This is going to be a long one...

House Rabbit Societies. Yes I'm bringing this topic up, so I warn you these are my opinions, mixed with research I have done using books/vets/the internet.

First of all, rabbits make great house pets, in fact I currently have 5 of my rabbits in the house, 4 of which are in my bedroom. The other is in Tristyn's room. Although unless your house is 100% bunny proof letting them run around free is not a wise decision. The others are in a fully insulated shed. I use natural light, light bulbs which is turned on early in the morning, and turned off late at night. I also am in the shed with them as much as I am in my own bedroom (while not sleeping).

Secondly diet. I believe in feeding a diet of unlimited timothy hay, and a quarter cup of pellets mixed with oats and flax, once a day. Of course unlimited water as well. Now water doesn't need to have vitamins and minerals added to it, these are in the pellets. The diet of a domestic rabbit varies depending on the purpose it is kept for. The most important component of a pet rabbit's diet is hay. Hay is the base of pelleted feeds. In addition to pelleted feeds, Timothy hay, is a necessary and very important part of a rabbit's diet. This kind of hay provides more fiber than other types of hays (Alfalfa is in pellets). Fresh water in clean bowls or water bottles must be available to rabbits at all times. When a rabbit's sensitive digestive system is stable after weaning, vegetables and some fruits may be introduced safely if they are introduced slowly and cautiously. Avoid, nuts and corn. Overfeeding of treats such as apples, bananas, carrots and other sugary foods can lead to obesity or GI stasis, a condition that can be fatal. Feeding greens such as lettuce, fresh grass, and celery, in excess is unhealthy for rabbits and causes diarrhea.

Thirdly Housing. I use wire bottom cages with resting mats, these cages are far more sanitary then shaving cages and much more cost effective and can be made in to what ever size you deem appropriate. With the wire bottom the feces and urine fall through into a drop tray which means the rabbits will not have the chance to sit in their own urine/feces. It is also more sanitary when worming rabbits, in a cage with shavings the rabbit can inhale the worm eggs it just excreted. In the drop pans I use StallDry which neutralizes the ammonia an reduces the chance of ammonia related ilnesses, while also drying any moisture. When cleaning I scrape everything out of the tray, wash with water then spray with a bacteria killing spray before adding a layer of StallDry and returning the tray. Shavings do not due anything to reduce the smell of ammonia and once wet stay wet which in turn leads to urine stains. Also having rabbits with long wool wire cages prevent shavings from getting caught in the wool and causing huge messes like urine/fece stains and matts.

Spaying and Nuetering rabbits. If you feel you should then you should no one is going to stop you, but I suggest finding a reliable rabbit savvy vet. I have found that if your rabbit has already started humping things neutering will not stop this (unless neutering also involves having certain areas of the brain removed). Rabbits do not generally do well under anesthetics especially if they are under 4lbs. 1 in 1000 rabbits will die while being spayed or nuetered which is a very high odd considering the amount of rabbits. I have also read that 80% of rabbits will get cancer in their reproductive organs if not spayed or nuetered by the age of 5. Here I relate this to people, people have huge risks of developing certain cancers as well, what about human over population? Should we spay and nueter ourselves??? I have several rabbits of the age of 5 all are perfectly healthy, and I know many more over the age of five that are perfectly healthy. Again it is up to the owner, and just because someone chooses nature over human interferance they shouldn't be ridiculed for it.

Show rabbits. Show rabbits are supposed to be fit well conditioned animals. Fat rabbits do not win, and skinny rabbits do not win. Therefore they are fed a propper and balanced diet to keep them in shape and healthy. Rabbits with sore hocks are dq'd dirty rabbits will loose a lot of points and no one, especially judges like an agressive rabbit. That is why most breeders who show will not let any openly aggressive rabbits in their breeding programs most things are genetic as much as they are learned behavious. Rabbits who have any abnormal lumps, cuts, mites, are any other sign of illness will be kicked off the table which can be embarrasing, which is why breeders have healthy friendly, clean rabbits.

Rabbit rescues. Sure they're great but one thing has to be made clear here, Breeders don't put their rabbits in shelters, most are fully prepared to look after the ones that aren't up to par with a breeding or showing program. It is bad owners that send their pet rabbits into shelters after they wear out the novelty of being cute. I do not sell to pet stores where people are impulse buyers. I sell to people who have done reasearch about rabbits and are fully prepared to look after them for the 8+ years. Or I sell them to other breeders, which is what most breeders do. In fact I know of several breeders who refuse to sell their rabbits to pet buyers at all. Here is idea for Rescues, take all those unwanted rabbits and turn them into meals for the homeless (I know this sounds wrong but your killing one bird with two stones here). Fixing the over-population of rabbits and feeding the homeless. I for one would not even consider buying from a rescue or even a pet shop, you don't know where that rabbit came from, it could be carrying a whole host of diseases/virus without showing an symptoms I would not risk infecting any of my other rabbits.

I am 100% against house rabbit society crazies. 100% for house rabbits. If you look carefully at messages from house rabbit societies you can see many things where they contradict themselves. Go take a look, and remember domestic rabbits aren't wild rabbits.

a new layout...sorta.

New colours (well a couple), and a new banner in a bright modern-retro style. In case you're wondering what the words on the banner are, they are lyrics to the song Drastic Measures by Sarah Slean, a really nice song that I'm addicted too.

It's confirmed I am going to the Jersey Wooly Nationals, AND the Ohio State RBA Convention Woot. Three shows one weekend 0.o the only downside is my non-rabbit liking sister is coming just 'cause she wants to go to the U.S. Of A. Hmm I predict an eight hour car ride with several, "ahh they're so annoying" and "Ugh I swear I'm allergic to rabbits" and once we get there... "This is sooooo BORING" and "Can't we go somewhere else..perhaps a mall?" Way to ruin my trip Morgan, at least Tristyn only complains about being hungry. I on the other hand, complain about everything else, even when there is nothing to complain about...I will find something bwahahahaha.

Mini Rex anyone?

All Mini Rex are now $25.00 each. They really do need to go (Except Tristyn's)

Starshine hasn't had babies yet *insert stressed out scream here*
Pirelli escaped from his cage last night, and caused me a mild heart attack when he met me at the door of the rabbitry this morning. (Nothing like a 2.5lb ball of white fluff charging at you first thing in the morning) It wasn't in an agressive way, just in an I want you to play with me and no one else way.
Cicada's babies are still freaking adorable.

I am going to be attending the Jersey Wooly Nationals in Ohio in May (Bwahahaha yes Mother, you are too, someone has to drive me.)

...I just realised, I need more nest boxes. Only two out of my 4 are currently useable in winter (One is HUGE, was for English Spots. So I'm wary of babies getting seperated, the other has a half by half wire bottom too drafty for winter and I don't have any wood to use as a bottom... Note to self *You have till January 12th*

Why I raise rabbits.

I get a lot of questions (mainly from school friends) wondering why I breed and show rabbits. So I've decided to answer them here.

#1. It's a hobby something I enjoy immensely. Some people like airplanes, others trains, I like rabbits.

#2. Rabbits are incredibly intelligent, loving, creatures. They keep me out of trouble (not that I'd get in trouble otherwise...) They are very entertaining, and like people they have different tastes in music ( I have some who prefer metal/rock and some that enjoy celtic/folk). In food, and in who they like.

#3. The satisfaction of having babies born in your rabbitry and having them win on the show table (or place really well) is indescribable.

#4. Traveling need I say more? If it weren't for rabbits I'd probably have never been to Kentucky, or even Powassan. I go to a bunch of fairs and gatherings throughout there year.

#5. I am a very competitive person so showing rabbits was the obvious choice for me.

#6. It's fun. It's a big responsibility but I enjoy it.

#8. That's right there is no number 7. I don't mind cleaning cages, it can be made fun. (I'm being 100% serious here)

#9. Other breeders are a bunch of amazing people, super helpful and very friendly, and definitely entertaining.

Happy Holidays

SHE'S HERE!!!!!

Introducing:

Rose Meadow's Daisy!!

She's a beautiful broken chestnut doe out of Rose Meadow's Jazz (Rew 25 legs) and Rose Meadow's Broken Promises (Broken Black Otter 1 Leg)

Un-rabbit related.

On the 26th (Yesterday) I wen to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra at the Air Canada Centre and I just have to say a BIG WOW. (You can see videos on youtube) this stuff is amazing!! The pyrotechnics and laser/light shows are amazing and the music is fanastic.

Food for thoughts

• If no one were to breed animals, and all existing animals were spayed and neutered in about 20 years no one would have any pets, and everyone would be vegetarians. Scary thought isn't it?

• There is no such thing as a "Full Miniature Rabbit" or "Mini Dutch" or "Dutch Dwarf" or "Basic Dwarf" if it doesn't have a pedigree it can not be legally called purebred, and if the breed is not recognized by any major Rabbit Breeders Club it cannot be called a pure breed (it's the same with dogs, cats, horses etc.)

• Pet Stores lie. What does a part time student know anyways?

• /\ Pet Stores exist to cater to your pet needs (Farmer stores do this to but for cheaper) They want to sell their pets/products no matter what the costs. Breeders exists because they have a personal investment (it's not cheap ya' know) to improve upon their respected breeds, have some healthy competition in shows, and mainly have fun and meet new and interesting people.

• If you want a mix breed rabbit, please for the love of all things small and furry, don't make your first question "What Breed is it?" it ruins the whole mix breed effect.

• People asking what breed their rabbit is. Unless it follows a certain breed standard almost to an exact. It's probably a mix of a mix of a mix of a mix, your good ol' Heinz 57. Its probably not a Dwarf Holland cross.

• If you're trying to sell you rabbit please don't lie. If it's agressive please mention that, or if it needs special attention because it's diabetic it's best to mention that as well.

• If you buy a rabbit and decide you want it to have babies because babies are cute. PLEASE don't especially if you don't know what you're doing.

• If you have any questions about the gender of your bunny, or how to cut its nails, grooming, and or cleaning. Contact a breeder they'd be more then happy to help you out.

• Please do research before buying a rabbit. By research I mean going to a respectable website like (www.arba.net or www.drcba.ca)
  

Looong time no talk...

Okay so here's the dish.

• I have like a billion does bred all due in January (What an amazing time for first timers!)

• I'm having an impossible time trying to sell some of my older Jersey's mainly because I'll go pull them out of their cage and decide: "Why would I want to sell this? I mean this is something I would buy."

• I've decided to donate a couple of my super nice Mini Rex to Tristyn because mainly I'm to attached to them and really don't want to sell them

• I'm currently looking to by a super nice buck or doe that isn't related heavily to the ones I already have.

• Having 4 (yes 4!) rabbits in your room is seriously annoying especially when they war with their water bottles at 2am, all 4 or them at the same time.

• I'm planning on attending the Jersey Wooly nationals in Ohio next year in May is it?

• Murphy's Law hates me. The super gorgeous black otter doe from Cicada is now only a pet due to a minor disqualification

• Stall dry is amazing

• Valhalla is still a very amusing tiny ball of 'tude

• Bucky Kentucky is a very sweet but vocal little buck, he has an opinion for everything.

• Ice T is addicted to listening to the Dock (a radio station) and becomes rather glum when I don't have it on.

• Starshine still believes she is queen of the world.

okay that's all for now (I hope)

Devon M Ward