I have had my Hollands since Jan 31st 2015. I did have a mix that I got for Christmas a year or two ago, but she wasn't even kept at my residential house, and I didn't take care of her, my stepmom did for me. I knew nothing about rabbits, so I hardly think that counts.
How long have you been breeding Hollands?
I have been breeding Hollands since I got them! The first pair I got, the doe was pregnant but delivered one DOA (dead at arrival) sadly :(
Tell me about your first rabbit.
You mean my first pair? Sure! I got them at the same time from someone in Maryland, for $10 each. They were no pedigree and only petsbut for her, but she said one had been shown. They were cute and I didn't know any better. The buck was a smaller guy, a busy buck indeed, but he got agressive at me and I had to sell him. The doe was decently friendly, but I never weighed her, but she was big! She was pet quality for sure. Plus her first litter the one DOA and her second was 6 live and one DOA but she killed them all the next day..not mom material, right?
What are all the rabbit breeds you have owned?
Well the first one was a meat mix, or she would be good for making meat rabbits, not sure on her breed, but she was a bigger rabbit but still on the medium/small scale. Then I also have Hollands.
How many rabbits do you currently own?
In my dreams or real life? Ok, I know what you mean! I own...1 buck, 2 does and 4 babies...so 7! Not all are staying though...not enough cage space.
If you could get another rabbit breed, besides a Holland Lop or any breed you've had before, which breed would you have?
Oh the possibilities! Hmm, the Britannia Petite is one I like. My step mom raises them and really, they aren't what they are rumored to be! They are more high strung, but they don't attack you! But I also like Netherland Dwarves! They are like Hollands with normal ears. I like dutch too! See, I'm not sure! I think Netherland Dwarves or Britannia Petite.
How much money, on average, do you spend per month on your rabbits?
Oh gosh. I don't know lol! Bag of feed around $20, extra cages whenever I can..I spent $90 at the Ohio Mini Convention this year...and still have a list of stuff I want/need! I mean, after I get enough cages I'd say around $30. I always need/want stuff.
What is your favorite thing(s) about owning Holland Lops?
I adore their floppy ears and their upright pose! I kinda don't like rabbits without the upright pose very much..it just doesn't look right! And the babies are ADORABLE!
Why did you start your rabbit-related blog?
Holly's Hollands! She has an amazing website and I really like the rabbit blog idea. So I decided to try it, I never thought of it before really! I mean, Holly is the only Holland breeder with a rabbit blog that I know. But so far it's working well for me, and I really enjoy it.
What's your main goal with your rabbit-breeding venture?
Well, to have fun, learn more and improve the type! Eventually I'd like to work on improving a color, Like Chocolate, Orange, Siamese Sable or Cream. I really like all those ones, just have to figure out which one to work with! My herd buck carries chocolate and so does my current litter I am growing out. Fingers crossed for a good brood doe!
Do you have a favorite rabbit book?
I have not read enough yet! Rabbit Smarties books seem good, I bought one at the Ohio Mini Convention this year and I am enjoying it! But I have not read enough to say.
What's your advice to a first-time rabbit owner?
Don't trust everything the internet says. Don't feed any carrots, keep treats small, like a few times in tablespoon or less amounts per week. Most rabbits adore dandelion greens! Work up to where you can feed them as much as they want! Don't breed just for pets or for the heck of it. Don't mix breeds! If you are starting into rabbits for breeding, PLEASE research the breed first and get good stock, I don't advise when you start to do a color project with rare colors! You'll never have enough cage space.
Emma also has the Q&A interview she did with me up on her website/blog. Check it out! www.pocketfulofbunniesrabbitry.weebly.com/blog
If you have any comments, leave them below!