First Cut: Need some extra opinions judging my Am litter

[clevername]

Ok I'm really new to the breed and not very experiences judging mandolin type. I know I've got my work cut out with these guys so I'm happy to hear whatever feedback you've got on them. (I can take constructive criticism)

My goal with this litter is to produce a better rabbit than mom and dad...Dad has a white toenail and narrows a tad in the rear. Mom chops at the hindquarter--both are teetering on the edge of minimum weight.

Priorities:
Type/flesh condition, size, correct color toenails, coat quality and so on

The keepers from this litter are probably going to be bred to my brood stock that is free from DQ but aren't the best in type.

This is a litter of ten. I've already cut a few for weight and condition. Everyone below I'll be letting grow out to see how their toenails color out. They are oh so very light its hard to pick out white ones.


Now for pictures!
Everyone is just about 6 weeks of age. The breed is a class 6 with bucks needing to meet a minimum of 9lb, does 10lbs by senior age. I apologize for the picture quality on some on these...


1: Buck, 1 lb 6.4oz

2: Doe 1lb 9oz (biggest in the litter)

3: buck 1lb 4oz

4: Doe, 1lb 5 oz

5: Buck, 1lb 7.8oz --one possible white toenail...

6: Doe, 1lb 5.8oz--one questionable toenail

7: Buck 2lbs 2oz, -scratched for lack of condition (didn't bother with pictures)
8: Doe 1lb -Same as above. Runt of litter
9: Buck, 1lb 2 oz -Possible white toenails- very faint in color

10: 1lb 3oz, cut for severe pinched hips and white toenails

 

[terrellflyer]

at that age I only cut for major faults,there is a lot of different body parts not always growing at the same time,few more months the same bunny can really look different,nice lookers.LOL :bunnyheart

 

[BlueGiants]

They are all so YOUNG! Just babies! And this is just my humble opinion: (*Hands on might change this all around!)

But right now, my pick would be Buck #3 based on the hips and loin.

Second choice is Doe #2, excellent shoulders and good width across the hips. Slightly lacking in the loin.

Third pick would be buck #1, has potential.

Fourth, #5, has potential, but might lack a good length overall.

#6 and #9 don't show good rise at this point. #4 looks to have the same "chopped off" issue that mom has.

 

[clevername]

Thanks for the input! I'm pretty much in agreement with the top 3. I can't wait to see how they grow out.

This is just my first American litter so I'm trying to keep careful tabs on how they progress. I fully expect my mind to change a dozen times over but at the very least I hope to learn something from documenting their development.

 

[BlueGiants]

Totally agree with you. A LOT can change over the next few weeks. Seriously, I'd hold on to them until they are 10-12 weeks before I make the final decision. The mandolin shape takes time to develop... I've sold some babies that I didn't think would amount to much only to end up kicking myself when I saw them as Sr.s!

At the beginning, Have patience, don't be hasty and always get an educated second opinion! LOL!

Looks like your babies are going to be really nice!

 

[polly]

I wouldnt hold on to any showing white toenails (not sure how you are over there) but if your breeding pair has thrown it then surely if you bred one back the possibilty would be greater. just my opinion.
I like the first 3 they are looking good tho

 

[clevername]

polly wrote:

I wouldnt hold on to any showing white toenails (not sure how you are over there) but if your breeding pair has thrown it then surely if you bred one back the possibilty would be greater. just my opinion.
I like the first 3 they are looking good tho

I appreciate your input.

With any other breed I would agree about the white toenails. But the American population is so small, faults like these are just in the lines. I'm trying to breed them out but in my mind there has to be a hierarchy of faults.

When I look at the bigger picture, this breed is going to make it if they regain interest as a utilizable animal. That means a rabbit with a good firm body, size and flesh, a docile nature with the ability to throw and raise large litters. Toenails are only a problem for the show rabbits so I have to keep this in mind. There will be some time (and a lot of work) before I can show this breed competitively anyway.

 

[OakRidgeRabbits]

I don't know a lot about this breed in particular, but there ARE some picky things I can point out:

Buck #1- Appears to be a tad fuller in the hip and hindquarter.

Buck #2- Looks pinched and narrow in the HQ.

Buck #3- Verrryyyy pinched. He'd be a cull, IMO.

Doe #4- Also very pinched.

Buck #5- He may be my POL as far as bucks go. Looks the fullest and widest.

Doe #6- Probably my pick of the does for the same reason.

Not a big fan of buck #9 in any way.

I'm not as sure about shoulders or the mandolin shape, but a full and wide hindquarter is important in every breed. So that's JMHO.