So I am betting that you are curious to read what I am currently typing due to the headline. No, I am not getting out of rabbits but with the most recent high rise in breeders selling out, I figured this topic would be one of interests. I am not one to say that I have never cut my losses before as I have, this may include cutting breeding programs in your breeds or even breeds entirely. Everyone has a reason for their decision to cut programs or breeds, this may be due to financial issues, lack of attention, lack of time, loss of interests, life changes, etc. If you are feeling like it may be time to move on, then this article is for you.
Recently I have had a couple newer breeders contact me in regards to already possibly selling out of their programs; now when I say "newer", I mean someone who has 2 years or less in the hobby. This hobby isn't for everyone and not everyone can deal with the calls that may need to be required to make when breeding animals. It is our responsibility to make sure the animals are properly cared for, that includes when to make the decision to have the animal put down as well. Sometimes people get to that point where they can no longer make a responsible decision for their animals so they sell out. Whatever the case may be and if you are feeling on the edge of doing this yourself, then this blog post is for you. Now like every breeder including myself, we get frustrated and contemplate about removing a breeding program from our herd, sometimes that means complete sell outs for some. I was at that point in January this year with my Holland Lops. Now everyone knows that I keep my programs very small, smaller than normal for most breeders. I keep my Holland Lop Herd around 10 animals total, by doing this, it allows me to be rather strict with my breeding program and allows me to focus on what faults I want to correct which really works for me. Last year I was plagued with no litters except for one from my does and I was beyond frustrated. I tried everything including treating for Vent Disease thinking that maybe the new rabbits I had brought in may have brought it with them too. After treating my entire herd, changing out bucks, buying new does, etc, I finally started getting litters when I was on the verge to sell them all out of complete frustration. I am really happy I didn't as I am loving my new generations that I am producing. It took multiple breeder friends to talk me out of the decision of selling the Hollands and I am really glad I gave it another go. Why am I telling you this? Because I get it. Some breeds are a lot harder than others and it isnt always easy but isn't that the main reason why we selected the breed we did? We wanted a challenge didn't we? Sometimes those challenges are a lot harder to succeed at but in the end, it is so very worth it if we want to keep going. Now let's discuss when to make the decision to cut your losses. At this point and if you have read my About Me page, then you know that I have raised over 30 of the ARBA Recognized breeds over the years that I have been in rabbits. With that being said, I have obviously sold out a lot of breeds to focus on just the Netherland Dwarfs and the Holland Lops. How did I make this decision? It didn't come lightly and it shouldn't for most of us. The passion was there but lack of cage space, lack of concentration on breeding programs, etc definitely played a major role. Sometimes you just need to sit back and think, "what are my goals for my breeding program(s) for the next year and what do I need to do to ensure that I am successful in reaching that goal?" This may or may not include cutting breeds so that you can focus. I reached that point when I had my commercial rabbits. I loved the big, goofy things but the fact was, meat rabbits was not the direction I wanted to go and I could add more cage space by removing the large cages needed to make sure they had adequate space and replacing them with "dwarf size" cages. Now this may be opposite for you, maybe the commercial rabbits is really your thing and you want to cut the smaller rabbits. Then again, maybe you need to cut your current breed completely and start over with an entirely different breed, this is fine as well and it never hurts to explore all your options. I also cannot condemn anyone for just wanting to sell out completely and be done with this hobby, it happens. I did this as well for a couple years and ended up coming back when I said I never would and after I sold almost everything. That's okay too. Maybe you just need a completely new start entirely if that is something you want to do. If your breeding program isn't going in the direction you want it to, then starting over isn't a horrible idea. The bottom line is this, do what makes you happy. If you don't have the passion and drive to breed rabbits, then this isn't the hobby for you. If you think you are going to get into this hobby and make thousands of dollars your first year or make money really at all, then this hobby isn't for you. This hobby is for those of us who are passionate about breeding to the breed standard and striving to be the best, no matter the sacrifices, blood, sweat and tears we have to endure. We make decisions that are absolutely necessary that no one wants to do and again, it is OUR responsibility that we provide adequate care for our animals and find them homes when necessary that will care for them as well as we have if not better. So to those of you that are contemplating selling out, I encourage you to rethink about that decision but at the end of the day, do what is best for you.
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AuthorBrittany is an Open A.R.B.A. exhibitor that raises and shows Pedigreed Holland Lops and Netherland Dwarfs. She started breeding rabbits in 2002 and American Cavies in 2005. Archives
June 2022
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