RIP Jennie :'(

Today I lost my favorite doe. </3 Something got into our barn this morning and first attacked Addy through the wire and ripped her little toes off and bit her nose. Then it ventured over and attacked Teddy through the wire and broke most of his toes. And then it came to Jennie's cage where it ripped the door off and pulled her out. I feel so awful about this. :'( I loved that doe so much. We are definitely re-evaluating the barn. We have 2 traps set and a motion camera set. Most of the bunnies have been moved into the house or into the big sturdy hutch. Alvin and Mushu are wired into their cages. There is no way I am loosing another rabbit. After we trap the animal, I will take pictures and then I'll be tanning it's hide. That's my souvenir for my $600 loss today. My cage is broken and another one was knocked down off the wall. This is going to take a lot of time to recover from the loss and a lot of time to fix every thing and make changes to the barn.

 

I Love You Jennie! </3

 

Sweet curious girl

 

LOVED her personality <3

 

Pretty Girl <3

 

<3

Say a prayer that Addy with survive </3
Unfortunatley, her show future has been abruptly ruined.

 

Say a Prayer for my Teddy Boy as well. </3

 

Jennie's legacy will live on through her Daughter, Mia. <3

</3 What a heart breaking day... </3

Spring Additions

 

Hey y'all! So we're in the middle of Winter and with Spring coming up soon, I'd like to post about my new Dwarf Hotot Spring additions. Photos and bunnies courtesy of FourKing's Rabbitry. These bunnies are all a 'maybe' as they must be replaced by a better son or daughter before making their way to Utah. They are all absolutley beautiful Hotots. I'm excitedly preparing for them. I taught my dad a bit about DH type a few nights ago and it seemed to have helped him understand why these rabbits would be such an important addition to my herd and breeding program. I think he's also softening up on the 'new barn' idea. Lets hope! Lol! So without further ado....the bunnies!

 

4King's Abby

 

4King's Diva

 

Percy's 303 'Dixie'

Percy's TG3 'Tige'

 

Percy's TJ

ThunderHill's Anberlin

ThunderHill's Buddy Holly

They are all such beautiful rabbits! I can't wait for Spring!

 

This was a song that Paige and I wrote for Lindsey King. It's pretty cheesy but hey, you can't be serious all the time!

 

Just the Way they Are

(4King’s Rabbitry)

Oh, their eyes, their eyes
Make the stars look like they're not shinin'
Their fur, Their fur
Rolls perfectly without her trying
They’re so beautiful
And I wanna take em’ everyday
I know, I know
When I compliment them she won't believe me
And it's so, it's so
Sad to think that she don't see what I see
But every time she asks me "Do they look okay? "
I say
[Chorus:]
When I see their face (face face...)
There's not a thing that I would change
'Cause they’re amazing (amazing)
Just the way they are (are)
And when you show
Our whole world stops and stares for a while
'Cause girl they're amazing (amazing)
Just the way they are (are)
[Verse 2:]
Their nose, their nose
I could kiss them all day if they’d let me
Her barn, her barn
She hates but I think it's so lovely
Bunnies so beautiful
And I want em’ everyday
Oh you know, you know, you know
I'll always demand a blog post
If perfect's what you're searching for
Then just do the same
So don't even bother asking if they look okay
You know I'll say
[Chorus:]
The way they are
The way they are
Girl they’re amazing (amazing)
Just the way they are (are)

[Chorus:]

Lol! I hope you enjoyed this post and our song we worked so hard on. It's a classic. Lol!!



2013 Goals

This post is going to be fun, yet long! I think it's always important to have goals set so you know how you've been improving. So first I'd like to start with my 2012 goals I had set for myself.

 

2012 Goals

 

1. Purchase Hollands from Allan Ormand-Not Met

Ok this one was tough. I definitely tried to purchase from him multiple times. I did get a buck that is 100% Ormand lines though so I think he can count as my Ormand rabbit. I think I am going to stick with LuvLop's Hollands from now on. I was so pleased with the quality of the two I purchased. I can't wait to get more from them in the Spring. Their rabbits are beautiful. I loved their 'customer service' a lot better as well.

2. Build hanging cages for my first rabbitry cages and expand as needed-Met

I didn't completely build my cages from scratch but I did alter the cages a lot so they would fit in my barn. I like my cages a lot and I hope to expand in the Spring with stacking cages.

3. Breed the hotots in July or August-Met
I met this goal multiple times! I had a total of 7 litters this year. Three of those litters were bred/born in July and August. Consider this one met, easily. Lol!

4. Bring some LRR Juniors to a show at the end of the year-Met

I brought Alvin and Nytro to the last show to be sold. I think this counts. lol Addy is ready to be shown as well but there aren't enough shows in Utah for her to go. Next year I will be at every show with my juniors.

5. Purchase Evans software-Not Met

I am guilty of still not owning this software... I am planning on buying it soon. I am saving my money for the Spring though. I will be needing money for transport, new cages, and new rabbits in the Spring and I just can't find it in myself to fork out $70 for something I don't absolutely need right now. Hopefully in the Summer after I get my new bunnies I can buy Evans.

6. See if I could arrange transport from the ARBA convention in October so I can purchase some gorgeous bunnies from a friend.-Met

I bought 3 rabbits at the 2012 ARBA Convention. Thanks to Chantel Bauer, 2 of them made it home safely. One of them was stolen out of his carrier during convention. Although this was very discouraging, I decided maybe there was a good reason he never made it to my barn. I'm very thankful for 4King's Jennie and JC's Mushu who made it here safely! They are beautiful little bunnies! Thank You Lindsey King, Jacey, and Chrissy Royer!

 

And now... for this year's goals!! I am so excited for this year! I plan to make a lot of changes and improve a lot!

 

2013 Goals

 

1. Win a GC Leg on a Home bred-

This one is really exciting. When I bought Gilroy, he already had 2 legs (BOB, BOS). I took him to a show and he won his 3rd leg with a BOSV. I would really like to win a leg on a home bred rabbit this year. I was so proud of Gillie and I can't imagine how proud I would be if one of my homebreds got a leg.

 

2. Improve Shoulders-

I have actually improved a lot on shoulders this year when I compare my beginning stock with Adaliene and Mia. But I definitely want to improve more. I would also like to improve HQ if possible but I think it's best if I focus on one area of the rabbit at a time.

 

3. Build up a larger herd of DH in the Spring with the 4King's line-

This is actually something that we've been working on for a long time. Lindsey and I have been talking about getting a bunch of bunnies sent to Utah. I would love to base my line off the same rabbits as 4King's. This would make our lines very compatible in the future. Thanks to Jesse Morring and Kylie Kirkland, we will have many new bunnies transported up to Utah in the Spring.

 

4. Purchase new Hollands from LuvLop's Rabbitry-

These new hollands would be the rest of the bunnies making the trip to Utah in the Spring. Rachel and I have been talking for a few months now about her amazing shaded program. Hopefully there will be a few ready to go in the Spring. I love her Hollands!

 

5. Get a new 12' x 16' Rabbit Barn-

Okay... of all these goals, this is the one I doubt the most. But hey, I wasn't sure if I would accomplish any of the goals I set for 2012. I guess I ought to dream big! A new barn would be a huge blessing. Why go for such a big barn? I will be raising 3 breeds in this barn and I would rather only build one barn and be done than have to keep starting over as I expand. This would be a huge blessing in my life. We will have to see. That barn would be my safe haven! Lol!

 

6. Keep up with the Blog better-

Okay I'll admit this... I have been very neglectful of my blog. Lol! I think we all know that though. I am hoping there are a lot of changes and new things going on this year that I can blog about. I'd love to keep y'all updated better on the happenings at Little Rascal's Rabbitry.

 

7. Get 6-18 new holes-

Okay so it's pretty obvious that I am in need of some new holes. As of today, I have 2 holes left. One of which will be taken by a Little Rascal's buck in January or February. I will be building some new stackers in the Spring so that I can fit all my new bunnies and sale babies.

 

8. Double/Triple Baby Count for this Year-

So this year, I want to boost the number of babies produced. I want to at least double, if not triple the number of babies. This will help me a lot financially with my rabbits and I will have more to choose from for my keepers.

 

9. Get another Utah DH Breeder started-

Okay this one is mostly up to the interest in the breed. I would really like to get another breeder started this year in Utah. I mainly want to get Hotots going in Utah. I think Hollands are pretty healthy in numbers. Hotots have about 8 breeders that are all good friends and work together. I'd love to add another person to our group. Hollands have a lot of animals at every show and quite a few well known breeders working.

 

So that pretty much sums up my goals for 2013. I'm very excited! This should be a great year! I'm looking forward to it!

I would like to introduce our new herd buck that will be making his way to Utah in the Spring. I have been waiting to post about him until it was official that he was coming here.

Introducing........drum roll.........

*

**

***

****

*****

******

*******

********

*********

**********

ThunderHill's Buddy Holly

 

Hehe! Isn't he beautiful?! I've been dropping hints in my recent blog posts about him by including his pictures in them but I don't think any one caught them. This buck currently lives in Texas at FourKing's Rabbitry. Once he finishes his job there, he will be on his way up north to be the herd buck at Little Rascal's Rabbitry. I can't wait!! <3 Thank You Lindsey!

 

Gilroy's Legs <3

 

 

 

If you lasted through that long post, I congratulate you. Lol! Have a fantastic day!

 

 

 

2012 Litters

It's that time of year and I think it's time I made a post for my 2012 Litter Evaluation. I've officially been raise rabbits since July when I finally found the right foundation stock to begin. These past few months have been a Blast!! I've really enjoyed my bunnies and all my friends. I want to especially thank Lindsey King, the owner of FourKing's Rabbitry for supporting me with my rabbits for the 2 years we've known each other. She teaches me so much and has helped me tremendously. I'm very thankful to be friends. Thanks Lindsey!

 

 

2012 Babies
Babies born: 18
Babies died: 6
____________
Babies raised: 12
Babies kept: 2

 

This is very exciting! This means that I kept 1 out of every 6 babies this year. My keepers this year are Little Rascal's Adaliene and Little Rascal's Mia. These two does are absolutely gorgeous! I am also hoping to keep a buck out of Maybelle's new litter. I am really watching those 3 little boys.



McRae, Felix, and Alec <3



These are the up and coming baby boys! So Sweet! McRae is the baby in my hand. He in my favorite at this time. Felix is the baby on the left. He is a beautiful buck. Love him! And Alec is in the back. They are all gorgeous! I can't wait to see how they develop. It will be really interesting.

Miss Mia. She has AMAZING depth just like her daddy. <3

Adaliene's gorgeous head and ear. Exactly like her parents. <3

Adaliene is such a thick little doe <3

Have a Fantastic Day!

Over-due Updates!

I have to apologize for taking such long breaks in between posts. I just rarely get around to posting when I have to go to school. I'd like to just show off some bunnies and give a few updates. It's been so long!

My Pretty little Miss Mia <3

This picture reminds me of her dad! haha

Wide little bunny!

Pancake in my hand <3

Miss Addy. She's so gorgeous!

Mia...Again...can you tell I love her to bits?!

Addy

"Please stop....right about now would be great..."

Torturing the cutie! haha

The reason I've been gone lately.

I've been focused on my goal....Horses!

This is my favorite mare, Dizzy.

This is Junior Mint.

Thanks for reading!! I'm hoping I can start posting a lot now that its snowing and I can't get out and ride horses as much. Can't wait to get this blog going again! haha

Basics of Evaluating the Dwarf Hotot

In this post, I am going to go over the basics of evaluating the Dwarf Hotot. I decided I didn't want to do a detailed series that breaks down each section of the rabbit, but I may consider doing those occasionally. It would just take a lot of posts to explain how to evaluate a whole breed and I would rather focus the majority of my posts on Little Rascal's Rabbitry.

So without further ado, lets evaluate a Hotot!

So I'd like the start with the weight. For senior bucks and does, the maximum weight is 3 lbs. Anything above 3 lbs is an automatic disqualification. The ideal weight for seniors is 2.5 lbs. For junior bucks and does, the maximum weight is 2.5 lbs and the minimum weight is 1 1/4 lbs. If your junior is above 2.5 lbs but below 3 lbs, it can be shown as a senior. But if your junior does not make weight at 1 1/4 lbs, the rabbit does not weigh enough to be shown.

Seniors are not allowed to be shown in Junior classes.

 

Next, I'd like to talk about the head. "The head should be bold, with good width between the eyes. Muzzle should be well filled and round in all directions. The head should be attached to the body with no visible neck."-ARBA Dwarf Hotot Standard of Perfection

 

A very very nice example of a Dwarf Hotot head.

 

Next I would like to talk about shoulders. Shoulders are the biggest fault among the DH breed. It takes a lot of work to fix shoulders. Personally, I learn from seeing so I will post a picture of bad shoulders and good shoulders for comparison.

 

Narrow/Pinched Shoulders. Notice that they are not as wide
 as the hind quarter.

 

Perfect Shoulder Width. Notice that they are evenly wide
with the hind quarter. (4King's Rabbitry)

Next, let's talk Hind Quarter. The hind quarter should be very round. The hips should not be pinched/chopped off. An easy way to tell if a rabbit will have pinched hips is to flip them over onto their back and look at their hocks. If they are shaped like a V, the rabbit will have pinched hips. If the hocks are straight, like this |  |, the rabbit will not be pinched, rather it will have a full, round hind quarter. Examples:

 

This rabbit has very nice shoulders, but his hind quarters are
chopped off/not as round as the buck below.

 

This is the same picture I used for shoulders, but this rabbit's HQ

is very round and thick. Over-all this buck is just solid as a brick.

(4King's Rabbitry)

As you can tell, I judge the majority of the body from the top view which is why I stress always taking top view pictures when evaluating.

Now I would like to talk about body length.

 

Notice that this rabbit has extra length between her front and

back legs when posed. This is a big give-away on a rabbit

that is long in body.

 

Notice that this rabbit is short and compact with no extra space on
 his body.

This is just basic judging of the Dwarf Hotot. I couldn't get too specific or this post could go on forever. I y'all enjoyed this post! Thanks for reading!

How to Pose the Dwarf Hotot Properly

I decided today that I would start off my 'Posing and Evaluating' series with proper posing of the Dwarf Hotot as you can't possibly evaluate a Hotot without the proper pose. I know that at the Utah shows, many of the judges like to hold the head down on the table like a Mini Rex. I find this to be incorrect. I found that it makes the Hotot's shoulders look extremely long and awfully pinched. It also creates the appearance of a long neck. As the standard states, "The head should be attached to the

body with no visible neck."

 

This doe is posed properly. Her front feet are in line with her eye and her back toes are in line with her hip. Her head is also in the middle of her body.

 

In this picture, I have drawn lines to explain this easier. The vertical line on the left shows how their front feet are to be lined up with their eye. The vertical line on the right shows how their toes are supposed to be in line with their hip. Then the horizontal line show how the head is supposed to be about in the middle of the rabbit's body. 

 

 

Proper posing is very simple, it just take some getting used to.

 

Now I would like to show you some bad examples of posing. Some of you may recognize my "guinea pigs" in these photos. These photos are all months old and many of these rabbits have been sold to take place in someone else's program. Please keep in mind these are bad poses, not bad rabbits. I'll explain what is wrong with each pose.

 

#1: This doe is stretched out too much. She is insisting on stretching her neck out therefore, making her shoulders look severely long. To correct this, you would lift her head to the middle of her body and make her hold it closer to her body.

 

#2: This doe has the same problem as #1. She is stretching her neck out making her shoulders appear extremely long. You would correct it the same way as #1.

 

 

#3: This doe is stretching her neck out, just not as much as #1 and #2. All you would need to do is hook your fingers under her chin and lift/push back gently. This will make her hold her head correctly, therefore creating a compact animal.

 

 

#4: This beautiful buck was very well trained for posing, therefore I had to force a bad pose out of him. Lol! This buck's head is also stretched out creating long shoulders. You would correct it the same way you correct #3's pose. Make sure when you are correcting head placement, you also move the front feet back in line with the eye once the head is correctly placed.

 

 

#5: This buck was also a natural poser. His head is too far forward and his front toes are not in line with his eye. To correct this pose, you would hook your fingers under his chin and gently lift up/back. This will place to head close to the body therefore, creating a compact, blocky animal.

 

 

 

I hope this helped everyone learn proper posing of the Dwarf Hotot. It's always a good idea to start posing babies at a young age (4-6 weeks) so you can easily get a nice pose out of them at a later age. Plus the judges will appreciate it! 

 

Thanks for Reading! Have a fantastic day!

 

Next Post

 

~Evaluating Shoulders on the Dwarf Hotot Rabbit~

 

 

So Many Updates!

Here comes another long post! I've had so many updates to give you all, I just haven't had the time to make a post. So let's just get right to it!!

First of all, CoNvEnTiOn! As most of you know, my buck, XC2 was stolen at convention 3 days ago and still hasn't been found. BUT, Patty Percy is so generous and said she would send XC2's handsome brother to me if we can get transport. The transport is coming along nicely. So far, this bunny is going to be traveling to shows from state to state to get here. States he will likely be passing through are Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and then finally to his home in Utah. John Mingus was reading our posts about transport last night and he commented saying "I think this bunny will be forever known as Percy's Traveler." Hopefully we can get transport arrangements done so this pretty guy can get to Utah. But we also got two more beautiful bunnies! JC's Mushu and 4King's Jennie. These two are happily munching on hay in their cages. I love them both so much!

Jennie, She loves to sit at the front of the cage and watch everything going on. I think she's getting used to those crazy chickens that are running under her cage. haha

 

Giant hay pile for Jennie. She won't go hungry! haha

 

Handsome little Mushu

 

His pretty Coloring <3

Second, we have done some barn remodeling. We put up a little 6'x8' blue tarp to keep snow and rain off the bunnies. We also re-mounted the top hanging cage and set up the slanted board to catch manure. It works great! Hopefully I can do a barn tour video again soon. These pictures were taken on the 30th. It's changed a little since then. I've moved around and added a few bunnies. I apologize that they are sideways. My computer wouldn't let me fix it. haha

 

The blue tarp and cardboard "wall" in the back that keeps out wind and snow.

 

It looks really messy because I had just barely sprayed out the cages so the whole bottom half was soaked. Oops. Plus all of the fall leaves and hay that got scattered about in the wind.

 

The new white board. This will help me keep track of things easier. Right now, all I have written is bible verses. I will eventually write down dates. lol!

 

Maybelliene's sweet babies are growing fast! Hopefully I'll have the two bucks sold soon. Addy is staying with me for sure. She's looks exactly like her momma.

 

Addy

 

Nytro

 

Well that's all for this post! Have a great day!