thier science projects (Crenshaw won Grand Champion for his Science Project on the Hydrological Cycle), and pet-related projects (Henry received second place for his CAT poster). Luckily, our county fair is still so small, that you can let your kids run wild for three days straight!
Since our kids are relatively new to farm life, we had to think seriously about what type of animals, if any, they would begin to take care of, and eventually show at the fair. After considering goats, chickens and rabbits, we settled on rabbits. Initially we purchased two SATIN rabbits, Fluffy and Fuzzy. Unfortunately, Fuzzy (a jet black bunny) met a tragic fate when he escaped his hutch and was captured by our Miniature Schnauzer. It was traumatic for all, but a valuable lesson wasl learned about animals, breeding and the food chain!
Fluffy has made it for two years now, and Willy showed him for a second time in the small pet divison at the fair. Last year, Fluffy and Willy one 4th place. This year, they had both "matured" (Willy is now 10, Fluffy 2) and came away with 2nd place.
While waiting in the small pet barn, I struck up a conversation with another 4-H mom whose children were showing not only rabbits, but also cows, pigs and SHEEP! Of course, I couldn't get enough of the sheep talk, and learned that not all sheep's fur is good for spinning into wool. (Who would have THUNK???) (Okay, I am a city girl at heart!) Anyhow, the conversation really got my juices stirring, wondering if I could put a sheep or two out in the back field. My husband immediately vetoed the proposition, stating that all of the animals we incur seem to always fall under his watch (ie. dog, cats, rabbit, guinea pig and fish).
Not all was lost. I was off to PLAN B. Some good friends have just bought a big farm nearby. I am going to convince THEM to get the sheep! But I still want something furry and fun that will produce wool for me.
