This is a letter written in response to a person on the Showbunny list

Crystal

While I agree that two grandchampions can produce as much pet quality stock

as two that aren't and I also believe that breeders should do all they can to

promote the breed, even by giving away good rabbits to new

breeders.....However I have paid hundreds of dollars for rabbits....I have

also bought rabbits for ten dollars...I think that if you are going to apply

the time, energy, and money to breed and show rabbits and do it well, then

500.00 is not a high price to pay...IF! the rabbit can reproduce stock in

your line that is better than what you now have!

Think of it this way, if I buy a buck for 500.00 that is a proven producer

with traits that I need in my line, and I breed that buck to 30 does which

give me 6 rabbits each, for a total of 180 offspring. Now divide 500.00 by

the 180 offspring and you now have around 2.75 in each of those babies. But!

You have improved your herd and will pay for that improvement in the sale of

the babies. So you see if a rabbit can make you a more successful breeder,

then there may be some justification in the price....It may be worth the

investment!

Also, The number of rabbits sold for 500.00 is very small. But on the

breeders behalf, if they have spent 10 years in selective breeding to get to

where they are today, and I wish to have rabbits the quality of theirs and

not take ten years to selectively breed, then 500.00 is cheap..!

I guess it all depends on your intensity and dedication to your breeding

program. If you have a real good culling talent and can judge a good rabbit

then you can go out and buy a 25.00 superstar..but remember half of the

rabbits genes are hidden...however a linebred buck can be worth his weight in

gold in a good linebreeding program.

There are always reasonable rabbits around to be purchased. I think that if a

breeder can sell his rabbits for 500.00, then more power to him. I have paid

5000.00 for a dog and 50,000.00 for a horse. Does that mean I am stupid or

crazy? I think that if a person wants to compete at the highest level of a

"sport" then "dues" must be paid. You either pay your dues through time and

hard work or you take the shortcut and "buy a line."

This is the ultimate goal of breeders...to produce the highest quality of

animals that they can achieve, then reap the rewards in the ring or on the

table and also in the wallet.........when others desire what you have.

When judges have given me comments on my rabbits and they all have the same

fault, then it is time to go outside my line and get help. When I go outside

my line I want to get the best I can find that has proven to produce the

trait I have need of...such as depth. And I may be willing to pay for that

depth and amortize the cost over several litters of babies.

Crystal, I don't know anyone raising rabbits, regardless of their level, that

made too much money. I do know some (including myself) that may have spent

too much money! But it sure is fun, when I win and when I don't!

Regards,

Bob Humphrey

http://thhoppers.homestead.com/home.html

The best rabbit is the one that can make you smile!