PATTY STRAIN
I started with New Zealands rabbits in 2000. I was looking for a pet for my young boys and having been raised on a farm and in a hunting family rabbits seemed to be what we needed. I got a trio of whites from the man on Bacons Bridge Road. They were great production New Zealands. My family greatly enjoyed having the rabbits.
Then I went to the fair and saw all of the different breeds. I talked with several people working the display, went home, and dreamed of pet rabbits. I bought a trio of Holland Lops. The breed’s personality was great, so sweet. I was hooked further! The other great item I got was a membership with the Charleston Fancy Rabbit Breeders Association. I now had a network of rabbit breeders who had lots of information, facts, and experience to help me with my rabbits. I have made many good friends in the club. I learned that my cages and care were ok, but not great. So as I spent time with these people my rabbitry and rabbits improved.
I went to a few shows, and I learned that my New Zealand were great producers, but were not show quality animals. At one show, the judge looked me in the eye and said that I won by default, and that indicated to me that my rabbit was a low quality animal. Most New Zealand breeders are older gentlemen who have very large barns and have been breeding show stock for years, so it is quite the uphill climb. But I have received several Best of Breeds at several shows and my stock is improving. I slowly started purchasing new stock to improve my herd and started doing better. Shows are a lot of fun, and the entry fees were quite affordable at around $3.50 per rabbit per show. The more you prepare before the show, the better off you are. Then there is great excitement when they call your breed and you get to see how your hard work is paying off. I have made good friends throughout the Southeast.
I love the Hollands! They have such a sweet personality. And cute? How can you resist that face?
I have dabbled in making homemade felt when I raised American Fuzzy Lops, and now keep about five Angoras. There are four different breeds of Angora. I have a spinning wheel so that I can make homemade yarn.
I have in the past raised New Zealand, American Fuzzy Lops, Netherland Dwarf, Mini Rex, Mini Satin, and Silver Fox also. Each breed has different traits. The Mini Rex fur feels like velvet. The Mini Satin fur is shiny and soft. The Silver Fox is a wonderful rabbit with a very gentle and friendly personality. Netherland Dwarf are very small. American Fuzzy Lops have great personalities, and have a wool gene. I am now retired, and am not breeding rabbits any longer.
I am a currently a member of ARBA, the SC State Rabbit Association, and the Charleston Fancy Rabbit Breeders Association. I believe if you are serious about your breed of rabbit you should belong to the specialty club associated with your breed. The knowledge and information you receive is well worth the cost of the membership!
I have been active in the Charleston club for many years. I currently a Board of Director..
Then I went to the fair and saw all of the different breeds. I talked with several people working the display, went home, and dreamed of pet rabbits. I bought a trio of Holland Lops. The breed’s personality was great, so sweet. I was hooked further! The other great item I got was a membership with the Charleston Fancy Rabbit Breeders Association. I now had a network of rabbit breeders who had lots of information, facts, and experience to help me with my rabbits. I have made many good friends in the club. I learned that my cages and care were ok, but not great. So as I spent time with these people my rabbitry and rabbits improved.
I went to a few shows, and I learned that my New Zealand were great producers, but were not show quality animals. At one show, the judge looked me in the eye and said that I won by default, and that indicated to me that my rabbit was a low quality animal. Most New Zealand breeders are older gentlemen who have very large barns and have been breeding show stock for years, so it is quite the uphill climb. But I have received several Best of Breeds at several shows and my stock is improving. I slowly started purchasing new stock to improve my herd and started doing better. Shows are a lot of fun, and the entry fees were quite affordable at around $3.50 per rabbit per show. The more you prepare before the show, the better off you are. Then there is great excitement when they call your breed and you get to see how your hard work is paying off. I have made good friends throughout the Southeast.
I love the Hollands! They have such a sweet personality. And cute? How can you resist that face?
I have dabbled in making homemade felt when I raised American Fuzzy Lops, and now keep about five Angoras. There are four different breeds of Angora. I have a spinning wheel so that I can make homemade yarn.
I have in the past raised New Zealand, American Fuzzy Lops, Netherland Dwarf, Mini Rex, Mini Satin, and Silver Fox also. Each breed has different traits. The Mini Rex fur feels like velvet. The Mini Satin fur is shiny and soft. The Silver Fox is a wonderful rabbit with a very gentle and friendly personality. Netherland Dwarf are very small. American Fuzzy Lops have great personalities, and have a wool gene. I am now retired, and am not breeding rabbits any longer.
I am a currently a member of ARBA, the SC State Rabbit Association, and the Charleston Fancy Rabbit Breeders Association. I believe if you are serious about your breed of rabbit you should belong to the specialty club associated with your breed. The knowledge and information you receive is well worth the cost of the membership!
I have been active in the Charleston club for many years. I currently a Board of Director..