WARNING: ALL RABBIT BREEDERS

I have an important announcement to make. Recently I went to a rabbit show, and it was a lot of fun. BUT really, a rabbit show is fraught with danger. Here's a list of things to watch out for.

1. Cute bunnies. This is the most dangerous problem of all. SO MANY FLUFFIES! You will NOT be able to walk away. Resistance is futile. (I almost bought 3 rabbits that I had ABSOLUTELY no use for. I even tried to justify buying them 😂)
2. Nice people. If I had stopped to chat with every nice breeder there, I would have been gone all day! 
3. Bunny Supplies. TOO MUCH USEFUL STUFF. I bought a pedigree book, a nest box, rabbit carrier latches, a Standard of Perfection, and almost bought approximately 30,000 other items. 
4. DID I MENTION THE BUNNIES???

Bottom line, is unless you want to leave with exactly ZERO DOLLARS in your wallet, don't go to a rabbit show.

(Actually what I'm saying here, is go to a rabbit show, have fun and buy ALL DA BUNNIES)

There ain't no such thing as too many rabbits. 

Diseases: Myxomatosis

Myxomatosis is a disease caused by the myxoma virus that affects rabbits. Myxomatosis causes skin tumors and sometimes blindness, followed by fatigue and fever. Affected rabbits usually die within 14 days of contracting the disease. Myxomatosis is spread by direct contact with an affected rabbit or by being bitten by fleas or mosquitoes that have fed on an affected rabbit. There is no treatment for rabbits suffering from myxomatosis and it is best to euthanize the rabbit to end its suffering. However, myxomatosis can be prevented by an annual vaccine.

Is it really worth it to join ARBA?

As someone who has asked this question myself, I decided to answer it for you all in this article. First of all, for anyone who isn't aware, ARBA stands for the American Rabbit Breeders Association. It is currently the largest domestic rabbit organization.

For me, this question was a dilemma at first, because my rabbitry is extremely small. (I only have four rabbits, two are bred) Is it really worth it to join ARBA, especially if you have a small, low producing rabbitry?

From my personal experience, the answer is yes. When you join ARBA, you get a subscription to the Domestic Rabbits magazine, which is chock full of useful tidbits. You also get the Guide to Raising Better Rabbits and Cavies, which covers every topic from getting your rabbits show ready to supplies you should obtain. You also get an ARBA membership card, which allows you to participate in ARBA Convention.

Join ARBA today!
https://www.arba.net/join.htm

Rabbit Terms: Disease, Virus, and Parasite

Disease

A disease is "a disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific signs or symptoms, or that affects a specific location and is not simply a direst result of physical injury." Bordetella, coccidiosis, conjunctivitis, and enteritis are some examples of diseases that affect rabbits. 

Virus

A virus is "an infective agent that typically consists of a nucleic acid molecule in a protein coat, is too small to be seen by light microscopy, and is able to multiply only within the living cells of a host." Myxomatosis, rabbitpox, rabbit fibroma virus, calcivirus, and papillomatosis are all examples of viruses in rabbits. 

Parasite

A parasite is "an organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense." Some examples of parasites in rabbits are fleas, ear mites, ticks, etc. 

The Dwarf Gene

One of the most challenging problems many rabbit breeders run into is the unfortunate case of peanuts. Peanuts are babies much smaller than the rest that do not grow and always die. Because they are so small, they are usually unable to nurse or disfigured. Some breeders choose to put them out of their misery humanely, while others decided to simply let the babies die naturally. This is one of many reasons why rabbit raising is not for the faint of heart.
Peanut babies are malformed because of genetics. The dwarf gene causes this malformation. Rabbit breeds that carry the dwarf gene are Mini Satins, Polish, Netherland Dwarf, Holland Lop, Dwarf Hotot, Mini Rex, Britannia Petite, American Fuzzy Lop, and Jersey Wooly.
***Note: There may be others I forgot to mention***
Dwarf rabbits come in three types: true dwarfs, false dwarfs, and the aforementioned peanuts. False dwarfs tend to be longer, larger, and usually exceed the maximum weight for their breed. True dwarfs are the ones that generally do better on the show table. They tend to be truer to their breed type: more compact, short, balanced, and more likely to stay within the appropriate weight.
How do you tell if your newborn babies are peanuts?
When my brother used to breed Polish rabbits, we were quite anxious about our first litter, since the dam was a true dwarf. Afraid that we would not be able to recognize a peanut and dispose of it properly once deceased, we went online and did our research. Research certainly helped, but you really will be able to tell the difference between normal kits and peanuts easily. At birth, peanuts weigh 3/4 of an ounce, whereas the others will weigh about 1 1/2 ounces or more. Peanuts may have bulging heads, crossed back legs, and may also be disfigured and elongated.
For more information on the dwarf gene and what you will get with different true dwarf/false dwarf breedings, thenaturetrail.com is a good place to visit.

Rabbit Breeds: The American Fuzzy Lop

"Head of the Fancy"

History

When American breeder wanted to add the broken gene to their Holland Lops, they crossed them to English Spots. The only issue, is that Holland Lops must have rollback fur, and English Spots have flyback hair. Consequently, the breeders crossed the English Spot/Holland Lop cross rabbits to French Angoras. Thus, the American Fuzzy Lop was born, and gained acceptance into the American Rabbit Breeder's Association in 1988. 

Temperament

The American Fuzzy Lop has lots of personality, with each rabbit having its own unique quirks. However, what rings true for almost all Fuzzies is their highly inquisitive nature. Because of this, they are good pets, or show rabbits. 

Appearance

Fuzzy Lops have very round compact bodies and thick, short legs. The head is set moderately high on the shoulders. Because they carry the dwarf gene, Fuzzies can have peanuts. The wool of an AFL is about 2 inches long, and somewhat coarse. A four class breed, the American Fuzzy Lop weighs about 3 3/4 lbs.

Grooming, Care, and Other Information

Fuzzies do not require as much grooming as angoras. Because their wool is coarse, it is less prone to mats. Every few days, they will need the tangles and debris brushed out of their coat. Make sure you check the rabbit's anal area for droppings and debris that could get caught around this area. When Fuzzies are molting, they will need to be groomed every day. 

Note: Because of the curious nature of AFLs, you should allow a show rabbit to relax before evaluating ear carriage. 

Diseases: Hutch Burn

Hutch burn causes a condition similar to vent disease. It is caused by dirty cages, or urine guards that allow urine to splash back on the rabbit during urination. Chapped or scalded areas around the genitals and the inside of the hind legs are symptoms. Secondary bacterial infections are common. Thoroughly cleaning the pen and applying antibiotic ointment to the infected area will hasten recovery. Strict sanitation and close attention paid to the placement of the urine guards will prevent hutch burn.