I raise Netherland Dwarf and Harlequin Rabbits, as well as percentage boer goats. We also have a bunch of other critters running around including two horses that are pature pets at the moment, dogs, cats, and guineas.
I raised some rabbits, mostly pets with no pedigrees, when I was young and in 4-H. I had not really thought about them since, but my sister got into raising them and I fell in love with the Netherland Dwarfs she had because they stayed so small. She gave me a beautiful black doe for Easter and I was hooked. She also raised Harlequins, a pretty rare breed, and I happened to see a litter about 3 weeks old. They were TOO CUTE! They are probably two of the hardest breeds of rabbits - Netherlands for type and Harlequins for markings, but I enjoy a good challenge!
I have a very small rabbitry right now, just outdoor hutches for a total of 19 holes. We are in the process of gathering ideas for building a small rabbit barn/shed to house more bunnies, as well as to improve ease of bunny chores and care.
I am a member of the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), American Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Club (ANDRC), and American Harlequin Rabbit Club (AHRC).
I am a selective breeder and am always striving to produce quality show bunnies. I don't breed my bunnies back to back after litters. While I know that this is recommended for maximum doe production, I don't really want to be overrun with baby bunnies and I truly feel that it is better for the does if they have a little rest in between. Plus, since my rabbitry is so small my show stock is also my brood stock, so I can't really be carting pregnant bunnies all over the place. With every breeding, I have a plan and goal in mind (other than getting baby bunnies!) Whether I am trying to improve type, coloring, attitude, there is alway a definite purpose in mind when I am selecting mates. I guess basically, what I am saying is that I am not a pet producer. Pets are really a by-product of my breeding program.
As you can probably tell, I am a complete animal lover! We also grow a pretty decent size garden and I am busy canning and storing the surplus. Can't beat those homegrown tomatoes!
