Breeding
*Don't be fooled by adverts such as "Rare dutch split" "Mini Lionhead" or "Teddy maned" They are simply made up names that are actually just coat, size and colour faults and not rare at all, just undesireable to experienced breeders as they are not showable, no colour is rare, so dont be tricked into paying more! just because something is stated as rare or has been advertised for a lot of money dosent mean you are getting something worth that money.*
There are a lot of rabbits out there, and a lot of irresponsible breeders and pet shops adding to the population of rabbits in rescues.
People think it will be lovely for their two pet rabbits to have babies without thinking, crossing any old rabbit together without knowing their history or even the breed can resort in all sorts of health and temperment issues.
Pet shops or new breeders sometimes sell their rabbits as pure bred, pure bred only means 4 generations of that breed so you may well be getting a pure bred rabbit but if the rabbits arent to the standard of the breed in the first place then they might not turn out how you expected them to.
Far too many rabbits end up in rescues because the owners were promised pure bred dwarf/mini rabbts that have outgrown expectations or have turned out aggressive though improper breeding and handling , also heridtory conditions like malocclusion which can cause a lot of heartache and ongoing treatment which is both stressful for the rabbit and costly to the owners.
If you are considering breeding, do as much research as possible and contact reputable breeders for your foundation stock, ask loads of questions, they will be happy to help, keep one or two colours to start with that compliment eachother and one breed to focus on, dont buy in a mish-mash of colours and breeds, a lot of people start out like this - me included - and always regret it, pick a standardized colour and get out to some shows, you will meet some lovely new friends and gain a lot of valubale information, plus you can talk to the judges and they will give you some constructive criticism on how to improve your rabbits and whats missing, plus if you get a first with any of your rabbits the results and comments will be in the Fur and Feather magazine.
Breeding is to improve your chosen breed with each litter, to improve health, temperment, coat, type and colour.
Try to find a breeder that also actively shows their stock, purchase the fur and feather magazine (link at bottom of page) and keep track of whos doing well in your chosen breed and colour, you can also use the breeders directory on the British Rabbit Council (link at bottom of page) website to find breeders in your area, you may have to travel to find good stock but it will be well worth the trip to get you started on the right foot.
Thankyou for taking your time to read this, rabbis make very loving, inteligent pets, the more love and attention you give to a rabbit you will get it back ten fold
A rabbit is for life, not just for easter.