First Tragedy on the Homestead... Plus Planting Garlic

[@cindypatterson2962]

Stop beating yourself up. My grandpa, farming until he was 101, taught me about life and death on the farm. Winter ugliness and spring beauty. It's part of life's cycle. Our hearts hurt at times but then they are soothed and refreshed. Your critters all know you love them. They FEEL and express emotions and I'm sure you've seen that. God sooth your mind and heart my friend. Know that we love and appreciate you...

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you

[@rosewood9839]

Ditto. We love ya dude! ❤️

[@MichaelRei99]

Well said!

[@krickette5569]

I Love your comment. You've perfectly described what living on a farm is like. Thank you.

[@amysmith3967]

I'm so sorry for the tragic loss. Please don't beat yourself up over this and you 100% do NOT deserve hateful comments! We all do the best we can with our animals and things happen. You're good people. Hugs to you both.

[@Michelle-CraftyWACatLady]

Keep an eye on your chickens, whatever got in that hutch can get into your run as well. Chicken wire is meant to keep critters in, but its not good at keeping things out.

[@michaeldufresne9428]

Very good point, I hadn't thought of that.

[@StrawberryFieldsNIR]

I was coming to say EXACTLY that.

[@Jennifermcintyre]

I hate that it’s called chicken wire… I think it gives people the idea that it’s adequate for a chicken coop…it is way WAY too flimsy to keep a predator out. I’ve seen so many “how to” build a coop w chicken wire and I cringe.. it barely slows them down.

[@Michelle-CraftyWACatLady]

@@Jennifermcintyre I agree

[@thomas2782]

@@Jennifermcintyre I did not know this

[@jnl5050]

Ignore the haters. Sh*t happens, its nature. Keep your chin up, you're doing great work. Thank you for sharing your stories of the homestead.

[@camibean341]

I'm sorry about your rabbits! And NO you do not deserve hateful, nasty comments about anything! Those who throw stones should remember no one is perfect, especially them! 😢🤗

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you

[@AngelaRoblnson-rb8qf]

I completely agree with the comment Cindy left. Please don't beat yourselves up over this. And don't listen to any of the hateful comments that you get from some people. You guys work very hard to take care of each other, of your animals, and of your property. And you do a very good job. Even with the best plans sometimes things go wrong.❤

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you

[@storiesinstones]

I know you love those rabbits. Whatever took them wasn’t your fault. Tragically things like this happens even when you have done your best to keep them safe. Love both of your channels!!❤

[@heidibartle2241]

You are a great man! You can’t protect everyone and everything 24/7. We love you.

[@Jessie_D_83]

I’m so sorry you all had to experience that. It’s hard losing an animal. We used to have coyotes around my house that have gotten in our chicken coop many times. They’re very creative on how they can get into places, and once they know they can they’ll come back, so watch the other animals as much as you can. Keeping you all in my prayers.

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you

[@arielog1941]

Holding you all in my heart. Please disregard the bullies. Appeasing them in advance only makes them bolder. I know it's hard to let rude statements be. We can never please all the people. Some are just contrary. Bless their hearts. It is what is in our heart that is important. No one else can know that. 'Been a regular for a few years now, it's obvious to me that you are a stand up honest and caring man. Just doing the best that you/we can. That's all anybody needs from us. Namaste

[@MaryWoodworth-d4i]

That is the life of farming and ranching. I'm 77. I've watched you for about a yr and half. You do a good job. You love your animals. The food chain has sour spots. Your do good

[@rosewood9839]

I’m so sorry about your rabbits. Don’t beat yourself up. These things happen. I took my son’s dog home because he was getting food aggressive with his step daughter. The first thing he did was blow through the fence and killed one of my beautiful Buff Orpington hens (Belle). It broke my heart. Belle was the sweetest little girl. I thought a lot about how terrified she must have been. I buried her in one of my deep raised beds. It’s now Belle’s bed and I’m going to plant flowers in that one, for her. I understand how you feel. Don’t blame yourself. ❤️

[@christineelsey3104]

@rosewood9839... 😍😍 you definitely gave the dog his 2nd chance.. It's truly amazing how aggressive dogs can become.. My daughter recently had this problem with her dog ~ probably caused by arthritis pain, or some new infection in his 4 yr old injury. She had no choice but put him down ~ she had been fighting this aggression battle almost a year. But.. the dog turned on "grampa" & an innocent kid in one go. It was a shocking thing to witness. & the pup sure couldn't tell us what was wrong.. ☹️😢

[@Denise_B17]

Don't beat yourself about the rabbits. It's not your fault Brian. I am so sorry for loosing them. Praying for you and your family. 🙏🙏🙏

[@lanajackson3730]

Brian, you have done such a beautiful job on your property, & owning animals brings joy to your life. But don’t blame yourself for your rabbits death. Good bless you, and keep on doing what you love. I always wish I could have had your beautiful cottage on our mini farm! 👍🏻💕🙏🏻

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you

[@djeoutdoors]

I’m so sorry, hopefully you’ll get Bella all taken care of and she can continue to do her job 😢

[@heidieaston5633]

So terribly sorry for your loss, it is never easy! We have lost a few birds here and there to predators and it always hurts. It is the cycle of nature and you have done all you could to make sure your animals are secure and well cared for. Hugs to you and the fam!

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you

[@ryanwiersema7251]

Sorry to hear about the rabbits and your loss. The emotions, etc., can be tough to deal with. Y'all are in our prayers. Regarding the garlic planting, we planted hard-neck and soft-neck garlic from an on line nursery as a test in our raised beds. We preferred the soft-neck. We are in West Michigan. I make my own compost from our kitchen waste and combine with good sources of carbon. I use that in my beds and then top dress it. Last year was a mild winter up here and the soft-neck bulbs were huge, tasty and overall much better. We planted cloves from the largest bulbs of those and will see how they do. This winter looks to be a little harsher. It is all under snow now. Take care and thanks for your posts!

[@lyndabuchholz1216]

We used hardware cloth for our rabbit cages. It is pretty strong. I am sorry this happened. I think if an animal wants to get something they will figure a way.

[@robinlj5767]

So sorry about the rabbits!!! Unfortunately we can’t always anticipate completely the effects of change. You give all of your animals a really nice home and take fabulous care of them❤ Grief is OK guilt is a waste; you’ve just learned something new. I’m excited to see how the garlic experiment goes with those little cloves!!! and the section with you and Joel was funny!!! Carry on!!!🥰

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you

[@Muffy.from-Oz]

Feed daisy! ....Nature has claws and Fangs Brian, it's not your fault. So often we think we are in charge. I have often saved baby lambs, chickens ducklings and wild birds only to have something tragic happen to them later. It sounds harsh, but my husband and I now say..."when you number is up, it's up!" My neighbour who is a Goat farmer says " You have animals, you will have dead animals." Blessings to both you, Emily and Noah for trying do do the right thing and caring so deeply. Arms around you all. Cheers, Muffy.

[@safeathomestead9217]

So sorry this happened. 😢 I have dealt with wild dogs breaking into our chicken coop a few years back. Obviously you care for your animals and took good care of them. We learn from these sad experiences. I feel your pain.

[@kathleendeedailey253]

Sharing in your sadness. So sorry. Ya just have to move forward...without guilt. We live, we learn, we continue growing and doing more things. Sometimes there are tears but more than those are the times we laugh and rejoice when something works out well. God bless you lovely people. ❤❤

[@christineelsey3104]

Hang in there, my dears.. Truly tragic, yes.. They definitely were well cared for on your homestead.. and well, from experience I do know, rabbits need a lot of regular handling.. time none of you have had to spare... Keep them in your heart.. ❤❤❤ But.. ya.. If you figure out what got in at them - it would be good to know. And well, Bella needs to just be content at home.. right.. 😊.. Hugs from a Canadian fan at a heartbreaking time, to all of you.. 🤗

[@lindasmashnuk]

Things happen. We all have sad stories to tell. Even with the best intentions, you can't think of everything.

[@cade861]

Loosing animals is a part of homesteading you can do all you can to keep them safe but things will still happen

[@KeithWheelerBooks]

Everybody needs a Joel!

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

They do!

[@joelmcwaterspreachessometi7664]

and Joel needs a new belt.

[@stephenbeck6410]

I planted garlic from Costco and it worked great! I only planted the largest cloves and got slightly over 22 pounds from about half the bag (looks like the same bag you have)

[@resarm5007]

​@@joelmcwaterspreachessometi7664😂😂😂

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

🤣🤣🤣

[@karenbeck6487]

I’m sorry for your loss. It’s tuff to loose any pet. It’s not your fault.

[@marygrott8095]

Oh, Brian!! I'm so sorry about your lovely rabbits. How heartbreaking 💔.

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you

[@phini108]

Y'know, you do your best. It's a continual learning experience. Dont beat yourself up Brian. It's really sad about the rabbits and you were making great plans for them to have a better life. We dont have control of everything in the best of circumstances. Hopefully, in due time, Bella will be fixed and be able to resume her guardian role. Hugs to Emilee for losing her bunnies.

[@ellenc.1685]

So sorry this happened on your homestead. It seems the predators always know when the defences are weak. I have had crazy sad things happen to my chickens, geese and ducks over the years and I don't forget but I have learned a lot and you will too.

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you

[@juliehorney995]

So sorry about your rabbits! Was just thinking again about raising some as they are the only homestead-type animal we can raise within an HOA. They would only be protected by their cage and a canopy so might not be enough to protect them from predators. Much to consider. Godspeed sir.

[@suesmyder]

Coyotes tore thru our outside chicken run just before time to process my meat birds. Got all 14 in one night. Didn't even leave a feather. Had to have been a whole pack. I was so angry. At them, not myself. Don't be hard on yourself. Just add heavier wire. And reinforce your chicken runs too. They will be next.

[@courtneyrenegar4329]

Oh man! So sorry for your loss. It wasn't your fault; don't beat yourself up. It was probably raccoons. They are amazing climbers, and can get through chicken wire with zero problem. Sending love.

[@BecomingaGreenstalker]

Awe I’m sorry for your loss. It sucks to lose an animal you love. As far as the gardening channel goes, yes shorter is sometimes better simply due to time constraints. Once gardeners learn the basics then it’s plant her water there and cross your fingers. Summary videos sound good. Plus I think you are more open and more yourself in this channel. Just my opinion. I know you didn’t ask for it…again, sorry for your loss. I am glad that they are completely gone because the alternative is worse. Hugs to all of you. It will get better. ❤

[@reginablue7954]

I respect you for sharing what happened. You weren't being blatantly careless and you clearly take overall very good care of your animals, sometimes sad things happen, we learn and we move forward. ❤

[@julieleon-guerrero8147]

I've been keeping chickens for 15 years and the hardest part is keeping the predators away! Don't worry your coop is doing way better than mine so far! I'm still learning what works

[@alwaysstopandpray]

So sorry for your loss Brian. Please don’t blame yourself. ❤

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you

[@dianelott6849]

You and Joel work good together! He's so funny! What a good friend! So sorry for your loss!

[@llfarly]

You don't need to worry about Joel's butt - it's fine.

[@terrygagne8865]

So sad to hear about your rabbits. I know how precious all animals are to you and your family - my heart goes out to you all…

[@lorimalone3210]

I'm so sorry about your rabbits, Brian. A coyote got our cat in our front yard at 3:00 pm a few weeks ago. He was an elderly cat but we were shocked that the coyote was out on our suburban street at that time. The only reason we know is about it is because our neighbor saw the whole thing and chased the coyote away. It's always difficult to lose a pet.

[@dianebright8137]

❤

[@connieeneix3891]

So sorry for the loss of your bunnies 😢. Hang in there

[@sylviehart]

That is terrible. I’m sorry to hear the news. I don’t think you deserve any hateful comments. I’m so sorry you had to deal with that. I hope Bella doesn’t escape after she gets fixed. That’s hard. Thankful you didn’t loose any chickens. That’s scary.

[@etet4536]

Aw, I'm so sorry, my heart breaks for you all.

[@bzebeegyal1138]

Thanks for sharing your homestead tragedy and so sorry about your loss Brian but such is farm/homesteading life.

[@JulieMyrick]

Delete the haters. Haters are gonna hate, LOVE your channel and your precious family!!!

[@judymckerrow6720]

Thank you Brian. So sorry for your loss ! ❄️⛄️💚🙃

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you

[@PrettyAliceNight]

I have used pine straw for years and it works great! I’m sorry about the loss. Poor babies.

[@irasemacalvillo6851]

Oh Brian that’s so sad! My brother had all of his goats 10 killed by a bobcat and some were pregnant 🥹in one night. It was devastating to say the least. They were well protected in a stable by 2 dogs. but somehow it happen. Thank God you did not see them scattered all over your garden🥹like he did. You gave the bunnies the best chance and the cottage was perfect.

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you

[@heatherj3030]

I'm sorry to hear about your rabbits. Finding dead or missing animals is the worst! This video was perfect timing for me. I'm in Bakersfield, CA, mild winters, very hot and dry summers. I just planted my garlic today, about 3 weeks later than I should have. I wondered if I was wasting my time. So, thanks for the encouragement there. As far as the Christopher Ranch garlic, I've had good results growing it in past years.

[@karlaloves2garden]

So sorry. Not easy to lose animals you care for. Hugs to you and your family.

[@williamdavis9343]

Racoons can climb. I had some that climbed 4' up off the ground and tore apart the framing around windows to enter my coop. Amazing critters really. We were perplexed so set up game cameras and found it was raccoons. We did manage to fix the coop to keep them out. Sorry about your bunnies. Be aware that they will come back for your eggs and chickens.

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

I’m afraid of that too. I will be taking precautions

[@debbieduggan6796]

I am so sorry for your loss. 😢😢😢 The timing of it is especially devastating. 💔 💔 💔. We all know this was not intentional on your part, or even whether this was entirely preventable, so please forgive yourselves. Best you can do at this point is to use it as a learning experience, now that you know you have determined predators. I wonder if you could "electrify" the outer wire of the coop at night to keep predators away from the chickens? May not be practical....just a thought. I'm definitely not an expert on this subject. My heart goes out to your family. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@fraserfamily5833]

So sorry for the loss of your bunnies 😢

[@aimeepeltier4489]

Had a fox and a bobcat wipe out my flock this last fall. Come spring, we are going to fix the enclosed run and start again. I swear, I think I've got the coop and run secured...and then the wild animals just find new ways to get it. It feels like it's never ending to keep all the wild critters out.

[@brendajackson294]

So sorry about the rabbits. You did your best to care for them. You are just human and no need to beat yourself up. Unexpected things happen, that is life.

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you

[@rosewood9839]

I’m watching on the 7th. I’m in Alabama and it’s so cold! I was putting in carrots yesterday and worked until I couldn’t feel my hands! I love your growing season!

[@gmslaughter3504]

So sorry to hear about the rabbits. You gave them a good life while you had them. You couldn't have imagined that what happened would happen. Grieve, but then let it go. Don't keep beating yourself for an uncontrollable circumstance. Looking forward to seeing the homestead take shape as well as the gardening.

[@terrysevold2072]

Sooo sorry for your loss. I am sure Bella would have protected them, too. It's harsh that the timing was off. Wishing you better times. And do fortify your chicken area. Raccoons are very capable of stealing them. Which ever animal came for dinner, will probably come back. Take good care!❤

[@michaeldrinkard678]

A suggestion for smothering bermuda grass: cardboard boxes. A lot of stores are glad to let you have all the cardboard you want, it's easy to spread, and it's biodegradable. I make sure to take out any staples (from the heavier cardboard) and take the tape off (if any). It has the advantage of letting rain soak through, but it also holds the moisture in once it gets through.

[@ryanthelion827]

Raccoons can climb and live in trees, so they could definitely get up there. We had a raccoon get some ducks and found it in the rafters of the chicken coop after sealing up the entrance.

[@StrawberryFieldsNIR]

I am not in the US, but the hole seems larger than necessary for raccoons? Coyote sized hole is it not?

[@vicwickgardens9174]

That’s a terrible loss! I’m so sorry 😞 You were seconds from giving them an even better life 😭 Totally not your fault. We live and learn. Keep being awesome!

[@carolleimbach6407]

Sorry to hear about your loss. 💐🐇

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you

[@mariospoullis3117]

Happy new year sorry for your loss from Cyprus - Nicosia we all love you.💯💙💙💙

[@pameladippre4386]

So sorry you are having to go through that, I know you feel bad but you were trying to do something for them. Life on the homestead can be heart wrenching some times. Praying the peace that passes all understanding will fill you up,

[@susanh1235]

It's always sad (or maddening) to lose an animal. You've cared for, invested time, energy, resources . There's another comment about using chicken wire, to keep critters in , but, it doesn't always work for keeping them out. This is so true. I learned the hard way. I have fox, coyote, raccoon, mink living around me. So my enclosures are made with welded wire, buried a foot & up to the roof. The only thing to get in are mice occasionally. It's good to share the good & the bad, the burdens of life, much love & respect ❤

[@MichaelRei99]

I was not attached to your rabbits but when you said there was a catastrophe I wasn’t expecting that. I was actually relieved. If you intended to have that happen you should feel bad but you had no way of knowing that was going to happen. They did go to a better place, just not the place you expected them to go. You can’t undue what is done don’t beat yourself up over it. It is sad but in the overall scheme of things there are a lot worse things that could happen. Hope you guys cheer up. You are great people and a great family! You deserve to be happy!

[@debbiewilhelm3035]

My heart brakes for your tragic loss. Please try not to place blame on yourself. You are doing the best for your family and animals/pets. Sometimes life isn't fair and we are left to pick up the pieces and move forward. It is best to keep an open dialogue with each other, so that you can support one another. Peace be with you all.💔

[@inspiredclips8245]

I'm sorry for all of this, and be good and gracious to yourself.

[@carontheroad]

Coyotes love bunnies. I hope you never hear the sounds made during that attack. My heart breaks for Emily. 💔

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you

[@jenny8105]

One thing I wondered when he mentioned coyotes is... wouldn't they have left at least, a trail of blood...? Unfortunately, my first thought as he was explaining the situation was...did that lady know where he lived? Could she have stolen them? Shows my faith in people, doesn't it?

[@carontheroad]

@jenny8105 coyotes are cunning. People are too. A human would do a neater job.

[@leonalarson1598]

I am so sorry for the loss of your rabbits. You have done what you could, to the best of your ability to look after them. It is what happens sometimes, and yes, it is hard for all of you. They have been a part of the farm animals, and they have been pets to you. It's hard, losing pets is not easy they have won a special place in our hearts. You have worked hard on you homesteading to get it ready, so daisy, 2 lambs, and one beautiful white dog named Bella has a place to live in. We can only do so much. Be gentle on yourself. You're an amazing person with a large heart for those you look after ❤❤❤😊

[@maureenskowronek6289]

Sorry to hear of your loss. Please understand nature is not an easy on us or the animals. Do take time to heal. Hang in there you are doing remarkable

[@Carol32547]

Sorry for your loss of your bunnies Brian.

[@MandyHassell-zc3rf]

Awww I’m so sorry about your rabbits. Lots of love and hugs to you and Emily 😢😘

[@sherielong7721]

So, so sorry to hear this news. Prayers for peace

[@Carol32547]

I don't exactly where you are but my prayers go out for all those affected by these fires. Stay safe Brian!!

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Yes, thank you

[@tricianilsson6870]

So sorry about the loss of the beautiful rabbits 🥲🥲. Don’t be hard on yourself.

[@tammywatts4798]

You don’t deserve hateful comments.

[@melanieorsted8181]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[@randydurston4777]

Rest up and take breaks brother. Your body needs it.

[@susanwinkler752]

That sucks! Big hugs for you and your family.

[@JodiMontano]

Last spring I planted a couple bulbs of Costco garlic as an experiment. It was my first try at growing garlic and I planted them in containers. I was happy with the results! This year, I ordered a couple varieties of hard neck (I'm in SW Missouri) and planted a lot more. I'm excited to see how they do.

[@jorazor5172]

I’m so sorry about the rabbits. Bless y’all’s heart. ❤

[@stormraven4183]

First, my condolences on your loss. It always hurts the first time. You will still be upset next time, but it will be angry at predators, not at yourself. As Cassie from Walker Farm Fam says, "That's farm life, people!" That could definitely be coyote damage, and yes, one could do it. I adore the Joel videos. His humor is awesome! If Daisy was open she would have gone back into heat about now, so it would be obvious. Also, seeing you plant garlic reminds me--make garlic powder with your less-than-ideal cloves and add it to her minerals next summer to help repel flies. I also plant the tiny ones close together to make green garlic.

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you!

[@lilal3753]

That's really sad. I'm sorry you (and the rabbits) went through that. Hugs from snow covered Virginia.

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

Thank you

[@lisaferschweiler4474]

No judgement or hate.. just lots of hugs your way. God knows.💕♥️🙏🏻

[@vickibarana7635]

Dang - I'm so sorry! We've had coyotes poke around our chicken coop but got lucky only because our run is designed to keep dogs in/out. Hugs to each of you!!! Any hateful comments are just stupid - IGNORE them!

[@trobinson89]

I’m so sorry to hear about this tragedy. I can tell that you and Emilie are great with all your animals, so I hope you don’t blame yourselves for what happened. You couldn’t have predicted this at all. On a positive note, wishing a “Blessed and Happy New Year” back at Joel! It is always nice seeing you two together. (There is never a dull moment, lol.) It was such a joy watching Daisy enjoying that hay. Her munching is so cute, haha. Hope you enjoy the rest of you week - until next time!

[@melissakirui1468]

So sorry for your family's loss. No hateful comments are warranted. As someone else mentioned please also be sure chickens are safe as whoever was there knows there are chickens too. Hugs to all of you.

[@skippydugan6848]

Never underestimate raccoons. The are relentless. Could be coyotes. They usually run in packs and make a lot of noise when they make a kill. Multiple raccoons are also common. Do you have foxes in your area? If so, thet could be a possibility. Things happen... but I would double check and protect your chickens... they might be next.

[@juneramirez8580]

Coyotes where I live hunt alone many times. While we hear a number of them sometimes, I have seen them out alone. That just happened to us a few days ago. My neighbor saw the attack but there wasn't anything they could but tell us. We are trying to make future attempts harder, but if the animal is hungry enough it will find a way.

[@AnneLund80]

A Raccoon climbed our 5’ pasture fencing around our chicken run and attacked our chickens. One was injured, and died from an abscess a year later. The others had all flown out of the run. The door to their hen house had blown closed and they were all sleeping on the ground in the run. We didn’t know, we were in bed when we heard the commotion in the backyard. We couldn’t find one of the chickens till morning. Now we have a bird netting roof on the run, and we make sure that the door can’t close until we close it. Our chickens have been safe since that night 4 years ago. We live in a suburb, and there are two raccoon families living in the storm drains. It is illegal for us to trap or kill them. And the city does nothing about them. They are very aggressive with humans and pets. I’m worried a child will get hurt one day. Anyway, don’t discount raccoons. My friend who has a mini-farm/ranch says they will eat through anything if they are hungry. Definitely chicken wire. I’m sad for your loss. It’s hard when you lose your sweet animals.

[@mariaallen7004]

I’m so sorry for your loss Brian. And to Emily and Noah as well. Sending hugs

[@LytonaKirtz]

I’m so sorry about your bunnies. I was raised on a farm and farmed as an adult and as many have said it’s part of the life. You have got such a soft, tender heart and it hurts when something like that happens. Don’t blame yourself. In no way is it your fault.

[@melodieashton5765]

I’m so sorry about the rabbits. Keep your chin up. You are doing so much good there!

[@lisac.6430]

Sending my heartfelt condolences ~

[@shandysgarden]

I love my bunny! She's the free roaming little sister to my kitty cat, wherher they like it all the time or not! So sorry to hear, Brian. XOXO It's sad, but you recognized and empathized and planned to do something about making it better for them.

[@ginny-p8w]

Raccoons can chew through a lot of things, but we have had rabbits chew through a chain link fence in our yard. At least I think it was a rabbit and it came and went from our yard through that hole. Most of the time raccoons go over a fence but are capable of chewing through if they can't get over it. I know it is hard to process for you and your family, but remember it is also the circle of life. You can't always protect every animal and things will happen. I do know how you are feeling right now, however. Love your videos, even the bad and sad parts. I will never be able to have a homestead so am dreaming and enjoying yours. Keep them up.

[@kimp2678]

Don't beat yourself up over it. It is actually good that you shared it. I never would've thought twice myself. There's a lesson to be learned if somebody runs into a similar problem. You had to lock up Bella for being the escape artist. I am so sorry for your loss.

[@bonniefillmore9684]

So sorry to hear about the rabbits. I agree with others that it happens. It is part of the life cycle. Praying for peace for you and the family. Also praying for knowledge on how Bella is sneaking out so it can be fixed and she will be able to protect the other animals you have. Also excited to see how the Garlic comes out. Thinking about growing some next year.

[@nancrist7022]

Bless you, Brian❤

[@cjpwrs8263]

Part of homesteading is dealing with the unknown and unexpected . You roll with it . We cannot control or anticipate everything . Your good people . How you are grieving now proves that .

[@maryn3099]

So sorry for your loss to you and your family. We had 2 pet rabbits when I was young and they had a sturdy hutch outside and one day we went out to feed them and they were gone. Something had clawed it's way into the hutch, my brother thought maybe a fischer. We never found out for sure, but it was heartbreaking. Anyone who watches your channel knows how much you care for your animals and work to protect them. God bless you and your family, and animals.

[@tammy6816]

Brian, I can’t remember if you’ve ever mentioned where in CA you live. I hope you and your family are safe from the terrible fires happening right now. I’m watching coverage of it now and my heart is breaking. Praying for all the people and animals in the areas of the fires. ❤🙏

[@littlehomesteadbigdreams]

We're down in San Diego so over 100 miles away and we're okay thank you for checking

[@kristastern2616]

sorry about your rabbits so sad. Hopefully you can get Bella out there soon, I'm afraid they will come back for your chickens now they know where there is a food supply. I love watching you planting in the soil, Its 10 degrees here now can't doing anything but watch.

[@sharonknorr1106]

Have been growing garlic for many years, and larger cloves do generally grow larger heads. However, the variety of garlic has a lot to do with it. Some varieties, especially the hardnecks, grow very large individual cloves, which I like for cooking, much easier to process. Some varieties, often the softneck varieties, have a lot more individual cloves, but they are often much smaller. You can definitely grow garlic from the grocery store, I have done it, and it helps if it's locally grown. But if you start with heads with generally smaller cloves, then it is likely that you will end up with smaller heads with smaller cloves, even if you pick out the largest cloves in that head, which still won't be as large as those from garlic bred for large cloves. That is the advantage of buying garlic from a seed catalogue/nursery - you know exactly what you are getting and if it is a variety that does well in your growing area.

[@StrawberryFieldsNIR]

I tried store-bought and it failed. I went to a website specialising in seed garlic but became overwhelmed by the number of varieties!