I like to read a blog called "chocolateonmycranium.blogspot.com", which is full of wonderful things of all kinds. On Wednesdays, she asks her readers to respond to a certain topic. This week, I decided to respond. Her topic was to free-write for only 10 minutes on a certain word about Easter or springtime. I chose to write about rabbits.
Rabbits
Many people think of rabbits as soft, cute, cuddly creatures. Perhaps Thumper comes to mind. Not quite so for me.
When I was about 13, I moved from the suburbs to a rural area filled with orange and avocado groves. My parents built a new home and also were responsible to fully landscape several acres of land. They decided to plant grass seeds rather than lay out sod because of the large area—at least on the first attempt.
As soon as the little grass seeds started to sprout, the rabbits ate them. Every single little sprout was destroyed by the quickly-multiplying creatures.
My parents tried everything they could think of. A neighbor recommended shooting the rabbits. He told us he had been successful by shooting one rabbit and posting it on a stake for a warning to the others. I know, I know, it sounds awful! Thankfully, my parents chose not to do that option, but my dad did stay awake through the night a few times with his rifle. I didn’t even know he had a gun until then. I don’t think he ever shot one. Perhaps he fired a shot or two to scare them off.
Ahh! I only have 2 minutes left! Jump to the end.
The thing that was most successful was pouring gallons and gallons of Tabasco sauce around the perimeter of the grass area. It prevented the rabbits from eating the grass on the outside, and we hoped it would trick them. It helped a little, but the grass in the middle still got mostly eaten while the Tabasco treated grass was able to grow until the sprinklers washed the sauce out. They also tried sprinkling coyote urine all over the lawn. Aaargh!
I’m pretty sure my parents ended up using sod. I'll have to ask them.
And, my time is up!
6 comments:
Hmmm...makes one wonder where to get GALLONS of Tabasco sauce, and coyote urine?! :-D Fun story.
Ok, this is totally cute! Love it!
Oh goodness what a fun memory to have! We have to shoot rabbits around here. If not they eat all around the bottom of the haystacks making them fall over. At least they are the ugly jackrabbits so we don't feel so bad about it.
I was just wondering the same thing...where in the world do you get that much tobasco sauce! Fun post.
I think it was from Costco--lots of bottles. It wasn't very cheap, which is why they didn't pour it over all the grass.
ha ha ha! Woderful story. We have the same problem here with DEER. Everyone comes and says, "Awwe, arent' they cute?!" I just want to eat them because maybe they won't eat all my stuff anymore! :)
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