Death is an Inevitable Part of Farm Life

In today's episode we talk a bit about how we're dealing with a recent death on the farm. #farming #homestead #farmlife
SUBSCRIBE and help support the channel. And don't forget to drop a comment. It helps us to build this channel into something special. We're transforming this 90 acre property into a self reliant homestead and farm stay vacation rental. We're building infrastructure to accomodate future growth such as barns, duck house, 7 coop chicken house, water hydrants, planting an orchard, building a garden etc. Chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, barn cats and two old english sheepdogs make up our team here at the farm. Please follow along on our journey of transforming this place into something special.

[@Centipede_Solaire]

rabbits are so fragile. By the time you catch that something is wrong, it's usually too late. I'm sorry for your loss, thank you for sharing this

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

That’s actually true eh, no signs really of anything wrong. I googled a stiff rabbit and it comes up as floppy rabbit syndrome where it goes paralyzed and dies due to stress. Very fragile indeed. ❤️

[@lisawall3386]

Absolutely true. Happened to me. By the time they show signs of illness it's almost ALWAYS too late.

[@johnscott5187]

This a lesson I had to take to heart pretty recently. I started my 8 acre homestead about 3 years ago with my pot belly pig and 1 dog in tow. Both strictly pets. Withing the first 3 months Archibald Meatpants (the pig) somehow broke onto the feed room and ate a whole bag of dog food and half a bag of pig food, he couldn't pass it and he passed. Shortly after I got a new dog friend and a couple Nigerian dwarf goats 2 females and a male. They did what goats do and soon they were both preggo. The first one had her 2 kids and were doing fantastic, the second birthed 5 babies 4 of which had passed during birth. More time went on and my goat heard grew. About a year ago my mother needed a place to stay (divorve) and she brought a dobberman puppy with her, well puppies like to chase things and they ran down 2 kids. At this point I built a fairly big goat pen instead of letting then free roam which seemed to work pretty well. My neighbor has mangallista pigs which had a bunch of piglets and they started tunneling under the fence and my dogs chased completely down. At this point I made a area for the dogs to stay. And this has been working pretty good for the last few months. I guess what I'm getting at is a lot of this is trial and error were the errors end in death and sometimes you don't make any errors and it still ends in death. Don't brat yourself up about it, learn from your mistakes and move forward! Also I stopped naming animals after the first set of kids now they are just juniors of their parents Sorry it's such a long novel!

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

I appreciate you sharing. RIP Meatpants, pigs just keep eating and eating eh I’m learning that with our two. Can’t imagine eating till death. Gotta train dogs to be around small animals when they’re young but understand not all dogs will be ok and have a strong prey drive. It’s a rollercoaster life sometimes eh. You started creating your place almost the same time, we got this property in July 2020. Thanks for your story 🍺 🤙

[@AlexK26496]

Wow what a story John, thanks for sharing it and sorry about your loses as well. I named a Mulberry tree on our property and when it was taken down against my wishes it was a gut punch I'm still not over 💔. Your story is helpful, just need to stop naming things so much ! 🙂

[@reliablek9training317]

I'm glad you mentioned that everyone deals with it in their own way. Sometimes this is overlooked .

[@angelinalanzillotti2773]

It's good to talk about the sad stuff too.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Oh yes for sure 😊

[@SarahLynnLee]

I'm sorry for the loss of Kenny Rogers. I personally get attached to my animals and the loss can be really difficult. It was a very nice video, I can see the love and respect you have for your animals. I love that.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Actually Kenny was the most approachable of all the rabbits, he would let people pet him and he would come over and give you a sniff. Life’s gotta go on though, I gotta learn from it. Don’t know why he died too I just would take it hard if it was my own doing. 😊 thanks so much.

[@marvelfilmno1fan119]

HA HA HA HA, Why is this, making me not stop laughing

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

@@marvelfilmno1fan119 why would this make you laugh? Seems a bit out of context don’t you think?

[@marvelfilmno1fan119]

@@HiddenSpringFarm H aha ha there you go LOL, FINALY TALKIN !!!. I am coming of my meds, for my Depression, so sorry - my depressive swings not so good OKAY

[@Sea-cucumber1151]

You need Kune Kune pigs (pronounced Koonie Koonie) they are super friendly, and don’t root! They won’t tear up your yard, they eat grass. They can be allowed to be let out with ducks and chickens without harming anything. They are not like regular pigs that will destroy the fields. They are cute!

[@RJH_LIL]

Aawww Chad. I'm so sorry for the loss. Sending you two a 🫂 An unfortunate part of owning animals. Not all days are sunny and happy. You are just being real, and it is appreciated.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

😊aww thanks, that’s one thing I wanted for my channel since the beginning…is to showcase all aspects of farm life.

[@catgir5x]

I love hearing you speak about farm life..and sharing your wisdoms.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

♥️

[@julieweaver3456]

So sorry for your loss of Kenny Rodgers.... Death is never easy. We all needed to hear this side of homesteading. God bless and keep doing what you're doing. I love watching you videos!♥️♥️♥️

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

It’s not even a video that I planned out it’s just cause when I came in he was rip. I thought maybe the topic was a big downer but also cause I’m bringing you all on this journey I’m fairly transparent and wanted to share my experience. Thnx so much for the comment 😊

[@paulhall1239]

I'm so sorry for your loss 😢 it's never easy dealing with a death in the family ❤❤❤

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

So sorry for the loss. Thank you for sharing.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

💜

[@NuocMamDaily]

Thanks for taking time out of your busy homesteading lives and sharing. Keep your videos reeling in !

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

You bet!

[@gina3422]

Sure hate to learn of the passing of Kenny Rogers. His absence certainly leaves a void within the rabbitat, particularly for the two bunnies that remain...for you and your darlin also as the reason for his passing so far remains a mystery which is very frustrating. So sweet and precious Kenny Rogers was, extremely fortunate as well in living the wonderful life that wonderful you provided him...please take comfort in that fact friend. Know that I share in your burden...today and always. 💕

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Always tough. He did give us some nice kids though.

[@whitneycraig1662]

I’m so sorry for your loss.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Aww thanks 🙏

[@catgir5x]

Sending LOVE at Kenny Rogers passing♥

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Thnx so much, I really appreciate that.

[@dyannejohnson6184]

It’s ok…sometimes we need to express ourselves…I felt your heart

[@JEL66]

Im so sorry. 😔I know the feeling. 💜

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

🙏

[@helen1962]

You have the best of life there Chad, Kenny Rogers had a great life with you.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

🙏😊

[@AlexK26496]

Hope this helps for the ear mites medication 🐰 ❤

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

It sure will, thanks so much Alex 🙏

[@AlexK26496]

@@HiddenSpringFarm 🤗 My pleasure ! Regards to the Mrs and rubs for Olive, Molly and the kitties.

[@saraanderson6615]

Sorry for the loss of your rabbit. 😢 It’s always hard losing an animal.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Yeah, thank you so much 😊

[@Paul-bx4kt]

Kenny will be remembered, you're giving a good life to these animals Chad.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

🙏

[@madelineelliott5002]

Oh Chad, I’m so sorry for your loss. Do you give the rabbits hay? I lost a pet rabbit when I was younger, the vet said it was possible she wasn’t getting enough hay so got blocked up inside, and it’s hard to get things moving again after that happens.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

I just give em pellet and veggies, maybe I’ll pick up some bales of hay for em. Anything to help.

[@titadoucette284]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

🙏

[@lrpcreations4016]

Hi! Just found your channel in a short and I like it. I'm sorry for your loss. I grew up on a farm. It's hard when you lose an animal. It's hard when you grow an animal for food and have to see it leave. Bunnies can get stressed out and have a heart attack. It's nothing you did.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Aww thanks. Appreciate the comment. Welcome to the farm 😊

[@andrassalfay5869]

The mentality that you showed is more than decent. And decency for living things is one of the most important trait you can ever have. If it's by mistake, or by accident that he passed away, your mentality and resourcefullness will surely help other animals to live a happy life. 'Cause you care, that's all. We butcher rabbits, but keep the same mentality. Big space, plenty of food, rich environment, lots of hand feeding and play. We had a sick baby rabbit and we brought him in the house, cared for him for 2 weeks before his state became worse, but until then he recieved daily care, sometimes we cleaned his nose and eyes 5 times a day, with warm camomile solution. Death is inevitable... but the same goes for every living thing: the important thing is what they are going through till that moment. I think this way of thinking is something everyone should promote and actively strive for. I am sorry for Kenny, but I am happy for him too for he had a good life. And I am happy for you too, as you could share the memories of him. These things are what really count.... and only people who care will understand. :)

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Those are some words of wisdom right there. Thank you for that. 🙏 😊

[@annamaybeekman7141]

IM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS CHAD

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

😊

[@suebrown3917]

YOUR CHANNEL POP UP AND I WANTED TO SEE WHAT YOU WAS ALL ABOUT. I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL. YOU ARE DOWN TO EARTH AND THAT MEANS ALOT.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Aww thanks. Welcome to the farm.

[@AlexK26496]

Sorry about Kenny Rogers, its more than evident you care deeply about all of your critters and bless you for your humaneness and compassion. As much as I'd love to do what you and the Mrs are doing, I'm not sure I'd have the emotional fortitude to deal with animals dying 💔 I see the wisdom in compartmentalizing things, its essential. R.I.P Kenny Rogers 🐰 💝

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Thanks so much, I feel like we owe them the respect although we are living this life. It’s important to us. Thanks for saying that. ❤️

[@cindym7234]

Oh that's so sad! I'm so sorry for your loss. I used to have rabbits and they would get blocked up occasionally. My vet told me that they need alfalfa hay and/or Timothy hay for their good digestion in addition to their pellets. They would also benefit from lettuce greens, as well. Also, if one has ear mites then most will have them. Thanks for sharing your homestead life with me. Wishing you the Best! Love from Texas ❤

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Someone else said that too, gonna get them some good Timothy hay. Thanks. 🙏

[@cindyrussell7017]

So sorry. I have lost lots of 4 and 2 legged beings. I know one day I will be with the again. The Rainbow Bridge.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Yes thank you. Always in our memories till then.

[@peacockgrandma]

You have a beautiful speaking voice. You should be on radio

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Oh thank you so much ☺️

[@leecarlson9713]

I had a zoo keeper tell me that rabbits could die from a heart attack, if they are frightened; literally they can be scared to death!

[@gardengirl7258]

It's the circle of life. Having a healthy respect for that cycle makes us more empathetic to all living beings.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Couldn’t agree more, well said.

[@lisaboolee]

Thanks for sharing All of Your Journey❣️😎😎 🕊🙏🙏💞🍀🫂🫂

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Thanks for watching!

[@Carycares1817]

Oops need to finish...they keep it out 24/7 is that a good idea? I know.sheep herders have those sheep herding dogs .

[@myriamhoffmann7408]

Grief is the prize for love

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Very true eh ❤️

[@LindaSmith-vq1br]

Personally, I appreciate your philosophy.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Aww thanks for saying that ☺️

[@Carycares1817]

Poor Kenny Roger's. We actually saw the real Kenny Roger's in a lounge entertainment as a guest before he got to be a real star. My neighbor in France use to raise rabbits for eating. There in Canada do they love rabbit stew like the French? Want to ask you saw on line a small farm using their shepherd dog as a guard dog at nite

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Thanks so much. Honestly rabbit is not that popular here, at least most grocery stores don't really carry a big selection. I think as long as a herding dog grows up with a flock it will protect it. Keeping in mind that the role of a livestock guardian dog is to deter by barking not to engage in fights with predators, although the dog will fight if needed.

[@neveralone7]

Aww, it's always sad to lose an animal, I feel for you. So glad you have feelings for the animals.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

❤️

[@guy8646]

Sorry for your loss. It’s generally not safe to keep unneutered male rabbits together, though.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Thank u, I’m seeing it first hand even father and sons are fighting. But can fighting kill them? I mean there was no blood, no injury. Maybe shock or stress?

[@guy8646]

@@HiddenSpringFarm They can chase each other around, kick each other, etc. Rabbits are super sensitive to stress. I've seen a wild rabbit keel over and die after being chased around the yard by my dog.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

@@guy8646 oh my I wonder if thats what happened here. 1 dad and 2 sons in the same pen. I guess the sons had no respect.

[@jiaj791]

Rest in Peace Kenny Rogers :( You have been loved by us all!

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

❤️

[@suteerap9286]

Fossy doesn’t like snow at all 😅

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Nope most days he won’t come out but if he does it’s like today…just for a minute and then he’s had enough 😆

[@deborahc.9869]

So sorry for your loss of your buck "Kenny Roger's", gotta love that name though.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Thnx, he was a nice rabbit.

[@manub6556]

I'am sooooo sorry, Chad😥for loosing Kenny Rogers😥 🙋‍♀️

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

🙏

[@gooseyloosey5612]

I don't have a farm, but I have a cat. I have been living separately for several years, but sometimes I think that he may die soon. Since 2017, he has been sick, he is either good or bad. It prepares me for his death, but anyway, when he gets worse, I feel like I'm not ready for his death. But when aquarium fish die, I don't care, because I don't interact with them and don't get attached.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

It’s that interaction eh. It’s their personalities too. I love our ducks and think they’re so funny but when one dies a while back I didn’t feel the same. Doesn’t mean we don’t care, it’s just a different relationship. ❤️

[@Sea-cucumber1151]

Rabbits can get respiratory infection I saw moisture in your rabbit box, I would be afraid of that. It can be quick, could cause pneumonia. Maybe have a heat lamp that allows expiration of moisture unlike a enclosed in box that encases respiration moisture. Or a screen on the box that allows exchange of air. They say the same thing on chicken houses to allow vents so they don’t become an enclosed sweat box. We all make mistakes. No one is saying it’s your fault so don’t feel guilty. I understand whole heartedly though the feelings. The not knowing. I am a licensed Veterinary Tech. I do know is all we can do is live and learn and try and do better. My sister brought her dog over and I forgot my rabbit was out back as well as we let them out daily back then. Anyways he chased the rabbit to death. This was years ago and yes it still is there in the back of my mind. We try and give them the best life, but……He wasn’t trying to be mean just seemed like a game. The rabbit over heated and I felt like the worse person. When I found him he was just breathing hard and calm, he never did recover. Accidents do happen. I think we have to give ourselves breaks, as long as it wasn’t intentional all we can do is do better. Learn from it and strive to do better.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

I can prolly put sone small vent holes in it, that would help with condensation. So much to learn, but I really get annoyed with myself even I learn at an animals expense. I appreciate the info. 🙏

[@joshm8297]

You going to raise quails next?

[@johnnyharperscoutstable5386]

Yeah. IT’s tough man. Time…🐸🍺🔪🔥

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

🍻

[@yeagerxp]

Chad the reason you are feeling the way you are about the buck dying is because you named it. Once you name an animal you can not bring yourself to use it for food and you will feel the loss when it dies. I don't believe you did anything wrong, just nature. Take care

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Yeah you’re right about that. I’m not super attached to the rabbits but I’d just feel worse if it’s my fault…I’m the one who put his 2 sons in with him and I hope they didn’t fight so bad that it was the cause of death. Even the does have tousles but never had any deaths. Plus I wanna learn from it if it was my doing. That’s the reason I don’t name most of the other animals cause I’m a big softy. 🍻

[@rjfisher7926]

I had a small black bantam hen that I named Rosa Parks. When I told my neighbor, he about came unglued, telling me how racism it was, to name a black hen, Rosa Parks. I told him the big white rooster I had, was named George Washington, and asked him, if that too was raciest of me. He oddly became rather quiet and said, “I guess I hadn’t thought of that.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Haha good for you. I named our light Sussex rooster Michael Jackson cause he’s mostly white with a bit of black but he’s not really sure if he’s black or white 😂 People should just keep their thoughts to themselves. It’s ok that they don’t agree but they just want to start trouble. 🤙

[@gouldschick101]

I don't say it was anything you did. He likely had a bad heart and you just didn't know. it happens. best to get a dose of revolution from the vet for them for the ear mites, or pirythrin OTC at least. that woudn't cause it tho.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Thank you, revolution seems to start working immediately. But I did go thru this months ago I guess it hadn’t cleared up completely.

[@gouldschick101]

@@HiddenSpringFarm it lasts for a month which is usually long enough to kill the full cycle of mites however if you already did it this way, you may want to try a three-month supply this time. If it happens again after that, you can be assured it is somewhere in the environment and you may need to treat it regularly, at least every spring and fall for two cycles each time. Otherwise, it will cause damage and deafness over time to the ears. Pain in the butt to deal with.

[@gouldschick101]

@@HiddenSpringFarm One thing I would change in the bunny diet is increasing the raw hay vrs pelleted for them as much as possible. Really they should be on at least 80% raw hays, particularly timothy. It's supposed to be a little healthier to prevent issues with the kidneys like stones that rabbits can get. At just one yr old tho I don't say that caused the issue for Kenny either just an additional tip.

[@Sea-cucumber1151]

Rabbits can die easily from stress like a dog or cat chasing them to exhaustion over heating. Put a camera in there to see what’s going on.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Wow, very sensitive eh

[@Sea-cucumber1151]

@@HiddenSpringFarm no offense I just mean see what is going on when you aren’t watching. I told the story of our rabbit who was chased by my sisters dog and died due to fear or heat exhaustion. Just stating we can’t control what we can’t see so see what going on if anything. 😉

[@Sea-cucumber1151]

Unless you mean they are very sensitive yes they are, strong smells like ammonia can kill them. ❤️

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

@@Sea-cucumber1151 I totally meant the rabbits are very sensitive, sorry.

[@Sea-cucumber1151]

@@HiddenSpringFarm no worries just didn’t want my words to be interpreted then what I meant! 🐰❤️ they love grass, pick them some. No iceberg lettuce, For the rabbits, other veggies can be good. Wheat grass is a favorite for both chickens and rabbits. Only Timothy hay for the rabbits as well, as rich hay like alfalfa can give them bladder stones due to the high calcium in it. That could have caused sudden death as well if he couldn’t urinate. Don’t allow older rabbits over 4 to breed they are too old and if they don’t absorb the fetus it can kill them. If you are going to neuter any rabbits so they can stay with the females, neuter the males it’s a quick surgery. You can grow duckweed for your chickens it grows crazy in ponds or buckets just need some light and water. The duckweed is an inexpensive self sustaining food. Grow it, spread it out to dry up and they will devour it. chickens will love iceberg lettuce hang it on a rope from the ceiling to peck out. I have seen chickens eat clams/oysters they will eat the shell as well for their calcium. Give your chickens a swing as well. Your visitors will love it.

[@evelynrogers7145]

How old was he ?

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

I honestly don’t know but we’ve only had the rabbits for about a year.

[@ghostpatriot2370]

It’s very hard to lose animals on the farm you see every day. I might suggest wireless cameras inside the building to keep up on what goes on when your gone. Might also give you extra footage to use as well. Good luck as always and sorry for your loss

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Might be something I can do in future, gotta see how it can be done economically too. Rabbits are funny creatures too the littlest thing can be a problem. 😊

[@The_Dougie]

Can't hear you

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

You mean no sound? R u sure? I hear it just fine on my end. 😊

[@risquecat]

His age, maybe?

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Possibly, it’d be a guess though. Just sad really hope I didn’t cause it.

[@yellowandco_farmhouse]

Ah my least favorite part of farming. Sorry for your loss!

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

I appreciate that.