I don't do it ever. The simple reason is STD's
Yes rabbits get them the main one is Vent Disease aka Rabbit Syphilis. Of course you can check the doe over thoroughly but you're not going to see anything if the doe is merely just carrying the disease you breed her to your buck then breed a buck to a couple of your does, and the next thing you know all those does have VD.
I once bought a doe pretty thing, she came bred checked her over everything was healthy looking she had her litter. Then the next thing I know her litter starts developing little wart like things on their nose and the corners of their eyes, check the mother and sure as shootin' she's got VD and because her kits are nursing and what not they've got it as well. So I treat them all (It is curable). This was her first litter too, so I can assume the buck she was bred too carried it and gave it too her. Had it not flared up I could have very well bred her too one of my own bucks, and then bred that buck to another doe and had some sort of outbreak before I even realized what was going on.
So I simply don't stud out my bucks because of the risk of catching VD without it even being noticed is there.
Another thing is I don't see why I have to share something I either spent a lot of time to breed (10 years) or spent a lot of money too buy. They belong to me, their offspring have my name on them because it's my work. I don't have to share it. If you want a breeding buy a buck off me.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Values.
Values values values: relative worth, merit, or importance. To consider with respect to worth, excellence, usefulness, or importance. To regard or esteem highly.
I know what you're thinking "I don't understand, what do values have to do with rabbits?" Hold your horses that's why I'm posting this blog. That and it's a break from rant blogs.
Something that is free is not considered to be of any value, something that cost $5.00 again not that valuable. Even $25.00 isn't considered too valuable. When people are constantly bombarded with animals that are free or relatively cheap in the grand scheme of things those animals are no longer considered important.
Animals and breeds that are considered valuable are constantly seen at unusually high prices for the species. Take Angoras for instances. More often then not you see them listed at $75.00 or higher for pets alone with show quality animals being bought for $300.00+ the general assumption of the entire breed is that they are important and valuable and thus people have more interest in them.
Other breeds like Mini Rex are far to often only sold for $25.00 yes there are a lot of breeders who raise them so there is competition when trying to sell them and usually the cheaper the price gets the sale. This is highly damaging to how people view the breed. They are cheap therefore less valuable which means there will be less of a market for them.
Confused? Let me explain why there is less of a market for a cheaper breed. It all has to do with values. The more you see rabbits listed for free or really cheap the general consensus is that they're not a very important animal thus do not have much value. The more you see rabbits listed at higher prices seems to change the general idea to these are important animals and someone will be more willing to spend more money to buy one.
Now I'm not saying everyone should go and jack up their prices, but you as the breeder should not have to sell your animals for cheap because the general going price for your breed is cheap and you want to compete in the market. You have to consider the amount of money and time you put into the rabbit to raise it. That's not all most breeders have a huge amount of work put into their herds and it's almost insulting to spend years working on your rabbits only to be able to sell a great rabbit for $25.00 because that's the most common going rate.
If you don't value your own rabbits to begin with no one else will. Selling rabbits is not like selling inanimate objects where you can out sell your competitors by selling your item cheaper. Rabbits are living breathing animals, and the cheaper you sell the more likely the rabbit you sell will end up in the home of an impulse buyer who will get bored of it in a month. Not all do, but it happens.
I know what you're thinking "I don't understand, what do values have to do with rabbits?" Hold your horses that's why I'm posting this blog. That and it's a break from rant blogs.
Something that is free is not considered to be of any value, something that cost $5.00 again not that valuable. Even $25.00 isn't considered too valuable. When people are constantly bombarded with animals that are free or relatively cheap in the grand scheme of things those animals are no longer considered important.
Animals and breeds that are considered valuable are constantly seen at unusually high prices for the species. Take Angoras for instances. More often then not you see them listed at $75.00 or higher for pets alone with show quality animals being bought for $300.00+ the general assumption of the entire breed is that they are important and valuable and thus people have more interest in them.
Other breeds like Mini Rex are far to often only sold for $25.00 yes there are a lot of breeders who raise them so there is competition when trying to sell them and usually the cheaper the price gets the sale. This is highly damaging to how people view the breed. They are cheap therefore less valuable which means there will be less of a market for them.
Confused? Let me explain why there is less of a market for a cheaper breed. It all has to do with values. The more you see rabbits listed for free or really cheap the general consensus is that they're not a very important animal thus do not have much value. The more you see rabbits listed at higher prices seems to change the general idea to these are important animals and someone will be more willing to spend more money to buy one.
Now I'm not saying everyone should go and jack up their prices, but you as the breeder should not have to sell your animals for cheap because the general going price for your breed is cheap and you want to compete in the market. You have to consider the amount of money and time you put into the rabbit to raise it. That's not all most breeders have a huge amount of work put into their herds and it's almost insulting to spend years working on your rabbits only to be able to sell a great rabbit for $25.00 because that's the most common going rate.
If you don't value your own rabbits to begin with no one else will. Selling rabbits is not like selling inanimate objects where you can out sell your competitors by selling your item cheaper. Rabbits are living breathing animals, and the cheaper you sell the more likely the rabbit you sell will end up in the home of an impulse buyer who will get bored of it in a month. Not all do, but it happens.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Why...
This should probably be posted with the title Angry Rant #189536
A pedigree does not mean a rabbit is show quality. It means that someone kept track of it's family tree. Any rabbit can have a pedigree. It in no way shape or form means the rabbit is of show quality. Brood animals have pedigrees, rabbits sold as pets can have pedigrees. Do not mistake "pedigreed" for kick arse show rabbit.
Deep breath !
Breeding for pets, you make a pretty website. Why for the love of fuzzy critters do you pose your rabbits in a show pose? If you're not breeding for show, or to the standard it is unnecessary to pose them, and most pet buyers don't understand this.
A pedigree does not mean a rabbit is show quality. It means that someone kept track of it's family tree. Any rabbit can have a pedigree. It in no way shape or form means the rabbit is of show quality. Brood animals have pedigrees, rabbits sold as pets can have pedigrees. Do not mistake "pedigreed" for kick arse show rabbit.
Deep breath !
Breeding for pets, you make a pretty website. Why for the love of fuzzy critters do you pose your rabbits in a show pose? If you're not breeding for show, or to the standard it is unnecessary to pose them, and most pet buyers don't understand this.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Mass escape !
Last night when I went to go feed the rabbits, and close the rabbitry up for the night I had quite the surprise.
3 mature Brun bucks, and a three week old Brun buck all cavorting about the rabbitry. Yep three mature bucks and a baby all loose running around together. Usually mature bucks loose together spells fighting and other disaster (fur, blood, and urine everywhere). Mix in a baby and that baby wouldn't stand a chance. Luckily baby MacGyver is small enough to get under cages where the big guys can't get, which in this case wasn't necessary as they were all getting along to my great astonishment.
So putting my great detective skills to use I pieced together the events that transpired for this mass escape.
Baby MacGyver has been getting out for the past week through a small hole I keep forgetting to cover up. He's the hardest to catch because if he doesn't want to go back yet he can move FAST and get into all the little places I can't. Baby MacGyver isn't big enough to let the others out so his escape is unrelated and he's just a delinquent in the making.
Monaco, and Vegas had their cage doors wide open. They're on ground level cages with latches that can easily be opened if you're on the outside of the cage whether or not you have hands or paws.
Boo on the other hand did not have an open cage door. Boo's cage is also a 2nd tier cage. Boo discovered the spring latch on his door is fun to play with and if enough force is applied the door it can open. The spring on the door had been stretched enough to let him squish out.
Boo opened the cages of his two accomplices (also his litter mates) and the three had a party with baby MacGyver. Not that is was much of a party, they pretty much just slept beside the heater as there was no mess or even stray poops anywhere.
Monaco and Vegas were easy catches, they wanted their dinner. Baby MacGyver gave himself up when his Momma decided it was time to nurse the hoard. Boo put up the biggest chase but ultimately gave up when a handful of hay went into his cage, the temptation was too great for him.
And as for today there has been no more attempted escapes.
3 mature Brun bucks, and a three week old Brun buck all cavorting about the rabbitry. Yep three mature bucks and a baby all loose running around together. Usually mature bucks loose together spells fighting and other disaster (fur, blood, and urine everywhere). Mix in a baby and that baby wouldn't stand a chance. Luckily baby MacGyver is small enough to get under cages where the big guys can't get, which in this case wasn't necessary as they were all getting along to my great astonishment.
So putting my great detective skills to use I pieced together the events that transpired for this mass escape.
Baby MacGyver has been getting out for the past week through a small hole I keep forgetting to cover up. He's the hardest to catch because if he doesn't want to go back yet he can move FAST and get into all the little places I can't. Baby MacGyver isn't big enough to let the others out so his escape is unrelated and he's just a delinquent in the making.
Monaco, and Vegas had their cage doors wide open. They're on ground level cages with latches that can easily be opened if you're on the outside of the cage whether or not you have hands or paws.
Boo on the other hand did not have an open cage door. Boo's cage is also a 2nd tier cage. Boo discovered the spring latch on his door is fun to play with and if enough force is applied the door it can open. The spring on the door had been stretched enough to let him squish out.
Boo opened the cages of his two accomplices (also his litter mates) and the three had a party with baby MacGyver. Not that is was much of a party, they pretty much just slept beside the heater as there was no mess or even stray poops anywhere.
Monaco and Vegas were easy catches, they wanted their dinner. Baby MacGyver gave himself up when his Momma decided it was time to nurse the hoard. Boo put up the biggest chase but ultimately gave up when a handful of hay went into his cage, the temptation was too great for him.
And as for today there has been no more attempted escapes.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Qualities.
Often you see on a for sale page a rabbit listed as Brood, Show, or Pet quality.
What does that mean? Generally it's just what it looks like the rabbit is either a pet, good for breeding, or good for show. Not always. What?! Allow me to confuse you some. When a breeder lists a rabbit for sale with one of those three titles, it is that breeders interpretation of the quality of the rabbit. Different breeders interpret things differently, two breeders may have a rabbit with identical features (lets say clones). One breeder lists that rabbit as brood quality, the other lists it at show quality. The rabbits are identical so why the difference?
The people make the difference. Everyone has a different opinion about everything. Just like in previous posts it's because people interpret the standard differently and thus create disruptions in a simple process of whether or not a rabbit is pet, show, or brood. People also label rabbits for show pet or brood based on where they are in their breeding program. For someone just starting out they may list a poor quality rabbit as show quality because it's one of the better ones they produced where as a breeder who has been showing for years would sell the exact same rabbit as pet quality. Confused yet? let me explain further.
A pet quality animal by show standards is usually a rabbit that is of poor quality compared to the standard of perfection or has a disqualification that either may or may not be genetic.
A brood quality animal by show standards is usually a rabbit that does not quite cut it as a show rabbit, or may have a non genetic disqualification that prevents the rabbit from being shown. A brood quality also has the potential to produce better then itself. Thus being slated for the breeding market.
A show quality animal by show standards is as close to the standard of perfection as possible, and is free of any disqualifications.
Not all rabbits are bred from a show standard. So from a pet standard, a pet quality rabbit is any rabbit they produce, that fits the bill as being a friendly sociable pet. Brood would be the cute rabbits that they sell to other pet breeders because they think that rabbit will be able to produce well for the pet market. I personally don't believe people who specifically breed for pets should ever list rabbits as show quality as they're not breeding to a standard.
So yes things are interpreted differently by everyone so you may find a nice rabbit somewhere listed as brood, or a poor rabbit listed as show. It's up to the buyers discretion which rabbits they buy.
What does that mean? Generally it's just what it looks like the rabbit is either a pet, good for breeding, or good for show. Not always. What?! Allow me to confuse you some. When a breeder lists a rabbit for sale with one of those three titles, it is that breeders interpretation of the quality of the rabbit. Different breeders interpret things differently, two breeders may have a rabbit with identical features (lets say clones). One breeder lists that rabbit as brood quality, the other lists it at show quality. The rabbits are identical so why the difference?
The people make the difference. Everyone has a different opinion about everything. Just like in previous posts it's because people interpret the standard differently and thus create disruptions in a simple process of whether or not a rabbit is pet, show, or brood. People also label rabbits for show pet or brood based on where they are in their breeding program. For someone just starting out they may list a poor quality rabbit as show quality because it's one of the better ones they produced where as a breeder who has been showing for years would sell the exact same rabbit as pet quality. Confused yet? let me explain further.
A pet quality animal by show standards is usually a rabbit that is of poor quality compared to the standard of perfection or has a disqualification that either may or may not be genetic.
A brood quality animal by show standards is usually a rabbit that does not quite cut it as a show rabbit, or may have a non genetic disqualification that prevents the rabbit from being shown. A brood quality also has the potential to produce better then itself. Thus being slated for the breeding market.
A show quality animal by show standards is as close to the standard of perfection as possible, and is free of any disqualifications.
Not all rabbits are bred from a show standard. So from a pet standard, a pet quality rabbit is any rabbit they produce, that fits the bill as being a friendly sociable pet. Brood would be the cute rabbits that they sell to other pet breeders because they think that rabbit will be able to produce well for the pet market. I personally don't believe people who specifically breed for pets should ever list rabbits as show quality as they're not breeding to a standard.
So yes things are interpreted differently by everyone so you may find a nice rabbit somewhere listed as brood, or a poor rabbit listed as show. It's up to the buyers discretion which rabbits they buy.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Starting to show part III
Bad attitudes in the showroom. Shows are fun, and should not be taken too seriously. You should be serious about your rabbits though. What do I mean by this?
The judge says something about your rabbit you don't agree with. Don't go around trash talking that the judge doesn't know what they're talking about, they're a utility judge not a fancy judge and so on. You don't become a judge by only knowing about one breed. You also have to know all judges interpret the standard differently, just like how I interpret the standard is different then how you may interpret it. Take the comments and apply them to your rabbits, if you don't agree you don't agree. Trashing the judge isn't going to change it.
A breeder brings a rabbit or two for sale to a show and you buy one and enter it in the show. Then it doesn't place well at all. Don't go talking trash about the breeder about how their rabbits are crud. You were the one who bought the rabbit, you had the opportunity to look it over and decide whether you wanted it or not. A breeder cannot guarantee the rabbit will place well and bashing the breeder is not going to help you any. This one is all on your head you made the decision and handed over the money.
Talking to the judge while they're judging a class is also a big no-no. If you have a question regarding how your rabbit placed talk to them after the class is over. Telling the judge which rabbits are yours is also another no no. Showing is supposed to be fair an unbiased.
Another thing that is upsetting to people at a show is joking about sabotaging or killing rabbits to get rid of your competition. Even if it is a joke, it's not funny to people who have put pretty much their entire lives into their rabbits. It's upsetting and mean.
Another thing is if you feel the need to threaten people to get your way, you're in the wrong hobby. Wrestling would be a much better fit for you.
The judge says something about your rabbit you don't agree with. Don't go around trash talking that the judge doesn't know what they're talking about, they're a utility judge not a fancy judge and so on. You don't become a judge by only knowing about one breed. You also have to know all judges interpret the standard differently, just like how I interpret the standard is different then how you may interpret it. Take the comments and apply them to your rabbits, if you don't agree you don't agree. Trashing the judge isn't going to change it.
A breeder brings a rabbit or two for sale to a show and you buy one and enter it in the show. Then it doesn't place well at all. Don't go talking trash about the breeder about how their rabbits are crud. You were the one who bought the rabbit, you had the opportunity to look it over and decide whether you wanted it or not. A breeder cannot guarantee the rabbit will place well and bashing the breeder is not going to help you any. This one is all on your head you made the decision and handed over the money.
Talking to the judge while they're judging a class is also a big no-no. If you have a question regarding how your rabbit placed talk to them after the class is over. Telling the judge which rabbits are yours is also another no no. Showing is supposed to be fair an unbiased.
Another thing that is upsetting to people at a show is joking about sabotaging or killing rabbits to get rid of your competition. Even if it is a joke, it's not funny to people who have put pretty much their entire lives into their rabbits. It's upsetting and mean.
Another thing is if you feel the need to threaten people to get your way, you're in the wrong hobby. Wrestling would be a much better fit for you.
Starting to show part II
Now that you have decided to show, and uncluttered your herd you're ready to buy your first show rabbits. This is always a very exciting part in raising show rabbits, there are so many gorgeous rabbits out there! How do you choose one? Then you see the price tag...and suddenly this exciting part becomes horribly daunting.
Buying online: This is not the best way to purchase a rabbit, you are buying based off a picture or two so you really have to trust the person your buying from that the picture is in fact an accurate representation of the rabbit. It is also a great way to find a rabbit you probably would never have seen in person. It opens up your selection a great deal. So how do you pick a rabbit online? Find one you like, then get a second opinion from someone you trust to give you a straight answer, and if you do decide to get it based on the picture don't forget if it is not as nice as you thought it would be you still have the right to refuse the sale, don't feel trapped because you inquired about it.
Buying in person: This is always the best way to buy because you can get a hands on feel for the rabbit. If you're not sure what you're looking for ask the breeder to explain the strengths and weaknesses of the rabbit, and if you're still not sure find someone to give their opinion.
Cost: You may be tempted to throw caution to the wind and assume that a rabbit with a $200.00 price tag will be absolutely hands down amazing. Don't let the price make up your mind for you. Just because a rabbit is listed at $200.00 does not make it worth that much, often times you can find excellent quality rabbits for sale for $25.00 that will beat the $200.00 rabbit on the show tables. It's up to you to look over the rabbit first and then decide if it's worth the price that is being asked.
Band wagons: Often times in an area one breeder will buy a rabbit or two from a certain breeder and they do well in a show once or twice and suddenly everyone in the area is going to that breeder for rabbits and more often then not they end up with not so good rabbits because they were led to believe this breeder is absolutely amazing. Always be cautious when buying, you may think you're getting a great deal when in reality it's not the best.
Always remember not to rush and buy the first thing you see. There are always great rabbits hiding just around the corner.
Buying online: This is not the best way to purchase a rabbit, you are buying based off a picture or two so you really have to trust the person your buying from that the picture is in fact an accurate representation of the rabbit. It is also a great way to find a rabbit you probably would never have seen in person. It opens up your selection a great deal. So how do you pick a rabbit online? Find one you like, then get a second opinion from someone you trust to give you a straight answer, and if you do decide to get it based on the picture don't forget if it is not as nice as you thought it would be you still have the right to refuse the sale, don't feel trapped because you inquired about it.
Buying in person: This is always the best way to buy because you can get a hands on feel for the rabbit. If you're not sure what you're looking for ask the breeder to explain the strengths and weaknesses of the rabbit, and if you're still not sure find someone to give their opinion.
Cost: You may be tempted to throw caution to the wind and assume that a rabbit with a $200.00 price tag will be absolutely hands down amazing. Don't let the price make up your mind for you. Just because a rabbit is listed at $200.00 does not make it worth that much, often times you can find excellent quality rabbits for sale for $25.00 that will beat the $200.00 rabbit on the show tables. It's up to you to look over the rabbit first and then decide if it's worth the price that is being asked.
Band wagons: Often times in an area one breeder will buy a rabbit or two from a certain breeder and they do well in a show once or twice and suddenly everyone in the area is going to that breeder for rabbits and more often then not they end up with not so good rabbits because they were led to believe this breeder is absolutely amazing. Always be cautious when buying, you may think you're getting a great deal when in reality it's not the best.
Always remember not to rush and buy the first thing you see. There are always great rabbits hiding just around the corner.
Starting to show part I
So you've been raising rabbits for pets for a while now and have decided you want to show. How would you proceed to do that?
First of all DON'T sell anything. Bring a few of your rabbits to a couple shows and see where you stand show wise. I say a couple because judges opinions can vary a little bit and too get the best idea of where you stand it's best to get a couple different opinions. Don't worry if you don't place well hardly anyone wins First when they're first starting out. Listen to what the judges are saying about your rabbits; are their ears to long? What are their shoulders like? Are the pinched or undercut? What about their fur. The only way to see how a show works and what it takes to place in a show is to go to a show and experience it first hand.
Ask breeders that raise the same breed as you to explain what to look for in a rabbit, or how they choose what they keep and what they sell. Most will be more then willing to help you out.
Look online, there are plenty of articles about how to evaluate some of the more popular breeds. Check out websites of people who often win in shows and see what their rabbits look like.
By now you should be getting an idea of what to look for in your breed which will help you evaluate your own stock more efficiently. This is why you don't sell everything first, who knows you may have a diamond hiding in the rough and you may have sold it if you didn't take the time to learn how to properly evaluate your rabbits.
Now that you have a basis to evaluate your rabbits on, it's time to sort through your herd. In order to be competitive in shows, who can help your breeding project and who will harm it. Start by finding everyone with the negatives you heard from the judges at shows they're not going to help much. Don't be upset if you don't have anything show worthy everyone has to start somewhere, and starting with a clean slate can be a very good thing (unlike how I started with complete crud and eventually worked my way up).
Just remember doing well in shows does not happen overnight, it takes hard work, lots of time, and making the right decisions with your herd. Everyone makes mistakes and no one will judge you poorly if you don't have the best rabbits when you're just starting out.
First of all DON'T sell anything. Bring a few of your rabbits to a couple shows and see where you stand show wise. I say a couple because judges opinions can vary a little bit and too get the best idea of where you stand it's best to get a couple different opinions. Don't worry if you don't place well hardly anyone wins First when they're first starting out. Listen to what the judges are saying about your rabbits; are their ears to long? What are their shoulders like? Are the pinched or undercut? What about their fur. The only way to see how a show works and what it takes to place in a show is to go to a show and experience it first hand.
Ask breeders that raise the same breed as you to explain what to look for in a rabbit, or how they choose what they keep and what they sell. Most will be more then willing to help you out.
Look online, there are plenty of articles about how to evaluate some of the more popular breeds. Check out websites of people who often win in shows and see what their rabbits look like.
By now you should be getting an idea of what to look for in your breed which will help you evaluate your own stock more efficiently. This is why you don't sell everything first, who knows you may have a diamond hiding in the rough and you may have sold it if you didn't take the time to learn how to properly evaluate your rabbits.
Now that you have a basis to evaluate your rabbits on, it's time to sort through your herd. In order to be competitive in shows, who can help your breeding project and who will harm it. Start by finding everyone with the negatives you heard from the judges at shows they're not going to help much. Don't be upset if you don't have anything show worthy everyone has to start somewhere, and starting with a clean slate can be a very good thing (unlike how I started with complete crud and eventually worked my way up).
Just remember doing well in shows does not happen overnight, it takes hard work, lots of time, and making the right decisions with your herd. Everyone makes mistakes and no one will judge you poorly if you don't have the best rabbits when you're just starting out.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
This blog is completely random, and will probably have nothing to do with rabbits. So here is a pciture just because this is my rabbitry blog and every post should have at least something with or about a rabbit in them: So here is a picture of a kit from one of my current litters (that you people don't know about because it's a biiiiiig secret litter)
So what is this post about? MUSIC one of my other loves besides writing stories, and raising rabbits. So music I'll start by saying I have a diverse amount of genres I like from folk, to Heavy Metal, I am a huge fan of classical music and I happen to play two different types of flute (Concert and Irish Wooden Flute). Any how I like what I like, but earlier in the day a friend of mine introduced me to a band that I would have completely ignored if they weren't around. I'm really a polite person, so I have trouble saying no to things. Anyhow they said it was this great new age band. First thought was along the lines of hippies doing yoga, and Enya. Not that I have anything against hippies doing yoga (I do yoga...) I just have a full library of yoga music at the moment. Anyways I gave it a listen and I was certainly surprised. It was great ! It wasn't the typical new age stuff, but it wasn't really anything else either. It was strangely unique and well now I want to buy their CD's.
So the moral of this post is, you shouldn't assume anything.
So what is this post about? MUSIC one of my other loves besides writing stories, and raising rabbits. So music I'll start by saying I have a diverse amount of genres I like from folk, to Heavy Metal, I am a huge fan of classical music and I happen to play two different types of flute (Concert and Irish Wooden Flute). Any how I like what I like, but earlier in the day a friend of mine introduced me to a band that I would have completely ignored if they weren't around. I'm really a polite person, so I have trouble saying no to things. Anyhow they said it was this great new age band. First thought was along the lines of hippies doing yoga, and Enya. Not that I have anything against hippies doing yoga (I do yoga...) I just have a full library of yoga music at the moment. Anyways I gave it a listen and I was certainly surprised. It was great ! It wasn't the typical new age stuff, but it wasn't really anything else either. It was strangely unique and well now I want to buy their CD's.
So the moral of this post is, you shouldn't assume anything.
Angry Rant (again ) lol !
Ethical = Being in accordance with the accepted principles of right and wrong that govern the conduct of a profession.
So what is it with the definition of Ethical above? Well it seems to be a forgotten term among people today. I'm not talking about how someone cares about their animal (although I hope they do it well) I'm talking about how they market them. Outwardly lying to buyers is not ethical. Lying about your rabbits on your website is not ethical. Telling people they shouldn't buy from someone because you don't like them personally is not ethical. Basically falsifying anything about the animal your selling is NOT ethical, whether you're lying about weight, or making up a fake pedigree.
Whatever happened to honesty? Raising animals is not a competition over who can sell the most. Sure you can spruce up your add a little by adding in fancy adjectives or going very in depth about the rabbits personality that's not lying that's creative honesty. Lying would be selling a 7lb rabbit to someone claiming it's 3.5lbs or saying it's a rex coat when it's just a regular coat.
An ethical breeder will never claim that a certain colour is *Rare* just to sell an animal. Rare usually means it's an unrecognized colour no one wants, so they're going to pawn it off on the unsuspecting pet owner who thinks that they're getting a great deal on something unique.
Not cool. Not cool at all. There is no good reason to lie about anything.
So what is it with the definition of Ethical above? Well it seems to be a forgotten term among people today. I'm not talking about how someone cares about their animal (although I hope they do it well) I'm talking about how they market them. Outwardly lying to buyers is not ethical. Lying about your rabbits on your website is not ethical. Telling people they shouldn't buy from someone because you don't like them personally is not ethical. Basically falsifying anything about the animal your selling is NOT ethical, whether you're lying about weight, or making up a fake pedigree.
Whatever happened to honesty? Raising animals is not a competition over who can sell the most. Sure you can spruce up your add a little by adding in fancy adjectives or going very in depth about the rabbits personality that's not lying that's creative honesty. Lying would be selling a 7lb rabbit to someone claiming it's 3.5lbs or saying it's a rex coat when it's just a regular coat.
An ethical breeder will never claim that a certain colour is *Rare* just to sell an animal. Rare usually means it's an unrecognized colour no one wants, so they're going to pawn it off on the unsuspecting pet owner who thinks that they're getting a great deal on something unique.
Not cool. Not cool at all. There is no good reason to lie about anything.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Allergies and other excuses.
I browse classified ads a lot, and a huge majority of people getting rid of their animals always have the same few excuses.
1.) Allergies.
2.) Moving
3.) New Baby
Allergies, the dreaded sneezing, itchy eyes, wheezing, and hives. Many people have them, including myself. I'm allergic to the dander on rabbits, the oils in wood shavings, and hay that's been treated to prevent mold (also pumpkin, but I prefer not to talk about that because it's just depressing). I have around 35 rabbits at any given time sure I keep them outside in their own building but I do have a retired doe, and a doe with a litter in my room, in cages with shavings, and they get hay that's been treated to prevent mold. Three things I'm very allergic to, do I care if I sneeze a little more then normal? Have itchy eyes? No, in fact ever since I started keeping rabbits in my room my allergies have become a lot less severe. I can almost make it an entire day at a rabbit show without having to take an antihistamine. Before if I didn't load up before a show I wouldn't be able to breath at all. So automatically giving away your pet because of a stuffy nose is a little bit on the wuss side.
Moving. Where are you moving too where your pets can't come? Mars? Face it most places allow you to keep animals, in fact a landlord cannot deny you rent because you have a pet (it's considered inhumane to the animal). I know numreous people who have moved some across the country who have brought their pets with them. I know people who live in high rises with numerous pets, townhouses, and bungalows. Getting rid of your pet because you're moving is a lame excuse. In fact I think less of people who use it. I managed to move with 4 dogs, and 20 rabbits, to a town without an issue. It's not that hard to do.
New Babies. I do think people who use this excuse are just lazy individuals. You're not the first person with pets to have a baby and you won't be the last, in fact farmers have been looking after animals and popping out babies for centuries without an issue. They don't sell all their animals when they're expecting a new baby. So selling your one dog/cat/rabbit/fish/gopher because you're going to have a baby is not an excuse.
And of course the first thing I think of when I see any of these three excuses is: The person doesn't want to admit they just don't want the animal anymore.
1.) Allergies.
2.) Moving
3.) New Baby
Allergies, the dreaded sneezing, itchy eyes, wheezing, and hives. Many people have them, including myself. I'm allergic to the dander on rabbits, the oils in wood shavings, and hay that's been treated to prevent mold (also pumpkin, but I prefer not to talk about that because it's just depressing). I have around 35 rabbits at any given time sure I keep them outside in their own building but I do have a retired doe, and a doe with a litter in my room, in cages with shavings, and they get hay that's been treated to prevent mold. Three things I'm very allergic to, do I care if I sneeze a little more then normal? Have itchy eyes? No, in fact ever since I started keeping rabbits in my room my allergies have become a lot less severe. I can almost make it an entire day at a rabbit show without having to take an antihistamine. Before if I didn't load up before a show I wouldn't be able to breath at all. So automatically giving away your pet because of a stuffy nose is a little bit on the wuss side.
Moving. Where are you moving too where your pets can't come? Mars? Face it most places allow you to keep animals, in fact a landlord cannot deny you rent because you have a pet (it's considered inhumane to the animal). I know numreous people who have moved some across the country who have brought their pets with them. I know people who live in high rises with numerous pets, townhouses, and bungalows. Getting rid of your pet because you're moving is a lame excuse. In fact I think less of people who use it. I managed to move with 4 dogs, and 20 rabbits, to a town without an issue. It's not that hard to do.
New Babies. I do think people who use this excuse are just lazy individuals. You're not the first person with pets to have a baby and you won't be the last, in fact farmers have been looking after animals and popping out babies for centuries without an issue. They don't sell all their animals when they're expecting a new baby. So selling your one dog/cat/rabbit/fish/gopher because you're going to have a baby is not an excuse.
And of course the first thing I think of when I see any of these three excuses is: The person doesn't want to admit they just don't want the animal anymore.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Angry rant 2 !
Another rant on pet breeders !
I don't show because I breed for health and temperament first ! (I usually read this is a high pitched obnoxious voice) There is usually a bit more but in the end they're basically making out that they're better then show breeders, and that show breeders don't care about their rabbits.
Which is absolutely incredibly juvenile to think. Someone who shows is going to make darn sure that their rabbits are healthy, or guess what that rabbit can't be shown and if it is it'll be kicked off the table which defeats the point of showing. Temperament, a rabbit that is hard to handle or bites does not make a very good pet or show rabbit (ooh surprise surprise). A show rabbit has to be use to being handled by strangers not just their owner, they have to be able to stay calm in stressful situations, and most of all a rabbit who bites will be kicked off the show table (who wudda thunk it?).
Further more, a show breeder is going to go to extreme lengths to keep their rabbits from being bored, a bored rabbit chews their coat, and can be destructive, and destructiveness leads to pulled toenails. They also want to keep that rabbit in prime condition, which means they are the most picky people for a quality feed, supplements, and treats for their rabbits. Show rabbits get handled daily, they're spoiled but kept in condition (we do not like fat rabbits or skinny rabbits). They're basically treated better then pro athletes. After all the amount of time and money put into them would not be worth it if they were all sick and mean.
More often then not a retired show rabbit will make the best pet rabbit.
So what is the real difference between a show breeder and a pet breeder? A pet breeder purposefully breeds sub-standard rabbits for the pet market. A show breeder hardly ever sells pets.
I don't show because I breed for health and temperament first ! (I usually read this is a high pitched obnoxious voice) There is usually a bit more but in the end they're basically making out that they're better then show breeders, and that show breeders don't care about their rabbits.
Which is absolutely incredibly juvenile to think. Someone who shows is going to make darn sure that their rabbits are healthy, or guess what that rabbit can't be shown and if it is it'll be kicked off the table which defeats the point of showing. Temperament, a rabbit that is hard to handle or bites does not make a very good pet or show rabbit (ooh surprise surprise). A show rabbit has to be use to being handled by strangers not just their owner, they have to be able to stay calm in stressful situations, and most of all a rabbit who bites will be kicked off the show table (who wudda thunk it?).
Further more, a show breeder is going to go to extreme lengths to keep their rabbits from being bored, a bored rabbit chews their coat, and can be destructive, and destructiveness leads to pulled toenails. They also want to keep that rabbit in prime condition, which means they are the most picky people for a quality feed, supplements, and treats for their rabbits. Show rabbits get handled daily, they're spoiled but kept in condition (we do not like fat rabbits or skinny rabbits). They're basically treated better then pro athletes. After all the amount of time and money put into them would not be worth it if they were all sick and mean.
More often then not a retired show rabbit will make the best pet rabbit.
So what is the real difference between a show breeder and a pet breeder? A pet breeder purposefully breeds sub-standard rabbits for the pet market. A show breeder hardly ever sells pets.
Angry Rant !
Let's talk about good ethics, honesty, and the most overused phrase on the internet.
For instance if I were only breeding pet stock rabbits, and smack dab across the front of my website I had "Quality not Quantity" in big flashing letters. That makes me look like I have great breeding ethics and quality stock. It also says I have no imagination as every other website out there has that exact phrase.
Not everyone sees the same way I do so it's a catchy thing to see on a website. Anyways Lets say I have a few pet rabbits for sale since I'm breeding for the pet market. I am contacted by a person who is new to rabbits and is interested in breeding and showing. They're looking for a trio of show quality rabbits too start with as they believe I have show quality rabbits after reading (Quality not Quantity!). I have no idea what too look for in a show quality rabbit as I'm a hypothetical pet breeder and have never shown a rabbit in my life. So what do I do?
Do I tell them that I'm just a pet breeder and don't breed show quality rabbits, but I would be more then happy to point then in the direction of a breeder that does show? Or do I become a big fat liar because I know this person has no idea what they're looking for and I can pawn off some rabbits on them after all a sale is a sale?
Most likely the latter. And it looks bad. No matter who you are, when you falsely sell a rabbit to someone; more specifically take advantage of a new breeder and sell to them under false pretenses because you can. Not only does it look bad on you, it's hurtful to the person who bought the rabbits, they bought those rabbits on faith that they weren't going to be ripped off, and it really discourages them at a show when their "show quality" rabbits are first off the table and they don't understand why.
All it takes is a little honesty and good ethics. Sure you may not get the sale but you also don't get a bad rap for taking advantage of people.
If you breed for pets, pleaseeeeeeee don't have full disclosure with your buyers that they are PET rabbits. Don't try to pawn off pet rabbits as show quality for an extra buck.
For instance if I were only breeding pet stock rabbits, and smack dab across the front of my website I had "Quality not Quantity" in big flashing letters. That makes me look like I have great breeding ethics and quality stock. It also says I have no imagination as every other website out there has that exact phrase.
Not everyone sees the same way I do so it's a catchy thing to see on a website. Anyways Lets say I have a few pet rabbits for sale since I'm breeding for the pet market. I am contacted by a person who is new to rabbits and is interested in breeding and showing. They're looking for a trio of show quality rabbits too start with as they believe I have show quality rabbits after reading (Quality not Quantity!). I have no idea what too look for in a show quality rabbit as I'm a hypothetical pet breeder and have never shown a rabbit in my life. So what do I do?
Do I tell them that I'm just a pet breeder and don't breed show quality rabbits, but I would be more then happy to point then in the direction of a breeder that does show? Or do I become a big fat liar because I know this person has no idea what they're looking for and I can pawn off some rabbits on them after all a sale is a sale?
Most likely the latter. And it looks bad. No matter who you are, when you falsely sell a rabbit to someone; more specifically take advantage of a new breeder and sell to them under false pretenses because you can. Not only does it look bad on you, it's hurtful to the person who bought the rabbits, they bought those rabbits on faith that they weren't going to be ripped off, and it really discourages them at a show when their "show quality" rabbits are first off the table and they don't understand why.
All it takes is a little honesty and good ethics. Sure you may not get the sale but you also don't get a bad rap for taking advantage of people.
If you breed for pets, pleaseeeeeeee don't have full disclosure with your buyers that they are PET rabbits. Don't try to pawn off pet rabbits as show quality for an extra buck.
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