H&H: Volume 3

Highlights from Our Homestead Journey

The Bunnies Are Growing Fast!

The bunnies are already 3 weeks old, and it’s amazing how fast they’re growing and changing each day. They’ve started venturing out of the nest box, though those trips have been rare—probably because of the cold (and honestly, who can blame them?). Here in southeastern Michigan, temperatures have been hovering in the low 30s, and with our rabbits housed in the garage, I’m sure the little ones are a bit put off by the chilly temps!

Thankfully, we haven’t lost any of the kits, but I’ve noticed one showing early signs of nestbox eye. For those unfamiliar, nestbox eye is an eye infection that can occur in baby rabbits (kits) while they’re still in the nest box. It’s usually caused by bacteria from damp bedding or unsanitary conditions, which can infect their delicate eyes. Although we clean the bedding often, the cold temps and the kits huddling together likely mean they’re peeing on each other and snuggling into the bedding… gross, I know.

Symptoms of nestbox eye include swollen, crusty, or closed eyes, discharge, and difficulty opening their eyes. Thankfully, our case is very mild, and we’ve been treating it by gently cleaning the affected eye with a warm rag a couple of times a day with a little bit of Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Eye Wash mixed in as well and making sure the box is cleaned out regularly. So far, it seems to be helping and most cases of nestbox eye do resolve on their own.

Here’s a pic of the bunny in question:

As you can see in the picture, the little guy’s nestbox eye is very mild and was caught in the early stages. We noticed a slightly swollen, partially closed eye with very minimal discharge, which allowed us to address it quickly.

From what we’ve learned, nestbox eye isn’t particularly uncommon. So, we wanted to share the signs we’ve noticed and update you on how we’re working to prevent it and treat this potential case!

Horseback Riding as an Adult

So… I’ve started horseback riding.

For those of you who’ve been horse fanatics your entire lives or grew up around them, I admire you. I wasn’t a fanatic growing up, but I always loved being around horses when I got the chance. Riding a horse has always felt magical, but when it came to care, body language, and advanced riding? Let’s just say I’ve got miles to go.

That said, I loved my first lesson. Walking into the barn as a 27-year-old beginner was intimidating, but my trainer was welcoming and didn’t make me feel awkward—something I really appreciated.

What to Wear as a Beginner

If you’re considering horseback riding, the first question might be: “What do I wear?” That was me! When I called to book my lesson, I immediately called back, panicking because I didn’t own any gear. The barn told me not to worry—just wear boots with a heel and dress warm. Here’s what I wore:

• Thermal leggings under bootcut jeans
• Hiking boots (with a slight heel, but definitely not ideal for riding)
• Layers: a thermal shirt, pullover, and thinner jacket

It worked well enough for the first lesson but I did get pretty hot. It was around 40 degrees that day so the many layers might have been overkill.

Meeting Zee

When I arrived, I followed the signs to the lesson barn, feeling slightly out of place since no one was there to greet me. But soon, my trainer introduced herself and showed me how to tack up my horse for the day—Zee, a sweet 21-year-old Arabian with curly, damp fur (I learned he’s a sweater!).

Nervous doesn’t even begin to cover how I felt. At one point, the trainer held up the reins and asked me what they were called, and I froze, feeling like it was a trick question. It was a bit embarrassing, but she didn’t treat me any differently, which was such a relief.

The Lesson

After tacking up Zee, we headed to the indoor arena. Before I knew it, I was mounted and learning to walk—and then trot. Figuring out the rhythm of the posting trot was a challenge, but I had so much fun trying. It reminded me of my high school sports days—taking direction, learning new skills, and pushing myself physically.

Facing the Risks

After the lesson, I was buzzing with excitement. My husband said I sounded so happy, and I was already talking about getting my own helmet because the one I borrowed didn’t fit well. But then… I made the mistake of joining equestrian subreddits on Reddit.

If you’ve been on Reddit, you know how unfiltered it can be. Posts about the dangers of horseback riding (and the harsh criticism of beginners) sent me into a spiral. I started researching injury and death statistics and was shocked to learn that riding a motorcycle is statistically safer. It makes sense—horses have minds of their own, and control is somewhat of an illusion.

Deciding to Continue

For the past week, I’ve wrestled with whether this hobby is worth the risk—of injury, expense, and even death. I even bought a safety vest and helmet right after my first lesson, spending more than I wanted to but leaning on the “better safe than sorry” mindset.

In the end, I decided life is too short to live in fear of the “what-ifs.” I could step off a curb tomorrow and be hit by a car or fall in the shower. Life is fleeting, and I realized that if I quit now, I’d regret never giving it a proper chance.

So, I’m continuing. My second lesson is this evening, and I’ve decided that whether I stop after two months or five years, that’s okay. Right now, I’m trying something new, something I enjoy, and I’m learning to be present in the moment.

I wanted to share this experience in case someone else out there is hesitating to try something new. Sometimes, taking the first step is the hardest—and the most rewarding.

In the News: Antibiotic Guidelines Tighten for Livestock Producers

Starting in 2025, significant changes are coming to antibiotic access for livestock producers, including small-scale farmers and homesteaders. Under new guidelines from the FDA, medications like Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment will transition to prescription-only status. This change aims to combat antimicrobial resistance by ensuring antibiotics are used responsibly under veterinary oversight.

Terramycin, a commonly used antibiotic ointment for treating eye infections in livestock like rabbits, goats, and poultry, has been a go-to for homesteaders because of its availability over the counter. With this shift, farmers and homesteaders will need a veterinarian’s prescription to obtain it.

This change is part of a broader effort, detailed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, to ensure antibiotics critical to human and animal health are used judiciously. Although many livestock antibiotics became prescription-only in June 2023, Terramycin is next on the list to follow suit, so it’s important to stay informed and updated on what’s coming next.

For homesteaders, this means building a strong relationship with a local vet will be more important than ever. Regular veterinary care not only helps with access to necessary medications but also ensures animals receive the right treatments for specific conditions. However, this creates a dilemma for many livestock owners who face financial constraints or lack access to proper veterinary care.

To prepare, consider:

• Reviewing your current livestock first aid supplies and stocking up on non-prescription options where appropriate.
• Establishing a relationship with a vet who understands the needs of small-scale farmers.
• Exploring natural or alternative treatments for minor issues that don’t require antibiotics.

These changes are a real concern for us and many other small-scale farmers and homesteaders. While we understand and support the FDA’s goal of combating antibiotic resistance, the new restrictions will make it much harder for many homesteaders to care for their animals. Livestock vets are already scarce, especially in rural areas, and the added costs and logistical hurdles of obtaining prescriptions can be overwhelming. For many, these changes highlight the growing challenges of balancing responsible animal care with the realities of limited resources. It’s a reminder of the importance of advocating for solutions that support both public health and the viability of small-scale farming.

What We’re Learning

If you’re looking to get started with raising rabbits for meat or just own rabbits, the private Facebook group Backyard Meat Rabbits is an incredible resource. With over 60,000 members, it’s a hub of shared knowledge, questions, recipes, and community support.

We often turn to this group for advice or to figure out whether what our rabbits or kits are experiencing is normal or cause for concern. So far, we haven’t needed to post a question ourselves—searching through the group has always provided the answers we need. However, daily, members ask new questions, and most people are incredibly helpful, offering quick and friendly responses.

Recently, we’ve been relying on the group for guidance as we navigate our first litter’s early stages. From addressing our nest box eye situation to learning what we should (and shouldn’t) be doing at each stage, the experienced members and existing posts have been invaluable in helping us care for our kits properly. It’s a great example of how online communities can make a big difference for first-time homesteaders!

Our Favorites This Week

One product we’ve been relying on this week is the Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Eye Wash. This gentle and versatile solution is perfect for cleaning minor eye irritations or flushing out debris in animals. It’s non-toxic, safe for all species, and can be used as a first line of defense before resorting to stronger medications like Terramycin. We’ve found it especially helpful with our kits as they grow and occasionally experience minor eye issues. It’s a must-have in any homesteader’s first-aid kit!

Another product we just stocked up on is Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment. It’s an effective, go-to treatment for eye infections in livestock, including rabbits, goats, and poultry. With the upcoming FDA regulation changes in 2025, this staple will soon require a veterinary prescription. If you don’t already have it, now’s the time to grab a few tubes while it’s still available over the counter. It’s easy to use, and catching eye issues early with a product like this can make all the difference in keeping your animals healthy.

This Week’s Wrap-Up

Next week, we’re excited to share a big update—we’re picking up a new junior buck, a Creme d’Argent, all the way from Wisconsin! It’s an 8-hour drive there and back to bring the little guy home, but for us, it’s worth the journey. Having two bucks and two does that are mostly unrelated is really important for the health and diversity of our breeding program. Our current buck and doe are half-siblings from our initial trio, so this new addition will help us strengthen our herd and plan for the future!

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