My Rabbit Business has Failed - - - Why do you all Breed Rabbits?

[rockdoveranch]

Okay . . . I had this wild hair to get French Lops a little over a year ago. There are not many French Lop breeders and Texas, and I happen to like larger rabbits. I had French Lops in the 1980s; loved them and had no problem selling babies.

So far we have only had one baby. She was born March 20 and I have not been able to sell her.

I am thinking about giving them away and only giving their pedigrees if someone is willing to pay for them.

Why do you all have and breed rabbits?

 

[woodleighcreek]

I breed rabbits because it is my hobby. I don't do it to make money, (though a little extra money is nice) as most of the money I get pays for cages and food. I do it because I love rabbits and genetics and meeting people with the same interests as me.

You said you can't sell your rabbit. Have you tried. selling at shows? I sold my rabbit within thirty minuets of arriving. Also, have you put your rabbits on your website? That helps to.

 

[Lizzie098]

Ugh I know what you mean. I have been trying to raise French-lops but I have had so much bad luch with them that I am now getting out of it. Also because its way to expensive to get good pedagree, French lops around here. But as far as selling you need to post them on "Craigslist" "Hoobly" "Domesticsales" or any onther sights, and then you should easily be able to sell them for around $50 each with the pedagrees! (and if they are realy nice and show able, you should get more) Good Luck!!!

 

[rockdoveranch]

I have not tried the shows. That is a good suggestion. I think all the Texas shows are over until September.

I had have the bunny listed on CraigsList and a free service with the Houston Chronicle; both with pictures. I did get 3 emails, but no sale.

I love French Lops. And I had hoped to make some money from them. I think maybe people like smaller rabbits.

Should have focused on meat rabbits.

Thanks for the posts!

 

[brentr]

I breed mine for consumption by my family. I may try to sell a bunny here or there if the timing is right, but my main focus is putting meat in my freezer.

Sorry to hear of your frustration. Some good suggestions from other responders, in my opinion. Keep a positive outlook and keep trying!

 

[dbunni]

Temperment, companionship, meat, and wool. ... Oh and a few BISs along the way! I love rabbits. Have had angoras since 4-h (way toooo many moons ago!). They are a dual purpose breed. The personalities of the english are beyond loving. As for the business aspect. We sell the babies and wool. Some spun, some raw. But, it is a breed of dedication. The coat does not happen without a lot of time and effort. An excellent show coat cannot be created without weekly love and daily cleaning of the cages. But when I walk out in the mornings and those fuzzy faces great me ... oh the love!

 

[TheSheepGirl]

I breed for the fun of it!

I love my rabbits and it brings me pleasure going to shows even if I never win. I love the satisfaction of yet another successful litter and it is a sort of hobby and passion, though not as much as my chickens, admittedly.

I purchased Champagnes because I like the temperaments of the breed and the beauty of their fur. I also needed a calmer rabbit to raise for the 4-H auction and have offered out a couple of bred lease does in past years to get others started in rabbits.

I purchased my 2 Netherland Dwarfs because the Champs are just a little big for me to handle during showmanship without my arm falling off. They are mostly for pleasure and getting younger children involved with a breed that is easy on their tiny hands.

Now my little brother, who is 2 years old, is starting to love the rabbits as much as I do. Soon I will have a future Cloverbud all ready to go.

That is why I raise all of my animals, Pleasure.

 

[Legacy]

We eat them. Anything I sell is just gravy.

 

[smalltimer]

i breed for fun and end up with a nice meal at the end

 

[ChickenPotPie]

I want to rule the Jersey Wooly show world!!! (<--- There was no "maniacal laughter smilie" so that one will have to do) Hehe.

My reasonings most closely resembles those of woodleighcreek. This is a hobby for me. A much needed and loved hobby. I LOVE showing because of the great people I meet and have become friends with. It also feeds my competitive spirit and balances my very busy life of motherhood and wife-dom.

Hobbies cost money so I'm okay with not making money off of this and I could say that bragging rights should be enough but keeping rabbits costs money and they need to give back in some way. Feed is expensive and I want a little back for how much of myself I've put into my herd.

Since I'm only breeding for myself, my goals are high, don't breed just to produce bodies to sell to others and, as a general rule, don't sell "strictly pet" rabbits, I've learned to cull by processing (for our table) any extras that I wouldn't be proud to sell to fellow exhibitors.

Over time, I've learned enough (but can always learn more) to feel I know what I'm doing and have developed a quality herd, good show record, and some sort of favorable reputation so I now have a waiting list for my rabbits that are sold at very fair prices. I don't advertise except occasionally on my website and my breed national yahoo group to announce when I have stock available to bring to national shows. That is exactly the spot I want to be and it'll take work to stay there but I like the work.

One thing I've learned is that show animals and quality breeding stock go for the highest prices (compared to meat and pet) and there is always demand for them. Excellent show animals can go for $60 - $500 depending on the breed and if the breeder is at the top of their game or not.

That said, I recommend doing your research before jumping in. Find out what breed is best for you. That might be based on your personal loves, what sells in the pet market, or is best for meat production and the housing set up that works best in your situation. Then, research your ARBA breeders to find the best stock you can afford. FYI, pet people enjoy gorgeous, high quality rabbits, too, so investing in quality stock even if you're breeding " for pets IS an investment.

Did I mention you should join the ARBA to learn a lot more about all aspects of the rabbit world? The price of membership is well worth the ARBA handbook and Domestic Rabbits magazine subscription alone. They come FREE with said membership. Join your national breed club as well. It will help you get connected with like minded people. They will be a great resource for you.

Also, I suggest buying Storey's Guide to Raising Rabbits by Bob Bennett. Read it. You'll understand a lot more about the various reasons people raise rabbits and a little bit about ways you can market what you've got based on your goals.

I feel that whatever you do, what ever your reasons for raising rabbits, that is is important that you enjoy the journey. That is not to say that you won't have great frustrations and tears along the way but, you've got to love what you do and not be completely focused on the $$ aspect of it. Otherwise, you may peter out fast.

I hope that makes some kind of sense. I'm just spitting things out there.