The adorably cute shaded marten babies are no longer adorably cute. Nope, they are moving in to the 4 week old range. Soon they will be 5 weeks and 6 weeks and they don't be nearly as adorable or chunky as they were when they were just tiny balls of rabbit with itty bitty little ears.
I guess it's all part of growing up.
My next does aren't due until April. That's nice, it gives me a bit of a baby-break and I have an opportunity to grow some out before I have to make decisions on who is going to stay and who won't.
With the weather so nice yesterday. I got a few more ladies bred. I am not sure what was going on, but three of the four were VERY vocal when I picked them up, grumbling and grunting. I know they must have been chewing those bucks out, because it continued on in the cages. Bizarre! One I know is a bit of a chatterbox, but the other two are usually very quiet and polite.
I've got some good pairings going on, I can't wait to see what this produces!
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Greensboro Show Results
Ok, here we go! I did pretty well in Greensboro! I'm only going to hit the highlights, with the group or class wins, or we'll be here all day :).
Show A- Judge Rusty Westhoff
Keep's Calypso- 1/2
Keep's Cairo- 1/9, BOG
Keep's Epiphany- 1/6- BOSG
Show B- Judge Todd Narragon
Keep's Tryon- 1/9, BOG, BOSB
Keep's Epiphany- 1/6 BOSG
Keep's KBT- 1/3
Keep's Rah- 1/2, BOSG
Show C- Judge Julie Uneo
Keep's Calypso- 1/2
Keep's Heart Throb- 1/9 BOG
Keep's Prancer- 1/6, BOSG
Keep's KBT- 1/3
Keep's Rah- 1/1, BOSG
Show D- Judge Josh Humphries
Keep's Opal- 1/2, BOSG
Keep's Tryon- 1/8
Keep's Prancer- 1/7
Keep's KBT- 1/3 BOG
Keep's Rah- 1/1, BOSG
Specialty- Judge Briony Barns
Keep's Calypso- 1/2
Keep's Epiphany- 1/8 BOSG
Keep's KBT- 1/2
Overall, I was VERY pleased with my placings, especially in light of the feed issues I've been having. Almost all the woolies are blowing their coats to pieces right now- except the juniors who most need to do it. Isn't that always how it works out?
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
Show A- Judge Rusty Westhoff
Keep's Calypso- 1/2
Keep's Cairo- 1/9, BOG
Keep's Epiphany- 1/6- BOSG
Show B- Judge Todd Narragon
Keep's Tryon- 1/9, BOG, BOSB
Keep's Epiphany- 1/6 BOSG
Keep's KBT- 1/3
Keep's Rah- 1/2, BOSG
Show C- Judge Julie Uneo
Keep's Calypso- 1/2
Keep's Heart Throb- 1/9 BOG
Keep's Prancer- 1/6, BOSG
Keep's KBT- 1/3
Keep's Rah- 1/1, BOSG
Show D- Judge Josh Humphries
Keep's Opal- 1/2, BOSG
Keep's Tryon- 1/8
Keep's Prancer- 1/7
Keep's KBT- 1/3 BOG
Keep's Rah- 1/1, BOSG
Specialty- Judge Briony Barns
Keep's Calypso- 1/2
Keep's Epiphany- 1/8 BOSG
Keep's KBT- 1/2
Overall, I was VERY pleased with my placings, especially in light of the feed issues I've been having. Almost all the woolies are blowing their coats to pieces right now- except the juniors who most need to do it. Isn't that always how it works out?
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
Monday, March 21, 2011
Why I REALLY Enjoyed the NCRBA State Convention
We had our NC State Convention this past weekend, put on by the NCRBA. This post isn't about my wins or the fun times, etc. It's about some things the club really did well that made this such a great show this weekend.
Parking Passes: Our show is at the Greensboro Coliseum. They decided we have to start paying to park. BOOOO. However, the NCRBA club negotiated a deal where we paid only $2.00 per day to park, instead of the $8.00 they normally charge. Not only that, the club put in the catalog that we needed a parking pass and how much it would be, then emailed the passes out with our entry confirmations! We were able to flash our pass, go park, and when we checked in and paid for our entries, we simply paid the club the $2.00 per each day. Easy, no hassle, no arguing with the attendants that we got to pay less- and of course, we all knew how much we were paying and that we had to pay. It was super helpful.
No Set Up Zone: When we went to set up Friday night, imagine our delight (and surprise) to find "adjusta-tape stanchions". What are these? You know what they are :). They are the posts that have the "tape" (about like seatbelts) that you can pull out and attach to another post. They help with crowd control, they make up the lines at the bank, etc. These were used to block of a significant area in front of each judging coop. We all had to set up behind it. It was SO NICE and helpful to have that room while we were showing. It still got a little crowded (as it is going to), but it was so nice not to have to try to push grooming tables out of the way so we could get to the tables!
Big, Climate Controlled Area: The club really didn't get stingy when it came to room. We weren't crowded in on top of each other- everyone had plenty of room and it was climate controlled! It's so nice not to bake when it's warm outside or freeze when it's cold out. I love, love, love climate control!
Tryon is less impressed than I was with his BOSB trophy... he just wants to stretch out for his nap!
Flashy Trophies: This is a personal preference especially- The trophies were spectacular! Large and flashy, I really appreciated them!
Quick, Quick, Quick: I'm not sure what they did differently this time, but WOW did the shows go quick! There were plenty of judges and WHOA! We were out of the showroom by 3:00pm on the first day (after I spent a ridiculous amount of time socializing and piddling around). We were done by 1:00pm on the second day! Admittedly, I didn't have to stay for the Best In Show judging which was held at the end, but hey, this is around 2-4 hours quicker than other shows that haven't included my staying for Best In Show! I think it really allowed the show to go quicker because we waited to do that judging, rather than having the judges hang around while the last breeds were finished up, then having to take the time to round up all the BOB animals, have the judge look at them all, etc.
Overall, I really enjoyed this show. I think they had a lot of good ideas and good implementation! This is one of the reason that the NC Convention is one of my favorite shows!
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
Parking Passes: Our show is at the Greensboro Coliseum. They decided we have to start paying to park. BOOOO. However, the NCRBA club negotiated a deal where we paid only $2.00 per day to park, instead of the $8.00 they normally charge. Not only that, the club put in the catalog that we needed a parking pass and how much it would be, then emailed the passes out with our entry confirmations! We were able to flash our pass, go park, and when we checked in and paid for our entries, we simply paid the club the $2.00 per each day. Easy, no hassle, no arguing with the attendants that we got to pay less- and of course, we all knew how much we were paying and that we had to pay. It was super helpful.
No Set Up Zone: When we went to set up Friday night, imagine our delight (and surprise) to find "adjusta-tape stanchions". What are these? You know what they are :). They are the posts that have the "tape" (about like seatbelts) that you can pull out and attach to another post. They help with crowd control, they make up the lines at the bank, etc. These were used to block of a significant area in front of each judging coop. We all had to set up behind it. It was SO NICE and helpful to have that room while we were showing. It still got a little crowded (as it is going to), but it was so nice not to have to try to push grooming tables out of the way so we could get to the tables!
Big, Climate Controlled Area: The club really didn't get stingy when it came to room. We weren't crowded in on top of each other- everyone had plenty of room and it was climate controlled! It's so nice not to bake when it's warm outside or freeze when it's cold out. I love, love, love climate control!
Tryon is less impressed than I was with his BOSB trophy... he just wants to stretch out for his nap!Flashy Trophies: This is a personal preference especially- The trophies were spectacular! Large and flashy, I really appreciated them!
Quick, Quick, Quick: I'm not sure what they did differently this time, but WOW did the shows go quick! There were plenty of judges and WHOA! We were out of the showroom by 3:00pm on the first day (after I spent a ridiculous amount of time socializing and piddling around). We were done by 1:00pm on the second day! Admittedly, I didn't have to stay for the Best In Show judging which was held at the end, but hey, this is around 2-4 hours quicker than other shows that haven't included my staying for Best In Show! I think it really allowed the show to go quicker because we waited to do that judging, rather than having the judges hang around while the last breeds were finished up, then having to take the time to round up all the BOB animals, have the judge look at them all, etc.
Overall, I really enjoyed this show. I think they had a lot of good ideas and good implementation! This is one of the reason that the NC Convention is one of my favorite shows!
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
A Few Babies!
I only have one litter in that absolutely adorable 3 week old stage- so here you go!
A smoke pearl marten, a black otter and a siamese sable marten. These guys were a bit of a surprise, since I didn't consider that the black buck I used carried shaded. I knew the doe carried blue and now I know the buck does as well! At least this rainbow litter taught be a bit about the genetics of the buck hehe. Too bad I sold him, huh?
I haven't sexed these babies yet, but if I had to guess, I'd say the two shaded martens are bucks and the little otter is a doe. Watch- I'm going to be DEAD WRONG.
I'm not really big on the shaded marten color, so it figures that this is Tim's favorite litter.
Little Mr. Attitude! This baby is constantly sucking up and acting ADORABLE. I keep telling him it isn't going to work- but somehow he doesn't believe me.
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
A smoke pearl marten, a black otter and a siamese sable marten. These guys were a bit of a surprise, since I didn't consider that the black buck I used carried shaded. I knew the doe carried blue and now I know the buck does as well! At least this rainbow litter taught be a bit about the genetics of the buck hehe. Too bad I sold him, huh?
I haven't sexed these babies yet, but if I had to guess, I'd say the two shaded martens are bucks and the little otter is a doe. Watch- I'm going to be DEAD WRONG.I'm not really big on the shaded marten color, so it figures that this is Tim's favorite litter.Little Mr. Attitude! This baby is constantly sucking up and acting ADORABLE. I keep telling him it isn't going to work- but somehow he doesn't believe me.
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
Monday, March 14, 2011
Who to show
I'm excited for the Greensboro Show! Unfortunately, it leads to one of my least favorite activities- deciding who is going to go.
I'm still especially disappointed with the condition of some of my animals- a situation which I blame on the feed, as I've said before. I'm working on doing what I can to make it a little better, we'll have to see how that works in the long run.
However, I do LOVE to trot out my new juniors. I've got three right now that I can't wait to put up, even though two need nicer coats and one needs to pop her head. That's ok though, I am excited to get comments! Besides, you never know what everyone else's animals are going to look like.
I'm definitely going to have some rabbits for sale- I haven't yet decided who it will be, though I have a few in mind.
I've got a lot to do- tattoos, nail clipping, grooming, printing pedigrees- thankfully it's only Monday!
YAY for a show this weekend! :D.
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
I'm still especially disappointed with the condition of some of my animals- a situation which I blame on the feed, as I've said before. I'm working on doing what I can to make it a little better, we'll have to see how that works in the long run.
However, I do LOVE to trot out my new juniors. I've got three right now that I can't wait to put up, even though two need nicer coats and one needs to pop her head. That's ok though, I am excited to get comments! Besides, you never know what everyone else's animals are going to look like.
I'm definitely going to have some rabbits for sale- I haven't yet decided who it will be, though I have a few in mind.
I've got a lot to do- tattoos, nail clipping, grooming, printing pedigrees- thankfully it's only Monday!
YAY for a show this weekend! :D.
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Rabbit Smarties
Have you heard of Rabbit Smarties? It's a line of resources developed by Ellyn Eddy. She was the two-time runner up for ARBA Queen (2007 & 2008). She was the Michigan State Rabbit Queen 2008, ARBA Educational Contest Winner (2007, 2008) and has a list of other achievements a mile long.
Keep's Rabbitry has recently partnered with Ellyn and is now an authorized seller of the Rabbit Smarties line of products! I will have sample pages of the books with me at the NCRBA Show in Greensboro on March 19-20th. I am available to answer questions at any time!
Rabbit Smarties is a book of 115+ activities with a rabbit theme! It is important to have a working knowledge of rabbit raising practices and show standards to complete some of the word searches, crossword puzzles, picture games and other puzzles. This is a very poplar study aid for 4-H groups and ARBA royalty contestants, though folks of all ages will enjoy it! It is full color and contains 68 pages. It runs $15.00+ shipping
The Youth Rabbit Project Study Guide is the bestselling publication to date. The Study Guide is rich in advice on rabbit care, health, showing, breeding and includes expert study tips for contests like 4-H showmanship and ARBA Royalty. The pages MAY BE REPRODUCED for use in a club setting. 72 full color pages include an abundance of charts and photos! $20.00+ shipping
A Book About Bunny Colors is a practical breeder's guide to understanding coat color genetics in a way that can quickly help you in your breeding. Application -based explanations teach you to anticipate the outcomes of your litters, identify unknown varieties, develop a color breeding program, eliminate color faults and more! Relaxed language, at-a-glance charts and 80+ color photos make color genetics much less daunting! 64 full color pages. $20.00+ shipping
Cavy Savvy 2-in-1: Study Guide and Activity Book. Cavy Savvy is a combination study guide and activity book all about guinea pigs. The study guide section includes advice from successful breeders on purchasing, showing, grooming, breeding and caring for cavies. Cavy Savvy 2-in-1 is ideal for both the novice guinea pig owner and for youth studying for ARBA Royalty contests. 60 pages of full color! $20 + shipping
Bunny Smarties contains 70+ activities to please and puzzle the young and old. Includes bunny themed word searches, mazes, crossword puzzles, word scrambles, coloring pages and picture games to help you learn about rabbits. Suitable for classrooms, gifts and novice rabbit owners! Includes color photos and an answer key. 48 full color pages! $12.00 + shipping
You can check out more information here!
You are welcome to place an order with me, or place an order directly on the website! I just ask that if you place your order directly, please let Ellyn know you heard about the smarties from Keep! :D
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
Keep's Rabbitry has recently partnered with Ellyn and is now an authorized seller of the Rabbit Smarties line of products! I will have sample pages of the books with me at the NCRBA Show in Greensboro on March 19-20th. I am available to answer questions at any time!
Rabbit Smarties is a book of 115+ activities with a rabbit theme! It is important to have a working knowledge of rabbit raising practices and show standards to complete some of the word searches, crossword puzzles, picture games and other puzzles. This is a very poplar study aid for 4-H groups and ARBA royalty contestants, though folks of all ages will enjoy it! It is full color and contains 68 pages. It runs $15.00+ shipping
The Youth Rabbit Project Study Guide is the bestselling publication to date. The Study Guide is rich in advice on rabbit care, health, showing, breeding and includes expert study tips for contests like 4-H showmanship and ARBA Royalty. The pages MAY BE REPRODUCED for use in a club setting. 72 full color pages include an abundance of charts and photos! $20.00+ shipping
A Book About Bunny Colors is a practical breeder's guide to understanding coat color genetics in a way that can quickly help you in your breeding. Application -based explanations teach you to anticipate the outcomes of your litters, identify unknown varieties, develop a color breeding program, eliminate color faults and more! Relaxed language, at-a-glance charts and 80+ color photos make color genetics much less daunting! 64 full color pages. $20.00+ shipping
Cavy Savvy 2-in-1: Study Guide and Activity Book. Cavy Savvy is a combination study guide and activity book all about guinea pigs. The study guide section includes advice from successful breeders on purchasing, showing, grooming, breeding and caring for cavies. Cavy Savvy 2-in-1 is ideal for both the novice guinea pig owner and for youth studying for ARBA Royalty contests. 60 pages of full color! $20 + shipping
Bunny Smarties contains 70+ activities to please and puzzle the young and old. Includes bunny themed word searches, mazes, crossword puzzles, word scrambles, coloring pages and picture games to help you learn about rabbits. Suitable for classrooms, gifts and novice rabbit owners! Includes color photos and an answer key. 48 full color pages! $12.00 + shipping
You can check out more information here!
You are welcome to place an order with me, or place an order directly on the website! I just ask that if you place your order directly, please let Ellyn know you heard about the smarties from Keep! :D
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Terrible happenings
Ugh.
One of the does ate all the hay out of her nestbox, ate most of the wool out of her nestbox- then ate one and a half of her babies. Two escaped when I guess they were kicked out of the box, but one froze to death and I've been trying unsuccessfully to revive the last one. They were a week old.
On top of that, Epiphany's singleton froze. I'm also trying to revive it, but I don't expect it to come back around.
In just one night, I lost over half of my young babies. I'm especially disturbed by the doe that murdered her babies. She will be leaving the rabbitry- fatally, unless her breeder wants her back. I won't tolerate what she's done, especially because she's a brood doe- her only purpose IS to have babies and to take care of them.
I'm so upset and disgusted, I just don't know what else to say.
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
One of the does ate all the hay out of her nestbox, ate most of the wool out of her nestbox- then ate one and a half of her babies. Two escaped when I guess they were kicked out of the box, but one froze to death and I've been trying unsuccessfully to revive the last one. They were a week old.
On top of that, Epiphany's singleton froze. I'm also trying to revive it, but I don't expect it to come back around.
In just one night, I lost over half of my young babies. I'm especially disturbed by the doe that murdered her babies. She will be leaving the rabbitry- fatally, unless her breeder wants her back. I won't tolerate what she's done, especially because she's a brood doe- her only purpose IS to have babies and to take care of them.
I'm so upset and disgusted, I just don't know what else to say.
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
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