Dorchester Rabbit Show, October 17, 2009

well, I"m back.

One mini rex doe (Catcher) I didn't show as I thought she might be too big and well...she was. I asked a fellow exhibitor (beth collins who has mini rexes galore) what she thought and Beth said "She's got a good butt on her and her shoulders are too long as well, which means she has some problems with depth). I still like her and think she's got some potential. I brought her to get opinions on her.

Second mini rex doe (Curly) was best black senior doe. She's a tad heavy and her head is small for her body, BUT she's got good rib, a nice butt and she's not too long so that's all good too.

Harlequin doe (Scarlett), best senior doe...but she was the only one. Liked her chest, her feet, her face, not enough depth or loin. Things I knew. just need to find a buck that suits her to fix that. BUT she did get best opposite of variety which pleased me. Meant she didn't totally stink. The fact that she was moulting didn't help her at all.

Oh...and NO ONE liked my Holland lop buck. They loved his head but he's got a skinny butt. Since I bought him for his head and his colour...it's all good. I've got does with a good butt on them so .... it all works.

JESSE (of Jesse's Hilltop rabbitry)!!!! Got his first leg!!!!!!! His holland lop buck beat mine in the first class (came 4 out of five) but in the second class came 1 out of five. He's thrilled!!!!!!!!!!! And I am thrilled for him. YEAH!!!!!! THAT was very cool.

I learned about training rabbits to show. Learned by seeing, that many many many people do not trim their rabbits nails and that shocked me. Isn't that just asking for ripped nails? the length on some of them I thought a trifle...crazy might be a good word. Explains the caution on the part of the one judge to handle any flighty rabbits.

I met and chatted a bit with Kat, Sheeligh, Shannon and Kevin, met Jacky.

Kevin learned that his doe was really a buck and that was a pleasing thing. He wanted a buck from a buck that he sold and thought he only had does. One judge saw it, the other one didn't.

What else....learned what colour my two netherland dwarf rabbits are. Sable siamese.
Met THE cutest Netherland dwarf baby out there....BUT the owner wasn't parting with her. Might get it's sister though...but that has to wait until I get the new rabbit tent up.

oh...learned what to feel for in a rabbit. No curvatures when running your hand along their body on both sides and that height (aka depth) is good! Mini rexes need to be scrunched up.

Came home with a prearranged pick up of a chocolate mini rex buck who should help resolve long shoulder issues with my buns. (though I bought him for his colour). I"m calling him Elliot.

Had fun with Jesse and just chatting with other rabbit people.
Just overall a very good day.

AND if I have anything able to show at the end of November I'll do it again in Rockton! Might not though...we'll see. Hmm...wonder if I should try showing Ollie or Elliot or Chase? What's the worse that happens? I learn all that I need to in order to make my bunnies better. OR I can end up feeling like I"m only breeding garbagey rabbits, OR I can have lots of fun...or perhaps ALL of that. :) It's always a mixed bag and I thought it interesting how Jesse did poorly in the first class yet in the second class he beat everyone. Very cool that was I thought.