode of comprehension.

It could, and has been said...that if a species lives a long, healthy (body and mind) and reproductive life...most (if not all) their needs have been met within an given enclosure systems. I have kept rabbits off the ground in hutches...and on the ground in a more natural warren system...and when presented with a chance for "greater freedom," many opt for the safety and security of there hutch or other enclosure. Could this be an aberrancy of there base line ethology...yes...or, it could just indicate they are more than pleased with the conditions with which they have been given to live...

This is just a common view of many folks that work intimately with animals...others do indeed feel much different...some extremely so. I do believe we can all agree that it is often "over thought" and too many folks "project" personal beliefs and feelings onto those animals around them...many of which are clearly not there...in my opinion.

That's just my take on it...do what makes you and your bunnies happy...

Rabbits cannot eat silage. Only ruminants do well with silage.

Fodder and hay diets must be supplemented with a mineral block. IMO most people do not feed fodder with enough protein. If that is true, then litter size decreases and you'll get slower growth rates with your kits as well. One would have to plan very diligently to grow the proper fodder to be successful. I do know people that are successful growing 100% of their own rabbit food, but it is a passion of theirs and takes a lot of work. It is worth the work though for the quality of meat you get in return.

I feed a NON-GMO, NON-Soy feed that is an alfalfa based pellet, 17% protein. I supplement my rabbits diets every other day with quality hay. The other day they get fodder from around my yard...chickweed, dandelions, grass trimmings, veggie trimmings, etc... The rabbits do very well for me in production and I am able to maintain this system with the time I have.

Joe

Three days for $300 would be a good deal if meals were provided. I wonder why they are bringing in Mark though...his farm is up north?

Joe

I want to buy, or trade, a few bulbs of garlic that someone here has grown themselves in a high heat locale.

I have some 2nd generation Collards seeds that have done fantastically for me in Central Texas that I can trade.

I also have some mullein seeds that I gathered locally for trade as well. Thanks,

Joe

montezumabulldogs@yahoo.com

Try Bob Well's nursery. They are in Lindale, Texas. I have bought from them in the past and have been very satisfied.

They are very knowledgeable and can help you find the correct species for your area.

Joe

I've read about him, but do not know him at all. Why do you ask?

Joe