My parents and I came to the conclusion to stick to a smaller herd during the school year, because I need to commit to my schoolwork and this winter quarter will be busier than ever. Last fall I barely had enough time to spend with my rabbits as much as I like. I want to be able to hold and play with them everyday, and in the fall I couldn't do that. Winter quarter will be even busier, and I have even more rabbits then before!
My #1 priority in my herd is to spend quality time with each rabbit - because I genuinely love rabbits. I have never been in this hobby for the money. I want to enjoy this hobby first and foremost and I can't do that when I have so many rabbits. Spending time with my "babies" became almost a chore during the fall because I had barely any time for it, and that made me so sad.
With my new additions, May and Angie, my herd is the best quality it has ever been. And even with a tiny herd, big steps can be taken towards amazing quality with the right additions and breedings. So I am cutting my amount of rabbits in HALF right now, but it's for the best. And this way, I can have more time to play with my rabbits and enjoy my hobby . . . even while going to college.
Rabbits can be overwhelming. They can be so hard, and cleaning and feeding and watering them can be a giant, obnoxious chore. But it doesn't have to be.
This decision was so hard, but it's definitely the best for my herd, the best for me, and the best for my family. School takes priority over the rabbit hobby during this season, and although I would never want to part with my beloved rabbits, if I want to have enough time for them I need to keep a small amount.
Eventually, someday, once I'm done with school and have my own house, I would love to be able to expand the rabbitry, but as a teenager going to college, I just don't have the time right now. I will continue showing when the show season starts up again, and will continue breeding once I get some of these adults moved on.
I'm excited to see where God takes Holly's Hollands Rabbitry in this coming year.
Thanks for reading my ramblings, may the rest of your year be merry and bright and God bless you all!