While we mostly try to always share the upbeat positive side of our farm life. We must also be honest of how sometimes; things happen and go wrong. Some days, farming is emotional, draining and flat out makes you wonder why and if you should continue down the path. Generally, we continue because the eventual benefits outweigh the negative. But there are weeks that seem to just drag you down through the emotional mud. At the end of the day we can grieve, and the continue on with a new plan. This past week was especially mentally draining for me, well not just this week, but one three weeks prior as well. Focusing on the positives is how we get through. Now you ask what was going on? Well, three weeks ago we had two does kindle out, and both does despite building absolutely beautiful nests, had their babies in the wrong spots. Now for one litter I was entirely too late to save. The other litter (this is where finding the light, in the darkness comes in) I was able to save three of the 7 of the kits, they are thriving, and now three weeks old. Litter losses are mentally hard on me, any loss is hard on me, always questioning myself wondering what I could have done better. Ultimately unless I move all of these rabbits into the house and watch them 24/7, I can't really do anything more for them. This past week again we struggled, a doe had her litter in the wrong spot, I was there in time to save them, but despite my best efforts this litter was not meant to be, after three days of helping them fight for their little lives, it just wasn't happening. I was pretty heart broken. But sometimes no matter what you do, things aren't meant to be, and you just have to accept that as hard as it is. Back to the light. After things that drag us down, we have to take in all that we can to bring us back up. The does are healthy and already re bred so in about a month we will have new buns born again. I am now getting out a Calander book and planning out breeding's to NOT happen in January or the beginning of February. That was a HUGE mistake on my part, our weather is rarely ever decent around those months. The best part of this week, yet it is also stressful is the birth of our first baby goat! Theodore (Theo) is a little buckling who was born on 2/9/2022. He's super cute and currently just over 24 hours old and seems to be thriving. Though mentally I won't be able to breathe until he is a week old. I owe a HUGE debt of thanks to my neighbor Danielle (owner of O'Brien Farm CNY), who has been coaching me and helping me through basically every moment since he was born. So, I guess my point of this post is to always take into consideration of what goes into your local farmers day, even though we may seem okay, some days we are mentally struggling just like everyone else. We are responsible for so many lives that depend on us, and it can be absolutely exhausting. Huge thank you to all my friends and family who have been helping me get through this past month. (1) O'Brien Farm CNY | Facebook _ is Danielles FB page - and - This is her farm website O'Brien Farm CNY | Parish NY (obrienfarmcny.com) Be sure to check them out!! And here's a picture of our new little guy "Theo" He is a Lamancha/Nubian mix.
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