Questions for breeders

[CKGS]

I just tried to post this once and am trying again. Sigh.

Okay Breeders, here goes.

First question- Do you have criteria in place for whom you will or won't sell your rabbits to? Are there any restrictions set in place that will ensure the rabbits you sell are going to go to a 'good' home? I put good in parenthesis because everyones idea of good varies with each persons personal ideals.

Second question- Are there any questions asked of the potential buyer other than whether they want show potential or pet potential?

Third question- How are your rabbits raised? Are they raised in a home like setting where not much will phase them as they transition to their new home? Are they raised outdoors? Are they handled daily and used to being examined while with you?

I am not trying to be noisy... Well okay maybe I am... I am. Lol.

I have my reasons for asking these questions. I mainly ask because I enjoy learning and these are questions that I am curious to know answers about. Thanks so much if you participate!

 

[tori]

I don't breed and at the moment I don't own anymore rabbits. But I am looking and I am very curious as to these questions as well

 

[CKGS]

Thanks Tori. I think many people would be interested in these answers. I also wouldn't be surprised if some answers aren't what is expected from many on the forum. I have my views of what I consider a good breeder. I just wonder what others views on the matter is.

 

[Numbat]

Not that I'm a breeder, but in my opinion temperament and health should come first. The breeders I've talked to work towards this

 

[polly]

I will be perfectly honest with you I have people come from all over Scotland for my rabbits. Most of them seek me out through the internet I know a lot of the breeders through showing and socialising so they are different. I also get people referred to me through word of mouth.

I usually just listen to what they say when they phone email me i make sure all my rabbits go witha care sheet and regulalrly sell male female pairs as pets. However I wont let them get both together at same age unless I either know them personally or I feel they have a good rabbits knowledge. And I have let them take one and come choose another one when they are ready put it through teh spay/neuter before they are due to go on holiday then bond them for them while they are away as we rabbit sit and MOt the buns we have bred if people are local.

Obviously we wont sell to people under 18 as its illegal over here and I find people ofetn want to tell you the story fo why they want a nethie so you usually do not have to ask much they willingly give the info over.

My rabbits are all sold with care sheets and a file with their details onit for vets and their info. we make sure that people know how to handle them before they go etc try to cover all bases.

We invite people to our shed I have had a lot of lovely comments on our set up and how nice it is to see well looked after rabbits in clean sheds etc I feel that helps build trust you cant get to my sheds unless you go through my house anyway so I feel they are safe



If someone wants to go into showing then obviously we generally put them on a waiting list till we get something available that is suibtable I was sold a lot of crap rabbits when I started and I would never do that to anyone else starting out!!

My rabbits are housed in sheds the babies are handled every day from birth they coem in the house and are put in runs in the garden from 3 weeks old. I will not put up with any vicious rabbits that is my biggest no no. they have a radio in ech shed so they are used to noise. Generally I find they are not at all fazed when they go to their new home.

I am sure Flashy would be able to tell you seeing as she has seen my rabbits many times on webcam how friendly they are they all look for cuddles and kisses they dont shy away from me. Both adults and kits are happy and human friendly. Obviously we have rabbits with different personalitys which I think you notice more the more you have and I do try and match buns up to people and other buns. SO if I sell a rabbit and someone comes back to me for a partner for it I can usually pick teh best match. We have never had any bonding problems and I can usually have them bonded and settled in a few days if not quicker.

I think a good breeder will understand their rabbits personalities and be able to work with them accordingly whether they are going to be your top stud buck or a pet. but thats just my opinion I hope that covers what you wanted to know

 

[BlueCamasRabbitry]

1. I don't really have a set criteria in place, but I do of course ask if the people have had rabbits before, where they're going to be kept, what they're being used for, etc. If I know the person, and I feel that they aren't good for owning animals, either from past pets, or something else, then I will probably refuse a sale.

2. I do ask buyers if they want a rabbit either for show or pet potential. That's a big one, because you don't want to not ask, and then give a pet rabbit to someone who wants to show. Of course, 4-Hers will always want show quality animals, and so no need to ask; but some 4-Hers do want pet quality buns for the pet classes.

3. My rabbits are raised in an outdoor rabbitry...so I guess it's indoors, hehe. They get interaction daily, and we try to handle them all at least once a week, if not more. The babies get handled daily, and we're trying to handle the adults a lot more.

I also agree with Polly that I will neversell crap 'show quality' rabbits. I have bought a few rabbits that weren't as good as the I was told they were...

Emily

 

[CKGS]

Thanks so very much Polly and Emily for your honest and insightful answers. I do honestly appreciate them. I wish I were closer to you Polly. I would definetly buy one from you, a bit far from you though.
I wish more reputable breeders of rabbits were to be found but I have found many that in my opinion are lacking. Let me give you some examples of breeders that IMHO are reputable breeders that animals as a whole benefit from.
1.) They take back any animal they have created if for whatever reason the buyer cannot or simply won't keep it. This does not always mean money back but in some instances I think money should be given back. Example- The breeder who bred my German Shepherd Dog guaranteed her for a year after sale to be free from any defects. She was a perfect example of the breed temperment wise and she was beautiful (to me- not to the GSD show world). She was healthy as a horse until she hit 4. She was x rayed again (2nd time) and diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia. It was moderate but I notified the breeder as I kept him up to date with brief notes about my dog thru email. This wonderful man refunded 1/2 of what I paid for her although I kept trying to refuse it. After all I was way past contract. I loved her and didn't care if I had to spend a fortune on her. Long story short I put her to sleep at the age of 10 as she could barely walk from the dysplasia and arthritis that had set in. This man offered me the rest of the money back and above and beyond-another puppy. I refused both as I didn't think it fair plus I was in no way ready for another dog. She was my heart dog. Still is. That is a breeder who cares.
2.) Breeders who handle their babies daily. I can't think of a reason to not be able to pick them up at least once. Too many rabbits, again IMO, is an excuse- time to cut back and remember why you started breeding. I bet it wasn't to become over run.

 

[terrellflyer]

As a breeder I try to match the customer with the animal,after talking to some people I will not sell them anything.To utilize the animal is one thing,to abuse is another.I prefer to sell pet/show/breeding stock at the age of 8 weeks to 12 weeks,at that age the animal adapts to its new environment quicker and with less stress,I hate to sell older rabbits for breeding,they don't seem to adapt to there new surroundings and the new owners aren't happy either. My rabbits are in a building 52' long,14' wide,10 'tall.Ceiling has 6" insulation,walls have 4" insulation. All around the building both top and bottom are vents to move air,they can be adjusted to control the flow of air,building sets east/west for max. cooling,auto watering,ceiling hung wire cages,each has foot pads and fans to move air,auto bug sprayer,also use a vet.to test herd. Radio on 24 hours,lites auto on 16 hours, handle rabbits every day,more if house training or reading for show,phew,my finger is getting a blister.Join the ARBA if you want to learn a lot about all phases of rabbitry,hope this answers some of your questions.:bunnybutt:

 

[CKGS]

Thank you so very much John. I do appreciate all the breeders who answer this. It sounds like you have an excellent set up John and I commend you for setting boundaries on who you will and won't sell to. That's awesome. And I will check into the ARBA. Thanks.

 

[OakRidgeRabbits]

First question- Do you have criteria in place for whom you will or won't sell your rabbits to? Are there any restrictions set in place that will ensure the rabbits you sell are going to go to a 'good' home? I put good in parenthesis because everyones idea of good varies with each persons personal ideals.

I don't have a certain criteria. I DO spend lots of time, either through e-mails or in person, talking to each new owner. Many people appreciate this and ask more questions; they really get into it, which I take as a good sign. Some people are really short with me and generally they don't last because I bug them too much with all my information.Also, I sometimes sell to 4-Hers or breeders I know, so in that way it is easy to know how the rabbits will be treated. I also send a check-up e-mail a few weeks later to make sure all is well.

Second question- Are there any questions asked of the potential buyer other than whether they want show potential or pet potential?

I ask them if they have ever had a rabbit before. If they have, I just run through the basics of how to acclimate the bunny to their new home. If they haven't, I ask if they have any questions. Good potential owners ask A LOT of questions.

Third question- How are your rabbits raised? Are they raised in a home like setting where not much will phase them as they transition to their new home? Are they raised outdoors? Are they handled daily and used to being examined while with you?

My rabbits are housed in all-wire cages, which are located in our garage during the winter and screened porch in the summer. Moving is always stressful, but we do the best we can to make them comfortable. My rabbits are not handled daily, but they are touched, petted, etc., as we feed them. So in a sense, they are. But we don't physically pull them out of their cages everyday.

 

[OakRidgeRabbits]

CKGS wrote:

1.) They take back any animal they have created if for whatever reason the buyer cannot or simply won't keep it.

2.) Breeders who handle their babies daily. I can't think of a reason to not be able to pick them up at least once. Too many rabbits, again IMO, is an excuse- time to cut back and remember why you started breeding. I bet it wasn't to become over run.

1.) Also understand that this is not always possible. Breeders sell rabbits in order to make room for more. Most breeders don't have extra cage space at any random time and therefore cannot promise that they will be able to take it back. I don't think a lifetime guarantee is practical or even expected of reputable breeders. What I DO think is practical is that the breeder will help you to rehome the rabbit, if she cannot physically take it back at the time.

2.) It's really not a good idea to handle rabbits daily. Ours are petted, talked to, and loved on at feeding time. But rabbits can actually be more jumpy and psychotic if they are handled all the time. Breeding/show rabbits are trained so that when they are taken out of the cage, they will sit still for a few minutes, as if they were being evaluated at a show. So letting them run and play is one thing, but when being handled, we want them to be calm and know we are control. So they're not snuggled and huggled all the time.That way, they know that there is a time for play and a time to relax.

 

[CKGS]

Rabbit breeders are just so different from dog breeders. I have a hard time understanding why there is any reason to have so many rabbits that you don't have room to take them back. What if, for instance, you have 2,3,4 litters that don't sell (for whatever reason)? What do you do with those babies you don't have the room for? What happens then when they are old enough and can start breeding with eachother? When brothers impregnate sisters? I am sure this does happen sometimes. How do you all handle these situations if you don't have room to take any back? And by all means it's a great idea to help them rehome the rabbit if they are able to keep it long enough to rehome it. Allergies to a rabbit could be bad for the person who purchased it and severe enough in some cases where the owner has to let it go immediately.

 

[bunnybunbunb]

First question- Do you have criteria in place for whom you will or won't sell your rabbits to? Are there any restrictions set in place that will ensure the rabbits you sell are going to go to a 'good' home? I put good in parenthesis because everyones idea of good varies with each persons personal ideals.

I have not rehomed a rabbit in a long time. I just recently decided to start back breeding. What I plan on doing is making sure everything is clear. I want to know how they plan to house them, what they are going to feed and how much of what, what do they exactly know about care, what type of personality do they want, do they want to breed, ect. I have set people I will NOT sell too, I do not like them or trust them. I will not sell to them or anyone that associates/is friends with them. Everyone else gets a chance, if I feel they will be good then I will sell to them.

Second question- Are there any questions asked of the potential buyer other than whether they want show potential or pet potential?

Pretty much what I said up top I guess. Have they had bunnies, what are they expecting from the rabbit, why do they want a rabbit, ect

Third question- How are your rabbits raised? Are they raised in a home like setting where not much will phase them as they transition to their new home? Are they raised outdoors? Are they handled daily and used to being examined while with you?

They are outside in a building. The doors are kept open, except when storming. The farm has lots of dogs and cats all of which go into the building every day. They are use to noise, expecially barking as my cousins' German Shepherd is tied a few feet away.

Babies and juniors are handled everyday. They are brought to the house now and then for play time and interactment with the dogs and cats. The adults are petted everyday and handled often, depending on who it is. Some hate being picked up, others tolerate it. I have yet to find a bunny that liked being held for long. All are examined at least once a week.

All the rabbits get veggies each week, depending on what is going on I try to do it everyday. They all get time out in the grass each week and I have a small maskshift run under the solid bottom kiddling hutches they get time in.

But rabbits can actually be more jumpy and psychotic if they are handled all the time.

I disagree. Handling makes them tamer, if when they are taken out good things happen they will beg for it. I am not saying pulling them out 4-5 times a day is good but getting out of the same ole small space at least every other day or so is needed. I am suprised breeder animals do not go insane sitting in the same place week after week.

How many breeders here feed veggies? I swear, everytime I take in a new rabbit it takes me 5 days to 2 months to get them to even try a vegetable or to eat grass. It makes me so sad

 

[Erins Rabbits]

First question- Do you have criteria in place for whom you will or won't sell your rabbits to? Are there any restrictions set in place that will ensure the rabbits you sell are going to go to a 'good' home? I put good in parenthesis because everyones idea of good varies with each persons personal ideals.

I don't sell pets to people I don't know personally. I've sold pet bunnies to a few of my parents co-workers, but that's it. Rabbits that aren't quite 'up to par' come with me to a 4-h show. This way- I know that the owners aren't some crazy pet bunny people, and I get to see the new owner, and meet their bunnies. You can see whether it will be taken care of, or not. I also sell at ARBA shows- it's also easy enough. But I won't sell to anyone outside of the established rabbit community. If you own rabbits (Like, If I saw you on this forum, rabbit habbit, or rabbit chat, etc,) and saw that your pet is well kept, and you contacted me for a bunny, I would sell to you, albeit, reluctantly, but I would sell to you.

Second question- Are there any questions asked of the potential buyer other than whether they want show potential or pet potential?

I grill people who inquire. Do you have rabbits? Have you ever had a rabbit? Are you interested in showing? Sometimes they'll say something I don't like, and I ask them about that. What do you mean, you want to breed? What breed is your rabbit? Does it have a pedigree? If they want to become a backyard breeder or other such things... I say, I'm sorry, I don't think we have anything that's right for you. And leave it alone. I scare a lot of people away. Again, I don't sell pets. I make that very clear. I don't even want to venture into that part of the rabbit world, so many are frustrated with pet buyers, so many have problems with them. So, I say, if you want a pet, go to the petstore.

Third question- How are your rabbits raised? Are they raised in a home like setting where not much will phase them as they transition to their new home? Are they raised outdoors? Are they handled daily and used to being examined while with you?

Mine is an outdoor rabbitry- It's placed under an awning that provides ample protection from the wind, rain, snow, and sun. I go out twice a day- once to water, in the morning, and again to refill water again, and feed. During both these times, I reach in and say hello to every one. Once a week, I pull everyone out and do a thourough health check. This is usually on a Saturday, when I don't have a show. If I have a show, I take care of it on Friday. As a result, my rabbits don't mind being messed with, on a general level. Babies are handled on a daily basis, because I know if I totally leave them alone, aside from petting, for a week, they won't be well socialized at all.

 

[CKGS]

Thanks for your replies Sam. I see you have run into alot of the same issues I have. I also disagree with the handling them too much. Mine get out every day for at least an hour and they play their little hearts out. I think Abby would go crazy if she were kept caged day in and day out. It breaks my heart to know there are others just like her who never see the outside of the bars...

 

[CKGS]

And thank you also Erin. I actually like that you sell to the Rabbit community mostly. That's awesome.

 

[Erins Rabbits]

1.) They take back any animal they have created if for whatever reason the buyer cannot or simply won't keep it. This does not always mean money back but in some instances I think money should be given back.

I only take rabbits back if the cage and accesories come with it. It's a lot harder to find a home for a rabbit when the cage isn't included.

2.) Breeders who handle their babies daily. I can't think of a reason to not be able to pick them up at least once. Too many rabbits, again IMO, is an excuse- time to cut back and remember why you started breeding. I bet it wasn't to become over run.

I handle Kits daily. Only kits and young juniors. Past that, I agree with OakRidge. I've had kits completely change over the course of a week when I didn't handle them.


ETA:

How many breeders here feed veggies? I swear, everytime I take in a new rabbit it takes me 5 days to 2 months to get them to even try a vegetable or to eat grass. It makes me so sad

I don't feed veggies.... Sometimes they'll get a treat. But I don't feed veggies normally. They retain better condition that way, and it's easier and much less expensive to feed pellets and hay IMO

 

[SilverBirchRabbitry]

CKGS wrote:

I just tried to post this once and am trying again. Sigh.

Okay Breeders, here goes.

First question- Do you have criteria in place for whom you will or won't sell your rabbits to? Are there any restrictions set in place that will ensure the rabbits you sell are going to go to a 'good' home? I put good in parenthesis because everyones idea of good varies with each persons personal ideals.

Second question- Are there any questions asked of the potential buyer other than whether they want show potential or pet potential?

Third question- How are your rabbits raised? Are they raised in a home like setting where not much will phase them as they transition to their new home? Are they raised outdoors? Are they handled daily and used to being examined while with you?

I am not trying to be noisy... Well okay maybe I am... I am. Lol.

I have my reasons for asking these questions. I mainly ask because I enjoy learning and these are questions that I am curious to know answers about. Thanks so much if you participate!

First Question - Yes I do have a criteria, my definition of good is NOT just feeding and watering the bunny! Well my bunnies will NOT go to homes with children under 7! That is a biggy for me! Also they must, I repeat MUST have proper housing! Also the bunny must get regular attention, and the people have to appear normal! Or it's a no go! I will only sell a rabbit to a person over 18, unless they are accompanied bya parent, (yes I'm 15 but still) I do have friends my age who raise buns but I will sell/give to them without consent because I know them well.

Second Question- I ask where they are located, if I will receive updates, what sex, color and breed they want 7 that kind of thing

Third Question - I examine mine once a week, they live in a big barn outside. I'm out there ALOT, I love to groom & hold my bunnies! So they are very used to people and social interaction!:biggrin2:

We praise you for asking questions lol

 

[bunnybunbunb]

"How many breeders here feed veggies? I swear, everytime I take in a new rabbit it takes me 5 days to 2 months to get them to even try a vegetable or to eat grass. It makes me so sad


I don't feed veggies.... Sometimes they'll get a treat. But I don't feed veggies normally. They retain better condition that way, and it's easier and much less expensive to feed pellets and hay IMO"

Easier and less expensive is on the lower end of my priority list. I do not know about everywhere else but here I can normally find discount bags of lettuce/kale/ect for $1. Even with 15 rabbits a bag will last as long as it stays fresh if each rabbit gets a few peices each. I always keep organic carrots around for myself and they get them once a week or so. I have a garden so right now all the lettuce,mustard greens and collard greens and other stuff(soon) come from it.

I remember how my rabbits did before when I fed only pellets and hay, from then to now it is a big change. I give fresh hay and water of the morning which is normally when I give the veggies and grass time. Come evening they get whatever their set amount of pellets is, with wheat germ oil if that rabbit is currently on it. My rabbits are doing better now with a wider diet than they did before.

You do what you find best but just pellets and hay seems sad :/

 

[polly]

Thanks I am glad you like the way I have and keep my bunnies I had pet rabbits for around 6 years before I started breeding.

I agree very much with John in that when we have got older does from breeders a lot of time we have problems with them getting pregnant/kindling.

And I disagree on a couple of things I think when a rabbit is not handled well then they can be a lot more tempremental and think handling is paramount to a healthy happy rabbit witha good personality. If I feel one of mine is getting a bit fighty when they start to get hormonal they are handled more and they are fine. They do know the difference between being brought out to sit and being brought out for a cuddle and I can think of at least 5 rabbits off the top of my head that will give kisses as in actual licks.

I also do feed veg but mainly to my does and house rabbits. All my bevs get veg but some of my bucks dont as they do not seem to do well with it.

I have around 40 rabbits at the moment and I could tell u all their names attributes and how they like to be handled in my mind that helps to make a good breeder not just checking they are ok and not just getting them out to pose them.