Cage cards

I started using cage cards for ID when I began raising rabbits. I had these awful metal holders and index cards. The metal holders got rusty and dirty and we all know what happens to the index cards. So I found plastic holders and plastic cards; they are readily available on line and at the rabbit shows. The plastic cards are used with an extra fine writing marker. Even if water of other liquid falls on them they do not smudge. They can be cleaned off with rubbing alcohol and used for a different rabbit. The cards come in many colors ...no surprise but I use pink for the does and blue for the bucks that are permanently in the herd. Young rabbits growing up have yellow cards for does and green cards for bucks. Once they are accepted as a permanent part of the herd they get their "grown up cards".Information on my cards includes ear number, color, sex, name, parents, and date of birth.
I understand some breeders will argue that they know their rabbits and don't need cage cards....well what happens if you are sick or out of town? The best thing about cell phones is that they let us be in touch 24 hours a day. The best thing about cage cards is that a care giver can tell you in one second what rabbit is the subject of their concern.
good management = good results

Managing your rabbitry for health and happiness

Today I wanted to share with you a few tips to help manage your rabbitry. A healthy happy herd will live longer and produce better bunnies for you.
I do not use a watering system for my small herd, I use clean water bottles so I can monitor water intake. Bottles are emptied and refilled with clean cold water as needed.
I use mineral salt wheels in every cage they are hanging using a metal shower curtain holder. Salt and minerals are an important part of supplementing pelleted feeds. In addition to Blue Seals Sunshine Plus and some rolled oats, salt provides electrolytes to keep your animals processing their feed efficiently. You can not make your animals lick the salt, so you can be assured that if they use the salt mineral wheel they need it. Also pictured are the toys each rabbit plays with, they are colorful easy, to clean, and have a little bell. They are available at Pets Supplies Plus (in the cat isle) and are approx 4 inches wide.
We all know that monitoring feed and water intake is important. I use a simple effective system for food monitoring. I bought a bag of plastic clothespins at a local dollar store. I have included pictures, I put the clothes pin on the left top of the feeder when the rabbit is eating normally: when an individual does not clean up the feed at the next feeding I place the clothespin in the center of the feeder. I always think I will remember what rabbit is off feed, but the clothespin reminds me. If the rabbit has left feed for 2 feedings I move the pin to the extreme right hand side of the feeder and go into alert mode. When the rabbit returns to normal feeding I return the clothespin to the left side.....

Love Life and Rememberance

Today I am recalling my friend Cheryl, my dearest Godson Hunter, my Mom and my rabbits from the past. There is value memories as they hold promises of the future. My father is 93 years young this year, my daughter Tricia is 26, my oldest bunny will be 7 in December.......is not life amazing! In 7 short years my rabbits have won the biggest ARBA Convention ever held 2005 , the Nationals 2006, a group ARBA Convention 2006 and my heart.

The Dumas Family is facing a very challenging time, if you can help please contact NARBC or Margaret Bartold. Remember none of us are in this life alone. Thank You

California Dreaming ARBA Convention 2009

The pics top is SILVERTONE SIERRA 5 1/2 mos the second pic is sr. colored doe SILVERTONE CALIFORNIA DREAMING...............ARBA Convention is a short 3 months away but these girls and several others would love to be there.

Cheryl L Combs

It is with great sadness I must report the passing of our friend Cheryl Combs. Better known in the rabbit world as Colin's Grandmother. Cheryl was Colin's biggest supporter in his quest to win the BIS ARBA Youth in 2007. Cheryl lost her battle with cancer 7-31-09. We last saw Cheryl (Tamika ..our pet name for her) at the 2009 Angora Nationals in Canandaigua Ny, I am so happy she made it there.
This picture is a candid shot at the Nationals. Dignity shines in her face.