What's New at Lil' Bit Farms

Going into Winter.

2011-12-02T10:56:00.001-06:00

Here we are already in December! I will readily admit that I hate winter. I wish I could hybernate until March, really I do. I am dreading the season of kitcicles.

We have 8 does due the first of next week, all very exciting litters. Mostly unproven does though *shudder*.

I am very excited to announce that we were asked to donate a holland for this years Convention trio! =D I believe this trio will consist of: Ivy Crescent, Washburns and Lil' Bit Farms.

Mom may attend the Cleburne show next weekend, not sure. I can't go due to a work function (PARTY) that I'm the chair of. They would probably tar and feather me if I skipped another one (I missed the Thanksgiving one due to Duncan).

I've been wanting to redesign and update our website but my first attempt resulted in finding out the software upgrade didn't include the graphic editor I wanted to use, sigh. Anyone want to design a new one for me? Darn, I didn't think so.

It'll probably be another couple of quiet months from me, so hunker down and stay warm!

--Melanie

Colorado Show

2011-10-12T09:29:00.000-05:00

Below are the results for the Colorado show

Show A:
Best of Breed: Kay Miller, SSD (RIS too!, congrats)
Best Opp of Breed: Us with Slim, pictured below, BSB

Lil' Bit Farms Slim, a Sabotage son

Slim was hard to get a picture of, he was constantly rotating to face the camera. This is a buck that I've loved since he was an ugly junior. I don't know if it is the resemblance to his sire Sabotage or what?

Show B:

Best of Breed: Us with Koda, SJB

Best Opp of Breed: Us with Kizmet, BJD

Koda was on the specialty show table and did not get put up for BIS :(

Specialty Show:

Best of Breed: Us with Kizmet, BJD

Best Opp of Breed: Kay Miller, unsure of variety

Mom's van died on the way home so it's a good thing we only entered 8 rabbits at Convention. They all should fit in the bug if worse comes to worse. It'll be a tight fit, we just got used to the luxurious room of the van, but the 40mpg will help ease the pain. Hopefully Mom will be able to get a good used van soon!

Lil' Bit Farms Levi went to a new home. We hope his new owners do very well with him. He will be greatly missed ;(

Mom and I made the mistake of forgetting to quit breeding for babies during the time of Convention. I guess we'll have to cross our fingers and hope for the best! Rooky mistake, dang it.

Melanie

Some things are meant to be.

2011-10-04T14:23:00.000-05:00

We have put Lil' Bit Farms Kolby up for sale a few times. He's been spoken for/sold a few times. For different reasons it has never worked out and he ends up not sold. Every time Mom and I question ourselves and what he's thrown. Eventually he goes back up for sale. The only reason I can think of is we are not emotionally attached to him like we are our other bucks. Kolby doesn't have a coat, ever. He has a tight crown and pulls his ears back when you first pull him out. These are probably the other considerations when we need cage space and someone has to go.

Despite his tight crown he's earned around 14 ARBA legs, a few BOS and BOB even. Given time his ears do settle and his body speaks for itself, short and compact.

Kolby's daughter Karma has 13 ARBA legs, 2 BIS, 4 BOB and 5 BOS. Karma was #3 top lop for awhile before retiring to breeding. His daughter Keri has 6 ARBA legs, 1 BIS and 2 BOB with limited showing as a junior only.

Pictured below is his last litter with Lil' Bit Farms Shanna, Wynn's BUD sister. And I mean BUD.

Lil' Bit Farms Koda

Lil' Bit Farms Kizmet

I think Kolby has earned his cage here with us. I'm sorry but he's no longer for sale :)

Melanie

Two Mistakes.

2011-09-07T06:50:00.004-05:00

First, I missed announcing Laramie's 5th birthday :( Happy Belated Birthday buddy!

Second, I mentioned that Wynn has never produced. I was wrong...meet Wynn's daughter

(Lil' Bit Farms Sabotage x Lil' Bit Farms Wynn)

I'm not sure how I forgot about this chunky doe.

She will be six months old just days before Greensboro but we're thinking about taking her anyways. She will be competing against Karma's newly turned senior daughter. Our top two does daughters competing in the same class, should be interesting!

8 nest boxes in and 4 new babies!
Melanie

The Big 5!

2011-08-27T09:12:00.007-05:00

Happy 5th Birthday to two very special bunnies!

Lil' Bit Farms Zero

Lil' Bit Farms Zalia

Carrots for everyone!
=D

Odds and Ends

2011-08-26T14:18:00.004-05:00

I thought I'd write this blog to blow off some steam regarding some of the emails I receive.

Please remember that the rabbit hobby is probably not the only thing a breeder does or has going on. Some people work two or three jobs. Some breeders have spouses, kids, grand kids, nieces/nephews and other various family members that do require attention, grooming and feeding just like rabbits. Some breeders even have other hobbies - gasp! Mom and I have started couponing, not extreme, but every little bit helps. It takes a lot of time to do. Some breeders periodically face other life difficulties. Just this month my Mom was hit with a severe storm that required extensive repair and ongoing cleanup. She has been dealing with contractors on a daily basis. Please keep this in mind; a rabbit related email could be delayed a few days while life happens. I often hear, "so and so hasn't gotten back with me and it's been TWO DAYS". While I myself have had breeders never answer an email request, please be courteous and patient because not all breeders are that way.

Now to the odds:

I want a top show doe - slim to none

I want that same show doe, both to show and to produce the next generation of Lil' Bit Farms Hollands (TNG of LBF). I figure if I've taken the time and energy to selectively cull and breed to get that doe then I should have first dibs on her.

I wouldn't mind waiting for a proven show doe - medium to high

After a doe has had her show career, moved into breeding and successfully produced TNG of LBF, then we often sell that doe around 1 1/2 to 2 years old.

I want a show doe - medium

We may be working on fixing a certain fault in our herd and even though she is show quality she just doesn't fit into our breeding program at that time. I consider a doe 'show' if I would put her onto the table myself. I DO NOT consider a doe 'show' just because she is free of disqualifications.
I also cannot guarantee how well a Holland will show in any circumstance. Different areas, styles of Hollands and judges make this impossible to determine.

I'm looking for a brood doe - high to very high

For me to consider a Holland 'brood' it does have to have certain qualities to rate it as such; bone, butt, head, depth etc. and in some combination
One of our best does, Wynn, has not successfully raised a litter. Her big ugly sister had 7 (SEVEN) babies her first litter, raised them all and half were keepers. Show does are not always the best purchase.

I want a buck with thick bone, short shoulders and a nice head/ear/crown, the whole package - slim to none

Again, I want that same buck, both to show and produce TNG of LBF. I figure if I've taken the time and energy to selectively cull and breed to get that buck then...you should know the drill by now :-)

I want a buck with a nice butt but I can fix the head if he doesn't have it - medium to high

We just may have the piece you are looking for, it doesn't hurt to ask
The above is just an example, feel free to replace the underlined with another flaw/fault

I'm looking for a brood type buck - high to very high

For me to consider a Holland 'brood' it does have to have certain qualities to rate it as such; bone, butt, head, depth etc, in some combination
Zeke 2 has never shown well for us but he throws very nice kids, multiple winning BOB/BOS kids. Looks are not everything, even in a buck

The faults I'm currently culling out may be ones that you don't have. My herd strengths could play well into what you need and visa versa. Hollands are the piece-iest rabbit I've ever dealt with. Fix one thing and other fault works its way in. It never ends.

Now to the end.

I DO NOT KEEP A WAITING LIST. I have tried, very unsuccessfully. Life happens, I just couldn't manage it. I placed a 'notification email form' on our sales page. I try and only put sales stock there. If you sign up you get notified when that page is updated. Simple and easy.

I DO KEEP A DO NOT SELL TO LIST.

TGIF

Melanie

PS - a high vased posed-long legged Holland does not = good bone and chest

Road Trip to NC

2011-08-18T14:09:00.003-05:00

Mom and I will be taking a mini vacation and attending the Greensboro NC show on September 17th. After weeks of triple degree temps I'm hoping the weather in NC is cool and gorgeous.

We have a few bucks and does for sale so I will be attempting to update the sales page this weekend/Monday. We can deliver to NC :) Because we are taking a few days after the show to vacation, we'd prefer to only take pre-sold rabbits that will be picked up at the show.

I attempted to upload photos to this post, but Blogger is giving me fits - both with just publishing and now pictures.

Melanie

You've probably noticed.

2011-08-09T15:48:00.003-05:00

These last six months or so have been really tough for me, for lots of reasons. I have found myself absolutely dreading chores. Morning chores, evening chores, cleaning, feeding, watering, breeding/palpating, I dread them all. I have avoided at all costs what has become the most dreaded of all chores, taking pictures. I have found reasons/excuses to skip or not attend shows. I haven't made hotel reservations for Convention and anytime someone asks it becomes 'if we go'.

How does one go from having rabbits as their 'life' to just doing it because they have to?

I do think every breeder goes thru spells. I am grateful to have my Mom to help with the chores
while I try and figure out what is next for me. Until then, the website is grossly out of date. Juniors have turned to seniors and moved onto litters with no pictures of their progress.

I am giving myself time and hoping one day soon to just 'feel it again'.

I do have to brag now before the standings change. We are currently nationally ranked:

Sweepstakes Standing: 3^rd

Quality Points: 3^rd

Herdsman Points: 3^rd

Top Lop – 3^rd(Lil’ Bit Farms Karma)

Melanie

May Misc.

2011-05-16T10:45:00.002-05:00

Nationals has come and gone. Congrats to all the winners! I always end up running rabbits but did manage to watch some of our rabbits place. Levi finally made it to his first National show!

National Show:
Levi - 4th solid senior buck
Zandria - 6th solid junior doe
Karma - 9th broken senior doe
Creme - 2nd broken senior buck (owned by our very good friends, the Ediger family)
(only our top 10 listed)

Day After Show: (to the best of my memory, this was a no comment card show, boo)
Levi - 10th solid senior buck
Zandria - 7th solid junior doe
Bentley - 16th solid senior buck (@ 7 months old)
Karma - 2nd broken senior doe (GAH so close!)
??? - 3rd broken junior doe
??? - 4th broken junior doe
??? - 14th solid junior doe
??? - 12th solid junior doe

Over all I am pleased with our results. Our juniors were molting like crazy and I am SHOCKED that our broken junior does placed at all much less that high considering the amount of fur flying off them.

Colorful May litters in the nest box:
Chestnut, black otter, blue, harlequin, lynx?, brk/orange?, along with sable point and blue torts!

I'm not sure about the colors on the lynx and orange. The orange may end up being a tort otter but the lynx definitely looks like a dilute agouti of sorts. Having the black otters pop really surprised me though. In fact, my apologies to Mom for doubting her when she told me they were. =D

Melanie

2011 Nationals.

2011-04-14T09:35:00.003-05:00

Nationals is creeping up on me! We entered more than I think we ever had and I'm really starting to second guess my optimism of last week when entries were due. Spring molts and lack of junior heads is really not helping. We have until the 22nd (I believe) to make substitutions. Maybe by then I'll feel better about our entries, or not.

Mom has been diligently brushing the molty ones and I've been praying over those few who are now PRIMED that it lasts. (thanks Mom!)

I hope to work on a sales list this weekend. Unfortunately it will probably be ALL BUCKS! Does were far and few in between and the ones we did get are too young to evaluate properly.

We took a few weeks off to prevent litters under two weeks while we were in Ohio and I'm missing the babies.

In other news, we have 11 hens and a turkey that have decided to set. 11 hens much to Mom and I's disappointment. I've been earning scratch money selling fresh eggs at work and with so many hens setting it's cut our egg production down drastically. If anyone would be interested in the following please let us know:

Bantam Wyandottes (blue, black or splash) These are beautiful show birds from Garrett Justice
Splash or Blue Marans
Bantam Cochins
Who-Knows-What-Mixed-Variety pack
Blue-Laced Red Wyandottes
Turkeys!!!

We'll probably grow off a few to keep but I'm sure we'll have an abundance of chicks.

Melanie

Bad Rubbish Repost.

2011-04-06T15:33:00.004-05:00

I read this on Keep's Rabbitry Blog and asked her permission to repost it.

In the course of reading some of my favorite blogs, I came across a quote on Timothy Chan's website. It was in regards to "love letters" and one particularly nasty one he received from someone. At the end of his blog, he writes

Lastly, if you have heard anything that didn't come from me, those are what we call rumors and 100% of the time is not true. One thing I learned in this hobby, always go directly to the source.

I thought this was particularly interesting. As people, we're bad about carrying rumors. I'll admit I've said to someone "Did you hear that so-and-so is going to sell out of X to get X from X?" We're nosy and we want to share our nosy with other nosy people.

There are, however, a certain set of people. Doesn't matter what age, gender, breed, etc. You know at least 2-3 of these people. They DELIGHT in making up nasty rumors about other people. They want to tear down their victims as people, parents, breeders- it doesn't matter how they do it, as long as they can do it. Fortunately, most experienced breeders know who the troublemakers are and can avoid them. If they hear something from a person like this, they can very easily say "Uh huh" and walk away knowing they were just fed a huge line of junk that is best ignored.

Newbies to rabbits are often the ones that fall the most victim to the gossipers though. "Oh no, you don't want to buy from __________. She kicks puppies and thumps kittens and her rabbits have snuffles and are pet quality and she charges $300 for them and I heard she pushed a kid in a wheel chair in front of a bus!"

Ok, that was a bit of a silly example (in part), but telling a newbie you'll get pet quality for huge prices- that often happens. Later, usually once the newbie has been burned by their new "friend", they realize that the person being talked about is completely different than they were led to believe.

How much trouble would be saved if the junk-talker would just try to be nice? Or if the newbie (or oldie) would not start trouble for the victim to get in good with their new "friend"? How much trouble would be saved if you just walked over to So-and-So and said "Hi! I'm new and I'm browsing- can I look at your sale bunnies? Would you explain type to me? How much do your prices usually run?" Go to the source. Is that person supposedly a horrible person? Try saying hi. Maybe they are just the victims of the rumor mill.

That isn't to say you will never hear true rumors. Sometimes someone will truly warn you to be careful around a person that is out to cheat you. You'll have to be burned a few times in learning who to trust and who not to trust. We all go through the "trial by fire" until we find our real friends and we discover the breeders we respect and trust.

Sometimes, a situation will blow up simply because there was a miscommunication. Maybe you don't think the rabbit you bought was worth $100 and the rabbit's breeder really does. Is that a reason to bash them for it? No. Remember- there is a difference between someone intentionally setting out to mislead you and cheat you, and between you two not seeing eye to eye on the severity of a fault or the quality of an animal. Be sure of the situation before you go telling people one way or the other.

In the meantime, let's all try to be better people. Let's work the rumor mill a little less. If you're a drama queen- STOP IT. And when you meet one of these people who make your life and the lives of other people miserable just because they can, or they get some kind of joy out of it- say "goodbye to bad rubbish" and turn the other way. You'll be better off for it, believe me!

-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry

Well said, thanks Kristen!
Melanie

Karma Update.

2011-03-15T11:14:00.001-05:00

Karma has three babies by Levi!! =D

March Babies.

2011-03-15T08:31:00.002-05:00

Our last litters were mostly successful. I say mostly because last night we lost 3 of a litter of 4 due to a doe peeing on her babies while she fed them. It got down to 31 last night and they froze. :( So sad! It's those loses that I feel could have been avoided that hurt the most. Mom was able to warm up one and it was placed with new foster mom Wynn. Wynn is loving being a mom. She pulls hair daily for her nest :)

Karma is due today. I'm trying not to get too excited with it being her first litter, but I can't help it. Wynn and Karma babies at the same time, Oh em gee SQEEE (or EEEK, whichever suits you best!)

Two more does due this week and several due next week.

It's that time of year again where our website is severely outdated due to I-hate-the-cold-don't-do-pictures-in-the-winter-itis. I have big plans to update and overhaul the site. It's all up there in my head, so let's hope I can transfer that into real motion to get it done.

Our SJD Zandria won a double BOB in Duncan last weekend. The Holland numbers were tiny :( but she did have to beat out the seniors, so I guess I'll mention it. This is the same doe that won two BOS in Loveland. One judge swore up and down that she was a buck that had been wrongly placed in the doe class :) He did a double check on her 'parts' before anything else.
Our next show is Skiatook OK the 26th. I look forward to seeing everyone there!

Entry deadline for Holland Nationals is April 8th. I've heard that someone has already entered. Really?! Wow.
Melanie

Karma's Last Horrah.

2011-03-02T11:19:00.004-06:00

At six months and two days, we took Karma to her first and probably last show as a senior.

She won a double Best of Breed! To say we were thrilled would be putting it mildly.

I am a little disappointed that she settled the first time we bred her and thus ending her Spring show career but we're always striving for the next and hopefully better generation.

Show A - Scott R.
3rd SSB - Rory
1st SSD - Baby Ruth
1st SJB - Unnamed Zero kid
? SJD
2nd and 3rd BSB - Kolby and Kizmo (at 6 months!)
1st BSD and Best of Breed - Karma
1st BJB - Unnamed Sabotage kid
no BJD shown

Show B - Gail Krall
I honestly didn't pay that much attention to the classes. I helped a friend show mini satins :)
Best of Breed - Karma
Best Opposite Sex of Breed - Kolby (Karma's poppa)

We were thrilled to get Scott at a Texas show. Thank you to the show staff for bringing him in!

Next month is Nationals. Egad. Where does the time go??

Stayed tuned for more Baby Daddy posts.
Melanie

Baby Daddy.

2011-03-02T10:54:00.004-06:00

Pictured below is a new and upcoming junior buck. He going thru a pretty major first molt. I think he's going to be a little guy but he' s so short and round that I think he'll stick around for awhile. He reminds me so much of his sire.

Any guess as to who the Baby Daddy is?

Below is another upcoming junior buck. (never a shortage of upcoming bucks) He's a Zero grandson. He's just starting to go thru his first head molt and I don't think his true cuteness is captured in this photo. He's got cute cheeks and ears and a nice wide body/chest! I can't wait to see him in a few more weeks. His sire (Ditto) is now living in Florida and he left us with several litters of all sons. (never a shortage of upcoming bucks) Sigh, thanks Ditto.

Spring shows have started in earnest and it's going to be hard picking and choosing which ones we can attend.

We've made our hotel reservations for HL Nationals and are hoping that we have a few to show out of this years crop of juniors. We will probably start working on a National sales list soon. I have a couple bucks already in mind for the short list.

Melanie

Dandelions.

2011-02-23T08:45:00.003-06:00

Laramie gave me a scare yesterday. He went off his feed, wouldn't eat cheerios and the scariest part was he wasn't interested in me. Laramie is the oldest and most affectionate rabbit in the barn. He buzzes with joy when he sees me coming and it's a chore to get his cage door closed after his head rubbings. To see him so lifeless and un-animated was terrifying. We gave him some parsley, dandelions and lots of love. By this morning he was almost his normal self and had eaten almost everything we gave him. Huge sigh of relief!

For those of you that don't know, dandelions are a wonderful all natural pick me up for sick bunnies. (just make sure they haven't been sprayed with any yard chemicals).

A young and older picture of Laramie above.

Laramie is still active in our breeding program. He is our go-to-guy when a doe is lacking height or uprightness. He usually puts a good front end on his babies. Quite a few of his kids have placed Nationally including, Shoshoni, Rory, Cheyenne and Laylah. My favorite upcoming Laramie kid is Bentley. I think he's the best buck Laramie has produced to date.

He's been retired from showing for quite a while now but his best accomplishment was his 2nd place at Convention - so close! I believe he has 38 legs.

Laramie will be 5 in a few months and I hope he gives me lots more years.

Melanie

Colorado.

2011-02-18T07:44:00.005-06:00

Show News:
Mom and I went to a show in Loveland Colorado last weekend. The weather was superb! The show staff were wonderful (as usual). The fellow exhibitors were FUN FUN FUN. Despite the long drive home, I did enjoy the show.

We did so much better than I thought we would. Triple show, we won 2 Best of Breeds (Levi) and 3 Best Opposite Sex of Breeds (3 month old Zeke daughter won two and Karma the other).
Congrats to Laureen Wark for her BOB win with her gorgeous SSB!

(Zeke daughter pictured above)

Levi seems to be our under estimated winner. He never has a coat and we always hesitate to take him for that reason. It is those shows that he usually wins BOB. I think he has at least 8 so far. He came home from Colorado and decided to blow his coat so maybe he'll finish for Nationals?! He's never been to a National/Convention and maybe this will be the year he goes!

Pictured below is one of my favorite upcoming bucks. He hasn't been named and he's hardly been shown. He just turned senior. He's not the best upcoming buck in the barn but for some reason I'm in love with him. He's a Sabotage son. I had him up for sale when he was a junior and the sale didn't work out. I'm kinda glad. His color = <3

Randoms:
CN's BEL had a litter of four yesterday, a repeat breeding of Wynn. Two more does due. We have a couple of Ditto sons that are looking very promising. We are rotating out some older/foundation brood stock and putting our next generation into breeding. We're trying to get our Spring show schedule lined up. We're really wanting to go to the March NC show but the co$t of the trip worries me.

Enjoy the long weekend!
Melanie

Thinking Spring.

2011-02-15T12:29:00.002-06:00

It's half way thru February and I'm more than ready for Spring. Spring flowers, spring shows, spring babies and most importantly spring WEATHER!

I have been terrible about keeping the blog updated. I'll try and do better, but no promises :)

I'll go ahead and stop this post here and save the show results, updates and a few pictures for later in the week. Maybe that will give me more incentive to do another post.

Melanie

Convention.

2010-10-05T14:03:00.001-05:00

It was decided that Mom and I would have to miss Convention this year. I was OK with that, things happen, life goes on.

A couple of days later I suggested maybe sending our ‘best doe’ with a friend. Surely that would be OK.

As the deadline for entries approached, I didn’t worry. I already had our one entry in.

This morning while feeding the rabbits I decided to pull a couple almost senior does out to see how they were looking. I was really bummed, not because of how they were developing, but that they weren’t going to make it to Convention.

I finished up chores and headed to work. On a whim I decided to check and see if entries had closed. Nope, they were still taking entries. I called Mom and had her go out and go over the does again and send me ear numbers. 5 minutes later I had them entered.

Surely we can find a ride for just three does?!

Surprisingly our convention entries this year are all sired by the same buck, Lil’ Bit Farms Sabotage – a Zero son. One of the does is out of a Coin/Nelson doe and the other two are litter mate sisters out of Lil’ Bit Farms Cami. Cami has clicked with every buck we’ve tried her with. She’s a small doe, not real massive or stunning, but she throws really deep babies. Never judge a brood doe, sometimes they’ll surprise you!

Melanie

Duncan Results.

2010-09-08T09:42:00.001-05:00

Duncan is always a fun and close show for us. This time around was full of ups and downs. Mom was side swiped on the way down Friday and on Saturday Happy broke down. No one (including the beast of a Suburban) was injured and it was a minor fix for my car. Whew.

I am very surprised and pleased with our results. It was the first time out of the barn for most of our show string, even the young senior Ditto. I took pictures of him this morning so I’ll be adding them to the web site soon.

Show C Friday night
Best Solid – Chester [SJB]
Best Opposite Solid – Jeri [SJD]
Best Broken – Kolby [BSB] Best of Breed
Best Opposite Broken – Wynn [BJD] Best Opposite Sex of Breed

Show A Saturday
Best Solid – Sabotage [SSB] Best of Breed and Reserve In Show
Best Opposite Solid – Jeri [SJD] Best Opposite Sex of Breed
Best Broken – Kolby [BSB]
Best Opposite Broken – Wynn [BJD]

Show B Saturday
Best Solid – Ditto [SSB] Best of Breed and Reserve In Show
Best Opposite Solid – Jeri [SJD]
Best Broken – Kolby [BSB]
Best Opposite Broken – Brendee [BJD] Best Opposite Sex of Breed

The two Reserve In Show winners are both out of Zero, different litters. With Zero just turning four it’s good to know that I have sons to replace him. The broken junior doe, Wynn, is out of Sabotage. Sabotage seems to be on a roll producing some nice does for us.

I really need to go to ARBA and plan out our fall show schedule.

Melanie

Wow.

2010-08-05T08:51:00.002-05:00

Thank you Lana for reminding me I have a blog. I didn't even realize my background had expired its been so long since I've even visited it.
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Summer molts are driving me crazy. Everyone looks hideous. I swear Mom could rearrange the entire barn and I wouldn't even notice since I barely recognize anyone as it is right now.
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Our barn is the fullest it has been since selling all the dwarfs. 10 nest boxes were given yesterday/today. YIKES. I see a summer sale coming once some fur grows back and we can properly evaluate.
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I've been looking over juniors before work in the mornings. Some I like, some I don't. After bringing in so much new stock it's going to be a process of blending and culling for awhile. I see some definite improvements in some areas, so that gives me hope.
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Melanie
My baby Zero turns 4 the end of this month...so watch for a Zero post :)

BIS!

2010-03-04T10:57:00.002-06:00

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We won Best in Show at the Neosho Missouri show with a sable point junior doe. It was a large show (1300 rabbits) so it was a huge win for us. She won Best of Breed in the second show too! Three different judges picked her for her wins! Neither she nor I was in the mood for a photo shoot Sunday after the show, but she can be seen (for now) on our home page.
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Spring is slowly coming and more and more does are settling, which is very exciting!
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I have been taking pictures here and there but always neglect to actually post them to the website :(. One of these weekends I'm going to have to over haul the whole darn thing!
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We have one more show before we take a break for Nationals next month. NEXT MONTH ALREADY! This means the very last of the dwarfs will be going to their new homes. The last...
Thank you to everyone who bought our stock with the offer to help us out later on if/when we decide to get back in. I wish you the best of luck! I promise to still visit the dwarf tables and harass when I can, especially you Tommy!
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Happy Friday Eve,
Melanie

Colorado Show

2010-02-17T15:17:00.002-06:00

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Mom and I went to Loveland Colorado over the weekend. We had a great time!!
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This was our longest bunny trip in my bug. To say we were packed would be putting it lightly lol! Special thanks to Karen and Debe for taking such good care of us and insuring we'd have a table and chairs while at the show :)
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We placed better than I thought we would, which is always nice! Kirby (a Zeke son) placed 1st, 1st and 2nd BJB. A Laramie daughter was 2nd, 2nd and 1st SSD. We won the SJD class twice, once with a Zinc daughter (she also won BOV) and the other was a sable point Zalia granddaughter. Sabotage was BOV and BOS. Those are the best highlights I believe. With the competition there I'm very pleased. Congrats to all the other winners!
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Show A - Janessa Crisp BOB BSD
Caraway and Price BOS SSB
Show B - Coin/Nelson SJB
Janessa Crisp BOS BSD
Specialty Show - Scott Rodriguez BJB
Laureen Wark SSB
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We could only fit 7 show hollands because of the sold/sale rabbits. It was interesting trying to decide who to take and who to leave. Hopefully our next show (Neosho Missouri?) we can take a few more show rabbits!
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Melanie

Bad Blogger.

2010-02-11T14:33:00.004-06:00

I blame Facebook.

We have two new baby pygmy goats. There is nothing I love more than baby goats. They are pictured below with Dufus, Mom's new Anatolian Shepherd pup and Mom's checkered giant yard bunny.

Is this where Jackalopes came from????

Winter litters have been far and few in between but at least we're getting some. I have a few upcoming juniors that I'm really proud of and I'm ready for Spring and more shows!

I'll try and update the blog after our road trip this weekend!

Melanie

Lots of Change.

2009-12-16T15:58:00.001-06:00

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There’s been quite a change in our barn lately. Most all of the dwarfs have been sold and picked up. It took less than a week. We have one otter buck left for sale, not sure why he’s the last to go, he was probably the best upcoming buck we had. I’m going to try and update his pictures soon. We didn’t show him much as a junior and not at all as a senior. If he continues to hang around we’ll probably take him to a show or two and see how he does.
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We have empty cages everywhere. It’s odd to see Hollands in every nook and cranny, lol.
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I have three days hotel pre-paid for ND Nationals that we’re no longer going to need. Because I paid well in advance I got a good rate and it’s a nice newer hotel very close to the show site. Please email me for more info if you’re interested in it. Asking exactly what it cost me.
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It’s been too cold (for me) to think about taking pictures or making a HL sales list. I know we have a few that are ready to go but brrrrrr.
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Next week we have thirteen does due. Thirteen! These will include Mom’s first tri litters! How exciting that’s going to be :D
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Not much else going on.
Melanie

NTOP Show

2009-11-24T07:56:00.003-06:00

Mom and I attended the NTOP Seward show this last weekend. This show is one of our favorites! Good friends and good competition!
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Because Dilemma was in between litters and looking pretty good she went with us. She won a double Best of Breed :) The second judge made the comment "I'm pretty sure she has 10.5% color". LOL!
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I'm happy with our holland placements too. Cha~Ching won his first Best of Breed and Shay won a double Best Opposite Sex of Breed. My little Cheyenne daughter, I'm so happy! I need to update her pictures.
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We'll be attending the Duncan OK show this weekend and will have quite a few dwarfs for sale there.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Melanie

PS

2009-11-06T15:29:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to everyone that attended Convention this year! Win or lose the amount of money, dedication and hard work that goes into this hobby is to be commended!
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ND Open results:
Best of Breed: Joan/Maci Zier – Broken Sr. Doe
Best Opposite Sex of Breed: Coin/Nelson – REW Sr. Buck
Best Junior of Breed: Coin/Nelson – Black Otter Buck
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ND Youth results:
Best of Breed: Andy Rieman – Otter Sr. Buck
Best Opposite Sex of Breed: Sarah Bobart and Scott Graham – REW Doe
Best Junior of Breed: Christie Abrams – Black Buck
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HL Open results:
Best of Breed: Jennifer Poprawski – Solid Senior Doe
Best Opposite Sex of Breed: Linda Jinnings – Broken Senior Buck
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HL Youth results:
Best of Breed and BEST IN SHOW!!!: Aislin Hall – Solid Senior Doe
Best Opposite Sex of Breed: Kelly Pedrotti - ? Buck
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See you in Minnesota!
GO VIKINGS

A house divided.

2009-11-06T14:05:00.004-06:00

Or should I say barn?
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Mom and I are so different sometimes. I prefer the hollands and fuzzies, she likes the dwarfs and woolies. We’ve discussed getting a bigger more commercial breed, do you feel a but coming? She wants mini rex and I want mini satins. Technically we don’t have room for either but sometimes it is fun to play around and learn more about different breeds. The woolies were supposed to be that project. There are still a few left in the barn. I can’t help it I got attached to them.
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Sometimes our differences help in the evaluating and culling. Mom is a head and ear person and I’m all about the body. When we get a rabbit we both agree on it’s usually pretty well balanced. Having a second opinion on your herd is always a good idea. Too many breeders get barn blind or only judge their herd by what they compete with locally. It’s always good to think outside the box or in this case your showing area.
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Mom and I travel outside our area a lot and we truly enjoy it. Going to these shows helps us realize the weaknesses and sometimes strengths in our herd. I’ve heard breeders make the remark similar to the fact that they couldn’t find faults with a particular animal and/or herd. Seriously?! Maybe you should get out more. Travel outside your comfort zone and see what others are bringing to the table. Sometimes it’s a real eye opener to what’s really lacking. Please note, you do have to be honest with yourself! I'll admit to coming home from a show and wanting to cull cull cull!
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It seems I’ve rambled on with no clear direction or conclusion, but it’s Friday afternoon and that’s all that really matters.
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A few pictures for the reason for this topic to begin with…
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Sigh,

Melanie

Cha~Ching.

2009-10-21T08:55:00.002-05:00

Here he is, the little buck that I talked about in an earlier post.

Mom and I are really excited about him. We've been really struggling with ears and crowns so I hope this guy is the start of a lot of change in our herd.

I was able to get our Evans up and running with only a little updating! What a relief. I've also got everything loaded back onto Mom's computer and can start working on the website again. YAY!

:) Melanie

Small Talk.

2009-10-14T09:20:00.003-05:00

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Due to a series of computer issues, both mine and Mom's, our rabbit picture taking, website updating and Evans input is not happening. I'm hoping we have these issues resolved soon. Blah.
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Until we get things straightened out I'll post anything we have for sale on the blog.
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Holland Lop - Keep's ChaCha, 1 BOSV leg
broken siamese sable doe
We're keeping 2 siamese sable does and a broken smoke pearl buck out of her. Good mother. Goes back to THF Saynora's Zinn.
Pictures not available at this time.
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Melanie

Slips, trips and falls. Only you can prevent them!

2009-10-09T10:45:00.005-05:00

Avoiding Slips

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There is something so unattractive about a long folded eared slipped crown Holland, yet you see it all the time. I really can’t say much, this hazard has been the hardest for us to avoid.

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Contributing Factors
· Judges that only look at the Holland with their hand wrapped around the head
· Not enough good examples to remind us it needs work too
· Bad crown and ears being labeled as an easy fix
· Because this type of Holland still wins some breeders aren’t as apt to want to work on it
· Nice(r) bodies outweighing the other issues
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Preventing trips in your rabbitry!
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We’ve all witnessed this horror at one time or another. Chatting amongst other Holland breeders and watching the judging, when all of the sudden WHAM, a dip so bad you could trip on it.

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Contributing Factors
· Certain style of over posing that really masks this flaw
· Labeled as an easy fix
· Perhaps seen as the ‘lesser of two evils’?
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How do falls happen?
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Falls are a reoccurring problem. You see someone posing up a really nice Holland but every time they remove their hand from its chin it slumps back down to the carpet.

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Contributing Factors
· Incorrect build for a naturally upright stance.
· Breeder(s) excuse the rabbit as being ‘lazy’.
· Judges holding a Holland (by their head) up off the table with the front feet literally not touching the table while examining them.
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Why is the prevention of slips, trips and falls important?
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Each of these disasters have been labeled as ‘easy fixes’. But are they really? I think if that were the case they wouldn’t be so prominent in our wonderful breed.
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I believe Mom said it best when she said, ‘we all have the same goal in mind it’s just that each breeder tolerates different flaws to get there.’
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Happy Friday
Melanie

Greensboro NC.

2009-09-24T16:00:00.002-05:00

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Mom and I went to a show in Greensboro NC this last weekend. Yes, North Carolina. Yep, it was quite a drive - a very pretty drive!
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It was beautiful even if it rained the whole time! I could move there, really I could.
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Our rabbits fared pretty well at the show, very well in my opinion. It was a two day drive down and we took very young seniors and molty juniors so I wasn't expecting anything. We ended up with quite a few top 5 placements (!!!) but the highlight was winning a couple classes and a Best Opposite Sex of Breed with a solid junior doe! Congrats to Tracy and Jenna for their TRIPLE BEST IN SHOW with THF Saynora's Abe, a rabbit I wanted to pocket pretty badly. He is awesome. Congrats to Jenny for her double BOS (HL), Garrett for his triple Best of Breed with Lil' Bit Farms Tazz (ND) and Brendan for his double BOB and a BIS with Lil' Bit Farms Yogi (youth ND), and to Kristen for her double BOB with Keep's Tyron (JW)!
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We had a really good time at this show. It was great to see our long distance friends again!
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Thank you to Kristen and Tim for putting up with us, err I mean putting us up.
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Oh, we also won an award for the furthest miles traveled! Woot woot! :)
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I officially have show fever. When is the next one??
Melanie

Brokens.

2009-09-15T14:22:00.004-05:00

I took a few more junior pictures and posted them to the website. I have 3 broken dwarfs due soon and I'm anxious to count spots on these litters. So far most my brokens have been charlie/lightly marked. I think Mom finally found a decent broken buck to work with, both in pattern and type. Funny thing, she found him in our barn. We had put him 'up' to grow off and recently pulled him out to re-evaluate. He's not too bad, something I think we can work with. He's less than 5 months old and just starting to develop.
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Pictured below is my sweet doe that I talk of often, Zoyia. She's keeping Mason busy for us.

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We have a rabbit show this weekend, yay! This one should be a fun and exciting adventure.
Melanie

It's begun.

2009-09-04T08:54:00.003-05:00

I went thru and added to the website all the Holland Lop pictures I have taken over the last few months. I was surprised to find I had periodically taken the same rabbits out and photographed them and had not posted any of them. So every couple of months I had updated pictures of the same rabbits. Going thru all those pictures gave me a good reminder not to get so far behind again.

I still have quite a few Hollands that I'd like to get new or updated pictures of. Molts is going to hinder that process. I had really wanted updated pictures of Laramie and Zero but they are currently in a worst molt race. Zero is winning hands down.

This morning I worked on updating the JW page with the few I have left, almost done.

After that I'll start working on the Dwarf pages. Mom finally has a few promising does and bucks coming up and the does are in high production gear. It's been so long.

Below is one of my favorite bucks Hunter. He just turned senior.

I am expecting Hunter's first litter by Azalia soon. I am very excited. Azalia is a very nice full bodied doe out of my sweetie Zoyia.

Happy Labor Day!

Melanie

Molts, molts and more molts.

2009-08-31T07:13:00.002-05:00

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If you see us at Duncan this weekend with not much to show, here's the reason why...
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Practically everything in the barn is molting. Seniors and juniors alike. All molting. Thanks guys!
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Have you ever found a junior that gives you goosebumps? I did this morning. I'm almost afraid to get too attached to him he's so promising. We've never had such a correct crown placement before. It's simply awesome. He of course is in his first head molt and his head is absolutely exploding! His fur is already nice, even as a baby. He's smoother than butter from shoulder to lower hind quarter. I am simply in awe. I'm praying he continues on this way of course. Pictures of him are coming soon.
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Below is an updated picture of our Hot Fuzz baby. The cute is irresistible!

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Until next time,

Melanie

Random Thoughts.

2009-08-25T09:12:00.002-05:00

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This last weekend we got caught up on tattooing juniors. It's been awhile so I felt like we did 54327865 of them. While going thru them I found several really promising juniors, in both breeds. After a few tedious months of culling and selling I felt my bunny spirits lift again.
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pre-head molt junior doe

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I have started taking pictures for a very large web update. I'm embarrassed to admit that some of them will skip the junior page and head straight to the senior pages. Has it really been that long since I've updated the site??
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After taking a few pictures I'm excited about the fall show season. So many new rabbits to put on the tables! I look forward to hanging out with my bunny friends too.
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It seems like I'm not alone in fussing about buyers. Kristen of Keep's Rabbitry made some more very good points on her blog. While you're reading blogs, be sure and check out the adventures of my favorite vienna marked dwarf Conkers and his pals.
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See you at the show tables soon!
Melanie

The End is in Sight.

2009-08-09T14:16:00.003-05:00

Adorable black silver marten fuzzy holland!

I feel like I've lived in the rabbit barn for the last 3 weeks. We have been culling and selling, culling and selling, culling and selling. At last I think the end is in sight.

The sales page that was once down to one page is back up to three again. This should be the last of our big summer sale!!

upcoming junior doe

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Thank you everyone!

Melanie

Buyers Beware?

2009-08-06T15:45:00.002-05:00

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We’ve all heard the saying ‘buyer beware’ but what about the sellers? Selling rabbits has become my most dreaded chore in this hobby.
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Just within the last few weeks I’ve heard…
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I’ve got lots of really good things coming my way so I’m no longer interested in…
- Um OK thanks
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Should I be interested in _______ would you hold him for a couple months until I can transport?
- We’re not Wal-Mart, no layaways please
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Could you come down on this $50 or $75 rabbit?
- Seriously? I’ve seen bucks with bad teeth and 4 ½ lb brood does listed on other sites for $200. Are our prices that outrageous?
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Please don’t get mad and threaten to sell out of dwarfs because I don’t raise the color you’re looking for. I like otter so that’s what is in my barn. Mom has a small side of shaded, but it’s a very very small side. If I recommend another breeder please take it as a nice gesture on my part. I am trying to help.
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We’re not Pet Smart. I cannot fill your order. I know that sounds snarky but I really do raise rabbits for me. It’s my hobby. I do this to better the breed and have my own rabbits to show. I do not do this to make money or breed you a top of the line show rabbit. Yes, I can’t keep them all so from time to time we do put out a sales list. If we have something that you think will help your herd then GREAT! Selling stock helps pay the feed and showing bill and that's about all.
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Here’s another saying, ‘it takes all kinds’.
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To lighten this post, here's some cute. Meet our first Hot Fuzz baby!
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Melanie

Well I never...

2009-08-05T10:46:00.005-05:00

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Mom and I were out piddling in the barn Monday evening. I was taking sale rabbit pictures and she was breeding a few does. About 5 minutes after using Zayden I looked over and noticed him going around his cage gathering all the loose hay up like a nesting doe would.
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I have never seen a buck do this before! I'm glad I had my camera handy.

With everything else that has been going on I have not even attempted to update the website. Maybe soon...

Melanie

Culling Hard.

2009-07-27T10:09:00.003-05:00

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Mom and I are continuing with our hard cull. It seems for every rabbit that goes a litter has to be weaned and/or separated! I didn't realize how abundant our summer litters really were until now. Wow.
I've added at least eight more to the sales page and am not sure we're done yet!
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We will be delivering rabbits to the Gardner Kansas show this weekend. Because of limited room in my new rabbit hauler we will only be taking pre-sold or inquired about stock. Please let me know if there is something you'd like to look at so I can try and fit it in. Thanks =)
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Melanie

Fostering.

2009-07-21T11:49:00.002-05:00

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With the breeds we raise it is not uncommon to have to do some nest box juggling from time to time. There are many factors including small litter size, singletons, large litters, inexperienced does and over milking to name a few.
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We have never had a problem fostering babies and even older kits. Here are just three examples.
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A friend had a wooled dwarf she wanted to give us. It was 4 weeks old at the time. We knew that we would not see each other for many months so it was at this show or never. It was decided to go ahead give it a try despite her tender age. We took her home and placed her with a Holland litter that was similar in age. I removed the mother for about an hour and let the babies bond. I replaced the doe and no one seemed to be the wiser.
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When my Cheyenne suddenly passed I had three 2 week old babies that needed fostering. I took one and gave it to a dwarf and the other two went to Dilemma. At first Dilemma seemed to know someone didn’t smell quite right so I took the kits and rubbed nesting material on them and put vet-r-x on Dilemma’s nose. By the next day they were one big happy family, double in size but happy.
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Kaylee, Mom’s favorite otter doe. She had a difficult delivery and only one kit survived. We decided to put the singleton in with Rosita’s litter and give Kaylee a wooly litter because I had sold the doe. Oh, did I mention that the wooly babies were 10-12 days old? Kaylee didn’t even bat an eye and accepted the large furry babies as her own. She seems very proud of her ‘over achievers’ who are already eyes open and running around.
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Don’t underestimate your does mothering instincts and their inability to count!
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Melanie

Summer Sale.

2009-07-17T10:04:00.003-05:00

We're having one. I'm tempted to do a Buy One Buck Get One Buck Free sale. Why is the buck to doe ratio always so lop-sided??
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Anyways, we'll be going thru and thinning the herd quite a bit from our abundant summer litters. Watch for a list this weekend. We are thinking about the possibility of delivering to the Gardner Kansas show (August 2nd?) if anyone is interested.
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This morning it was 70 degrees out. What a nice nice change.
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Have a good weekend everyone!

Melanie

Uber Chunk.

2009-07-13T07:15:00.004-05:00

Pictured below is a little doe out of Zayla and Zayden. What a chunk she is. These are the best pictures of her I could get, she tried nursing my hand the whole time, the little piggy! What a face she has.

-B
Below are Slicks first kids. 3 sable martens and 1 sable!
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Hot Fuzz babies!

-A few updated pictures of Cookie Doh. I love her! We repeated the breeding and now have 3 more blue torts! I hope at least one looks as nice as her.

Melanie

-ps, have added a few hollands to the sales page and will probably be adding a lot more!

Wooly Dispersal Sale

2009-07-11T20:22:00.002-05:00

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Sometimes life throws you curve balls. I'm selling my wooly herd. I am undecided on Dilemma and her son that I'm very attached to. Most all my does are on litters but I've made the list non the less. See our sales page for them.
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Thank you,
Melanie

No Way...

2009-07-01T07:03:00.002-05:00

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Our orange doe Jinger kindled 4 DOA babies on day 28. I was disappointed. It took a little work to get Jinger going and at just over a year old this was only her 2nd litter. The 4 looked a little premature. I removed the nest box and went on. 3 days later Jinger kindled 8 more babies. Yes, 8 more for a total of 12 babies! No way. For those of you wondering Jinger is barely a 3 1/2 pound holland. Mom found them alive and healthy. There was only 1 peanut in the whole litter. Seriously, no way.
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I have 4 sable/sable martens in the box by Slick. Do I even need to mention that I'm excited?!
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I sexed my two wooly litters. A lot of bucks. I am excited that I finally have otters though, both blue and black. I've fallen in love with a blue otter doe and have high hopes for her even though she's too young to even know what her type will be.
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Melanie

Summer Break.

2009-06-26T15:10:00.001-05:00

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We finally reached the summer lull for the show season. Whew. Our next 'planned' show isn't until mid-September. It'll be a journey for sure =) More on that when it's a for sure thing!
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We're still breeding heavy and I am so so grateful for our air conditioned barn. I do remind the bunnies almost daily how lucky they really are!
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Dilemma is being a wonderful foster mom to Cheyenne's two babies. They were about 2 weeks old and I was worried Dilemma wouldn't accept two already running around and nibbling on food kits. It seems I worried for no reason. They sit on her head to reach the feeder and line up with her for head rubs. If you didn't notice the loppy ears you'd never know they were adopted. What a good momma!

I am expecting my first litter of Hot Fuzz babies this week and I'm very excited!
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I am seriously behind on updating the site but I should be able to find the time now that summer is here! Lots of promising juniors to photograph!
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Stay cool, Melanie

A Sad Day.

2009-06-18T07:04:00.001-05:00

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I have no words. I am so heartbroken.
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Rest in peace my beloved Cheyenne.

Cookie Doh.

2009-05-27T16:13:00.004-05:00

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Wow, 25 babies born yesterday and today! 3 of which could be my first silver marten dwarfs! I am so excited!
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Pictured below is one of my favorite upcoming cuties. Unfortunately she cannot be shown due to a nest box injury, but I have no doubt she'll contribute greatly to the next generation of LBF bunnies!
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She is Lil' Bit Farms Boulder x THF Saynora's Cookie. I've named her Cookie Doh. She has a blue tort brother that is almost as cute. I seem to get a lot of blue tort bucks?!

We attended the Seward show and had a blast! It was very nice to meet Becky S. and Amanda O. Even though they wouldn't give me their beautiful blue otter buck I still think they were nice and a whole lot of fun. I look forward to showing with them again soon!

Mom and I want to congratulate Philip and Brendan for their wins this last weekend!

If memory serves me correctly Philip won Best of Breed (Lil' Bit Farms Cammie) and Best Opposite Sex of Breed (Lil' Bit Farms Frazier) in the A HL specialty show. I believe in the B show Philip won Best of Breed and Best Opposite Sex again, different doe same buck! Way to go Philip!

Brendan won a double BOB and Reserve in Show with Lil' Bit Farms Yogi! Awesome job Brendan!

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Melanie

A Few Random Updates.

2009-05-21T11:18:00.006-05:00

Hollands:

We have quite a few litters of hollands now, even the hard to settle does are taking! We will have lots of orange bucks available soon, sigh. Due to the abundant litters Mom will be offering a few nice otter/otter project bucks and does. Including:

Carls Junior - our main herd buck and great producer , keeping his son to replace him

Kendra - placed 18th broken junior doe '08 Convention, proven good mother

^ either of these two would make a nice addition to an otter project!

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Dwarfs:

Lots of does settling and kindling, finally! I am still in the process of selling down (out?) of the ruby eyed whites. Most does have been sold and I will be going thru and adding the last of the juniors soon. My only black silver marten doe is bred to the buck I picked up at Nationals so hopefully I'll have BSM's in the nest box soon! This is my favorite color and I can't wait to expand them more!

Woolies:

Dilemma is growing out of her puppy cut and looking oh so good! If she wasn't due next week I'd be tempted to show her again. Her head is amazing!

Hot Fuzz adult coat is coming in fast and furious now. I'm excited to see what his final senior coat looks like! We've started using him on a few does and the excitement of Hot Fuzz babies is over whelming!
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I have four does confirmed bred and the other 3 are awaiting palpating. Hmm, those numbers seem a tad higher than my original plan of a trio/quad.

Seward is this weekend! For those of you who have never attended, you are missing out! The holland numbers are HUGE! and the show staff is amazing! You should come!

I have lots of updates planned for the website but so far I haven't found the time. It's been a busy busy summer.

Melanie

The Things You Hear at a Show.

2009-05-14T16:02:00.002-05:00

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No, this isn’t going to be a gossip column =)
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I’ve been showing and taking comments for awhile now and yep I hear a lot. Some judges seem to run down a list:
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Good head
Good ears
Good type
Good color
-- and on to the next rabbit
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It’s almost the same comments on the same class of rabbits no matter what the breed. The 8th place rabbit receives about the same comments as the 1st place rabbit. Shouldn’t there be more to it than that?
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I’ve heard some off the wall comments too. For example, ever have a holland dinged for too much crown definition or too much bone for a junior? Or how about a dwarf with too deep of a chest or too open and thick ears? Yes, I’ve heard it.
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Other judges seem to base their comments on the breed they are judging. *gasp*
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For example;
natural depth of shoulder
placement of head on shoulder
crown definition and placement
thickness of ear
curvature of head
dips behind the shoulder
long in bone
bone structure
TOPLINE
round
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It’s amazing how the above list relates with the flaws and/or strengths of the Holland Lop and/or Netherland Dwarf but you rarely hear these comments given.
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While I won’t name the ‘too much crown’ judge I will name two judges that always comment on the above, Robert Caldwell and Connall Addison. I don't really want to seem bias to just these two judges, but I do feel they deserve Kudos.
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So, thank you guys for being in tune with our breed(s)!
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Melanie

JW Nationals.

2009-05-07T07:14:00.003-05:00

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This last weekend I attended Jersey Wooly Nationals. Thank you to the show staff for a smooth and quick show! Having risers in each coop made check-in and check-out easy!
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I originally entered 2, an agouti junior buck [Hot Fuzz] and a doe to sale. At the last minute Mom talked me into bringing an agouti junior doe. The JW club actually let exhibitors do a late entry!
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Of the ones brought to show, here's how they placed:

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Nationals:
Agouti Junior Buck - 1st
Agouti Junior Doe - 1st
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M.J.W.F.C. Specialty show:
Agouti Junior Buck - 1st and BOSG
Agouti Junior Doe - 1st
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Congrats to Brian Caudill for not only winning BOB with a self senior doe but Best Agouti and Best Opposite Broken (now residing with Melanie of Lil' Bit Farms =) I'm sure Brian had other great placements, these are just the ones I remember lol! Thank you and congrats again!
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I am very proud of Hot Fuzz. I hope he continues to follow in his mothers footsteps!
Melanie

The Good, the Bad and the Broken.

2009-04-29T10:19:00.004-05:00

We made it home from dwarf nationals. Wow, what a trip.

I could not get online to update a winners list and we neglected to put the memory card in our camera. It has a feature to notify you of this mistake but it was not working! Tons of pictures taken and no internal memory. >.<

We only took 4 dwarfs. One of those should have stayed home, he was molting his head and naturally rec'd a No Place. I guess when you're driving that far and your entries are all ready paid for, we opted to take him anyways. Sienna placed 7th in the black senior doe class. Kodiak, our young and small otter senior buck placed 11th! He was slipping his coat so I was extremely pleased with his placement! Slick won his class! I was thrilled!

Mom and I try very hard not to have does due and/or new litters while we are out of town. We made one mistake. We were so eager to breed our new broken blue dwarf after her quarantine period that we didn't think about her due date. We came home to find these:

Our first decently marked brokens! I am so excited!
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Thank you Dad and Matt for doing our chores!

Mel

Baby Goats = Fun.

2009-04-22T09:29:00.003-05:00

I seriously cannot think of anything that is more fun to watch than baby goats. Their life is spent jumping, skipping, butting and playing king of the mountain on anything and everyone. No one is safe from king of the mountain. Brothers, sisters, other goats, their humans and even our Great Pyrenees Sara all have to patiently endure the game.

Below is Montana with his momma Darla.

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Someone crown him King already!

I will be taking my lap top to Dwarf Nationals and will try and post the show results!

Melanie

ARGH!

2009-04-21T15:40:00.002-05:00

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3 days until we leave for Dwarf Nationals! 3 days!
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I am looking forward to catching up with far away friends.
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I am looking forward to finally meeting the friends I've never met.
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I am looking forward to browsing the rows and rows of dwarfs.
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I am looking forward to seeing the winners, all of them.
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I am looking forward to the fact that my Mom will get to go!
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I am looking forward to the fact that our dwarfs are still *not* molting!
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I am not looking forward to the drive there and back.
See you soon!
Melanie

New Website Feature.

2009-04-16T09:02:00.003-05:00

This morning I added something new to the sales page of our website. It is a notification feature maintained by ChangeDetection.

Maintaining a waiting/notification list IMO turned into a frustrating ordeal and something I have said for quite a while that I was not doing. No matter how many times I politely told someone we don't do or have _____, the response was always 'save my email for when you do'.

Most of these I classified as 'whim buyers'. They didn't really know what they wanted, a specific bloodline for example, but wanted to know when anything became available. Anything! Most of the time 'whim buyers' fill their barns after their first couple of shows they attended and no longer wanted to be notified of sales stock. I am hoping this new system works out well. There is no maintaining on my end! YAY!

In baby goat news. The young doe, Kadee Dott, has accepted her role as mommy. Even though her baby was a single, I believe him to be the smallest we've had!

On a very sad note (at least to me) the boy goats will be for sale. They are registered and can be sold intact or as wethers. Darla's baby boy is by far the most personable and outgoing. He is a total riot! Hanna's baby boy is cobby and stocky, but a little shyer. KDott's is the smallest, personality to be determined ;)

This weekend's plans include building a junior cage, hay feeders and going thru and hopefully thinning the herd a bit. Our cages are FULL and as hard as it's going to be rabbit(s) need to be sold. We momentarily considered going to a show in Hutchinson Kansas but decided with two big shows coming up it'd be better to save our rabbits for those shows. Mom and I are firm believers in not 'over showing' our rabbits. Too many shows back to back can cause stressed bunnies and poor flesh condition.

There is a chance of rain again this weekend, but I'm going to try and get updated pictures of the baby goats!

Melanie

Another Boy!

2009-04-15T15:42:00.002-05:00

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Our last pygmy doe delivered today. We were worried about her because of her size and her age. She slipped under the fence at 8 months old and helped herself to the buck.
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She had one caramel boy with a little assistance. Both mom and baby seem fine, or so Mom tells me. Darn work!
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counting down the time until 5:00
Melanie

Time Flies...

2009-04-13T11:25:00.004-05:00

...when you're having fun.

So much going on right now, it's been crazy. We have 4 adorable baby goats that have to be played with and spoiled. I had planned on taking updated pictures of them this weekend, but it's been raining!

We have around 9 new holland and 4 dwarf litters. That's roughly 35 new kits! In the hollands we have lots of interesting colors coming up - opal, blue otter, orange, creme and broken black silver martens! Opal? Seriously?! Having new colors pop up is fun! They're getting right at that just-out-of-the-nest-box-cute age, so maybe pics of them soon!

Pictured below is one of my hopefuls. He's roughly 10 weeks old, super smooth body with a cute head coming in.

I don't know, just something about him I like already. His dam is a THF Saynora doe that came via California!
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Above is one of my favorite upcoming juniors. I've always liked him but he went thru a fur chewing stage. I am so happy to see his sides evening up with beautiful chestnut fur! Hopefully he'll make his showing debut at the Ohio Mini Convention! (no one tell him please!)
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It's so hard to believe that ND Nationals is less than two weeks now! My once primed favorite otter buck is showing signs of slipping his coat. Isn't this hobby FUN?!
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Melanie

Done!

2009-04-08T08:07:00.003-05:00

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Today I'm sending off our entries for both ND Nationals and JW Nationals!
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We entered 5 dwarfs. The juniors did not cooperate at all with timing their molts, so alas no juniors to show! But hey, at least we finally have some right?!! We came up with ONE possible sale rabbit, a lilac Himalayan buck that I go back and forth on. I simply cannot decide on him.
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Wooly entries were so much easier. I did those in my head. Two juniors, Hot Fuzz and Jazz Hands.
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My next goal is to go thru the holland juniors and make a sales list. I know I have people waiting and I apologize but evaluating juniors in mid-molt is no fun. So, I keep putting it off while I watch and hope they finish soon! We will have 3 otter project seniors for sale at the Ohio Mini Convention. I will be putting them on the sales page soon.
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Today we give 8 nest boxes! How exciting! I love new litters and all the possibilities they bring.
Melanie

A Good Weekend.

2009-04-05T17:55:00.006-05:00

I had a good weekend. The weather finally cooperated for me and I got all the cages power washed. It's a tiring job but something I love to do.

Our old goat Darla required a C-section. The vet was only able to save one of the twins, a dark caramel boy.

This little guy has such personality! He's already claimed me as mine.
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Shortly after the trip to the vet my Hanna delivered triplets!!! One boy and two beautiful girls.

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I love baby goats, so expect to see lots more of them in the upcoming weeks =)
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This next week we have to decide on our National entries, both show and sale. Watch the sales page for available stock!=

Melanie

Deja Blue

2009-03-27T07:04:00.002-05:00

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I am both sad and happy to announce that Deja Blue will probably be going to a new home in May.
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Deja Blue came from a litter of 3 bucks by THF Saynora's Tipsy and Lil' Bit Farms Zalia. I liked the whole litter and was having a hard time choosing between the three boys, Topsy Turvy, Swagger Lee and Deja Blue.
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This decision became a whole lot easier when I was approached by a breeder wanting to apply for the Certificate of Development for the blue point. How exciting! I have always loved the blue points. I hope Deja Blue can contribute to their program and I wish them the best of luck in this adventure!!

Oklahoma is supposed to get an awful snowstorm this weekend. I wonder if the rabbit show has been cancelled?

Melanie

Whew.

2009-03-22T17:27:00.001-05:00

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I spent the weekend taking new photo's and updating the website. Finally.
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Feel free to take a look, www.lilbitfarms.net

Melanie

Results May Vary.

2009-03-20T07:08:00.007-05:00

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Hollands and Dwarfs don't breed true. You can breed the same buck to the same doe four different times and get four different results. It's fascinating.
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I've tried to recreate Zero multiple times, with no success. I guess he's a one of a kind. Zero is out of THF Saynora's Zinn x Saynora's Cupcake (a four-year-old doe who currently has a litter by Lane!)
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Meet Lil' Bit Farms Zinc.
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He's THF Saynora's Zinn x Saynora's Cupcake too.
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Zinc is pictured just shy of his first birthday.
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He's no Zero, but I mean that in a good way. Zero is a tiny buck that needs more body mass to balance that honking head of his. Zinc is a massive buck with a massive head. Same cross, different results.
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Always try and remember that patience is a key ingredient to raising rabbits. Don't cull out a buck or doe based on the results (good or bad) of just one litter. Results will vary!

Zinc's results from Duncan, 1 Best of Breed, 1 Best Opposite Sex of Breed, 1 Best of Variety. Congrats Mom =D

Happy Friday

Melanie

Blue Tort Race Part 2b.

2009-03-17T11:02:00.008-05:00

Blue tort #3. Cheyenne x Rory.
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I don't have good pictures of him yet, but wanted to finish the update.

We showed this guy at triple show in Duncan this past weekend. He placed 1st, 1st and 2nd. In one show he went on to win Best Solid! Nice consistency!

He poses well. I like his head and ear, but like most of ours, I wish I could push his crown more forward. His body type is pretty nice but wished he had a touch more shoulder width. He's still got a lot of filling out to do, so for now he stays =)

He needs a name, any suggestions?
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Melanie

Blue Tort Race Part 2a.

2009-03-13T06:41:00.007-05:00

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Remember this guy...
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Blue tort #2. Laramie x Zebrina. Around 10 weeks old. He's now officially in his ganglies. I'll try to call it that from now on, I've been told they are not uglies.
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I am iffy on his body at this stage, but I've learned it's better to have a little patience than to cull to soon. He does have a nice full rump. His fur is weirdly dense and short. I hope it molts out.
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One thing I do like about this guy is his bone and front end. He's already got quite a chest! I can see the potential in his head and ear, his cheeks are starting to think about popping.
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According to Wikipedia:

The development of pearl farming:
Today, almost all pearls used for jewelry are cultured by planting a core or nucleus into pearl oysters. The pearls are usually harvested after one year for akoya, 2-4 years for Tahitian and South Sea, and 2-7 years for freshwater.
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I've always said I'd rather our rabbits take a little bit longer to mature and continually get better than to have them peak at 3-4 months and fall apart from there.
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Good luck and safe travels to those attending the Duncan show. I hope to see you there =D
Melanie

Blue Tort Race Part 2.

2009-03-12T07:07:00.005-05:00

Here is an update on Swagger Lee, we'll call him blue tort #1. Tipsy x Zalia. He's 5 months old in these pictures and he weighs a whopping 2.06. Sigh, I have dwarfs bigger than him.
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I really like his front end.
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He's got a nice short body.
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I LOVE his head. Even though he may be too tiny to ever compete, I really like this guy. I'm anxious to use him on some bigger does and see what he produces.

I've decided to try and show him this weekend. He'll have to compete with the much larger juniors, but we'll see.

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I'll post pics of blue tort #2 tomorrow.

Melanie

Fort Worth Results.

2009-03-09T06:45:00.008-05:00

Dad and I attended the Fort Worth show this last weekend. What a big barn! This show always runs smoothly and efficiently. Good job guys!

Dad showed the hollands for me while I registered a few rabbits. He seemed to enjoy it but did comment that it 'was easier just waiting for the phone call'. Thanks Dad! =D You did a great job.

Here are the condensed results:

Show A Dwarfs:

a ton of 2nds

Show B Dwarfs:

Lil' Bit Farms Kodiak - BOB and BIS!!

Show A Hollands:

Lil' Bit Farms Laramie - BOV

unsure of the other placements

Show B Hollands:

Lil' Bit Farms Laramie - Best Broken and BOB

Lil' Bit Farms ? (broken otter) - Best Opposite Broken and BOS

Lil' Bit Farms Jinger (orange) - Best Solid

Dwarf Specialty:

Lil' Bit Farms Slick - Best of Breed

Lil' Bit Farms Sienna - Best Opposite

The awards are simply awesome, hand drawn by Jennifer Hoover and mounted on slate from a historic Texas home. It was a good size show with a large number of very nice animals. I feel overwhelmed, honored and lucky to have done so well.

I tried to get a decent shot of Slick and Sienna together with their awards. It didn't last long. Slick had um other ideas.

So here they are individually...

Lil' Bit Farms Slick

Lil' Bit Farms Sienna

Thank you to the judges and the show staff!

Hope to see y'all in Duncan

Melanie

Sahara Kit.

2009-03-05T07:13:00.006-06:00

Nestled in with a holland lop litter, I found this:

Sahara and LB37's first kit. A little otter buck.

I admit most babies are cute at this age, but some seem to have an extra bit of cuteness.

While I do enjoy playing with, posing and taking pictures of my young ones, it is done purely for fun. I would never dream of evaluating and deciding who to keep or sell at this tender age. No rabbit leaves our barn under 8 weeks old, ever.

Each rabbit has a folder on my laptop and I enjoy going back thru the pictures and watching them grow from a baby up to the present date. A digital camera is a very important part of my record keeping.

It's hard to believe, but Dwarf Nationals is next month! I've got my eye on a couple, including a few upcoming juniors! More on that in another blog.

Melanie

Pedigrees.

2009-03-03T10:19:00.002-06:00

To some a pedigree is just a piece of paper meaning nothing, if you like the rabbit before you then that's all that matters.

To some a pedigree is very important. All info on it is complete and without it said rabbit is worthless. A complete pedigree is needed to register and obtain a grand champion certificate, not only on that rabbit but two generations of their offspring as well.

I admit I like to have a pedigree, I do some of my breeding based on what is genetically behind that rabbit, 3rd generation for example. Hollands and dwarfs don't breed true so it's nice to know what's back there.

Regardless of how you feel, it is an important part of the selling process of a rabbit. You wouldn't want to buy a car without a title, right? As a seller you should be prepared with pedigree all printed and ready to give to the buyer at time of sale/pick up. If the rabbits are being shipped/transported the pedigrees should be mailed in a timely manner.

Not receiving pedigrees and having to beg/plead/hint for months to get them makes the buyer feel like the bad guy and I don't think that's right.

We use and highly recommend Evans Rabbit/Cavy Software. Evans is a wonderful program that keeps track of litters, entries, due dates, sales lists, pedigrees and so much more! I sometimes wonder how we managed before it! No more hand writing pedigrees!

Oh that reminds me, I'm off to print pedigrees for our sale rabbits for the upcoming show!

Melanie

Random Pictures.

2009-02-26T18:37:00.006-06:00

These are a few of my favorite animal pictures from around Mom's farm.

my kitty who lives at Mom's

our goat play ground

one of these is not like the other

Our Great Pyrenees Sara

Callie watching the koi fish

Cujo at the pond

My goal for this weekend is to do some rabbit chores. We had company last weekend so I don't feel I accomplished what I needed to. I will probably be adding Sub Zero and a broken chestnut buck to the sales page. We simply have too many bucks and even more coming up!

Good luck and safe travels to those attending the Neosho show!

Melanie

Kid Watch.

2009-02-25T18:55:00.007-06:00

Spring is fast approaching! The days are getting longer and warmer and that means baby goats!! We bred the does to be due around mid March. There is nothing quite like baby goats bouncing around the pasture! To help pass the time, here's some of our 2008 kids!

nap time

I see you

watcha eatin'?

hey, where's our lap?

that's better

Bowl O' Kid

Bucket O' Goat
[bucket may not be available in your area]

don't wanna share

Oh the excitement!

Melanie

Rollercoaster Ride.

2009-02-25T08:57:00.002-06:00

Whoever said ‘breed like rabbits’ obviously didn’t know what they were talking about.

The dwarfs are my never ending rollercoaster ride. I have struggled and struggled with them. I have purchased - well I don’t even want to think about how many - we’ll say countless does and most all of them never produced one litter for me. We’ve tried the hay diet, corid, switching feed, cutting back on feed, AVC, more light, moving them outside and a few other tricks and tips. We’ve bred does 10+ times before giving up and sending them with the cull man. I sometimes think the word got out that I am a dumping ground for bad does. In all honesty, it’s been heart breaking.

I have been to the point of selling them all numerous times. Mom has been there every time to encourage me to continue on and push forward.

Raising rabbits is not easy and I don’t know of any breeder [backyard or top] that doesn’t go thru the highs and lows of getting babies / not getting babies.

This hobby is a rollercoaster ride. Think about it, every rollercoaster has a high point which thru a series of twist and turns, ups and downs takes you back down to the landing spot on level ground. The key I guess is getting to the end of the ride and saying, heck yeah let’s do it again!

Right now I’m standing on the platform looking up trying to decide if I want to ride the ride one more time.
Melanie

Meshing.

2009-02-24T09:05:00.003-06:00

We've worked with one line almost exclusively in our hollands. I'm very happy with it [THF Saynora] and would highly recommend them any chance I get.

We recently added a trio from Coin/Nelson into the mix. Meshing lines can be scary. You usually don't know how the two lines will mesh, what new flaws will pop up and what you're going to mess up that you already like in your herd. I think the key when bringing in something new is to remember what you were trying to fix and keep only those with the strongest of those traits. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

It took a bit to get one of the does going, but we finally have babies out of the cross.

Pictured below are the litter out of Lil' Bit Farms Logan x CN's J1. A black doe, broken black doe and a sable point buck. Finally some does =D

Is there anything cuter than baby hollands? I don't think so!!

Melanie

Playing Favorites.

2009-02-19T15:35:00.005-06:00

If it ever came down to it I don't think we could never really 'sell out'. I have my favorites.

Zero. That irreplaceable mug. Zero doesn't really overly beg for attention but he likes it just the same. He tolerates me toting him around the barn like a rag doll while rubbing that big fat forehead of his. He loves arms.

Lil' Bit Farms Zero

Zalia. Such a cute face. Zalia is Zero's litter sister. She loves being a mom. She's always at the front of her cage waiting for you to check her babies and to get the 'atta boys' that come along with it. Her babies have the *best* personalities and are extremely affectionate like her.

Lil' Bit Farms Zalia

Zoyia. aka Julie's bunny. Zoyia is Zalia's daughter. Yes, she has that *best* personality. She too loves being a mom and passes on her wonderful personality. Out of all the does she's the most vocal and demanding with her attention seeking. She loves to be held and snuggled.

Lil' Bit Farms Zoyia

Cheyenne. The doe that did us proud. Cheyenne did very well for us on the tables but won our hearts in the down time between shows. She loves her people and will mash her face and nose in between the wire vying for attention. Cheyenne is on her second litter, 3 and 2 foster dwarfs, and is doing a fantastic job. At the time of her first breeding she was #6 Top Lop but we felt she was more needed in the breeding program than on the show tables. By the looks of her first born, it was a wise decision on our part!

Lil' Bit Farms Cheyenne

Laramie. My favorite bunny. Laramie was a shy youngster, when his door was opened he'd stomp and run to the corner of his cage. We almost lost Laramie and it took a lot of prayer and nurturing to pull him thru. At the time when I needed it most, he took Zinn's spot as my Luv Bun. When I walk into the barn in the morning Laramie spins around and in one leap is at the front of his cage buzzing for his morning head/cheek rub. If I'm half asleep and walk by, the buzzing turns into grunting and frantic pacing. It works every time! I never thought bunnies could be jealous, but I swear Laramie is. Laramie has been our winning-est holland and best producing buck too.

Lil' Bit Farms Laramie

Don't forget to spend some quality time with your bunnies this weekend =)

Melanie

This and That.

2009-02-19T10:06:00.003-06:00

Wow, where did that 3 day weekend go?!

We had 3 litters and have 3 more does due, all hollands! Maybe the hollands are trying to take over the barn :0 Oh no wait, there is one dwarf due! Yippee!

Saki, Dilemma and Rosita's kits are all starting to venture from their nest boxes. I honestly never thought I'd see babies in Saki and Dilemma's cages. Both are enjoying being mothers and can be seen thru out the day grooming away on their youngsters. Both Saki and Dilemma's surviving kits are bucks while the fosters are all does. Both does are out of Bear bred back to Bear. Hmmm, never realized all that until now.

I have been terribly busy with non rabbit related work and am now behind with my rabbit chores. Please bear with me as I try to catch up! I have emails to answer, does to breed/palpate, juniors to wean, pictures to take and a sales list to try and start / finish! Oh and cages to clean!

My favorite bunny, Laramie as a junior

-thankful it's almost Friday

Melanie

Sub Zero's Kits.

2009-02-12T19:54:00.005-06:00

Our little Sub Zero x Jeanie kits are growing! I love the color in this litter. I would love them even more had the buck to doe ratio been at least 50/50, lol. Sigh, 3 bucks and 1 doe.

I've already labeled one as feisty.

And sneaky.

Almost.

There. All 4 of 'em.

The color on the two solids is so intense. Had I been thinking I would have used a different ground cover to shown them off more.

Have fun and safe travels to those attending the Abilene show!

Melanie

Hail!

2009-02-11T12:44:00.006-06:00

Thank you to those that emailed and phoned to make sure we made it thru the storm!

We're all OK!

The large hail made quite a noise on the tin barn but the rabbits weathered just fine, no one stressed or freaked out. Cheyenne kindled 3 healthy babies in the midst of it all. She's still very grouchy and growly, but I think she'll be fine in a day or two.

Melanie =)

Blue Tort Race.

2009-02-09T19:57:00.005-06:00

I just realized I have 3 (three) upcoming blue tort bucks! All worth growing out IMO. All 3 are bred different. All 3 have their own look.

SwaggerLee. What a sweet heart! Zalia's kits are the most personable! Strengths: head, bone, short body, PERSONALITY. Weaknesses: ears, very small, personality - yes, he has a hard time focusing

Un-named Cheyenne buck. He's just now starting to look like something worth hanging on to. I don't think we've had a youngster with this short of ears at the height of uglies. Usually they are below jawline, his aren't. Strengths: poses well, ears, promising head, promising body. Weaknesses: to young to really know, at this stage maybe needs more bone

Un-named Laramie kid. Strengths: major cute factor. Weaknesses: way to young to tell, but did I mention he's oh so cute

Time will tell who makes the cut, but for now I'll enjoy watching them grow and hope for the best. That's part of the fun, seeing who blossoms into the next winner.

Melanie

BUDs

2009-02-09T13:11:00.001-06:00

I love a good brood doe! I think they are probably the most under rated essential item in a good rabbitry.

My personal preference is to buy brood stock and try and make our own show rabbits. From the email requests I get it seems it's about a 60/40 split between people wanting a 'good show doe' versus a quality brood doe.

IMO even a brood doe should have her good qualities, so not every doe in our barn is labeled as 'brood' and either put into production or sold as such.

Our best producing holland doe would have to be, THF Saynora's Rosita. Man, I love that doe. Her offspring have done awesome for us on the show tables and I'm hoping that her kids will step up and do us proud in producing the next generation of LBF bunnies. Cheyenne will technically be the first. Cheyenne's first litter was a single, a blue tort buck [pictured in post below]. So far I like him but he's only 9 weeks old. I talk about Rosita a lot, so here she is.

THF Saynora's Rosita [pictured on a litter of 4]

Even with um a few litters under her belt her strengths are evident in these pictures. She has a good natural pose, depth of body and short bone. Rosita will retire here with us ;)

It's always important to remember 'where you came from'. Everyone had to start somewhere and the start you get IMO makes or breaks new breeders. Do your research and choose wisely.

Melanie

Uglies.

2009-02-06T06:40:00.004-06:00

Our line of hollands definitely goes thru a gangly awkward stage. It usually starts at around 6 weeks and lasts until 9-10 weeks and then they start to pop. Once narrow faces start to get cheeks and foreheads. They become chunky again. I know quite a few breeders who cull when they wean, we couldn't do that. We have to have a bit of patience and a few empty cages on the bottom row.

Case in point, Cheyenne's first baby. Man was he a cute baby! Something happened at around 4 weeks, it's like he got beat with the ugly stick. *How bad was he? Bad bad. His once cute loppy ears went straight up. And wow his face. It was so narrow and uuugly. Poor Cheyenne, I didn't have the heart to tell her.

Because he was Cheyenne's first and Rory's only, he got weaned and put in a bottom cage. A week later while feeding I discovered he was starting 'the change'.

His cheeks popped and his ears dropped again. I'd forgotten how cute his ears were while they were sticking straight up!

Mom keeps telling me I need to take pictures while they are at this stage, and she's right. Most people wouldn't believe me if I told them what 'so and so' looked like at that stage. I really need to do that with our next ugly duckling.

If you're just starting out in rabbits it's important to learn how your line develops! Don't be in a hurry to cull out your first litters. Some lines mature slowly and only get better with age. Others seem to peak at 4-5 months and go downhill from there.

*3 bonus points or a gold star to those who recognize this quote and where it came from

Melanie

More Babies.

2009-02-05T09:55:00.012-06:00

Two of our new does from Katie kindled yesterday/last night, two more to go! They both had very nice sized litters, 4 and 5 all very healthy. The 4 are our first THF Saynora's Zayden babies, who I need to try and get pictures of. Wonder how his molt is coming?

Unfortunately we lost one of Dilemma's kits =( She still has one and two foster babies. With it being mid-winter, it could have been a lot worse.

Dilemma - getting ready for babies

Saki's babies are growing and getting fur, so exciting! I can't wait until these babies are out of the box and running around!

Saki's two and a foster baby

I'm really wanting to get some black silver marten dwarfs. If you have or know of someone that will have a few nice ones for sale, I'd love to hear from you. We will be attending a few local shows, ND Nationals and Ohio Mini Convention/JW Nationals.

Melanie

Stats.

2009-02-04T10:50:00.005-06:00

Here are our current litter stats:

Holland:
confirmed bred - 7
on litter - 9
due - 5

Netherland Dwarf:
confirmed bred - 2
on litter - 4
due - 2

Jersey Wooly:
on litter - 3
- I only have 3 does!

Baby Counts:
holland - 29
dwarf - 28
wooly - 6

All this is from memory so I may be off a tad. And yes, this means our barn is very full right now!
We might be selling a couple proven does and/or juniors as cage space is needed.

I made our reservations for Dwarf Nationals and JW Nationals, how exciting!
Melanie

Cute, I has it.

2009-02-01T14:25:00.003-06:00

Wow is all I can say about Dilemma's upcoming buck. Hot Fuzz is the name I've given him.

Another upcoming cutie! He's out of Laramie and THF Saynora's Zebrina. He's one of 4 bucks in the litter, thanks Zebrina! I hope he continues to impress me as he matures and develops.

An upcoming REW doe.

Dilemma just kindled 2 healthy babies. Rosita had 4. J1 had 3, pretty good for a first time doe! Tamara is nesting now. =D I love new babies and all the excitement they bring as the grow and develop!

Melanie

Moustaches.

2009-01-30T07:09:00.016-06:00

I'm often fascinated by the different butterflies in the barn.

The half

The handlebar

The adolescent

The horseshoe

The clean shaven

The walrus

The Fu Manchu

The darn

Am I easily amused? Probably.
Melanie

Excitement!

2009-01-29T12:47:00.002-06:00

The new babies are all doing good. Saki loves being a mom! Our dwarf baby/junior count is up to 25+. I can't even remember the last time we had such success with our dwarf breedings!

Four more nest boxes were given this morning - Rosita, Dilemma, Tamara and J1. All very exciting litters. Dilemma had a singleton that I fostered last litter so I'm hoping for more viable kits from her this time around. Tamara, well she always gives us something interesting =D Rosita has been one of our best producing does but she's bred to a borrowed buck from JoAnn, L&R Sage. We've never attempted a cross like this so cross your fingers for both us and JoAnn!

We recently acquired 4 new THF Saynora does from a friend in Cali that sold her holland herd. They all 4 are bred and due very soon. I mention this because Mom thinks the dwarfs are 'taking over the barn' lol. I'm anxious to get the pedigrees on them so I can see in theory how I think they'll mesh with our existing lines. THF Saynora's Zayden came with the does. He is a cute buck and full brother to THF Saynora's Zeb. His first litters will be here soon! So much excitement lately!

Looking forward to a warmer weekend!
Melanie

They're Here!

2009-01-27T09:33:00.001-06:00

Saki successfully delivered two yesterday! One black and one black otter. YAY!

Melanie

Dilemma's Baby.

2009-01-25T19:56:00.015-06:00

So far only two does have kindled, Jeanie x Sub Zero = 4 and LB17 = 1 that was not a kitcicle. It is temporarily residing with Jeanie’s 4 until I can hopefully foster a kit or two to LB17. She had a singleton that was fostered last litter so I really want her to raise them this go around.

THF Saynora’s Jeanie has been an excellent doe for us. Thank you Tracy and Jenna for her! She always settles, is a great mother and produces very nice babies! We’ve used her in both our regular and our otter project. I’m curious to see what colors and types these kits have. This is Sub Zero’s first litter =D

I like daytime litters, it’s warmer and Mom can check them more often. [thanks Mom, you rock] I’m still crossing my fingers for a healthy litter from Saki.

Here’s an updated picture of Dilemma’s baby. He’s finally getting cute! Don’t tell Dilemma I said finally.

Is it Monday already?!
Melanie

Spring Fever.

2009-01-23T12:33:00.004-06:00

I am not a fan of winter. The cold always makes even the fun chores seem like a burden. I am so ready for spring.

If the weather was warmer I'd be power washing cages this weekend. I love to power wash =)

There is nothing like a newly scrubbed and clean barn.

Day 28 - I gave Saki a nest box. She's already nesting!! I'm trying not to get too excited in case of a first time mom screw up, but it's hard. We have quite a few other does due, but she's my main focus.

Our empty holes are filling up with juniors. It might be time to go thru them and put a few up for sale.

TGIF!

Melanie

The 'F' Word.

2009-01-21T12:32:00.007-06:00

Our line of hollands carries the fuzzy gene. We don't get a ton of them but it never fails that the pick of the litter that you've waited oh so long for sprouts fuzz. It became a bad word in our barn and was not to be said aloud in the attempts of keeping the 'F' at bay. Dang it if it didn't work.

When Dilemma popped up accidentally in a dwarf litter I was perplexed.

I'd heard that some lines of dwarfs could carry the fuzzy gene just like hollands. I should have sold her, I could have sold her - but I didn't. She made me smile =) I decided to keep her for a pet, what's one hole right? After much prodding and urging from Jersey Wooly breeders I decided to show her. She did quite well and even won her class at Convention. It was decided that she needed a boyfriend. The breeder I contacted didn't have a buck so he talked me into getting two does and using my wool carrier ND buck for now. Long story short(er) I bred these two Jersey Woolies to my wool carrier buck. My first litter appears to be two normal coats and one wooly.

So my dwarfs have wool and my woolies don't. Dang it if it didn't work.

Melanie
- good things come to those that wait

Surprises.

2009-01-20T15:29:00.007-06:00

We have a broken chestnut dwarf doe [Tamara] that likes to give us a surprise from time to time. She's given me two fuzzy dwarfs, Dilemma and Riot. Riot's litter brother was a surprise too - a sable marten. Yep, sable marten out of a black otter and a broken chestnut. Um, wow.

I named him Slick.

Slick as a baby

And at 5 months old

We're probably going to try him with a few does and see what he carries/throws. I sure hadn't planned on doing shaded martens, but I do like this guy. I'll probably take him to a few shows and see how he does. I won't mention the word Nationals in the barn until it's too late. Our beautiful smoke doe out of Rockstar is *still* molting from the use of the "C" word >.< Her prime lasted until a week before Convention. Sigh.

Tamara is due again next week. I wonder what surprise we'll get this time around?!

Melanie

Babies!

2009-01-14T14:11:00.009-06:00

After several months of dealing with feed issues, namely the quality of feed and if they chose to deliver it, it seems we are back on track. We are having somewhat of a baby boom right now. It feels good. No, it feels great.

We have several exciting litters in the nest box and the week of the 26th we have eleven more does due! Four hollands and seven dwarfs. It's 'bout time!

Here are a few updated pictures of the wooly babies, a REW doe and an otter buck. My batteries died before I could get any pictures of the other REW doe in the litter.

I'm looking forward to the spring show season!

Melanie

Nope, not a fan.

2009-01-12T19:26:00.001-06:00

I'll admit it, I browse rabbit websites quite often. I like to check out the competition and drool over friends upcoming juniors *cough CNs Obsession cough*. Some of my favorite sites I visit daily. That's not considered stalking, is it?

One of the things I've noticed a lot of is vase posing, toe touching and in extreme examples front feet literally resting on back feet. I personally don't think it does anything for the normally beautiful topline of the holland/dwarf nor is it fooling me [and hopefully everyone else] into thinking your rabbits are magically short(er).

Good or bad, our virtual rabbitry gives those breeders across the country a chance to peek into our barns. I know taking a good rabbit picture can be a test of patience and endurance, but in the end a few good pictures are IMO better than 20 over posed bad pictures.

Let's all put our best foot forward, just um not quite that far forward.
Melanie

PS - my sincerest apologies to Sub Zero for putting up with me trying to get the above picture. He'd like to be remembered like this:

Texas + Kansas = Fun!

2009-01-12T15:27:00.000-06:00

Mom and I attended the Blackland Prairie RBA show Saturday. It was so good to see our friends that we don't see very often - Terry, Amber, Sherry, Robert and Sheila to name a few! We had a blast! Congrats to Amber and Terry who won BOB and BOS with their awesome BEWs in the open show.

Below are the specialty show Best of Breed winners, Lil' Bit Farms Sahara and Lil' Bit Farms Laramie.

This was the Blackland Prairie RBA's first show. The show staff did an awesome job and they had a good turnout! We'll be going to this show again =)

Because we got home at a decent time Saturday night and the Kansas Fun Show didn't start until 10 am we decided to drive to Wichita on Sunday. What a great decision that was. The Kansas club knows how to have a good time! This show was a lot of fun and had a very relaxed atmosphere. Kudos and thank you!

JoAnn won BOB in the hollands with a very nice BSB. BOB in the dwarfs was our Kodiak [pictured below]

Kodiak went on to win Reserve In Show!

It was suggested that the woolies need their own page so maybe it's time to take new pictures and update the website.

Melanie

Honesty.

2009-01-09T16:23:00.000-06:00

I'll be honest. I purchased our first pair of hollands as a deterrent for my Mom. She really wanted french lops and I didn't want to clean up after, feed and lug around all that bunny! I had hoped that she would find the holland face irresistible!

It worked.

Mom played with color. Their numbers grew. We decided to get serious and show them. And their numbers grew. Somewhere along the way I fell head over heels for the breed and their numbers grew even more.

I love their fat cheeks and stumpy feet. I love their type. Most of all I love their personality.

In memory of thf SAYNORA's Zinn - my first holland and the best bunny ever
Melanie

Three Generations.

2009-01-08T10:11:00.000-06:00

This weekend Kendra, a broken otter holland, is due to kindle. The sire is Jorj Jr, a broken orange.

Kendra's first litter was all peanuts, but she did a beautiful job putting them in the box and pulling a ton of fur. I'm sure this litter will be a successful one, providing it's not all peanuts again.

What's the big deal about his particular litter? Well, the pedigree on these kits will have LBF stretching all the way back 3 generations.

I'm very proud of what my Mom has accomplished with her otter project. She has some nice upcoming juniors, including the doe above. I love how nice and clean her tan pattern is. Hopefully this little gal will help fulfill one of my '09 resolutions - to grand a solid otter.

Melanie

The beginning of a good thing.

2009-01-06T17:59:00.000-06:00

I've always admired Rick Smith's motto, "Depth without Daylight".

That is something I've always strived for. Nice full chests, deep and strong shoulders and short thick bone. It's a thing of beauty, the beginning of a good thing.

It has always been my personal preference to not be able to play London Bridges between the front legs and midsection of a holland or dwarf. I think that should be left for another breed, the Belgian perhaps ;-)

I do realize we as breeders all have our different pet peeves. What bothers me might not bother you. We are all at different stages in our breeding program so what is strong in breeder x's herd might not be as developed in another.

I'm still working on putting pieces together. 2009 will be spent trying to reach those seemingly unattainable goals. Trying to fix what we're lacking all the while trying not to loose what I do like.

How's your puzzle coming?

Melanie

The morning race.

2009-01-06T10:02:00.001-06:00

I never thought I'd admit to being a morning person, but I think I am. I usually go to Mom's house around 6:30, a full hour before I'm to leave for work. Why? Morning chores, listening to bunnies happily munching on their pellets, me and my camera.

Mornings are my favorite time to take pictures. The key however is to time it so that I still have time to come in and edit them before I leave for work. If my timing is off and I don't have time to view my mornings work it bums me out, lol.

As promised here is our new buck, Sleeptalker. Mom calls him a roan. She mentioned wanting a red roan too. I think she might like these woolies =)

He's a bit cottony in coat right now but I think he's transitioning to his senior coat. I still might show him this weekend. His head is ginormous! I love how easily and naturally he poses.

Pictured above is our first intentional wooly litter. 2 ruby eyed whites and an otter. I am very excited about having a tan pattern [see I'm learning].

What's that? We now have 2 baby steel hollands in the nest box. I have always loved the steel color. I'm not sure what I'm going to do next with them. I guess a lot depends on the quality and genders of this litter. The dam is a doe that was given to me. She's been a blessing! Not only is she raising her 4 but she's raising 3 triple bred Rockstar REWs that the dwarf doe refused to feed. What a good momma!!!

We're going to a show this weekend! It feels like it's been forever. We are only showing one holland doe, everyone else is on a litter or bred! Yikes. The dwarfs on the other hand, we're showing mostly does. Slackers.

Enjoy your Tuesday!
Melanie

Well, here it is.

2009-01-05T16:20:00.000-06:00

Some of you are thinking 'it's about time' and others are thinking 'why bother'. For those of you in the latter category, that's OK feel free to hit the back button and go back to where you came from =)

I've decided to try this blogging thing. It's for me, a place to rattle on about the joys and pains of raising rabbits. How long will it last? How often will I update? That my friends is the million dollar quistion.

Now on to the rabbit news!

We have quite a few litters coming up, yay! The Laramie x Rosita litter is looking promising, as always! It looks like all 3 are what I consider show quality - awesome! We've done this cross numerous times and will probably do it quite a few more. I'm always happy with the results - Cheyenne, Shoshoni, Cody and Boulder to name a few!

Saki [BOG '08 Convention] is finally bred! I could not be more excited and relieved. Dilemma finally became a momma too, a chestnut! I already have a few names picked out!

I purchased a wooly buck from Susie of Wooly World Rabbitry. I love him and so does Mom! Pictures in a few days, I promise! Or when I figure out how.

Melanie