Past "Scribbles From The Editor" - From the Spring 2008 Hollander - "Spring is Here!"

Spring is finally here! I trust everyone has baby Hollands bouncing around! When I was doing some spring-cleaning recently, I came across a bunch of rabbit things I had not seen in years. My daughters had a “career” in rabbit raising, but opted for sports and other activities when they reached their teens. While going through several old boxes of rabbit things, I came across my kids stuff: ribbons, favorite brushes, remark cards. It brought back many memories of favorite rabbits, 4-H meetings, shows and fairs. Although I was not involved with rabbits in my youth, I was very involved with horses and 4-H projects. I spent many hours over the years riding with my instructor (who was also a horse trainer). Having a mentor gave me direction and guidance, and she was a role model for me. When I was younger, she would always encourage me to get back on the horse when I would fall off. Later on when I was older and more experienced, I would help her out by putting “hours” on green-broke horses. I have many fond memories of my riding days. I have even a couple saddles and quite a bit of equipment with the hopes of getting back into horses someday. I look back and see how involvement with horses and livestock helped me to learn responsibility and leadership skills. I also developed in the areas of setting goals and priorities.

HLRSC youth are the future of the breed. Let’s help our youth all we can. Mentor that newer breeder. Sell youth quality stock and assist them with their breeding endeavors. You will be investing in the future of the HLRSC! On a different note, the 85th ARBA National Convention will be held in Louisville, Kentucky on October 26-30, 2008. Visit their website for more information: www.arbaconventions.com. More information will be included in the summer Hollander.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for 2009 HLRSC Nationals in York, Pennsylvania, April 18-19.

Until next time.....As always.....Hollands Rule!

Bred All My Does (All 12!)

I'm keeping my fingers crossed....I haven't had a live Holland litter for over a year, yet my New Zealand's breed like crazy....

-- Post From My iPhone

Coming Soon....My New Zealand Herd

Past "Scribbles From The Editor" - From the Summer 2008 Hollander - "Caring For a Retired Holland Lop"

After almost losing my beloved Tyson (pictured left) back in March (and nursing him back to health), I began to think of all the special needs which older Hollands require. Many of us have those special “aged” Hollands who once were seasoned show bunnies, but have now been retired. I still have three Bryce sons left, and one is over seven years old! (For those of you who have been in Holland circles for several years, you probably remember my “FRR Bryce.” He would be almost 10 years old!).

I firmly believe that stress (lots of shows, wild temperature fluctuations, etc.) significantly reduces a Holland Lop’s life. Some of my longest living rabbits were ones that only went to a handful of shows in their lifetime and never left the barn after that (usually meaning they were the “mediocre” ones). So the cruel reality is, more often than not, the awesome Hollands who have a consistent win record on the show table usually succumb before that “normal” doe that was kept around because she was a good mother. A Holland Lop “peaks” at about 2 years of age (on the average) and regresses after that, depending upon how much showing and stress they are exposed to.

So, for that “over the hill” Holland, there are several ways to help keep them happy and comfortable during their golden years: * Keep the bunny’s cage clean; provide fresh feed, water and hay on a daily basis; also offer plenty of healthy treats, too. * Keep the bunny groomed; often times, older rabbits tend to molt more often and fail to groom themselves properly as they did when they were younger. * Give the bunny a “time out.” Turn the bunny loose and let run on show table or in a rabbit play yard in a safe, secure area. * If weather gets really warm, bring special rabbit into a climate controlled area to live permanently. Tyson currently resides in my laundry room and it helps me keep a closer eye on him when my life gets hectic and busy. As always.....Hollands Rule! Christine ;-)