By Breeders
IN THIS LESSON
The “Ask the Breeder” was a feature in the Dutch Reporter started in 2006 and ending in 2010. It was an avenue where a member could ask questions and get advice from the professionals in our organization. The questions could range from feeding, conditioning, breeding techniques, rabbit care, how to improve your herd and anything that people who have been breeding Dutch Rabbits for many years might have suggestions about. It was an opportunity to get a lot of viewpoints from across the country!
Weaning Babies and Diarrhea
Sometimes when I wean babies, they get diarrhea. Do you have suggestions on the least stressful way and best age to wean babies?
Printed in 2010 Jan/Feb/March issue of the Dutch Reporter
Light Eye Color - Ask the Breeder
We have a black senior buck, registered and granded. At 2 years, his eyes began to lighten and are now too light to show (they are a DQ). We have bred him several times and have had no issues with his offspring. Our question is this: do we continue to breed him or should we cull him?
Printed in the 2009 Oct/Nov/Dec issue of the Dutch Reporter
Starting Out
How do you get started in raising Dutch? How do you choose a breeder to purchase from? Do you ask for a pair of Dutch or a trio? What should a breeder sell you (type, color, markings)?
Printed in the 2009 July/Aug/Sept issue of the Dutch Reporter
Chinchilla Dutch
Will the Chinchilla Dutch complement the Gray and/or Steel varieties? This would still need to be proven.
Printed in the 2009 April/May/June issue of the Dutch Reporter
Sore Hocks
What can you do to prevent sore hocks?
Written in the 2009 Jan/Feb/March issue of the Dutch Reporter
Reviving Kits
What methods do you use when you find newborn kits that are cold and close to death to try and restore warmth?
Written in the 2008 Oct/Nov/Dec issue of the Dutch Reporter
Keeping Kits Warm
What methods do you use to keep kits warm and alive when they are born in the dead of winter?
Written in the 2008 July/Aug/Sept issue of the Dutch Reporter
Confused about Feeding
I just bought some Dutch rabbits that I want to show, but I am confused about feeding. Some people tell me to buy high protein for the feed and some say regular protein. Some say to feed hay, others say they don't need it. I have heard that show animals should have sunflower seeds, linseed oil, wheat germ oil, oats, calf manna, etc. Others say I should not feed vegetables like carrots and lettuce. I would like to know what people who successfully breed and show rabbits feed.
Written in the 2008 April/May/June Issue of the Dutch Reporter
Registering Your Rabbit
What are your opinions regarding the ARBA registration system and the recent fee increase? Will the fee increase change your approach to registering your rabbits? Do you register your grand champions? If not, why not? How do you feel about the value of the registration system? Any opinions why it is not used by more breeders?
Written in the 2008 Jan/Feb/March issue of the Dutch Reporter
Small Seniors
Recently I have bred a few litters, with different lines and colors. However, I see that the animals from the litters are very small, about 3.5 pounds each when they mature. They were bred by parents that were both normal sized rabbits.
What are some possible causes to my problem, and how can I fix this?
Printed in the 2007 Oct/Nov/Dec issue of the Dutch Reporter
Big vs Small Dutch
Some people feel type is just about size and larger rabbits have a better chance on winning over the smaller ones. As a breeder, could you give your thoughts on this issue?
Printed in the 2007 July/Aug/Sept issue of the Dutch Reporter
Watering Systems
What watering systems are being used, and what are the disadvantages and advantages of the system?
Printed in the 2007 Apr/May/June issue of the Dutch Reporter
What Marking Flaws are Unacceptable - Ask the Breeder
When trying to decide what animals to keep for a breeding program, I always keep the best-typed animals; but in your opinion, what marking flaws are unacceptable?
Printed in the 2007 Jan/Feb/March issue of the Dutch Reporter
Pimples
What do you know about pimples on rabbits and what do you do to treat them? (For those who are unfamiliar with this problem, it is a pimple that appears on the genitals, mainly bucks, and will disqualify the animal from that class.)
Printed in the 2006 Oct/Nov/Dec issue of the Dutch Reporter
Breeding and Raising in the Winter - Ask the Breeder
What advice and tips can be given to breed does and raise litters in the late fall and winter?
Printed in the 2006 July/Aug/Sept issue of the Dutch Reporter
Fostering Babies
. What suggestions do you have for fostering babies?
Written in the 2006 April/May/June issue of the Dutch Reporter