Due to the horrible weather conditions, we left on Thursday for the show. Keepe joined us for the trip.....I can say it was an interesting adventure. I showed a 10 week old baby and Pete brought a baby and Foster (who has been in retirement for the last 2 years). Pickins was very slim for this trip, but we decided to make it anyway. The hotel that we stayed in was very nice and even had a free dinner for us. The snow was deep and cold!
The show room was huge and people was everywhere---this was overwhelming for me. I was able to meet a few of the RHers and that was nice. Ragen, Meg, Reggie, Julie...are all awesome! I also got the pleasure of meeting Allison and hopefully she is off to a good start with her rabbitry. She is new to the woolies and I tried my best to answer all of her questions to the best of my knowledge--she called me with news today, that Bluebell kindle and had 4 kits (at the moment, 3 are doing well) Congrats Allison and these should be some nice babies!
We did not show on Sunday, however Trace did and took BOG with his rabbit Budda (from Teresia Burleson) this was his first time on the table. Kristen did quite well with her rabbits and we are so proud of her for representing district 9 in such an awesome way. I won't say much more about the show other than alot of things went on that I am not use to and it is an experience I will never forget.
I was glad to cross the North Carolina line and never so happy to arrive home----parts of the trip were a little dangerous and I silently prayed that we would all make it home safe and sound.
In other news, Bella had to be rushed to the vet today---she wasn't acting right and I could tell something was wrong. She has a bacteria infection in her uterus (the vet pronounced some big long name, I can't remember). She was given a shot to reduce her fever and an injection of antibotics. The vet also put her on antibotics for 14 days...if she is not better by thursday, I will need to bring her back and they are going to preform surgery. I was freaking out...I almost lost her, but the vet assured me that I had brought her in before it was too late---at this point she is not out of the woods and I have been watching her closely. I now have a huge vet bill, but I'm glad that I haven't lost her---that's apart of having animals...you gotta take care of them and I don't know what I would do without her in my life.
Other than that we are trying to recoop from all the latest events and not looking forward to the next storm that is headed our way!
Hope everyone is well and until next time.....
Monday, February 8, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
It never fails
We have been having some issues with our feed lately...we were feeding the purina advanced show formula---they changed the color of the bag, so we didn't think it was a big deal. I noticed that some of the bunnies were not eating and others would just pick at the feed. I added the oatmeal and gave them nutra drops in hopes that would solve the problem...no such luck. The last bag I purchased was filled with whole kernels of corn and had something strange looking in it (looked like mud and small pieces of trash). I took the bag to my feed store and showed them what I had discovered---they don't process the feed, just have it shipped in--but the manager of the store called the dealer and made a complaint anyway. Pete also called the dealer to complain. I tried Manna pro and let me just say, it made things worse...lost a litter of kits and the rabbits were losing more condition at a faster rate. I decided to put them on the Purina show (blue bag) everyone started eating right away and I haven't had any issues since-----other than the fact that now all of my bunnies are out of condition and in a terrible molt. I have a show coming up and nothing is decent enough to even bring! I feel horrible. I'm pumping them with sweet potatoes, oats, and show supplement in hopes that it will help some....but I think that I have ran out of time to see that much of an improvement---show is this coming weekend. We have 4 that will be decent enough to show. I was going to back out of going to the show, however I have to deliver rabbits and pick up a couple....so, we will be there.
We spent most of the day cleaning the rabbitry and grooming, so at least everything smells better. With all of the snow and rain we've had lately---we haven't had the chance to clean the rabbitry like we normally do. I hate the snow and will be glad when spring is here.
Other than that, not much going on...just wanted to say hello and let you know you are all in my prayers.
We spent most of the day cleaning the rabbitry and grooming, so at least everything smells better. With all of the snow and rain we've had lately---we haven't had the chance to clean the rabbitry like we normally do. I hate the snow and will be glad when spring is here.
Other than that, not much going on...just wanted to say hello and let you know you are all in my prayers.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
How our rabbitry works
I thought I would post tonight about how we do things at BL'S Bunnybarn. When I first started showing in 2005, I was the only one that showed. Pete and Trace came along to get out of the house and for moral support. They soon became bored with just being "groupies"--this was Pete's words for what they had become. They decided that they also wanted to join in on the fun, so they decided to start out showing the ND. That didn't last long. Pete than wanted to try his hand at the Thriantas. At that time, there wasn't enough competition for him---anyone who knows Pete, knows he is very competitive. I, on the other hand was showing for fun...now, I'm not saying that if I won something it didn't make me giddy, but win or lose I can have a good time! Pete and Trace then decided that they liked the way that the wooly folks were so friendly and there was alot more JW people than a majority of the other breeds.
At first, we took turns showing the best rabbits that we had in the rabbitry---I soon found out, that it was against the rules ( I didn't know...I assumed that since we owned and took care of the rabbits, that we could show them anyway we wanted). We were confronted at a show in front of many people that we were showing illegally. I was so embrassed because honestly, I didn't know.
This brought us to the conclusion that we needed to divide the rabbits that were in the barn......now, we have Pete's rabbits, Trace's rabbits, and my rabbits. I chose to let Pete and Trace have the better stock ( it keeps them interested) and I am willing to stepdown because I am not as competive as Pete.
For a long time we had problems with Trace showing---he wanted to play around with the other kids and not concentrate on showing. He didn't want to help with the feeding, watering or grooming. It took an act of congress to find him to get him to the show table and then he threw a fit because I made him stand there and pay attention. I finally got fed up and decided that he would not be allowed to show anymore. I was planning on selling his rabbits. We had a "sit down" and discussed the pros and cons of the rabbit shows. I told him if he didn't want to show that was fine, he could stay with a babysitter while we were gone. He said he wanted to show and that he would do better. We agreed that if he started acting right and helped with the rabbits, he could continue to show and I would make him his own website. He could sell his own babies and buy his own stock (he even has to pay us for rabbits that he wants from our litters). He seems to be doing better and is starting to pay more attention at the shows---so, so far my plan seems to be working. Trace is ADHD and for him to stay focused on something for any amount of time is a great feat, so I'm not sure how long showing will last for him.
We have also decided that we will leave all of the bunnies with the prefix BL'S Bunnybarn because that is how we registered out rabbitry---whether or not the bunny belongs to me, Pete or Trace...however we are letting Trace register rabbits in his name.
Pete or I always attend with Trace at the youth table--to make sure he is listening to the Judge and puts the correct rabbit on the table (Pete always does the tattooing, so unless it's a rabbit that Trace usually shows, he probably doesn't know the ear number)...this is turn, leaves only one of us at the open table. Who ever is there at the open table, puts the rabbits up. I know that some folks are wondering, why isn't he or she putting their own rabbits up?----well, the above statements should explain this.
We are still learning all the rules of the ARBA, so if we mess up...it's because we don't know and didn't mean to do things to step on anyone's toes or to raise eyebrows.
We are excited about the PA show and hope that are animals are competitive enough--if not, we will learn were we need to improve and work harder at getting better stock. I may also step down from showing after this show and hand it over to the boys---I don't mind being a "groupie".
Until next time.....
At first, we took turns showing the best rabbits that we had in the rabbitry---I soon found out, that it was against the rules ( I didn't know...I assumed that since we owned and took care of the rabbits, that we could show them anyway we wanted). We were confronted at a show in front of many people that we were showing illegally. I was so embrassed because honestly, I didn't know.
This brought us to the conclusion that we needed to divide the rabbits that were in the barn......now, we have Pete's rabbits, Trace's rabbits, and my rabbits. I chose to let Pete and Trace have the better stock ( it keeps them interested) and I am willing to stepdown because I am not as competive as Pete.
For a long time we had problems with Trace showing---he wanted to play around with the other kids and not concentrate on showing. He didn't want to help with the feeding, watering or grooming. It took an act of congress to find him to get him to the show table and then he threw a fit because I made him stand there and pay attention. I finally got fed up and decided that he would not be allowed to show anymore. I was planning on selling his rabbits. We had a "sit down" and discussed the pros and cons of the rabbit shows. I told him if he didn't want to show that was fine, he could stay with a babysitter while we were gone. He said he wanted to show and that he would do better. We agreed that if he started acting right and helped with the rabbits, he could continue to show and I would make him his own website. He could sell his own babies and buy his own stock (he even has to pay us for rabbits that he wants from our litters). He seems to be doing better and is starting to pay more attention at the shows---so, so far my plan seems to be working. Trace is ADHD and for him to stay focused on something for any amount of time is a great feat, so I'm not sure how long showing will last for him.
We have also decided that we will leave all of the bunnies with the prefix BL'S Bunnybarn because that is how we registered out rabbitry---whether or not the bunny belongs to me, Pete or Trace...however we are letting Trace register rabbits in his name.
Pete or I always attend with Trace at the youth table--to make sure he is listening to the Judge and puts the correct rabbit on the table (Pete always does the tattooing, so unless it's a rabbit that Trace usually shows, he probably doesn't know the ear number)...this is turn, leaves only one of us at the open table. Who ever is there at the open table, puts the rabbits up. I know that some folks are wondering, why isn't he or she putting their own rabbits up?----well, the above statements should explain this.
We are still learning all the rules of the ARBA, so if we mess up...it's because we don't know and didn't mean to do things to step on anyone's toes or to raise eyebrows.
We are excited about the PA show and hope that are animals are competitive enough--if not, we will learn were we need to improve and work harder at getting better stock. I may also step down from showing after this show and hand it over to the boys---I don't mind being a "groupie".
Until next time.....
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Mocksville report and other news
We been pretty busy lately and I am finally getting a chance to post. We had a yard sale on wed., thurs., and Friday (we had alot of stuff in the basement we needed to get cleaned out). Friday night Helen McKie came to spend the night so that she would be closer to the Mocksville show...we stayed up until 11pm talking bunnies. She seemed to be pleased with the breedings on her does to our bucks and commented that the babies were really nice.
The show was pretty good---had a nice wooly turnout. Teresia B. won BOB in both shows with her broken black doe (she is an awesome rabbit!) Pete won BOSB in show B with Lefty and Trace won BOB with Mellow in the youth show A. He also won BOB with Mellow again in show B and took BOSB with Bogart. I'm pleased that our rabbits are improving and the best part about it for me, is that these are our own bloodlines.
In non related rabbit news, I have decided that I am going to get into showing doxies. I met a very wonderful lady who has helping me along the way. I will start attending puppy classes next month and have a little black and tan male that I will be starting. I have also decided to change my prefix name from "Tiny Paws" to "Dackelhunds", so now all of my dogs will be registered under the new name. Marti is due to have pups at the end of Feb. and this will be an unregistered litter...our plans are to spay her after the pups are weaned----just too hard to find a male and she turns 5 this year.
Tuesday is the day I go to take my state exam and I am so ready! I put in for 3 counties that I would be willing to work for...Alexander county, Burke and Onslow---my sister is hoping I get Onslow so I will be close to her...it really doesn't matter to me, I'm just ready to get back to work!
Other than that, not much to tell you about except that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Until next time!
The show was pretty good---had a nice wooly turnout. Teresia B. won BOB in both shows with her broken black doe (she is an awesome rabbit!) Pete won BOSB in show B with Lefty and Trace won BOB with Mellow in the youth show A. He also won BOB with Mellow again in show B and took BOSB with Bogart. I'm pleased that our rabbits are improving and the best part about it for me, is that these are our own bloodlines.
In non related rabbit news, I have decided that I am going to get into showing doxies. I met a very wonderful lady who has helping me along the way. I will start attending puppy classes next month and have a little black and tan male that I will be starting. I have also decided to change my prefix name from "Tiny Paws" to "Dackelhunds", so now all of my dogs will be registered under the new name. Marti is due to have pups at the end of Feb. and this will be an unregistered litter...our plans are to spay her after the pups are weaned----just too hard to find a male and she turns 5 this year.
Tuesday is the day I go to take my state exam and I am so ready! I put in for 3 counties that I would be willing to work for...Alexander county, Burke and Onslow---my sister is hoping I get Onslow so I will be close to her...it really doesn't matter to me, I'm just ready to get back to work!
Other than that, not much to tell you about except that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Until next time!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Cleaning Day!
Today it was time to tackle the rabbitry...it has been so cold lately that all we have done pretty much is water, hay, feed and check on babies. Today was a little warmer and the rabbitry was a mess. We started out with cleaning the pans and adding fresh shavings. Two litters were ready to be weaned, so we had to make some new arrangements which meant bringing in more cages to the inside of the rabbitry. We rearranged and put the English Lops in the larger cages that we had hung in the outside area. I have 2 piggies that are pregnant and I moved them into a cage and put in solid flooring and shavings for them. The male piggy ended up in his own cage. Cages were moved away from the walls and all the webs and rabbit fur were swept down. Fianlly after 5 hours that chore was completed! We then ventured to rake up the outside area (where we did have the hanging cages). It has now officially become the chicken coop. I only have 2 silkie hens at the moment, but am waiting on a new batch to hatch. I would like to add 2 more hens and a rooster. I am pleased to say, "we accomplished alot today" and now everything is nice and clean. I went through the rabbitry today and decided on which does I needed to move out. They are older does, but still producing and have really given me some awesome babies. Months ago I promised myself that I would keep my numbers down and with all the litters that we have had lately...it's been hard to do. I added the does I will be selling to my for sale page on the website and am willing to neg. the prices---I just want them to go to good homes.
I am in the market for any type of used cages with floor bottoms (need them for the piggies and rats), so if you have anything for sale or know of anyone who does, please contact me. I am exhausted, but glad that we finally had a day nice enough to do some much needed chores. Hope to hear that all is well with everyone. You are in our thoughts and prayers.....
I am in the market for any type of used cages with floor bottoms (need them for the piggies and rats), so if you have anything for sale or know of anyone who does, please contact me. I am exhausted, but glad that we finally had a day nice enough to do some much needed chores. Hope to hear that all is well with everyone. You are in our thoughts and prayers.....
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Latest news
Friday night, Dedria Edder came up to stay the night with us. We had a really nice visit and she joined us at my mother-in-laws for a New Years dinner. Saturday morning we had a rabbit show in Taylorsville....man it was cold! I never could get warmed up and I was glad it was a short show. Our highlights were, Pete took a BOSB in show A with his self sr. buck Lefty (he has now earned 5 legs). Pete also showed a little black doe-her first time out and she took 1/6....not bad for a 10 week old baby! Trace had NO one to show against in his show. I am starting to notice that we are having less and less youth showers. It seems that alot of the youth Jersey Wooly shows are not sanctioned and though we have offered to help on numerous occassions, we have had no luck. I wonder if the youth are not showing because of this. I hope that soon, things will pick up in youth---if not, we will start entering him in the open shows...we don't want him to get discourged from showing the rabbits. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law brought my neice to the show so that she could pick out a pet bunny.I showed them around and talked with them about each breed. We stopped in front of a ND breeder and Faith (my neice) was looking at a little black doe---to back up a little, My MIL has NEVER attended a rabbit show and has NO interest in them (rabbits or shows) and I've tried to explain things to her about them before, but it falls upon deaf ears...anyway, back to the story--the guy had a for sale sign on his bunnies and my MIL looked at me and says " I can't believe he is asking $65.00 for a rabbit with a broken back and 5 legs!" I died laughing!!!!! I told her it says "broken black and the 5 legs means that is the amount of show cerificates he has won with the rabbit"...she looked at me like I was crazy and said "oh". anyhow, my niece fell in love with the holland lops and ended up getting her pet from Kristen. SIL also picked up another doe for her son, from Joni and both of the kids are very happy! They headed back to their home in New Jersey with the new bunnies which will be living the spoiled life in the house as loved pets.
When we returned home, and unloaded the bunnies--I checked on Mellow to see if she had her kits yet....she did, they were all on the wire and DOA. I was VERY disappointed. This was an exceptional breeding and was hoping for really nice babies (she is a first time mom and was bred to 9M) I will rebred her in the next day or two. It was also a sad loss for me because I have lost 3 litters in the last 2 weeks---her's being the 4th. The only thing that is keeping me going right now is the fact that I do have 4 litters that are doing well. I have to litters that have a couple of brokens in them and 2 litters that have some pointed whites. I also have 2 litters that are ready to wean.
I want to say "Congrats to all the winners of the show" and it was great to see all my rabbit buddies.
Looking forward to the next show and will see you all soon!
When we returned home, and unloaded the bunnies--I checked on Mellow to see if she had her kits yet....she did, they were all on the wire and DOA. I was VERY disappointed. This was an exceptional breeding and was hoping for really nice babies (she is a first time mom and was bred to 9M) I will rebred her in the next day or two. It was also a sad loss for me because I have lost 3 litters in the last 2 weeks---her's being the 4th. The only thing that is keeping me going right now is the fact that I do have 4 litters that are doing well. I have to litters that have a couple of brokens in them and 2 litters that have some pointed whites. I also have 2 litters that are ready to wean.
I want to say "Congrats to all the winners of the show" and it was great to see all my rabbit buddies.
Looking forward to the next show and will see you all soon!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
The aftermath!
Today, My sister left to return to Jacksonville...I really enjoy our visits and miss her already! I plan on spending the day cleaning the house and taking down the Christmas tree (it's been up since Thanksgiving). I also have to run to town and purchase a bottle of Alego for Pete. He shot a buck this morning and this is his favorite marinade for deer jerky---can't wait to sink my teeth into it! We will be returning to his mom's house later this evening for another meal, she cooks Christmas dinner as well as food for the following 3 days.
Trace's rat, Roxie gave birth to 8 babies on the 26th...they are so tiny and pink. He is excited to be "a grandpa". He wants to keep them all, but I said no way! I'm still waiting on does to kindle and looking forward to the newest batch of babies. Other than that, not much else going on....just wanted to let you all know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Trace's rat, Roxie gave birth to 8 babies on the 26th...they are so tiny and pink. He is excited to be "a grandpa". He wants to keep them all, but I said no way! I'm still waiting on does to kindle and looking forward to the newest batch of babies. Other than that, not much else going on....just wanted to let you all know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!
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