When I first met with the Ormonds I could barely make eye contact with either of them because my eyes were being distracted by cute little babies here and there. I remember telling Becky how fun that must be and how I would never leave the barn with all those babies hopping around. She said, wait until you have so much fur in the air you can't breathe. At the time, I thought that was a bit crazy. But here I am with just 3 molting babies and WOW. Who knew cute little short haired rabbits could produce so much fur!
So the babies are now almost 3 months old and it has been a very fun learning curve for us all. It has taught me a few things so far.
1. Anyone selling a show rabbit at a young age... is ummmm trying to think of the best word, Optimistic. Mine are now 3 months old and I'm not sure I would put any of them in show category yet. I have seen them make drastic changes in just a few days, where one looked great and then not so great and vice vs. So to look at a 3 week old rabbit and predict it's future for me is surely impossible.
2. It has taught me a lot about standard as I watch each of them grow. I find myself studying crown placement and bone. Examining feet. Working continually on improving the art of Posing.
3. I have come to realize I have my work cut out for me. Three months ago I thought, I want sables and dilutes and otters Oh my! I have great respect for the breeders that have taken the time to create such beautiful Hollands. Perfecting the standard in just one color, oddly enough doesn't magically happen in one quick breeding. I realize to get where I want to be I will need to focus mostly on Selfs and Shaded for the time being.
4. And lastly, cute little adorable bunnies can quickly turn into a lot of work. We started with 3 rabbits. Not too bad. I can trim their nails and work with them on a regular basis. Well you double that and it's crazy how quick time flies when you get to work. Given I do a bit more socializing than many I'm sure. I let mine have outdoor play time to help increase muscle build. Which means being outside to supervise them and of course play with them. But by the time cages are cleaned and nails are trimmed it seems half a day is gone.
5. Next step on the learning table... is letting go. For me every animal I encounter I envision as a pet. Being a breeder I know I can not keep every animal we produce. It doesn't stop me from getting very very attached. Our babies all have unique personalities and traits that will be very difficult to part with. Not sure any amount of practice will condition me against this upcoming part of learning.
So the babies are now almost 3 months old and it has been a very fun learning curve for us all. It has taught me a few things so far.
1. Anyone selling a show rabbit at a young age... is ummmm trying to think of the best word, Optimistic. Mine are now 3 months old and I'm not sure I would put any of them in show category yet. I have seen them make drastic changes in just a few days, where one looked great and then not so great and vice vs. So to look at a 3 week old rabbit and predict it's future for me is surely impossible.
2. It has taught me a lot about standard as I watch each of them grow. I find myself studying crown placement and bone. Examining feet. Working continually on improving the art of Posing.
3. I have come to realize I have my work cut out for me. Three months ago I thought, I want sables and dilutes and otters Oh my! I have great respect for the breeders that have taken the time to create such beautiful Hollands. Perfecting the standard in just one color, oddly enough doesn't magically happen in one quick breeding. I realize to get where I want to be I will need to focus mostly on Selfs and Shaded for the time being.
4. And lastly, cute little adorable bunnies can quickly turn into a lot of work. We started with 3 rabbits. Not too bad. I can trim their nails and work with them on a regular basis. Well you double that and it's crazy how quick time flies when you get to work. Given I do a bit more socializing than many I'm sure. I let mine have outdoor play time to help increase muscle build. Which means being outside to supervise them and of course play with them. But by the time cages are cleaned and nails are trimmed it seems half a day is gone.
5. Next step on the learning table... is letting go. For me every animal I encounter I envision as a pet. Being a breeder I know I can not keep every animal we produce. It doesn't stop me from getting very very attached. Our babies all have unique personalities and traits that will be very difficult to part with. Not sure any amount of practice will condition me against this upcoming part of learning.
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