Rabbits: for Breeding & Pets!

 

Rabbits: For Breeding and Pets

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Apr 16, 2009

When my husband and I were first wed, he bought me a Siamese Satin rabbit. She was a beautiful rabbit with very soft fur, softer then most other bunnies. She was a very expensive breed.

 

 

 

Several of my friends found out about my rabbit. Because she was litter box trained, and leash trained, and Easter was near- they decided to get their kids a rabbit.

After several months, they became bored with taking care of their kids pet, and the things the rabbit would do, and the smell of its urine, from not changing the cage often enough. So, they gave their rabbits to me.

Through this, I became a rabbit breeder.

As with anything, there are pros and cons. It takes a lot of time, and of course money. You've got the cost of food, the cage changing, the feeding, to say the least.

Rabbits are just like dogs and cats, they too- can be trained. They can learn to walk on leashes, and be litter trained, to use the litter box. It depends on you, the trainer, as well as the temperament of your rabbit.

Please note, to walk your rabbit on a leash, use a harness NOT a collar. The harness goes under the and behind the front legs and makes it safer on the rabbit. If you use a typical collar, you can easily snap the rabbits neck.

Rabbits can and will bond with their owner. This will help you in the taming process, as well as breeding. Even if you are intending to breed your rabbits for food, you will still want to make a relationship with them, just like you- the animal needs kept happy.

The way to determine the sex of your rabbit, is just like with any other animal. A female, has what is referred to as, a "rosebud." A Male of course, has the typical male genitalia. Just like any other female breed, the female rabbit does menstruate.

If a female rabbit is ready to be bred, and there are several different males around, do not put them together, because they will fight to the death. When breeding your female, only one male is needed at a time. Rabbits can have many, many litters a year, and can give birth to many rabbits per litter.

Sometimes the female may choose to stomp several of the babies, for a multiple of reasons. Including if the rabbit didn't want to have babies, if it didn't want bred, if it doesn't like its living conditions, or if it feels it is being neglected.

A rabbit can run around your house just like a dog or cat. But be forewarned, the urine smell from it; is very strong smelling. It has a strong acid content to it. Also be aware, rabbits like to nibble, and this will include electric wires, walls, and clothing. Especially once bred and seeking to make a nest, the female will want softness in her nest, such as clothing.

When your rabbit does make its nest, it will pull out large quantities of its fur. This is normal. This is to protect the young, and keep them warm and safe.

Rabbits eat greens, such as lettuce, celery, grass, and carrots. But you cannot have them survive on greens alone. They also need solids, such as store bought rabbit pellets, and occasionally bread is a good choice.

When your baby bunnies start to move around and investigate the food dish, along with the greens and pellets, oats is a nice and healthy touch. Not cooked, dry. Oats help with the digestive track, so yes- even the adult rabbits will like this too.

When I was breeding, and taking tips from another breeder, he told me never ever to feed your rabbits cabbage and corn. He told me that corn is not good for any animal, including humans. Because no one can digest it properly. As for the cabbage, he proceeded to tell me that it causes "gas" and that rabbits cannot "fart". Whether or not it is true, I never tested the theory and avoided both cabbage and corn for my pets. (However, if rabbits cannot eat cabbage, than why do they do so in the garden...hmmm just a thought...)

But! On the same token, I did have a garden, and the wild rabbits ate from it, including the cabbage. They did however avoid several ivy plants near the garden, that are known poisonous. To me, that proved the mans theory wrong, because the animal knew what was good for it, and what wasn't.
If you raise your rabbits with cats and dogs, they will all get along. One of my females liked to pretend she was a dog, and even made a barking noise when the dogs barked!

Rabbits do like to dig on occasion, and sometimes they will even eat the dirt. This is normal, there are nutrients in the dirt that rabbit needs.

Rabbits, because they have fur, can get fleas just like dogs and cats. If you feel the need to give them a flea bath, do not get anything in their ears. Sure a rabbit can shake and kick its ears, but it will never get all of the water out, and chances are high it will end up with an infection.

When breeding, it is highly suggested to breed with the same breed. For example, the lop eared rabbits have ears that hang down. Breeding it with a rabbit with up right ears, can cause you to produce a rabbit (or two even!) with one ear lop and the other ear up right.

If you ever want to "show" your rabbits in a contest, they will not allow rabbits with deformities, and mix breeding. And if you actually get your rabbit into the show, chances are slim you will win any type of award, because of the way your rabbit looks when bred wrong.

When you have a rabbit whereas it is divided down the middle of the back with coloration, and the two sides look identical, this is a good show rabbit. When you have a rabbit that has a divide in the middle of its back, and the sides are not the same, this is not a good show rabbit, this is better of being a domestic pet.

Look just how large this rabbit is!

 Rabbits, just like your dogs and cats, will need its nails trimmed from time to time, and sometimes even their teeth can be known to get out of hand and grow extensively long. The teeth, is something you will definitely need a veterinarian to do. The nails you can do yourself with nail clippers.

A pet rabbit is not a good choice for a young child. The reason being, is because children will try to put their fingers in the rabbits mouth, and the rabbit may in turn nibble, thinking it is food.

Clean your cages on a daily basis, because the odor can and will get out of hand. And even if you are a breeder, you still need to talk to your pets, even if it is just when you are feeding them. This will help to calm your rabbit, and build a trust. Rabbits have feelings too!

Rabbits can be used for food, and for fur. Many people I know personally, myself included have tasted rabbit, and say- it tastes just like chicken!

How to tell you have a doe AKA female rabbit, this is also known as a " Rosebud"

 There are many different breeds of rabbits out there. I strongly advise doing more research if you are considering a rabbit for a pet, or even considering becoming a breeder.

Published by Deneale K. Williams

Interview: Dog Breeder's Insights Into Her Job & LifeStyle

This is Tyrah Cranfill

A Dog Breeder's Insights Into Her Job and Lifestyle

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
May 27, 2008

I thought it would be quite educational to learn from a dog breeder. So I interviewed someone who could give me the insight and details to help those who may be interested in becoming breeders themselves or those interested in buying from a breeder.

 

 

 

I interviewed: Tyrah Cranfill of Florida. She is a 28-year-old stay-at-home mom and breeder.

Q. How long have you been breeding dogs?
A. Eight years now.

Q. What made you want to breed dogs?
A. I am a stay at home Mom, and I wanted to help my Spouse with the income.

Q. What all have you bred?
A. I have bred Pit Bulls in the past, and I am currently breeding Doberman's and Boston Terriers. However, this will be my last litter of the Bostons.

Q. Why Doberman's?
A. I want to better the breed. Some people are only in it for the money, and don't care what they breed.
Q. Why Boston Terrier's?
A. Also to better the breed. But they are smaller then the Doberman's and I thought it would interest those that don't want something as big as the Dobies.

Q. Why Pit Bull's?
A. Again, to better the breed. However, I no longer breed them.

Q. How often do you breed your dogs?
A. Only one litter per year. This is better on the health of the breeding dog, as well as the quality of her puppies.

Q. Is breeding a good source of income?
A. When you have a litter ready to go, don't count on them all selling at once, and having that money all at the same time. Don't get me wrong, there are rare cases where that may happen, but most likely not. A lot of money and time goes into the breeding, the raising, and getting them ready to sell. Personally, I have the pups wormed first, shots and advantage on them. They have been temperament tested, and I am able to give the Quality Health guarantee. Pricing varies on what it is you are selling, and if they are AKC or not. The income is there, yes. But you also need to look at the up keep as to what you have invested and are spending. Sometimes the two do not match up. But it is however, nice to sell and finally get some of your investment back. Again, do not always count on getting your entire investment back, and selling them all at once.

Q. Are there "set in stone" asking prices?
A. It depends on the lineage, health records, wormer, shots, flea care, and the AKC factor. My Doberman's are $800 with the quality health guarantee. Those that have show dogs, can ask more. A Doberman without papers usually sells from $400 to $550 with the guarantee. My Boston Terriers are not papered and they sell anywhere from $300 to $500. When you are looking to purchase, be sure to find out, what all is in the asking price. I can and will take a deposit and work with you on the payments, depending on the situation. I know coming up with that kind of money is not easy. I want my puppies to have a good home, that is one of my goals.

Q. So what is in your Quality Health Guarantee?
A. My puppies have had their shots, their wormer, Advantage put on them, (most of the time, I give you an Advantage to take home with you.) and I also am going to give you a puppy starter kit, which include a sample of food, and shot records, amongst other things including coupons. For my Doberman's I am also giving you AKC papers, and can give you the lineage. I can be contacted if you have any problems, or concerns; after you have taken your pet home. I also have references of others that have purchased from me before, and can vouch of my quality and care.

Q. Is there a different price for a male or female?
A. No. However, other breeders may have restrictions to keep the Champion Blood Line free of mix breeding and what not. They will of course tell you that up front, usually.

Q. Where do you prefer to advertise to sell your puppies?
A. I like the Florida Today Newspaper and www.QualityPets.com

Q. What do you feed your pets?
A. The puppies I feel Iams Smart Puppy and the older dogs I feed Purina 1.

Q. Are your pets familiar with Children?
A. Yes, I have a four year old who walks them, carries them around and plays with them. I also have them tested for Temperament, just as I did when I purchased my dogs.

Q. What should people look for in a breeder?
A. Someone who knows the lineage, someone who is familiar with Van Wilder-bees testing, (VW) Look for someone who knows the breed, and doesn't do inbreeding, and over breeding; and be certain they know what they are doing. Ask for references, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Be sure you can get hold of them after your purchase too!

Q. What do you think of Pit Bulls?
A. I think they get a bad rap. How they act, and how they are, depends on how they are raised. They need a lot of attention and care. It is important to know where your Pit Bulls are coming from. Don't be afraid to ask the Pit Bulls breeder, if they fight them, and/or what all they do with theirs, if anything other then breeding. For those of you buying Pit Bulls, using it as a weapon, or training it to fight other Pit Bulls and people, it is YOU who are giving the Pit Bulls the bad name and reputation.

Q. Do you prefer Advantage or Front-line?
A. Advantage, it works for us, Front-line does not.

Q. How can a breeder, and even a pet owner save a few bucks?
A. You can now buy your pets shots from Farm Stores. Then you can give your pet the shots yourself. It saves you a few extra bucks, rather then having the Vet do it. The Farm Stores can usually even teach you the proper way to administer the shots.

Q. Can you offer any further learned advice?
A. Yes, one thing I learned about being here in Florida, verses other climates, is that the worms in the feces, do not die outside. In the Northern States, the temperature cools down, and eventually the worm will die. This includes ring worms, heart worms, hook worms, pin worms, and most any other. Here in the warmer climate that doesn't usually see a cooling down, the infestation will continue to live in your yard. This causes it to go from pet to pet until you yourself get rid of it. The way to do this, is lime powder, and/or bleach. The lime powder cuts down on flies and diseases. When bleaching your yard, yes the grass is going to die off. But it should come back eventually. The goal is not nice grass, the goal is health of the pups. Also consider cleaning up seen piles of feces.

Q. Have your pets ever had Parvo?
A. No, but I know people who have had it. I did also learn all I could about it, just in case. It is an air born disease, if your neighbor has, your pets can get it. Your best bet is to vaccinate. And once a yard has Parvo, it always has Parvo. Shots can be given anywhere within the first few months to one year. But know the sooner the better. Once your pet gets Parvo, it's done. It is a very sad, and depressing disease that can sneak up on you at anytime, and you will never know in advance, because a majority of people are not going to send out a notice, "My dog dies of Parvo." It is embarrassing, and they don't usually want any ramifications from it.

Q. Can I list your email for people who may have questions to reach you?
A. Yes of course, I would be glad to help others!

Q. Any last words?
A. Yes, thank you for interviewing me. I hope that this helps other breeders, as well as people considering on becoming a breeder. Pets are a wonderful thing, and after all, they do say that "Dogs are mans best friend." I know that my pets, are very much a part of my family, and for the rest of you, I hope you feel the same way about your pets. Love them, adore them, and they will do the same for you!
This concludes my interview with Miss Tyrah. It was definitely a learning experience for me. I didn't know anything about any of the breeds she shared with me today, and they say it is good to learn something new each day! Thank you Tyrah for this opportunity to interview you. It was truly my pleasure!

Published by Deneale K. Williams