Niele da Kine
Loving the herd life
Actually, lionheads can't be bred to angoras for the long wool, the lionhead mane gene is different than the angora longwool gene. BunnyLady just posted a genetic discussion on that. (Thanks, BunnyLady!)
If you're getting Netherland Dwarfs, for 'farming' then it will be for farming for the pet or show trade since they're not a decent meat breed and don't have big pelts or fiber to harvest.
Check out the Federal laws regarding pet animal sales, they're different than for livestock. Other than the differences in Federal laws between pets and livestock, PETA can't legally touch livestock and livestock can be advertised on Craig'sList. I'm sure there's more differences. Check your own state laws as well, it's always good to know them when starting a new venture.
A friend of mine breeds Holland Lops and NDs for the pet trade, but she only has a few rabbits and doesn't have a large set up. She does get a high price for pet rabbits, but with the NDs - since they're dwarfs - they have fairly small litters and there's also something involving the dwarf gene which creates 'peanuts' which don't usually survive.
If I were breeding for the pet trade, I'd probably pick Rexes or since they have larger litters and are nice plushy bunnies. They can also be sold as a meat rabbit, perhaps? Temperament is also critical in the pet trade so breed for temperament among other criteria. If you get a vicious rabbit, eat it, don't breed it.
If you're getting Netherland Dwarfs, for 'farming' then it will be for farming for the pet or show trade since they're not a decent meat breed and don't have big pelts or fiber to harvest.
Check out the Federal laws regarding pet animal sales, they're different than for livestock. Other than the differences in Federal laws between pets and livestock, PETA can't legally touch livestock and livestock can be advertised on Craig'sList. I'm sure there's more differences. Check your own state laws as well, it's always good to know them when starting a new venture.
A friend of mine breeds Holland Lops and NDs for the pet trade, but she only has a few rabbits and doesn't have a large set up. She does get a high price for pet rabbits, but with the NDs - since they're dwarfs - they have fairly small litters and there's also something involving the dwarf gene which creates 'peanuts' which don't usually survive.
If I were breeding for the pet trade, I'd probably pick Rexes or since they have larger litters and are nice plushy bunnies. They can also be sold as a meat rabbit, perhaps? Temperament is also critical in the pet trade so breed for temperament among other criteria. If you get a vicious rabbit, eat it, don't breed it.
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