What Rabbits Do You Have? Show Off Your Rabbits Here!

[PoultryPower]

Exactly, I really love my rabbits and I don't want to be an irresponsible breeder by giving them to people who wont take care of them just so I can make a buck.

 

[shadow rabbit10]

That's why I am afraid to sell young rabbits. When I breed, I will lower the prices for other 4-H'ers that I know, but if I have to sell to anyone else, I will raise the price.

 

[PoultryPower]

That's a good idea.
I've found that the best thing you can do is trust your gut.
So far I have found some great homes for my rabbits.

 

[shadow rabbit10]

It's nice to know that they are loved and well taken care of.

 

[PoultryPower]

Agreed!
When you get your rabbit make sure you post some pictures, I can't wait to see them.

 

[shadow rabbit10]

Oh I will! I am hoping to have her babies born for my county fair! I wanted to do doe&litter last year, but my New Zealand never got pregnant. We bred her to a beautiful red buck too. What a shame. :/

 

[1stxchknfrmr]

I am thinking about getting some rabbits for my 8 year old daughter and 6 year old son as pets and to show. Any good suggestions on what kind to get them???

 

[PoultryPower]

I would suggest a dwarf breed because your kids a young.
Netherland dwarfs and polish are popular showmanship rabbits where I am, but some can be nippy and fragile.
I love lops and holland lops are also very popular for kids and showmanship.
It's up to you and your kids, but I would go with a holland lop.

 

[shadow rabbit10]

I am thinking about getting some rabbits for my 8 year old daughter and 6 year old son as pets and to show. Any good suggestions on what kind to get them???

Holland Lops are great, however showing them can be competitive because there are so ,any of them, even in 4-H. Dwarfs are good, but can be nippy and jumpy sometimes. Here are some breeds that are less competitive, and are relatively calm. They make good beginners:

Havanas (3-4 pounds)

Himalayans (5-7 pounds)

Holland Lops (sometimes competitive showing) (3-4 pounds)

Polish, Netherland Dwarfs (can be jumpy or nippy) (2-3 pounds)

Mini Rexes (Note: most people have nice Minis, HOWEVER, my Mini Rex is a devil and I have heard a few reports of mean Minis and jumpy Minis. The majority of people have nice ones, but there are a few bad apples) (3-4 pounds)

American Fuzzy Lops (these are Holland Lops with wool. They do require some grooming, but are super sweet and there are not many to compete against. However, they are not for those with rabbit allergies and unless they have their own room or are kept outside, they can make a furry mess of your home. They are a great breed, but look into rabbit grooming first) (3-4 pounds)

Jersey Woolies (also furry, make sure you read up on grooming) (3-4 pounds)

Mini Satins (3-4 pounds)

Mini Lop (a bit larger than a Holland Lop. Yes, their name is misleading) (4-6 pounds)

I might be forgetting a few, but I will repost if I remember them. The above rabbits are all good-semi good beginner rabbits. They are all small to medium sized. They all weigh 2-6 pounds. (Himalayans may be 7, but they are easy to handle)

The following are a bit larger in size, if you wanted to go in that direction. I understand that you may not want a larger breed to start with as your kids will have to be able to pick them up, but as they get older, these would be good choices. here are a few for thought:

Standard Rexes (they are the larger, calmer, sweeter versions of the Mini Rexes. I actually recommend these over Minis) (9-11 pounds)

Standard Satins (large mini Satins) (9-11 pounds)

Lilacs (a rarer breed, but super sweet and make good show/pet rabbits) (8-10 pounds)

New Zealands (a good rabbit for some beginners. They can be shy and you may have to work with them to tame them, but they are pretty calm once you do. Actually,they are always calm, they are just big, lazy balls of fur! You just have to make them friendly) (10-12 pounds)

English Lops (great indoor beginner breed. Very sweet and tame, but big. They are easy to care for inside, but if you want an outdoor rabbit, you will need care experience before you put these outside. (11-13 pounds)

All of these rabbits are a bit bigger, weighing from 8-13 pounds.

It's a lot to take in, but it is a basic list of suggestions. My average weights might be off a pound or two, as I don't have my Standards Book in front of me right now, but they are mostly accurate. This list has been collected from me and other 4-Her's personal experiences, as well as breeders' advice. If you want my opinion though here are my favorites: (all the others are still great choices though!)
Havana
Fuzzy/Holland Lop
Polish

Bigger Breeds:
Lilac or Rex

Hope this helps. Sorry about the length, but there are so many wonderful breeds to choose from, that it is hard to pick just a few!

 

[inthesticks]

I missed a lot this evening! Hmm selling buns. I talk with most of my 'buyers' between 2wks & 2mths prior to them actually getting the rabbit, this allows me to get a feel for the person & ample time to cancel a sale if I do not feel as though a rabbit is best fit for the person. I have had only one hiccup where a family I conversed with for over a month, bought 3 rabbits & ended up giving them back to me 7mths later because they feared they were not giving them enough attention & actually paid enough attention to my sales policy that I would take them back. They were well kept for & maybe one day they will find the perfect fit. I tend to keep pricing between 30 & 45. When I gain more genetic knowledge & coat knowledge I'll be able to raise up a bit to cut down on the time spent conversing with everyone who's interested.

1stxchknfrmr - I agree with Poultrypower, I'd go with holland lops as well. I just added my first holland lop to my clan & since day 1 she has been such a sweet heart. The first day I had to trim her nails as they were horribly overgrown (someone passed her off at a show to a man in my town & he had no space for her, but didn't want her to go to a shelter) She laid on her back in my lap & let me clip them, then relaxed another 15minutes!!

If anything find breeders in your area that have what your interested in & see if they would be willing to let you visit & get a feel for each breed.