The Nature Trail Rabbitry BLOG
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Selling Pets
Many breeders sell pets as a way of making a little feed money, making new pet owners very happy, and finding a suitable place for rabbits with nice personalities that lack the conformation to be show rabbits or breeding stock.
Although selling pets can become very time-consuming, I enjoy the occasional pet sale. My customers generally spend about an hour with me. I like to go over a lot of basic information, especially on how to hold the rabbit, inspect its general health, and feed their new bunny.
I have never had problems selling older bunnies as pets (3 1//2 to 6 months old). I simply explain my experiences and beliefs. I realize that some breeders sell young and have done so for a long time without problems, but Hollands, I believe, are easier than average to kill with diet and stress. I don't sell rabbits below the age of 12 weeks and I don't plan to ever start. It's worked well for me.
I started the Precious Pet Rabbits website as a way of providing even more indepth information to my pet customers. It was my hope that other breeders would send their customers there, too, saving themselves a lot of explaining while still providing quality information. Breeders can even ask their customers to visit Precious Pet Rabbits before they come to pick up a rabbit or meet with them at a show, possibly improving their preparation and reducing their need for personal instruction from the breeder.
I was also appalled that the majority of pet rabbit information before Precious Pet Rabbits came from a source that I consider to be a bit too extreme. I've met too many potential pet owners who were guilted into thinking that rabbits need so much more than they actually do. I've talked before about the mentality of "what would I like if I were a rabbit." Things just don't work that way.
I want to balance that statement by saying that the more your pet customers put into their new pet rabbit, the more they will get out of it. But "more" doesn't have to mean the run of the house, a rabbit companion, and a diet of fresh vegetables (which, by the way, are not the kinds of vegetables rabbits would be eating if they were still in the wild - rabbits don't have supermarkets with sugar-enhanced tomatoes).
Some rabbits do well with companions, some earn more freedom, and some can tolerate a richer diet. Other rabbits will constantly fight with their companion, eat the baseboards if given too much freedom, and die on a diet that is too rich.
I also want to encourage visitors to Precious Pet Rabbits to purchase their pet rabbits from breeders instead of pet stores. I realize there are exceptions on both sides (great pet stores and poor breeders), but by and large, getting a pet rabbit directly from the breeder is the best choice.
To help with that process, I have links to rabbitries on the Precious Pet Rabbit website. I know, I've been backlogged in getting links up, but I'm currently updating Precious Pet Rabbits, so it's a great time to send me your link requests now. You must meet the following criteria:
Although selling pets can become very time-consuming, I enjoy the occasional pet sale. My customers generally spend about an hour with me. I like to go over a lot of basic information, especially on how to hold the rabbit, inspect its general health, and feed their new bunny.
I have never had problems selling older bunnies as pets (3 1//2 to 6 months old). I simply explain my experiences and beliefs. I realize that some breeders sell young and have done so for a long time without problems, but Hollands, I believe, are easier than average to kill with diet and stress. I don't sell rabbits below the age of 12 weeks and I don't plan to ever start. It's worked well for me.
I started the Precious Pet Rabbits website as a way of providing even more indepth information to my pet customers. It was my hope that other breeders would send their customers there, too, saving themselves a lot of explaining while still providing quality information. Breeders can even ask their customers to visit Precious Pet Rabbits before they come to pick up a rabbit or meet with them at a show, possibly improving their preparation and reducing their need for personal instruction from the breeder.
I was also appalled that the majority of pet rabbit information before Precious Pet Rabbits came from a source that I consider to be a bit too extreme. I've met too many potential pet owners who were guilted into thinking that rabbits need so much more than they actually do. I've talked before about the mentality of "what would I like if I were a rabbit." Things just don't work that way.
I want to balance that statement by saying that the more your pet customers put into their new pet rabbit, the more they will get out of it. But "more" doesn't have to mean the run of the house, a rabbit companion, and a diet of fresh vegetables (which, by the way, are not the kinds of vegetables rabbits would be eating if they were still in the wild - rabbits don't have supermarkets with sugar-enhanced tomatoes).
Some rabbits do well with companions, some earn more freedom, and some can tolerate a richer diet. Other rabbits will constantly fight with their companion, eat the baseboards if given too much freedom, and die on a diet that is too rich.
I also want to encourage visitors to Precious Pet Rabbits to purchase their pet rabbits from breeders instead of pet stores. I realize there are exceptions on both sides (great pet stores and poor breeders), but by and large, getting a pet rabbit directly from the breeder is the best choice.
To help with that process, I have links to rabbitries on the Precious Pet Rabbit website. I know, I've been backlogged in getting links up, but I'm currently updating Precious Pet Rabbits, so it's a great time to send me your link requests now. You must meet the following criteria:
- You have a website that is fully functional and complete
- You are an ARBA member
- You breed to the standard and not simply to produce pets
- You do not sell rabbits below the age of 8 weeks.
Please do not ask me to make exceptions on the age. I'd prefer 12 weeks myself, remember. Eight weeks is already a concession on my part.
Also, I'd like to let you know that a contest is coming soon on the Precious Pet Rabbits website. Anyone with a pet rabbit is eligible, including breeders, because I know we all have our favorites. There will be more information coming later, but I'll just drop the hint now that it involves pictures of pet rabbits and a great prize.
Laurie
¶ 4:56 PM 0 comments links to this post
Friday, April 18, 2008
A Mysterious Package
Earlier this week, I received a box in the mail addressed to Precious Pet Rabbits. My name was not included. I hadn't ordered anything for Precious Pet Rabbits. In this day and age of poison in pills and bombs in the mail, I was concerned. What could this be?
Andrew was also concerned since I had no idea what was in the package. We carefully opened it, not sure what to expect.
Whatever it was, it was packed in some sort of shredded litter. My mind went down the animal path. Had I offended some animal rights fanatic? Was there an animal part in there? Was there a live animal or bug in the packing? Snake? Roach? Rat?
I took the knife that I had used to open the box with and tentatively stuck it into the litter. "What are you doing?" Andrew snapped. Now I knew he was thinking explosives. Maybe the litter was to keep a bomb stabilized until we opened the box.
Why it was not okay for me to prod, but okay for him to poke around, I'll never know. But after gingerly lifting layers of the litter, he did find a sheet of paper in the bottom of the box and pulled it out.
I read the note, picked up a piece of the litter, and smelled it. Andrew was in a panic. "What are you doing? Did it say to smell it?" I realized that he had forgotten about bombs and was now thinking poison.
It's a shame that we live in a world of malware and computer viruses, warnings on suspicious mail, and a terrorism alert system. I'm sure that twenty years ago, we would have not proceeded with such caution and fear. Our minds would not have gone where they did.
So what was in the box? Litter. It was a sample of a shredded sugar cane litter that a company is offering. The cane is what is leftover after the sugar is processed. It is sanitized at 600 degrees. They claim it holds 3 times its weight in fluid.
I don't really recommend bedding for rabbits. I prefer raising them on the wire. This litter might turn out to be a good idea for your pet customers who want to litter train their rabbits, place a litter in the tray below the rabbit cage, or insist that the rabbit has to have a bed.
I do have some vague recollection that this company contacted me by email quite some time ago. I might have saved myself some stress had I recognized the name on the box.
We had a laugh after we figured out what was going on. But it wasn't as lighthearted as it could have been. We know that sometimes rabbitries are targeted by fanatics. We got out easy this time, but who knows whether some day we will be actual targets. Its a scary thought.
Laurie ¶ 10:26 AM 0 comments links to this post
Andrew was also concerned since I had no idea what was in the package. We carefully opened it, not sure what to expect.
Whatever it was, it was packed in some sort of shredded litter. My mind went down the animal path. Had I offended some animal rights fanatic? Was there an animal part in there? Was there a live animal or bug in the packing? Snake? Roach? Rat?
I took the knife that I had used to open the box with and tentatively stuck it into the litter. "What are you doing?" Andrew snapped. Now I knew he was thinking explosives. Maybe the litter was to keep a bomb stabilized until we opened the box.
Why it was not okay for me to prod, but okay for him to poke around, I'll never know. But after gingerly lifting layers of the litter, he did find a sheet of paper in the bottom of the box and pulled it out.
I read the note, picked up a piece of the litter, and smelled it. Andrew was in a panic. "What are you doing? Did it say to smell it?" I realized that he had forgotten about bombs and was now thinking poison.
It's a shame that we live in a world of malware and computer viruses, warnings on suspicious mail, and a terrorism alert system. I'm sure that twenty years ago, we would have not proceeded with such caution and fear. Our minds would not have gone where they did.
So what was in the box? Litter. It was a sample of a shredded sugar cane litter that a company is offering. The cane is what is leftover after the sugar is processed. It is sanitized at 600 degrees. They claim it holds 3 times its weight in fluid.
I don't really recommend bedding for rabbits. I prefer raising them on the wire. This litter might turn out to be a good idea for your pet customers who want to litter train their rabbits, place a litter in the tray below the rabbit cage, or insist that the rabbit has to have a bed.
I do have some vague recollection that this company contacted me by email quite some time ago. I might have saved myself some stress had I recognized the name on the box.
We had a laugh after we figured out what was going on. But it wasn't as lighthearted as it could have been. We know that sometimes rabbitries are targeted by fanatics. We got out easy this time, but who knows whether some day we will be actual targets. Its a scary thought.
Laurie ¶ 10:26 AM 0 comments links to this post
Sunday, April 13, 2008
This BLOG Is No Longer Daily
I will no longer even attempt to write daily on this BLOG. From now on, you can expect just periodic posts perhaps after an interesting show or if some issue is really on my mind.
As the comment to yesterday's post points out, I can't even keep up with which day it is. I am totally preoccupied with starting a new business. I need to be.
As you all know, I've been providing this free service for nearly two years. The most I might get out of it monetarily is the occasional click on an ad. At roughly 7 cents a click, you can easily realize that I make pennies per hour for all of my work on my websites and this blog. I have done it not for money but because I love the hobby and because I enjoy helping other people.
But now, I need to help financially support our family. I am working so hard on my business that I often don't get breakfast until after noon and I rarely get into bed before 1:00 a.m. I take few days off, normally working 7 days per week.
I've enjoyed writing this BLOG. I'm sure I got much more out of it by writing than you have by reading. It's a great mental exercise to think about what you believe and how you think things best proceed. It's been a great discipline in my life and wonderful practice at writing.
Unlike my attempt at an April Fool's Day prank this year, this post is real. The time has come for me to give my keyboard a rest.
Thank you for letting me be part of your hobby. I've enjoyed the privilege.
Laurie ¶ 12:15 PM 2 comments links to this post
As the comment to yesterday's post points out, I can't even keep up with which day it is. I am totally preoccupied with starting a new business. I need to be.
As you all know, I've been providing this free service for nearly two years. The most I might get out of it monetarily is the occasional click on an ad. At roughly 7 cents a click, you can easily realize that I make pennies per hour for all of my work on my websites and this blog. I have done it not for money but because I love the hobby and because I enjoy helping other people.
But now, I need to help financially support our family. I am working so hard on my business that I often don't get breakfast until after noon and I rarely get into bed before 1:00 a.m. I take few days off, normally working 7 days per week.
I've enjoyed writing this BLOG. I'm sure I got much more out of it by writing than you have by reading. It's a great mental exercise to think about what you believe and how you think things best proceed. It's been a great discipline in my life and wonderful practice at writing.
Unlike my attempt at an April Fool's Day prank this year, this post is real. The time has come for me to give my keyboard a rest.
Thank you for letting me be part of your hobby. I've enjoyed the privilege.
Laurie ¶ 12:15 PM 2 comments links to this post
Saturday, April 12, 2008
And The Fans Roared
First of all, I have to apologize for not writing my BLOG yesterday. I received 220 pieces of glass this week including 46 brand new styles to add to my Laurie's Cobalt World website. And we're getting ready for the annual black tie gala held by our ballroom dancing club. So my week was pretty much inspecting glass and doing paperwork, or practicing dancing. I've been so tied up that I still haven't decided exactly what I'm wearing tonight!
In the barn, the big event this week is that the fans came on for the very first time! The fans in our barn are connected to a thermostat, so they operate automatically. It's always ify whether fans will still operate after the winter. But I've had the very best luck with these wall-mounted fans that have a completely sealed motor. They cost a lot more, but they last a lot longer.
We've mounted them on boards that span our back windows. They are up high and out of my way. I absolutely hated having fans on the floor in my way all of the time. We had a huge pedestal fan, but it lasted only one season and was always in the way no matter where we put it.
If I had my barn to do over again, I would put exhaust fans in the eaves way up out of the way in addition to the other fans we need. Instead, we installed a turbine to help remove hot air that collects under the roof. The exhaust fans would have had the advantage of being able to be operated by thermostat and not relying on a breeze above the roof to operate best.
It was strange to see the rabbits all stretched out in the warmth. It's probably time to reduce their feed by just a bit. I can see their appetites slacking off during the warm weather. Of course, we're likely to have much more cold, rainy weather before hot weather comes in for good. So I'll have to keep an eye on things and adjust so that there's not much wasted feed (it's way too expensive these days for that!)
If your fans haven't been used yet this season, it's time to get them out, make sure they are clean and in working order. It won't be long until you need them. And you don't want to get stuck on a surprisingly hot day with not enough working fans.
Laurie ¶ 11:06 AM 3 comments links to this post
In the barn, the big event this week is that the fans came on for the very first time! The fans in our barn are connected to a thermostat, so they operate automatically. It's always ify whether fans will still operate after the winter. But I've had the very best luck with these wall-mounted fans that have a completely sealed motor. They cost a lot more, but they last a lot longer.
We've mounted them on boards that span our back windows. They are up high and out of my way. I absolutely hated having fans on the floor in my way all of the time. We had a huge pedestal fan, but it lasted only one season and was always in the way no matter where we put it.
If I had my barn to do over again, I would put exhaust fans in the eaves way up out of the way in addition to the other fans we need. Instead, we installed a turbine to help remove hot air that collects under the roof. The exhaust fans would have had the advantage of being able to be operated by thermostat and not relying on a breeze above the roof to operate best.
It was strange to see the rabbits all stretched out in the warmth. It's probably time to reduce their feed by just a bit. I can see their appetites slacking off during the warm weather. Of course, we're likely to have much more cold, rainy weather before hot weather comes in for good. So I'll have to keep an eye on things and adjust so that there's not much wasted feed (it's way too expensive these days for that!)
If your fans haven't been used yet this season, it's time to get them out, make sure they are clean and in working order. It won't be long until you need them. And you don't want to get stuck on a surprisingly hot day with not enough working fans.
Laurie ¶ 11:06 AM 3 comments links to this post
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Missing Fur
It seems that I've been getting a lot of questions lately about missing fur. So I thought we all could talk about it for just a moment.
Missing Fur On Ears
Some rabbits just genetically have poorly furred ears. Others go through stages when the ears are not well-furred. If your rabbit normally has well furred ears and is missing some, check for these signs of problems:
Missing Fur On Ears
Some rabbits just genetically have poorly furred ears. Others go through stages when the ears are not well-furred. If your rabbit normally has well furred ears and is missing some, check for these signs of problems:
- head-shaking
- dander
- crustiness in the ear
- a neighbor that licks his lips every time that ear gets near the cage wall
Try to breed this rabbit with one that has better fur covering on the ears if the problem is pronounced.
Missing Fur Under The Chin
Fur may be missing for one of these reasons:
- excessive chinning
- abscess of the scent glands
- moist dermitis (especially in does with excessive dewlaps)
- ringworm
- rough feeders
Abscesses often need to be lanced and/or treated with antibiotics (check with your vet).
For moist dermitis, I would use a water bottle placed higher than usual and place a purple wound powder, made for horses, on the affected area.
Check out your feeders for sharp or rough edges. Plastic feeders, too, can start ripping out fur once the rabbit has chewed the edge into a rough pattern.
Missing Fur Over Shoulders
Although fur missing over the shoulders could be barbering by a neighbor or the start of a molt, chances are that if you blow into the poorly furred area, you will see dander, the telltale sign of fur mites.
Authorities seem to disagree about how to treat fur mites. I use ivermectin and it works for me.
Stripe Down The Back
Occasionally I'll have a rabbit look as though I took a razor and removed a strip of fur from neck to tail. Sometimes it is down the middle. Sometimes it is to one side. As bizzare as it looks, it's just the start of a molt. I love this sort of molt because, in my experience, the molt goes very fast. It's also amusing to watch.
Missing Fur Between The Eyes
Blame the neighbors for this one. The missing fur is most likely caused by barbering. You can add a layer of hardware cloth to the cage wall to keep teeth on the correct side of the cage wall.
Missing Fur On Footpads
Missing fur on footpads is just one step away from sore hocks, in my opinion. It amazes me how many rabbits have worn fur on their feet that come across the show table. Keep an eye on those feet and treat for missing fur so that you don't have to treat for sore hocks. You can improvise a resting board from wood or other smooth surfaces. Or you can purchase pre-made resting pads that allow waste to drop through.
When you think about all of the things that can happen to fur in addtion to normal molting, it can really make one appreciate a great fur even more.
Laurie
¶ 11:32 AM 1 comments links to this post
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Many Miles Before I Rest
Yesterday, I made a 150 mile round-trip to get rabbit feed. Actually, I made it into more than that because I missed one turn, took two wrong turns, and then hit a deer after missing the turn to my house due to heavy fog on the Blueridge Parkway.
As for the deer, I hope it makes a full recovery. It just so happened that I approached the deer from the north as another car approached from the south. I slammed on the brakes as did the other car (I wasn't going that fast due to the fog, but the visibility was maybe two car lengths). Most of the deer made it safely across, but since I had a wet, steep bank on one side and a car on the other, I had nowhere to go. I heard and felt the hit. The other car herd the hit. We both pulled over and looked for the deer (I have no idea what we would have done if we had found it injured and alive), but it was nowhere to be seen. There was no blood on my car and it made out mostly unscathed. But I feel absolutely horrible about it. All I can hope for is that the deer is just sore today and not suffering from a broken bone.
This was the second time I had had to stop for deer. The first time they all made it across with room to spare. There were five large ones that time.
The feed issue is really getting to me. I figured that I spent about $30 in gasoline (not to mention the extra stress!) Since I got 6 bags of feed, that brings the cost per bag to $22. Yikes. I can't afford that! But I obviously can't afford not to buy feed, either.
I can drive an hour in the opposite direction to get a feed that I used to use a long time ago and hated. Have they changed? Some friends seem to be doing okay on it. At least I do drive in that direction more often naturally. But I'm still in a quandry about what to do. I want the best for my rabbits.
The problem tempts to me think about getting out of rabbits, but one trip to my barn always changes my mind. I can't imagine the barn empty and having less reason to keep in touch with all of my rabbit friends. Still, I think about the benefits of getting out, and it's appealing.
I've been so crazy busy lately that Andrew feed my rabbits yesterday and the day before. On Saturday, Anna offered to feed my furry babies for me since we were getting ready for a dance and I will still in the kitchen way too late making a snack to share (homemade English toffee - the recipe will be in Laurie's Cobalt World newsletter next month).
I know that part of my problem is that I bite off such a huge chunk of life. I love everything I do, but I struggle to make it all work out. I suppose the answer is to tackle one problem at a time. And for rabbits, that problem is getting a consistent supply of fresh, quality feed.
Laurie ¶ 10:39 AM 0 comments links to this post
As for the deer, I hope it makes a full recovery. It just so happened that I approached the deer from the north as another car approached from the south. I slammed on the brakes as did the other car (I wasn't going that fast due to the fog, but the visibility was maybe two car lengths). Most of the deer made it safely across, but since I had a wet, steep bank on one side and a car on the other, I had nowhere to go. I heard and felt the hit. The other car herd the hit. We both pulled over and looked for the deer (I have no idea what we would have done if we had found it injured and alive), but it was nowhere to be seen. There was no blood on my car and it made out mostly unscathed. But I feel absolutely horrible about it. All I can hope for is that the deer is just sore today and not suffering from a broken bone.
This was the second time I had had to stop for deer. The first time they all made it across with room to spare. There were five large ones that time.
The feed issue is really getting to me. I figured that I spent about $30 in gasoline (not to mention the extra stress!) Since I got 6 bags of feed, that brings the cost per bag to $22. Yikes. I can't afford that! But I obviously can't afford not to buy feed, either.
I can drive an hour in the opposite direction to get a feed that I used to use a long time ago and hated. Have they changed? Some friends seem to be doing okay on it. At least I do drive in that direction more often naturally. But I'm still in a quandry about what to do. I want the best for my rabbits.
The problem tempts to me think about getting out of rabbits, but one trip to my barn always changes my mind. I can't imagine the barn empty and having less reason to keep in touch with all of my rabbit friends. Still, I think about the benefits of getting out, and it's appealing.
I've been so crazy busy lately that Andrew feed my rabbits yesterday and the day before. On Saturday, Anna offered to feed my furry babies for me since we were getting ready for a dance and I will still in the kitchen way too late making a snack to share (homemade English toffee - the recipe will be in Laurie's Cobalt World newsletter next month).
I know that part of my problem is that I bite off such a huge chunk of life. I love everything I do, but I struggle to make it all work out. I suppose the answer is to tackle one problem at a time. And for rabbits, that problem is getting a consistent supply of fresh, quality feed.
Laurie ¶ 10:39 AM 0 comments links to this post
Friday, April 04, 2008
Judge Credentials
You may have read that ARBA is working on changing the way prospective judges qualify in the future. Although nothing to my knowledge has passed, it looks like there is at least an interest in making it harder to become a judge.
Though I may take issue to some of the details, in general, I'm all for it. But I see a potential downside - breeders may feel discouraged before they even begin. And we already lack enough quality judges, in my opinion.
I don't think that we should avoid raising the bar. I just think that we as a community will need to work harder to encourage those who have the experience and potential to be judges.
That might include local clubs sponsoring the Judges Academy so that it can be held in other places besides Illinois. I know my trip there was very expensive and it would be impossible for me to make that trip again in the foreseeable future. I think it would be a great requirement, by the way. I got a lot out of it and would love to go again. But only holding it at the main office would make it prohibitive for too many people.
Encouraging may also include mentioning to an experienced breeder with an eye for evaluating rabbits that he or she should think about being a judge. When I tested to become a registrar, I had no plans whatsoever of becoming a judge. But after people kept asking me if that was my plan, I began thinking about it, and then began planning on it.
If you have an advanced herd in one or more breeds, make sure you have an open door policy for those studying to be a judge. I would love to visit a nice herd of English Spots right now because I realize that I just don't have the grasp on them that I'd like. I'd be interested in seeing any rare breed up close and personal.
I think it's a great idea to raise the bar. But doing so without adding more support and encouragement just might dry up the pool of applicants.
Laurie ¶ 7:33 PM 0 comments links to this post
Though I may take issue to some of the details, in general, I'm all for it. But I see a potential downside - breeders may feel discouraged before they even begin. And we already lack enough quality judges, in my opinion.
I don't think that we should avoid raising the bar. I just think that we as a community will need to work harder to encourage those who have the experience and potential to be judges.
That might include local clubs sponsoring the Judges Academy so that it can be held in other places besides Illinois. I know my trip there was very expensive and it would be impossible for me to make that trip again in the foreseeable future. I think it would be a great requirement, by the way. I got a lot out of it and would love to go again. But only holding it at the main office would make it prohibitive for too many people.
Encouraging may also include mentioning to an experienced breeder with an eye for evaluating rabbits that he or she should think about being a judge. When I tested to become a registrar, I had no plans whatsoever of becoming a judge. But after people kept asking me if that was my plan, I began thinking about it, and then began planning on it.
If you have an advanced herd in one or more breeds, make sure you have an open door policy for those studying to be a judge. I would love to visit a nice herd of English Spots right now because I realize that I just don't have the grasp on them that I'd like. I'd be interested in seeing any rare breed up close and personal.
I think it's a great idea to raise the bar. But doing so without adding more support and encouragement just might dry up the pool of applicants.
Laurie ¶ 7:33 PM 0 comments links to this post
