The Christmas Bunny

On Facebook, the creator of the movie "The Christmas Bunny" apologized to the House Rabbit activists for basically not living up to their expectations. I say those expectations are unreasonable and illogical. See some of the comments at "A Message - The Christmas Bunny"

Some of my postings follow:
As a former 4H rabbit project leader, I'm glad that you showcased a educational farm where rabbits are raised. Not only do they help educate thousands of visitors each year, they helped YOUR film project. Your film even helped the House Rabbit Network chapters that sold copies of the DVD to raise revenues. You did nothing wrong. In my book, you don't need to apologize.

The bad breeders that are mentioned represent a fraction of a percent of all breeders. Most breeders are responsible. There are millions of rabbit born on farms in this country. Rabbits provide food and employment for many people in this country and in the world at large! Rabbits feed the world.

I do surveys on rabbit breeds and populations. I trade information with thousands of 4H and FFA rabbit breeders every month. And the commercial rabbit breeders I trade info with tell me the showbunny population is only a small percentage of all the domestic rabbits. The number of "bad" breeders are still a small fraction of a percent of all breeders. The number of rabbits in shelters are only a tiny fraction of the total population.

... saying that some breeders eat the reject showbunnies is a statement of truth. The truth is not going to hurt breeders. Because if one believes in science then the fact is that rabbits feed the world. Food chain! Food chain! Food chain! Rabbits eat grass. They get eaten by other animals. The amazing birth rate of rabbits is because so many get eaten. Most rabbits in the wild get eaten before they are a year old. Breeders who eat rabbit as food are fulfilling the purpose of the rabbit on this planet. Rabbits feed the world.

USDA is not the final authority on rabbit nor should they be. They are a federal agency. State and county regulations and codes often classify rabbits as livestock. State and county regulations also require that rabbits/livestock be cared for humanely. Animal herdsmanship standards require that rabbits be cared for humanely.

Have a good day!

Savoury rabbit stew

Savoury rabbit stew recipe.

From Brandon Sun newspaper
http://www.brandonsun.com/lifestyles/breaking-news/savoury-rabbit-stew-with-blueberries-a-warming-meal-after-outdoor-winter-sports-136334023.html?thx=y

Have a good day!

Bob Whitman's Collection

Bob Whitman wrote the book "Domestic Rabbits and Their Histories:Breeds of the World"

Bob got his information from the ARBA library as well as from his own collection
of rabbit books and memorabilia.

I just found this link to a youtube video showing his collection
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n398Sg-6C2k&feature=player_embedded#!

He was also Director of the botanical garden in Beaumont, Texas.

Have a good day!

New Zealand Rabbit Colors

Photo: 3 NZ Bucks-Big Daddy (Black), Johnny (White), Snavely Buck (Red)

The New Zealand breed rabbit was created in USA. Red was the original color recognized. The White and Black varieties became recognized later. The White dominates as a color of choice for meat processors while the Black provides a dense, deep color fur. The Red also provides a deep color fur and I would consider it a "Heritage" variety of a USA rabbit breed.

Photo is from the rabbitgeek files.

Have a good day!

Sprang Unsprung on the bus

You can see more of the unsprang bag at my other blog:
Franco's Fiber Adventure

http://francosfiberadventure.blogspot.com/2011_10_01_archive.html

Have a good day!

Meat Rabbits from Auction or Breeder

People ask "Can I buy meat rabbits at the auction?"

If you mean you are buying rabbits for meat because you are going to eat them, the auction is okay because all rabbits are made out of meat. If you are buying rabbits to breed more rabbits to eat, I recommend buying breeding stock from a breeder. Otherwise one could be breeding auction rabbits that won't get pregnant or won't raise their litters.

After a few missed cycles of breeding and waiting it could be four to six months down the road before realizing that the auction rabbits aren't going to produce. Then we decide we need to buy breeding stock from a breeder. When I buy from a breeder I am relying on their experience in producing rabbits that will produce more rabbits.

While I hear a lot of stories about buyers getting crappy rabbits from known breeders, I hear even more stories about buying auction rabbits and getting no litters. The exception to this would be when you can buy live meat pens or fryers from 4H or FFA breeders at the County Fair auction. Usually those rabbits are descended from good breeding stock.

Reminder for newbies: All rabbit sales are "Caveat Emptor" or Buyer Beware! Do your homework before shopping for a rabbit.

Have a good day!

Rabbit as food

Find these news articles delicious:

Charlestown City Paper

Eat This Tonight: veal, eggplant, rabbit, and pork belly
Braise the Roof
by Ryan Overhiser

Wall Street Journal

Paneed Rabbit with Citrus, Sage and Caper-Butter Sauce
The last of four easy-enough recipes by Stephen Stryjewski

Have a good day!