Looking for a rabbit breeder in CNY area

[First-light]

Folks,

Looking for a breeder of Holland or Mini lop rabbits. Been promising my daughter a pet rabbit this August and could use some help finding a breeder.

Won't mind driving an hour or so from the Hamondsport area.

Thanks-

[growalot]

http://www.nyrcba.com

 

Go to one of the fairs...We use to breed and show both rabbits and cavies...it's a big deal in NYS...one of my best cavies sold for 70$ years ago after winning 2nd place in Rochester...I thought that was about as funny and all get out...I payed 3 dollars for it

 

Bath fair is in August ...the kids use to show in 4H there and I chaperoned the girls dorm. Fun times ...Sleeping on concrete with rats strolling around trying to keep both ears an one eye open to make sure no one would sneak out in the middle of the night...Teen boys don't hold a candle to the determination of teen girls...lol

Edited July 23, 2013 by growalot

[First-light]

Grow,

That was on my list. I told her the fair was the week we were up at the cabin. Last year they had so many rabbits bet ya we get what we are looking for there. Thank you for the response. She is very excited to do this!

[Doc]

I have to say that the absolute best meat that I have ever tasted was breaded, deep fried,  domestic bunny-rabbit. Oops! .... that's not what you had in mind at all was it?

[First-light]

I have to say that the absolute best meat that I have ever tasted was breaded, deep fried,  domestic bunny-rabbit. Oops! .... that's not what you had in mind at all was it?

Well maybe me but not the kid!!!! lol

[growalot]

First-light....I am not trying to put a damper on this...but having been a manager of a couple of pet shops ...and having raised these animals for show and meat...I need to tell you..

Don't buy into all the hype that breeders or pet shops tell you...

 

For one they tend to "spray"....It's all fine and well that ppl say well you can litter train your rabbit...and some you actually can...but that doesn't stop the fact that even though those pellets hit the litter..... their urine just may end up all over your walls and floor which stinks to high heavens ...and they can smell any electrical current in your home and if ever out of sight will find the source and chew. Besides the nails that need to be clipped regularly rabbit teeth grow continuously which fuels their need to chew or they will become over grown...supple maple or apple wood...not cherry and or a calcium block...hard pelleted alfalfa blocks...

When buying make sure that the front teeth JUST over lap the back for proper alignment and last look up domestic rabbit diseases and common health problems

 

[growalot]

Oh something else...don't know where you live but ...with a rabbit coop please make sure it is made with 1/4 in hard wire every where there isn't wood....you do not want to have her go out to find her pet ripped to pieces by a weasel..it's not a pretty sight...and they have to be kept out of cold drafts....think of that when setting up a coop and the coops need to be winterized. or they will freeze to death

 

The wire they stand on can be a bit bigger for pellets to drop through but it's best if there is a drop pan that slides under...also make cleaning easier...just empty into compost

Edited July 23, 2013 by growalot

[First-light]

Thank you for the information. Back in the day when I was a kid I had a bunch of rabbits. I believe 10 was my highest number at one time. 

I remember dealing with the things you mention. Will keep this in mind when setting up the home for it.

[Five Seasons]

i have several eating my veggies. you can have them all if you'd like.

[Cabin Fever]

My daughter wanted a Holland Lop, so we bought her one a little over 2 years ago. He actually has the run of the family room in the basement. As far as spraying, he has only done that 1x, when we first brought him home. BTW, we have white walls and painted concrete floors, and would surely know if he did spray! We keep him well stocked with apple branches to chew on, which has really helped with his chewing, as he never chews on the moulding or anything "bad" anymore. Have to keep electrical wires protected, as we don't want to take any chances.

 

We got him fixed at ~12 weeks old (I think). His urine use to have a strong musky odor, but it hasn't at all since getting him fixed. He uses his litter box 100% of the time when urinating and probably 90% of the time with the poop balls! There is no odor from his litter box at all, since getting him fixed. (We change it daily.)

 

Downside, they just aren't as affectionate, playful, or as social as other pets. If your daughter is hoping for that, she's gonna be disappointed and might want to choose another pet! Sadly, we just came to the conclusion that we should give my daughters bunny away. My daughter is 14, is always off doing something with friends, spending the night, days away, having friends over, etc..., and the bunny just doesn't get the attention that it should be getting. My wife and I are always stepping in and giving him attention, changing litter, etc... Plus, he sheds like worse than any friggin' dog I've ever seen! We're constantly brushing him too! We just found a good home for him with friends of ours that have a farm.

 

Before getting a bunny for your daughter, I'd suggest that you seriously look into it and see what she is expecting out of it. They're not a teddy bear that you just keep on the shelf and play with it when it's convenient for them, it's a live animal, and it has needs...

[First-light]

Good post Cabin Fever. She understands the needs of the rabbit. I told her this isn't something you get into and lose interest in, it's a big commitment. She has a cat and dog that she takes very good care of so I'm hopeful.