Remember to get your show entries in! The deadline is tonight at 9pm *I believe*. It's a double open and double youth show! Entries go to Judy Bustle at showentry@msn.com .
We got our entries in earlier, but I need to remember to check for a confirmation! I'm sad, we're very "breed heavy" right now- as in one breed has much more of a show range than the others, because they are in the best condition and haven't been chewed on.
I'm excited, I'll be trying for the granding leg on one of my does (which is a 2008 rabbitry goal, if you remember!). One of my guys has his first show ever, and several rabbits are looking for first or second legs. I'm even bringing back a special girl of mine who hasn't seen the table in quite a while. I don't expect her to win (though she's beautiful), but I would like to see if I can get her bred while at the show. Nothing like a little stress and the smell of several hundred other rabbits to get the does in the mood!
I like to make a list of who I'm taking and who I'm selling. I'm delivering three rabbits as it is, it wouldn't do to forget one! I also need to make sure I have all the pedigrees I need- I HATE forgetting a pedigree! It's always best to have them with you, so when you need it, it's there!
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Lionhead SELL OUT
Lionheads:
Roy's Fussy- tort senior doe
Fussy is not proven 100%. Her first litter was born dead and you all know my luck with babies, so she has not had another litter for me yet. She's a cute, small doe out of GREAT lines. Not a mean doe, very cute. $50
Roy's Tiny Thomas- tort senior buck
This little guy has 2 junior BOBs- and I've only shown him three times. Yeah, he's that cute. Still has a very nice mane as a senior. Very clean skirt & mane, a nice small guy with cute, short, open ears, a nice body and a nice width to his head. Hate to see him go, but they were a side project anyway. Again, out of excellent lines. $75.
Will sell the pair of lionheads together for $110.
Why am I selling out the lionheads?
Well- they are animals I flirted with breeding, to be honest. I loved Tiny Thomas as a baby and he was offered to me by his wonderful breeder Nita. I brought them home, I piddled, I piddled, I piddled again- and today I realized. These animals are too nice to be stuck in a second rate lionhead breeding program. They could really be doing something for someone else's herd. I'll have two empty holes, just on the off chance I ever get any more babies, and someone will have a nice pair of animals from one of the top breeders of lionheads in our area.
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
Roy's Fussy- tort senior doe
Fussy is not proven 100%. Her first litter was born dead and you all know my luck with babies, so she has not had another litter for me yet. She's a cute, small doe out of GREAT lines. Not a mean doe, very cute. $50
Roy's Tiny Thomas- tort senior buck
This little guy has 2 junior BOBs- and I've only shown him three times. Yeah, he's that cute. Still has a very nice mane as a senior. Very clean skirt & mane, a nice small guy with cute, short, open ears, a nice body and a nice width to his head. Hate to see him go, but they were a side project anyway. Again, out of excellent lines. $75.
Will sell the pair of lionheads together for $110.
Why am I selling out the lionheads?
Well- they are animals I flirted with breeding, to be honest. I loved Tiny Thomas as a baby and he was offered to me by his wonderful breeder Nita. I brought them home, I piddled, I piddled, I piddled again- and today I realized. These animals are too nice to be stuck in a second rate lionhead breeding program. They could really be doing something for someone else's herd. I'll have two empty holes, just on the off chance I ever get any more babies, and someone will have a nice pair of animals from one of the top breeders of lionheads in our area.
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
Monday, January 14, 2008
Saying Goodbye
Today, we had our first adult rabbit die in quite a while. Keep's Spectacular, a very promising, very nice looking young senior wooley passed on. He was always a small rabbit and I don't suspect illness. I think the cold and rapid weather changes were just more than his small system could handle. He was one of the pair that came in to live during our first weather drop.
I still have his sister, father and mother, so it's no tragedy of line loss, but it's never easy to lose a rabbit.
His cage will be sterilized in the morning, when there isn't risk of Tim or I getting frostbite from being out in this horrible cold, splashing in water and bleach. His water bottle and food bowl will likewise be cleaned and disinfected. Then we'll try to move on.
I still remember my first baby rabbit that died- my first DOA baby, the first adult to die- I can tell you names, colors, parents... *sigh*. Back to the drawing board.
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
I still have his sister, father and mother, so it's no tragedy of line loss, but it's never easy to lose a rabbit.
His cage will be sterilized in the morning, when there isn't risk of Tim or I getting frostbite from being out in this horrible cold, splashing in water and bleach. His water bottle and food bowl will likewise be cleaned and disinfected. Then we'll try to move on.
I still remember my first baby rabbit that died- my first DOA baby, the first adult to die- I can tell you names, colors, parents... *sigh*. Back to the drawing board.
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
Friday, January 11, 2008
Showing Purchased Rabbits
I show purchased rabbits. I'm not ashamed of it and I never will be.
If I purchase a rabbit as a show quality animal, I'm absolutely going to want to get other opinions on it, especially on potential faults and as a way to see if I missed anything when I evaluated the animal.
Some people choose not to show purchased animals, and that is entirely their choice.
However, I recently saw a friend post a Sell-Out list. When I asked her why, I was shocked to hear it was because some people couldn't take it that she was showing rabbits she purchased. The biggest problem they had with it, I think, was that she was winning.
I'm sorry- wait, what? A breeder is upset because someone bought great stock and wants to show it? It boggles the mind.
Nothing prevents anyone from purchasing rabbits. We all breed with the goal that one day, we'll produce nationally competitive rabbits, and- dare we dream- win BOB at a National Convention. So, when someone is so afraid of competition and has so little faith in their stock that they drive off an excellent, kind hearted breeder because they are showing purchased stock- well that is just pathetic.
If I buy an animal that doesn't have enough legs to grand, should I not show it ever because I didn't breed it? Absolutely not! Even if that rabbit has three legs, if I feel like showing the animal, I'm going to! I wouldn't expect anyone else to act any differently.
Now, this is absolutely different from ONLY buying animals to win, and not trying to breed your own- but still, if this is what you do, it's your business. There is nothing anyone can do about it.
Nothing is more rewarding than winning with a homebred, but speaking from experience, winning with a rabbit you purchased as a young junior is pretty sweet too. It speaks to your "eye" for the rabbits, for choosing a nice creature, for keeping it in excellent condition.
A doe of mine, The Nature Trail's Miss Muffet, got her first leg, beating out rabbits her breeder had brought. When I congratulated Laurie on breeding her, she waved it off and told me I was the one responsible for getting her in and keeping her in winning conditioning, all she did was breed the rabbit.
What a great attitude to have.
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
If I purchase a rabbit as a show quality animal, I'm absolutely going to want to get other opinions on it, especially on potential faults and as a way to see if I missed anything when I evaluated the animal.
Some people choose not to show purchased animals, and that is entirely their choice.
However, I recently saw a friend post a Sell-Out list. When I asked her why, I was shocked to hear it was because some people couldn't take it that she was showing rabbits she purchased. The biggest problem they had with it, I think, was that she was winning.
I'm sorry- wait, what? A breeder is upset because someone bought great stock and wants to show it? It boggles the mind.
Nothing prevents anyone from purchasing rabbits. We all breed with the goal that one day, we'll produce nationally competitive rabbits, and- dare we dream- win BOB at a National Convention. So, when someone is so afraid of competition and has so little faith in their stock that they drive off an excellent, kind hearted breeder because they are showing purchased stock- well that is just pathetic.
If I buy an animal that doesn't have enough legs to grand, should I not show it ever because I didn't breed it? Absolutely not! Even if that rabbit has three legs, if I feel like showing the animal, I'm going to! I wouldn't expect anyone else to act any differently.
Now, this is absolutely different from ONLY buying animals to win, and not trying to breed your own- but still, if this is what you do, it's your business. There is nothing anyone can do about it.
Nothing is more rewarding than winning with a homebred, but speaking from experience, winning with a rabbit you purchased as a young junior is pretty sweet too. It speaks to your "eye" for the rabbits, for choosing a nice creature, for keeping it in excellent condition.
A doe of mine, The Nature Trail's Miss Muffet, got her first leg, beating out rabbits her breeder had brought. When I congratulated Laurie on breeding her, she waved it off and told me I was the one responsible for getting her in and keeping her in winning conditioning, all she did was breed the rabbit.
What a great attitude to have.
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Feed Troubles
I'm more than a little bit upset with our feed store.
I feed Purina blue bag and it's been a very good feed for me. Usually I can get it consistently, it keeps the animals in good condition...it's a little pricey, but I can deal with that.
However, several weeks ago we noticed our feed store was getting low on the blue bag. I was assured they had ordered more. Well, the next time we went, nope, no blue bag feed had come in the shipment. We got the comment "Oh our supplier apparently decided not to work since it's near New Years".
To begin with, and at the risk of sounding like a total witch- that's not my problem. My problem is 40 hungry rabbits who need to keep on a consistent diet, or risk illness. But what can you do? So, we grabbed some of the Pet Chow, the green bag of Purina, which is almost as good and can be used without proper transitioning. It keeps them in similar condition and is a great stop-gap against waiting a week for a new shipment.
We go to get food last week and "Oh, they just didn't send any blue bag. They sometimes like to liquidate almost everything the have so they won't be taxed on inventory". Again, this is NOT my problem. Frankly, if I were the feed store, I'd be going with a new supplier. We had troubles with them at first, because every time we went to get feed, the price fluctuated- sometimes by several dollars.
It was when we were charged $15 for a bag of feed that had cost us $12 the previous week that I got ugly and we got a price stabilized, written down in ink. We were told that the price fluctuated because the supplier changed the price weekly. I accepted this extremely strange explanation.
Now, when I buy feed, I buy it for me, recommend it to pet people and even will tell them where I get it- all for free. This is free advertising for the feed store. We've dealt with these people because the feed is cheaper and it's closest. But I'm sick of excuses. I want my feed. If they can't get it for me, I'll go elsewhere, I'll take my referrals with me and I don't feel too inclined to inform them of this change to save them on ordering the feed- after all, obviously they can't get it in the first place.
I've been getting the run around on this feed for three weeks now. We're down to half a bag, so we'll be needing to get new soon. If they don't have it this time, then mark my words, that's it- over, finished, kaput- I will be finding someone new to take my business, and my referrals, to.
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
I feed Purina blue bag and it's been a very good feed for me. Usually I can get it consistently, it keeps the animals in good condition...it's a little pricey, but I can deal with that.
However, several weeks ago we noticed our feed store was getting low on the blue bag. I was assured they had ordered more. Well, the next time we went, nope, no blue bag feed had come in the shipment. We got the comment "Oh our supplier apparently decided not to work since it's near New Years".
To begin with, and at the risk of sounding like a total witch- that's not my problem. My problem is 40 hungry rabbits who need to keep on a consistent diet, or risk illness. But what can you do? So, we grabbed some of the Pet Chow, the green bag of Purina, which is almost as good and can be used without proper transitioning. It keeps them in similar condition and is a great stop-gap against waiting a week for a new shipment.
We go to get food last week and "Oh, they just didn't send any blue bag. They sometimes like to liquidate almost everything the have so they won't be taxed on inventory". Again, this is NOT my problem. Frankly, if I were the feed store, I'd be going with a new supplier. We had troubles with them at first, because every time we went to get feed, the price fluctuated- sometimes by several dollars.
It was when we were charged $15 for a bag of feed that had cost us $12 the previous week that I got ugly and we got a price stabilized, written down in ink. We were told that the price fluctuated because the supplier changed the price weekly. I accepted this extremely strange explanation.
Now, when I buy feed, I buy it for me, recommend it to pet people and even will tell them where I get it- all for free. This is free advertising for the feed store. We've dealt with these people because the feed is cheaper and it's closest. But I'm sick of excuses. I want my feed. If they can't get it for me, I'll go elsewhere, I'll take my referrals with me and I don't feel too inclined to inform them of this change to save them on ordering the feed- after all, obviously they can't get it in the first place.
I've been getting the run around on this feed for three weeks now. We're down to half a bag, so we'll be needing to get new soon. If they don't have it this time, then mark my words, that's it- over, finished, kaput- I will be finding someone new to take my business, and my referrals, to.
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Graphic Designs for Sale
Hey all! I'll be offering graphics, logos, avatars and web pictures for sale!
Custom made avatar & banner- $7
Custom made web picture- $10
Custom made web picture, avatar & banner- $15
Borders and/or text on pictures- $0.50 each
Logo- $7
Website background- $5-$10 depending on the style
Website buttons- $1 each.
Additional packages or work can be done, just inquire and we'll set up prices. I will accept paypal payments, or personal checks.
In the case of personal checks, allow 14 days for the check to clear before work will begin.
A webpage devoted to this information or additional options as they come available will be placed on my site as soon as possible, as well as examples of my work :)
*will do pictures or logos for anything*
All right, thanks for checking out my public service announcement :).
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
Custom made avatar & banner- $7
Custom made web picture- $10
Custom made web picture, avatar & banner- $15
Borders and/or text on pictures- $0.50 each
Logo- $7
Website background- $5-$10 depending on the style
Website buttons- $1 each.
Additional packages or work can be done, just inquire and we'll set up prices. I will accept paypal payments, or personal checks.
In the case of personal checks, allow 14 days for the check to clear before work will begin.
A webpage devoted to this information or additional options as they come available will be placed on my site as soon as possible, as well as examples of my work :)
*will do pictures or logos for anything*
All right, thanks for checking out my public service announcement :).
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Upcoming Show!
My next show is going to be in Mocksville, on the 19th. I have a feeling that my show entries are going to be slim pickins though.
I've got two does, one with a pair of legs and one with 4 (including a BIS) that are due 9 days before the show. With luck, they'll have to stay home and take care of their litters. I am, however, tempted to take my first BIS doe with me and see if she's still in good enough condition to win a few legs- and hope that the stress of the show puts her in to baby-making mode!
I've got some pre-juniors that don't need to go to the show, and a junior wooley that has been chewed on, so he can't come either. I do have one junior I'll get to take for his first showing! YAYY! I'm not expecting huge results for him though, his mama really bloomed as a young senior.
I think the bucks are going to rule the day- I've got three mini lops bucks to take, two of whom are brothers and I need to decide between. I've already got an inquiry on the one I don't keep, and I've been keeping her waiting for long enough, I feel. I may take my broken sable point holland buck, but he's such a young junior that I may change my mind about that- competition in hollands around here is awesome, and especially in the buck department! Assuming my agouti wooley gets his wool cap back, I may take him for fun as well :).
Ahh well, it might be a nice change to not have a ton of animals in a ton of classes! Heck, I may even bring my little lionhead buck and give him another spin around the table. He took two BOBs in his first three shows!
This is of course, assuming that the weather stays nice! We won't be able to drive 2 hours in a snow and ice storm lol.
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
I've got two does, one with a pair of legs and one with 4 (including a BIS) that are due 9 days before the show. With luck, they'll have to stay home and take care of their litters. I am, however, tempted to take my first BIS doe with me and see if she's still in good enough condition to win a few legs- and hope that the stress of the show puts her in to baby-making mode!
I've got some pre-juniors that don't need to go to the show, and a junior wooley that has been chewed on, so he can't come either. I do have one junior I'll get to take for his first showing! YAYY! I'm not expecting huge results for him though, his mama really bloomed as a young senior.
I think the bucks are going to rule the day- I've got three mini lops bucks to take, two of whom are brothers and I need to decide between. I've already got an inquiry on the one I don't keep, and I've been keeping her waiting for long enough, I feel. I may take my broken sable point holland buck, but he's such a young junior that I may change my mind about that- competition in hollands around here is awesome, and especially in the buck department! Assuming my agouti wooley gets his wool cap back, I may take him for fun as well :).
Ahh well, it might be a nice change to not have a ton of animals in a ton of classes! Heck, I may even bring my little lionhead buck and give him another spin around the table. He took two BOBs in his first three shows!
This is of course, assuming that the weather stays nice! We won't be able to drive 2 hours in a snow and ice storm lol.
-Kristen
Keep's Rabbitry
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
