What's making the News in The Rabbit Patch?
30th January 2012
Well folks, it has been a hard slog getting things right, but hopefully the new page I have just uploaded called shoddy breeding will be self explanatory. Go check it out here.
28th January 2012
Right, you all now know that there is no such thing as a registered breeder in Australia. It is also true to say that there are no purebred rabbits in Australia, only true to type rabbits as per BRC (British Rabbit Council) standards here in Australia. This means that no matter what type or class a rabbit belongs to it has a standard.
There are also two very bad faults with any type of rabbit that can’t be corrected and any rabbit with either or both of these faults should not be bred with as the fault will be carried down to the babies to a bigger or slightly better degree, depending on how bad the fault is in its parent (either one) these two faults are Malocclusion and splayed feet.
So if you have any rabbits with either of these faults, regardless of what type of breeder you are, please don’t breed with them. Give them away to pet homes after telling the prospective owner the rabbit’s problem and how to deal with it and if they still want it get them to promise that they won’t breed with it, and if you are worried that they won’t do the right thing, have it neutered before giving it to them. Your only other option is to have the bunny put to sleep to save it a life of misery and pain. I have had such an overwhelming number of people dobbing in shoddy backyard breeders that I thought that it was easier to write about faulty rabbits so people are made aware of the faults and can avoid them.
I have now finished the article on malocclusion in rabbits and you can check it out here.
25th January 2012
I have now added the Shame Page which it is important for all new breeders to read. I have already had over 60 requests from new breeders (Newbies) asking me to assess the stock that they propose to buy. 58% of the stock that I assessed were not show quality. The main fault with the Lop breeds were the splayed feet. Regardless of the breed of rabbit, its back feet must be in a straight line with the body, not cocked out at a 45' angle or worse.
A small percentage of my readers chose to misread my intend, hence the very clear reason for this shame page. Some others got it mixed up with a second campaign that I am running to stop back yard breeders selling crossbred bunnies with debilitating faults that are detrimental to the rabbits health and welbeing. Main fault with their advertising is that they are saying that they are calling their stock something that they aren't.
19th January 2012
I have now made the promised page called 'Buyer Beware' go check it out and spread the word around.
Now it is up to you, the buyer or whistle blower on a shonky breeder. You must give proof of purchase of the shoddy bunny so make sure that you get a receipt along with the breeders stud name if any.
4th January 2012
Please make sure to look after your bunnies during this hot spell. I have had 7 people ring me in tears because their bunny died of heat stroke. Outside in shade is not good enough as the air is so hot (39'C here today) they must also have a frozen bottle of water to lay against. You can also get a couple of old towels or some hessian material, drench it in a bucket of water and cover top of cage and over the sides. when dry wet again with hose. This principal works like the old Coolgardi safes and immediately drops the temperature by at least 4'C.
30st December 2011
As 2011 draws to a close I have been travelling around checking out rabbit studs and in particular new rabbit studs and I can tell you that I am both disgusted and appalled on how badly new breeders are being ripped off with sub-standard stock (I have been checking on breeders of Mini Lops in particular as they seem to be the type of rabbit being bred by a lot of the newbies around the country) that certainly have not been bred with 'improving the standard' in mind but to make a quick dollar. So I am going to put up a page (am in the throes of writing even as we speak) in the next week or so titled "Buyer Beware" complete with pics of good and bad stock. So, all you newbies out there, read this article and then front the breeder that you bought your stock off (if they are examples of crap stock) and get your money back. If they refuse to do this then send me a front and side pic of the bunny in question and the breeders name as I will also be putting up a second new page called "Named and Shamed" where said pics will be displayed along with the breeder who sold you the rabbit. This disgusting practice of selling shoddy stock to unsuspecting new breeders has to stop. How can they be expected to improve the breed standard when they have only sub-standard stock to work with and are told that they are quality show stock? shame on all those breeders out there who are contributors of this lousy practice. Be warned, retribution will be coming your way and it won't be a matter of "If" but of 'When" This is The Rabbit Patch's new years resolution for 2012.
13th November 2011
Hi All, this summer promises to be very hot so you will need to keep this in mind so your bunny doesn't suffer.
Rabbit Fanciers Society of NSW Inc., is pleased to advise our last show for 2011 is being held on Sunday 20th November, 2011!
This show will be sponsored by Back 2 Nature - Great Raffle and prizes!!!
Location: Federation Pavilion, Castle Hill Showgrounds, Castle Hill
Judges: All Breed Show - Rebecca Wallbank (NSW)
All Breed Show - Joanne Lacey (VIC)
Costs: $3.00 Members, $5.00 Non Members for the main show and
Vetting in for the Breed Sections starts at 8.00am and finishes at 9.00am.
Breed and Trainee show starts 9.30am sharp
Vetting in for the Pet Section starts at 9.00am and finishes at 9.30am
Pet Show Starts at 10.00am
A late vetting in Fee applies for people arriving after the allocated times.
10th September 2011
After the warm weather we have had recently and having today's weather being so cold, like smacking us in the face with a cold washcloth, this will once again upset the bunnies enough to spin them into another moult from our next warm day. Be prepared for the fur to fly LOL. Rabbit Fanciers Society of NSW Inc., is pleased be advised their next show for 2011 is being held on Sunday 18th September, 2011!
September 3rd 2011
Hi All, Its my birthday today so to celebrate, I have added a new page article that is fairly important to developing a healthy loving, longterm relationship with your little furry mate. It is called Hormonal Changes. Click here to check it out.
August 28th 2011
I am sick in bed with the Flu bug at present, so thought it would be a good time between naps to update my breeders database and clubs, so if you are a club secretary feel free to email me your breeders listings to be included. Also any other important rabbit info that you think everyone should know and I will do my best to get the info out there.
The Adelaide Royal Show, being run by South Australian Rabbit Association Inc. is being held this coming weekend 3rd & 4th of September 2011. For further enquiries contact the President Janine Daniel on 08)8527 8261 or the Secretary Donna Douglas on 08) 8382 8845
August 17th 2011
A good learning rabbit show is being held by the Rabbit Fanciers this weekend. Chase this link to read all about it. http://www.rfsnsw.com/upcoming-events
July 30th 2011
There are two bunnies for sale on the sale page which are ready to go to their new homes. See them by clicking here. All the cold wet weather has finally gone and it looks like it is going to be relatively fine for the next month or so. I am selling a few items for my mum so have put pics up on my 'stuff for Sale ' page. Go check them out.
June 19th 2011
Recently there has been an increase in the number of rabbits with mallaclusion. This is when the bottom teeth rise outside of the top teeth. This is mainly due to to backyard breeders who are only interested in making a quick dollar without thought to any sort of decent breeding practices. So buyer beware. Before you buy your new family bunny check their teeth. How do I know this? easy answered. There has been an increase in the number of emails asking me why their rabbits hardly eat and seem to be losing a lot of weight. When I send back a reply my first question is, "have you checked their teeth?" or I am asked if the bottom teeth should be outside the top teeth. NO, is my emphatic reply. Spread the word to all your friends who may be thinking of getting a rabbit, or go check your own bunny out if you have one. Carry out a health check on your rabbit at least once a week. This not only ensures that any problems are picked up on before they go to far, but also builds up trust and a closer bond with you.
June 1st 2011
The weather has made a turnabout and has been very cold and wet. Not very good conditions for your outdoor bunnies unless they have fairly large housing. Rabbits kept in small cages (less than 3' wide) can become Susceptible to illness and being kept in this way tends to stress them and brings out the snuffles or pasturella. So please, if you love your bunnies give them room to move around, even if you have to let them have the run of the garage during cold wet weather.
May 19th 2011
Hi to all our fans and visitors. I have been kept very busy answering emails regarding rabbits so I have now made is so that you can ask questions or start a discussion on any rabbit related problem that you may have. This way, I not only help you but also anyone else who has had that particular problem or experience. So go onto The Rabbit Patch home page and click the Rabbit Patch Facebook link and hopefully we will get the ball rolling. In the meantime I am compiling questions and answers that have come to me directly from the website itself.
April 6th 2011
Well have been super busy with family and friends in between health issues. I have also been rearranging my website pages by updating and moving pages as well as adding pages. The next pages I will be working on will be my breeders pages, so check back again soon. Fresh cage pictures have also been added which haven't been seen before as they have only just been perfected. The Super Deluxe Breeder Cage which houses 4 rabbits comfortably is a brand new addition. Check it out by chasing this link.
3rd February 2011
This is the time of year when baby bunnies bought as Christmas gifts are starting to be neglected or abandoned apart from a lucky few. So that your bunny can find a good home and not be abandoned to fend for itself please contact us and send us pics of your bunnies and their history and we will help you to rehome them. It is very hot at present so please make sure that your bunnies are pretected from the heat.
31st December 2010
This will be the last post for 2010 as today is New Years Eve. May we take this opportunity to wish all our visitors and Rabbit Patch Fans a very happy new year. Please look after your little mate especially over the next week as we will be having 30'C plus every day (37'C here today) We have second hand cooler frames for sale at just from $6 each for the singles. We are also throwing in 2 complimentary ice bricks with each 2nd hand cooler frame and 3 ice bricks for any new frame ordered.
14th December 2010
Just a little Christmas surprise from The Rabbit Patch to all my fans. I have created fresh free Christmas wallpapers and we hope that you enjoy them as much as we did making them.
13th December 2010
Boarding facilities at the newly refurbished Rabbit Patch Rabbit Resort are fully booked out until 7th January. Limited places until the 17th January so get in quick to secure your little furry mate's holiday with us.
8th December 2010
New litter which will be ready to go on the 18th of January. Once again please be aware that I do not sell or advertise rabbits as either Christmas or Easter presents and will not sell at this time due to influx of backyard breeders flooding the pet shops with underaged babies (some as young as 3 weeks) which I find abhorrent and this is my way of protesting of such practices.
6th of December 2010
Christmas time is fast approaching so we wish all our visitors and bunny friends a very happy and safe holiday period. The 'Rabbit Patch Resort' boarding facilities will be closed for renovations and upgrading from the 18th December till the new year, hopefully by the 2nd of January, so please ensure to take your holidays before or after these dates so that your little furry friend can have a wonderful holiday whilst you are having yours. We have added our NEW Deluxe Breeders Cabinet to our cage range. Go check it out
30th November 2010
We have a little crossbred bunny to rehome. Her picture can be found on our sale page.
10th November 2010
How time has flown and now the last of the Rabbit Patch babies has been sold and the last does are due to leave the shed by next weekend. I finally had my house rabbit Smoky desexed, but not before he impregnated one of our boarder bunnies, Snuggles who was here on holiday. Snuggles is now the proud mother of 6 babies LOL. Far from being upset, the family are overjoyed that their 4 year old Snuggles is a mother for the very first time. Mum and babies are all doing fine.
11th October 2010
About 12 days ago a small crossbred bunny was brought to me to hopefully find its owner, or rehome it if the owner is not found. This bunny was found roaming the streets in Thornton. If you have lost your bunny, please contact us here at The Rabbit Patch. I have deliberately not mentioned any specific details of this bunny as the owner should be able to give us a very accurate description of it. This bunny has been well cared for by its owners and we are taking good care of it here. We have been checking out the area where the bunny was found to see if the owners have put up any posters, but we have had no luck so far. We have also seen no lost ads in the papers.
I have recently acquired a beautiful desexed male Mini Lop named Hamish. He has been a very much loved house bunny with a gentle and placid nature. The owners had to give him up due to circumstances beyond their control. Now Hamish is looking for a new family to love and nurture him so that he can give them love in return. This a picture of Hamish below. If you think that you are able to give him a good home please contact us here at The Rabbit Patch.
27th September 2010
My friend had a new litter of five Sooty Fawn Mini Lops born two days ago. Only two left so get in quick. Eva has now had her babies (just two this time round) and they look just like Gladdis, her daughter. Now is your chance to get one of these adorable bunnies. Not suitable for small children. Gladdis herself has had one only REW baby boy approximately 10 days ago. (record of DOB is down in shed) who will also be for sale. Not taken yet.
13th September 2010
I have just uploaded fresh update pics of Jazz's babies, and Pebbles will be updated shortly. I am also starting to sell others babies from breeders whom I know have good breeding practices and care for their stock like we do here in The Rabbit Patch. The first breeder with babies is Cara-Jon Bunnies with a litter of Dwarf Lops born this morning. Check them out on the sale page.
5th September 2010
Both Jazz and Pebbles have now kindled. Jazz with four babies and Pebbles with five. Going fast, so get in quick. They are pictured in the nest on the Sale page. I now only have two adult does to find homes for, my beautiful Eva (due to kindle in the next couple of days) when she has weaned her babies she will be ready to go. And little Guyrah. I am looking for someone special to sell these two girls to. Guyrah will be sold to a breeder who is used to handling rabbits, whilst Eva is looking for someone special to adopt her who will give her lots of love, cuddles and attention like she enjoys here in The Rabbit Patch. It is now time to contact me with new listings and any changed contact details for my breeders database. If you wish to be included, please check current entries so you know what information I need for your listing. Thanks in advance.
24th August 2010
Firstly, thank you to all my well wishers for your kind remarks and support over the last few months. It has been a battle, but am now well and truly on the mend and getting back into things again, including my website which has been sadly neglected over the past couple to of months. All my Mini Lops have now been sold, although I have my last two does still here until they kindle and wean their babies. I am now down to my last few Mini Cashmere lops. I will post fresh pics of them in the next few days so you will know which ones are still for sale. I will also start the mammoth task of updating all my breeders listings. When all my bunnies have been sold, I will be advertising stock for sale from other breeders whom I trust to have gentle and placid bunnies for sale. These will be all different breeds including Mini Lops of course.
15th June 2010
Gosh, where has the time gone. I have been sooo busy. A lot of my breeding stock have now been re-homed with other breeders and I have been weening myself off them slowly so I feel happy about them leaving. It is hard parting with them, especially my favourates. Tarnisha has gone to a loving family who will give her lots of love until it is her time to pass on. She is 8 years old and I reckon that she has got a few good years in her yet. I will continue to offer my stock for adoption as I am able to part with them. There are some fresh wallpapers for your enjoyment as well.
6th of May 2010
I have put up five new wallpapers for all my loyal visitors. I am starting to sell off all my stock now because I have lost my drive and confidence in the rabbit fancy. I will explain more fully in the next few days.
22nd April 2010
I have just uploaded fresh update pics of Gidget's babies. Go check them out now on the sale page. Have also uploaded a couple of Mini Cashmere does for sale. Ga-Ga is a beautiful show quality doe.
6th April 2010
Had a great first show at REBS with my Hubba Hubba doing me proud and winning best longhair in show and runner up best lop in show, Yay. Have been extremely busy with keeping my bunnies in good health with grooming, especially keeping the cashmere coats from felting. The weather has been so extreme, hot and cold, humid and dry and they have been moulting like crazy. I have also had my usual influx of Easter boarders coming and going which has also helped keep me busy, but they are such a joy to have around and just love their hugs etc.
17th March 2010
I have just updated all my breeding and show stock, go check them out. I am very proud of Hubba Hubba as she certainly lived up to her name when she took out best long hair in show and runner up best lop in show.
21st February 2010
REBS first show for the year is coming up on March 7th. The REBS AGM will be held before the start of the show, so start grooming your bunnies and get ready for the enjoyment of showing your bunnies and catching up with old friends. I have been working on a few surprises and hopefully they will be happening this week. Not going to say anymore just in case I don't have time or it doesn't work out. I'm excited.
14th February 2010
Regular visitors to my website will notice that I am slowly revamping my breeders pages. So far I have revamped Tasmanian breeders and New South Wales breeders. Could you please check your details and let me know if they are still current. Also if you know of anyone else who would like to be included please get them to email me with their full details please.
1st February 2010
My beloved Rabbit Patch business and Rabbit Stud are now up for sale as it has outgrown me, and I can't keep up with its expansion. Expressions of interest are invited. It is being sold lock, stock and barrel as the saying goes plus goodwill. $15,000. Request a full list of business assets on application. This business would suit a young couple who have carpentry skills and a genuine love for animals and rabbits in particular.
24th December 2009
Santa comes tonight. Did you make sure to get your bunny a gift? If not you may be interested in The Rabbit Patch bunny gift pack which is due out any day now. Don't forget that your bunnies want to keep cool too, so give them an icepack to lay on and they will love you all the more. Merry Christmas to all our visitors.
19th December 2009
Christmas is nearly apon us and I had hoped that I could have put a bunny gift package together in time for Christmas, but ill health has prevented this. However they will be out next week, so they can be new year gifts instead. A second bit of news is that there is a new forum on rabbits where visitors can get a wealth of info on their furry friends. The link to chase is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AustralianRabbitEnthusiasts
8th December 2009
Its gunna be a hot one today and for the week maybe a bit cooler so look after your bunnies and don't leave them out in the heat. They deserve your love and protection
20th November 2009
With these heatwave conditions, keeping your bunny cool and comfortable is a very daunting task, but extreme weather conditions call for extreme solutions. So bring your bunnies inside and let them lay on the nice cool tiles in your laundry or bathroom if you haven't already got them in air conditioning. Please be sure to watch out for the signs of heat stroke and take measures to prevent as much stress on your bunny as possible. Please send this link to everyone you know who has a rabbit so that they too are aware of the signs to look for to prevent heat stroke. Good luck everyone. It is currently 41'C here and I have not only got my bunnies on their cooler frames with the fan on fully, but I am also spraying cool water onto their faces and onto the new babies who would normally be buried in a mountain of fur in their nest but are lying out in the open. You can try this too, it works for mine.
11th November 2009
Fresh Stock pics of both my Mini Lops and Mini Cashmere Lops have now been posted. Just have a couple more to take tomorrow sometime to complete them. Also a couple of new wallpapers
26th October 2009
We listened to you, our customers and we have developed our new Triple Dekka cage. Most people who bought the individual Stakka Cages always wanted us to secure the three teirs together which kind of defeated the purpose of having individual cages in the first place. So now you have all three shelves in the one unit. Go check it out now and let us know what you think of it.
It has been very hectic in The Rabbit Patch over the past few weeks and I have had no time at all to make new wallpapers, but the pace seems to have slowed a little in the past couple of days, and with the rain driving us indoors I can hopefully get some fresh wallpapers happening for you to enjoy.
21st October 2009
Just a little note to say that all of Pepper's babies have now been pre-adopted. I do have, however two adult bucks for sale which need to find new homes soon. One is Sooty Fawn the other REW. Both are litter trained and have a friendly disposition. Pics will be put up as soon as I find a little time to do so. Currently busy building lots of cages for customers.
11th October 2009
I have added another page to my site which I have devoted to selling off any household or bric-a-brac items I no longer need and want to sell. Go check it out. Anyone for a fish tank complete with fish.
6th October 2009
New wallpapers added to collection. Click here to go check them out. Everyone finally came and collected all their babies and the computer is running fine and dandy with no more hiccups, keep your fingers crossed. Pepper kindled yesterday with Furne being proud dad and had four lovely little babies. Nearly lost one this morning who came out of the nest and ended up behind the litter tray. Fortunately was still alive, but had to have a warm bath to revive it (thanks once again Christine Carter you have saved another rabbit patch baby with your wonderful rabbit reference book) it is now back in the nest snuggled up with its siblings nice and warm with a full tummy. Two of these babies have been pre-sold with preference being given to those wanting package deals for the other two.
19th September 2009
REBS are having their show tomorrow (the 20th) so if you want to see some top bunnies and maybe buy a bunny from a breeder come and visit us at the Wyee Community Hall at Wyee
Cassie, your chocolate girl is ready for pickup. I have lost your details since last computer crash and this is the only avenue opened to me. Please get in touch with me to make pickup arrangements. Thanks.
3rd September 2009
I have just taken fresh update pics of all the baby bunnies, and you can view them on the sale page. For those of you who are visiting every week I am sure that you have enough photos as I seen your cameras clicking away during your visits LOL. p.s. its my birthday today.
2nd September 2009
Hi all, it has been such a whirlwind of activity around the Rabbit Patch of late. However I have had time to revamp the NSW breeders listings, go check it out and let me know what you think. STOP THE PRESS I just have to let you all know that RABBIT FANCIERS SOCIETY IS HAVING ITS FIRST EVER PET RABBIT EXPO ON THE 13th SEPTEMBER BETWEEN 9am AND 4pm. Check it out now so that you can plan your day at this event. READ MORE
31st August 2009
I have finally made time to grab the camera and took some bunny pics for wallpapers. You will be pleased to know that I have added several more to bring it up to date. I hope that you like them as much as I do LOL . There are no more babies left for pre-adoption as they have all been snapped up at this stage. It does pay to get in early, sorry to all those who dipped out because of tardiness, better luck next litterl
August 26th 2009
Well the bunnies have all been sorted thank goodness and that leaves just one little black boy bunny to be adopted. Thanks for getting back to me so promptly and refreshing my memory. There will be fresh update pics of all your babies posted on the sale page each week until they are ready to go to their new homes. All the pet bunnies will be ready to go to their new homes on the 25th of September so I have been informed by a couple of very eager recipients.
August 25th 2009
Unfortunately due to heavy work load, I have not had any time to take fresh wallpapers, but hope to rectify this towards the end of the week. Keep your fingers crossed. I have been itching to take some more pics as I have some very promising youngsters who look absolutely gorgeous, I can't wait for you to see them. I have taken the plunge with Facebook as well, and you can now be a part of The Rabbit Patch Fan Club by chasing the link on our home page.
Due to the same heavy workload, the past few days have been extremely hectic and baby bunnies have been pre-adopted almost as soon as their pics are posted. Guess that word of mouth is the best publicity. There are two bunny orders that have not been confirmed as yet from the latest lot of pet stock babies. One customer wanted both butterflies (who are both boys) and another customer wanted both the chocolate boy and a black boy. Both of these customers were given banking details, which still haven't been confirmed as having been deposited. If you are either one of these customers please send a receipt for your deposit immediately, or your bunnies will be offered to the next in line. Unfortunately I have been so busy building cages that I misplaced my order book so have not got those customer names. If this is you, you have 24 hours to email me your deposit receipt. Thank you for your understanding. I can confirm that Cassie has a chocolate girl reserved and that Michelle has a black girl reserved as they are confirmed on banking details, and also on sent deposit receipts. Stop the press, Great news, Kylie has been in touch to claim her little chocolate buck and black buck, now only have to find the customer who wished to have the two butterflies.
August 21st 2009
I am still trying to recover from our National show held last weekend. There were so many gorgeous bunnies there and my bunnies were lucky to get minor placings, but the show stoppers were absolutely stunning and they truly earned their placings in the winners circle. Congratulations to both the REBS committee for all their hard work, and to the exhibitors for their beautiful bunnies that they worked so hard on to get ready for the show.
Fresh update pics of bunnies for sale are now posted. Now is the time to pre-adopt yours before they all go. Check them out
August 10th 2009
There are only a few more days to our National rabbit show and you should all have been grooming and preparing your bunnies for this big event. Where? Federation Pavilion, Castle Hill Show Ground, Castle Hill. The Fancy and Rex groups will be judged on Saturday the 15th August and the Lops and Fur will be judged on Sunday 16th August. Mr John Self will be our esteemed English judge straight out from England to judge our bunnies. It will be very educational learning how our bunnies stack up against those in England and abroad. So come along and check it out and grab something to eat whilst you rove around the pavilion checking out all the bunnies and speaking with breeders about their particular breed of bunny/s. Entry is free and you will have all your bunny questions answered by experienced breeders. That's a bonus for you.
August 5th 2009
I have been so busy with everything that I leave no time to get all done. But I did stop to take a picture or two of little Ghoffa. She is Flames daughter and was born on the 28th July 2009. You will find two new wallpapers on the wallpaper page, enjoy.
July 24th 2009
I have been working on my web pages - thanks to all my concerned visitors who have made remarks about disappearing pics etc - this is due to the fact that when I switched platforms to my new website I didn't have time to spend doing it properly and just cut and pasted data from the old website to the new. I have been using every spare minute (secret pages in my website) working on unjumbling everything and setting things in order. You can now visit a brand new cages page (bunny cages) with very easy to navigate pages, a new home page banner and finally a rabbit boarder's page letting everyone know that we do indeed board your furry little friend whilst you are away having a holiday. Let me know what you think.
July 21st. 2009
Breaking news just in, is the fact that two of our does produced 14 babies between them yesterday, so there are now enough to fill a backlog of orders from out waiting list and still have a few to spare (maybe LOL) They weren't supposed to kindle until the weekend giving me time to look after the two maiden does in our 'Maternity Ward' The two that were supposed to kindle yesterday delivered their babies on schedule (Gladdis and Fahne) producing four live babies between them. Gidget and Eva were due to kindle on the following Saturday, but must have decided the pheromones floating around in the shed were to much and that afternoon both kindled and produced 7 babies each. I am wearing a track from the back verandah to the rabbit shed keeping an eye on the new mums and pandering to them with lots of fresh veggie & herb treats, especially dandelions to help their milk supply. I will post pics in the next few days. Those of you who are on the waiting list and didn't get an email from me please send me a quick reminder now as I have lost my old waiting list book and may have missed you.
July 15th July 2009
IMPORTANT NOTICE:- YOU ONLY HAVE FIVE MORE DAYS TO GET YOUR ENTRIES IN FOR THE NATIONAL SHOW. ENTRIES CLOSE AT MIDNIGHT ON THE 20TH JULY 2009. Chase this link to get full details
There are two more fresh wallpapers that have been added to the wallpaper page, check them out now.
July 1st 2009
The weather has been wet and cold, but despite this life goes on and it has been hard going braving the pelting down rain and cold winds that lash our neighbourhood to check on the bunnies down in their shed. there is now a muddy track from the back veranda to the shed and it is still quite muddy even though it hasn't rained in a couple of days. Even though it hasn't rained, the sky has been very overcast with the sun trying to break through occasionally which gave me the opportunity to take fresh stock prints and new wall paper. Go check out our new Mini Lop stock pics
and our new Mini Cashmere Lop stock pics along with fresh pics of Allie and Tommy our Netherland Dwarfs.
16th June 2009
We have been sorting baby orders through and have two Mini Lops and three Netherland Dwarfs up for pre-adoption. You will find their pics on the sale page. More babies arriving this week, so there may be more up for pre-adoption when we go through our pre-adoption waiting list. There is a proviso on one of the Mini Lops (see sale page for details). I have made two new wallpapers up featuring our gorgeous Gladdis who is a Sooty Fawn Mini Cashmere Lop. Thanks to all our visitors who have emailed us expressing their thanks. We are glad that you are enjoying these new wallpapers. Who will it be next week? ...
11th June 2009
Whilst I rejoice in the arrival of several new litters in The Rabbit Patch, namely Jemyma, Echo, Maude, Allie and Fahne, on the other side of the world in Ireland I received a very disturbing email from Mr John Fitzgerald. I was absolutely horrified when I read it and knew instantly that I had to share this email with all my visitors so that they could know of this horror as well. John has written a book describing his campaign to stop this terrible blood sport. As you can imagine, I am very upset and regular visitors to The Rabbit Patch will know that I can't tolerate cruelty to animals, rabbits in particular, so I am cutting and pasting this email here for all my visitors to read so that you too can add your voice to that of John and help stamp out this barbaric blood sport.
June 9th 2009 Lower Coyne Street, Callan, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland. Phone: 056 7725543 Attn: The Rabbit Patch Re. Bad Hare Days Dear Sir/Madam, I would like to tell you about a book I have written and had published on the controversial subject of live hare coursing in Ireland and the campaign to protect the Irish Hare. It’s called Bad Hare Days (published by Olympia Publishers of London) and in it I recount the ups and downs of campaigning on the issue over three decades. In addition to exploring the nature of hare coursing from my own perspective as an animal protection campaigner, I also describe the social and psychological impact on campaigners of engaging in a difficult and tension-wrought campaign aimed at changing public opinion on this and other animal protection issues. As I lack the resources to mount a huge promotional drive of the kind one associates with celebrity authors, I am doing what I can to “spread the word” about the book. I’m not sure if it would be possible for you to mention the book on your website or in a newsletter. If not, I’d appreciate if perhaps you might tell someone about it. The “Bush Telegraph” can be most effective too! .......
Thanking you for your kind attention, Sincerely, John Fitzgerald
1st June 2009
I finally get time to rest between shows etc to get things done on the website. I have been doing matings over the past few weeks to have babies for our National show being held in August. My lovely Blue Fox Doe Felice died of a massive haemorrhage yesterday when kindling for the first time. I wouldn't have minded if the babies had died but to take Felice as well was just a terrible blow. People keep telling me that I shouldn't get so attached to my bunnies, but I can't help it, they are just so lovable and each loss is very sad.
On to brighter things. I have finally had time to set up the stage to start making fresh free bunny rabbit wallpapers. First star bunny is Funky. Enjoy.
6th May 2009
It has been a very busy day again today wishing number three son happy birthday. Wished grandson happy birthday on the fourth, and number two son yesterday. Managed to download pics from my camera which have been sitting there since the royal and have placed our three winners with their trophies on the home page as our banner for the time being. Those regular daily visitors would have noticed that the home page banner has been changing back and forth lately. Now I am happy with the way it looks, what do you think? Let me know if you like the change and whether you wish it to be changed from time to time.
5th May 2009
There has been no rest for the weary as we prepare for one event after another. It seems like we have been flat out forever, I am sure that if I wasn't wearing shoes, my feet would be worn out. Our newest crop of babies that we bred specifically for the Royal Easter show done us and themselves proud. All three came first in their class and both Freddy and Furne won trophies for owner bred. Both Gandolf and Elmo were up against some very stiff competition but both managed to get third placing in their showings. Freddy and Furne are the two little babies of Ebony which are featured on the Mini Lop birth page
Our National Show will be held on August 15th and 16th so we have been doing matings to have kittens ready for then. Meanwhile it is groom, groom, groom, clean, clean, clean both cages and bunnies so that they remain in tip-top condition. I have been meaning to post fresh wallpapers, and thanks to all of you kind folks for giving me a gentle nudge to produce same. There is a little bit of a lull looming in the next few days and hopefully I can get some up for your viewing pleasure. In the meantime we took our bunnies to the Gosford Agricultural Show where the three little girls once again came first in their various classes. Little Furne outclassed her brother which I am sure that she was chuffed about. I certainly was, go the girls LOL I promise that I will update pics etc soon.
12th April 2009
I have only got time to visit my site briefly as we have soooo much happening, especially this week leading up to the Sydney Royal Easter show, rabbit section on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st. We are flat out with so many converging projects culminating into one huge effort of them all coming together next weekend. Before I forget, if anyone is entering their rabbits in the Royal and need wire bottoms for the rabbit pens please let us know ASAP as we will be stopping production of them on Thursday 16th April. Any orders not in by then will miss out. We are charging a very reasonable price of $12 each for the frames. We will also not charge freight for any cages purchased during this week from Monday 13th to Thursday 16th of April inclusive that we have to deliver to our Sydney customers. The proviso being that they will be picked up at either the Royal show or from a Sydney suburb address that we nominate.
10th April 2009
What a hectic few weeks it has been, I don't know where the time has gone. I haven't had time to scratch myself what with shows, meetings, completing a course and gearing up for the Sydney Royal Easter Show on the 20th and the 21st of April. And of course as it is the Easter weekend, we have several bunny boarders residing with us having a happy Rabbit Patch Easter all of their own whilst their owners are holidaying interstate and overseas.
12th March 2009
Another busy week and the REBS first show of the year went very well. I found out that we have some new members and studs coming in and several breeders that no longer breed due to whatever. I would really appreciate any breeders who no longer breed rabbits to let me know so that I can remove you from the data base otherwise you will be getting calls from people after rabbits which will probably drive you crazy. Thanks to those who have already responded.
7th March 2009
I have been flat out this week, and have even had to call in a couple of Rabbit Patch helpers to give me a hand grooming the bunnies. At least half of them have decided to drop their full coat in a day. Little Tommy had both himself and me enveloped in a cloud of fur as I gave him first a massage to loosen the hair and then brushing it free. this was followed by Echo and then Groover and then onto the next one. It turned out that I had only 8 bunnies that haven't started into moult. Those ones will probably wait until a couple of days before the Sydney Royal Easter show to drop theirs' We have our first REBS show for the year tomorrow. It will be good to catch up with friends and talk bunnies with everyone. Entries for the Sydney Royal Easter show have now closed to enable the catalogues to be made and printed. We hope to see you there. The rabbits will be on show on the 20th and the 21st of April.
Fresh update pics on the relevant birth pages for those taking a keen interest in the Mini Lop and Netherland Dwarfs progress.
1st March 200
Fresh update pics of both the Mini Lop babies and the Netherland Dwarf babies posted on the relevant 'Birth' page.
25th February 2009
It is with great sadness that I have to say that my beautiful Opal Mini Cashmere doe Freya passed away several days ago and that the autopsy results were inconclusive. We are all feeling her loss.
21st February 2009
I have just added a new article on the birth of Mini Lops under the article banner of called 'About Bunnies and Products' as I have so many emails asking us to please, please show us the mini lop and Netherland births again. You can also chase this link
Unfortunately I missed taking a birth pic of Allie's babies, but have managed to take pics from the first week. This lot of birth pics will have to do until I mate Allie again which won't be for a few months, sorry. They are on their own page under the same banner but with their own page Netherland Dwarf birth pics.
19th February 2009
Everything is on the move at present and it is hard to know where to start. Lets see, first if you are entering your bunnies in the Sydney Royal Easter Show it is time to get your entries sent in as the deadline is nearly here. It is hard to decide what to enter as a lot of the bunnies are in moult and are looking pretty scruffy and the ones that are not so scruffy at present will probably look like they have been imprisoned in a drawer full of moths for weeks LOL. Not to worry just enter them anyway and step up the grooming to every day instead of twice a week. The clubs are starting their shows in march with the Rabbit Fanciers being first cab off the rank with their show on the first of March followed in quick succession by REBS and RBA. It will be good to see how every bunny has been coping over the very hot summer months (and now floods in our area :-< ) As the last couple of days have been heavily overcast and the rain finally stopped it's continuous downpour and is currently falling in sporadic showers I thought it a good time to take fresh stock pics which I have now uploaded to their relevant pages. There is also a fresh update pic of the little Netherland Dwarfs that are for sale. I am slowly replacing pics that are missing out of the articles and making new birth pics, but this time instead of just 8 weeks I will follow up till 5mths when the bunny is more or less fully grown apart from filling out. Watch out for it
30th January 2009
The only thing left to do now is to take fresh stock pictures of all the bunnies and supply all our eager visitors with new bunny wallpapers. These will hopefully be posted by the end of next week. Thank you all for your kind comments, and yes, they will be posted as well. Keep sending in your comments regarding the re-vamp as we love hearing from you.Thank you also for your patience, it will be rewarded.
You will notice that pages are different and lots of other little oddities. Go for a ramble as it can be fun and very informative getting yourself lost in the wealth of info provided in our articles. p.s. there are some new products coming out soon.
28th January 2009
We are now updating our new website, adding content and fixing links. We hope all our bunny friends in SA are well prepared for the unrelenting heat of 45'C for the next few days. Some folks like Sally and her bunnies are reclining in the luxury or a split Air Conditioner so they'll be right. how about yours? Let us know what you are doing for your bunnies down there in Vic and SA
10th January 2009
Fresh update pics of bunnies now posted. Get in quick as they won't last long. Also have new babies in nest which are a week old will post pics shortly. One is a sable Butterfly, one a blue point and the third is white. These pics are now posted (10th Jan 09)
We have a brand new cage design that everyone is talking about go check it our by clicking here