Category Archives: Friends Of Tru-Luv

Goodbye Tiramishu

Sonshine’s Goodie Two Shoes or Michum as she is fondly known, this beautiful little Netherland Dwarf came to us directly from the USA in December 2009.

Proudly owned by our dear friends Adesh and Shahfiq, she lived an amazing 10 years filled with tons of love and care.

Today we pay tribute to this amazing little doe who outlived most of her peers.

Binky free and find the rest of the herd at Rainbow Bridge. You will have Truffles waiting for you as well as all the TLR bunnies!

Rest In Peace Michum!

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Tru Luv Is….

This photo made my day. Thanks Dorothy for sharing…

I guess this is what they call true love?

I guess this is what they call true love?

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How Should A 8 Weeks Old Look Like Part II (Remake Of The Most Popular Post)

This weblog was started back in 18th June 2007 and this is the 1421st post. Throughout the years, the post entitled “How Should A 8 Weeks Old Look Like” remains as the #1 top post with 10,033 views to date. However, this post contains photos of different rabbits growing up and I feel that is not as effective as using just one litter of kits to highlight their week by week development.

Today I would like to re-post photos of baby rabbits as well as a couple of new photos to emphasize how important it is that baby rabbits should be kept with their mothers until the age of 8 weeks.

The first week of a kit’s life….

At 3 days young, you may see some flakiness on their skin. This is similar to cradle cap in human babies. Most kits (baby rabbits) are born without fur and for the first few days, milk can be seen in their plump tummies. This usually helps me in knowing that the dam has been doing a good job feeding them.

At 3 days young, you may see some flakiness on their skin. This is similar to cradle cap in human babies. Most kits (baby rabbits) are born without fur and for the first few days, milk can be seen in their plump tummies. This usually helps me in knowing that the dam has been doing a good job feeding them.

At 1 week young, their fur has grown and eyes are not open until the 10th or 11th day.

At 1 week young, their fur has grown and eyes are not open until the 10th or 11th day.

At 10 Days young, their eyes will usually open and these wee ones will see their world for the first time.

At 10 Days young, their eyes will usually open and these wee ones will see their world for the first time.

The second week…

The kits will start to get fluffier and cuter at 2 weeks as their fur grow thicker and longer. This is their most vulnerable time in the pet trade. Most buyers are mesmerized by their cuteness not realizing that they are still very young to be taken away from their dam.

The kits will start to get fluffier and cuter at 2 weeks as their fur grow thicker and longer. This is their most vulnerable time in the pet trade. Most buyers are mesmerized by their cuteness not realizing that they are still very young to be taken away from their dam.

The third week…

Between the 3rd and 4th week, these kits are at their cutest stage. It is absolutely difficult to resist. Though they look quite mature and seemed to be nibbling on solid food, please be reminded that they should not be separated from their dam at this age. Their developing stomachs still depend on milk. Rabbit's milk is so unique that it is quite impossible to find a replacement that matches 100%. The closest would be goat's milk.

Between the 3rd and 4th week, these kits are at their cutest stage. It is absolutely difficult to resist. Though they look quite mature and seemed to be nibbling on solid food, please be reminded that they should not be separated from their dam at this age. Their developing stomachs still depend on milk. Rabbit’s milk is so unique that it is quite impossible to find a replacement that matches 100% – the closest is goat’s milk.

The fourth week…

Absolutely irresistible at 4 weeks young.

Absolutely irresistible at 4 weeks young.

This is when I like to start teaching them how the breed should pose. Some are naturals while others take longer time to learn.

This is when I like to start teaching them how the breed should pose. Some are naturals while others take longer time to learn.

The fifth week…

Ophelia seen here at 5 weeks old. At this age, they start to munch on hay, pellets, and drinking from bottle or water bowl while still being nursed by their dam.

Ophelia seen here at 5 weeks old. At this age, they start to munch on hay, pellets, and drinking from bottle or water bowl while still being nursed by their dam.

I usually use rabbit food higher in protein content for both dam and kits when they start eating solids. I usually keep some probiotic paste handy just in case the solid food causes gut flora imbalance.

I usually use rabbit food higher in protein content for both dam and kits when they start eating solids. I usually keep some probiotic paste handy just in case the solid food causes gut flora imbalance.

The sixth week…

Cute Ophelia at 6 weeks young. She is very friendly and comes near me for head rubs whenever I walk towards her.

Cute Ophelia at 6 weeks young. She is very friendly and comes near me for head rubs whenever I walk towards her.

Otto is a natural poser and loves the attention he is getting. At 6 weeks, they both like to zoom across the room and launch themselves in mid air while turning their bodies - the action is called Binky.

Otto is a natural poser and loves the attention he is getting. At 6 weeks, they both like to zoom across the room and launch themselves in mid air while turning their bodies – the action is called Binky.

Weaning starts at the seventh week and they will be separated from their dam at the eight week.

The Seventh Week…

I have started the weaning process by separating them from their dam.

Week 7: Otto

Depending on their lineage, some kits will start to grow into their ugly stage when limbs seemed to grow in length rather than width. Their muzzles may look a little elongated rather than the desired “shortness” particularly in the Holland Lop breed.

Week 7: Ophelia

Weaning starts this week by separating them from their dam. Ensure that they are eating well on their own before deciding to wean.

The eighth week…

How time flies and we are at our final week. Since Christmas is over now, we will no longer have the Christmas themed photography. The two kits are growing up beautifully and they are fully weaned. Ear length seemed to have increased but nothing to worry about as their head will continue to grow and in time, every part of their body will balance out.

At this age they are usually ready to go to their new homes but these two cuties are not going anywhere.

Tru-Luv's Otto at 8 weeks. He is such an awesome little guy. Always running towards me when he sees me approaching. Natural poser, absolutely love him.

Tru-Luv’s Otto at 8 weeks. He is such an awesome little guy. Always running towards me when he sees me approaching. Natural poser, absolutely love him.

 

Tru-Luv's Ophelia. I love everything about this doe and am excited to see how she will blossom. As is she is very friendly and loves her daily head rubs.

Tru-Luv’s Ophelia. I love everything about this doe and am excited to see how she will blossom. As is she is very friendly and loves her daily head rubs.

Last but not least I must give credit where credit is due. I want to thank DC Rabbitry for making this otter project possible. Thank you very much for the gorgeous blue otter doe. A great mom right from the start. I reckon she will be a great producer.

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Filed under Community Service, Friends Of Tru-Luv, Rabbit Education

Old Man Truff

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In a few more days, our friends will have a celebration and most of us will have a few days off from work. I hope those going back to their hometown during this festives season have made boarding arrangements for their pets.

Due to his condition and the need of extra attention, Truffles will be here with me for a couple of days. He has come a long way and I can see how much he aged.

He is a testament of what love can do for a special needs bunny. From the last time I saw him, Truffles no longer lie on his side but can balance himself well.

Here wishing everyone a safe journey back home and a good celebration.

Sorry for falling short on my wishes during this festives season because I prefer to avoid “insulting” my fellow countrymen since there has been an ongoing controversy surrounding pets and festive wishes…

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Filed under Friends Of Tru-Luv, General Care

Happy!

Remember a couple of weeks back that I posted about Buttons and Yohji finding a new home? Good news is, they have found one! I am just so happy for everyone involved and must thank both the current and new owners for saying “yes” to take good care of them.

Tru-Luv Rabbitry weblog is entering its 6th year since conception and I felt that I have been somehow “abandoned” it lately. I do not mean the rabbits but the lack of updates on this weblog. The truth is that I feel a little uninspired to write these days due to many reasons. I also miss the time taking photos of all the bunnies still living here without paying rent (rofl). Most part of the “uninspiration” can be attributed to the disappointment how information shared has been misused and abused. Thus, it can be easily noticed that most of what I have written lately seemed to be uninteresting and lack good information.

On the upside and like all things, there are also people with good intention which this blog has helped along the way and I am happy to see them enjoying the hobby like I do.

Aggression, Neutering & Bonding

I received an email asking me about aggression, neutering and bonding. Reading the email, I cannot help but to notice how intertwined these three words are when it comes to rabbits. They are in fact related to each other. Throughout the years, I have noticed that aggression in rabbits is mostly caused by raging sexual hormones a.k.a. the desire to reproduce. Since every individual rabbit is different and thus making it not a 100% sure proof solution, neutering can be attempted to alter the aggressive behavior. If you are considering castrating your buck, do ensure that you do not attempt to bond him with a doe within a month after the procedure. Apparently, “live bullets” may still be chilling out somewhere in there.

And when it is finally time to bond the neutered buck with a doe, ensure that you introduce them at a place neutral to the both of them. Meaning to say, a new area in the house where both have not laid their claim as either their territory.

Perhaps I should also open up the blog for discussion through the comments. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them as comments on this post. With that, I would love to leave you with a picture (as usual).

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Worldwide Launch

It is only natural for awesome people to come together and create beautiful things together. So it is in the case of the people behind The Show Table and my father, Simon Chan. For some time now, Simon has been creating beautiful paintings of rabbits in particular, which have been enthusiastically received across the globe. We were looking for ways to reach additional rabbit (and other pet) fanciers and that was when Ms. Gina of The Show Table approached us with an amazing idea.

TheShowTable

We love her products and she loves Simon’s paintings – the rest, as they say, is history. In fact this is a historical moment because this collaboration took place across over 9000 miles from the capital city Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to South Bend, Indiana, USA!

Without further ado, here is the WORLDWIDE PREMIER of The Show Table featuring Simon Chan’s Art!

The Show Table products can be order at http://www.gbfarm.org/Order-Form.pdf. Additional information on products and fabrics available in Albums on The Show Table facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheShowTable

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What Makes You A True Rabbit Lover?

First of all, I must thank Ms. Aisya Ridha for asking this simple yet difficult question.

“What Makes You A True Rabbit Lover?”

Frankly, I am dumbfounded by her question. It is simple but it touches the many facets of the hobby.

I must admit and to be brutally honest, I fall short of being a true rabbit lover because I have seen many true rabbit lovers throughout the years. What have I seen so far?

The definition of a true rabbit lover can vary from individual to individual and what I write here are just a few of my observation and what I believe to be the definition of a true rabbit lover.

A true rabbit lover understands the commitment and responsibilities needed to keep a rabbit (or any type of pet for the matter). He or she knows what is required of him/her taking on a pet way before bringing little furry home. Most of the time, the true rabbit lover that I know keeps only a single rabbit as companion. Both rabbit and owner are so in tuned in terms of the rhythm of lifestyle that any abnormal activity by either will trigger off a sense of worry and stress. A true rabbit lover is able to read the behavior of his/her companion rabbit.

1) Till Death Do Us Part

We hear this statement all too often during weddings and it is exactly what a true rabbit lover would vow to his or her companion rabbit. With a clear decision made before acquiring the pet, he/she has already decided and have the “end” in mind. No matter what the circumstances are, it is “till death do us part”. The true rabbit lover see to it that his/her rabbit live out its full life span that leads up to death with the least sufferings. Even upon death, the cremated ashes of bunny is kept in an urn for good memories (this is optional though).

2) The Blind

Have you ever come in contact with a blind person? The first thing that you would notice is how nonjudgmental a blind person is as far as looks is concerned. Like a blind person, a true rabbit lover sees beyond any shortcomings, disabilities, faults and disqualifications. Something definitely is hard for me to do. Over the years, I have had the pleasure to know owners of rabbits with malocclusion, blindness, splayed legs, wry neck and many other forms of disabilities. I have respect for these owner because instead of choosing the shortcut of ending the lives of these rabbits prematurely, they make the decision to care for them, for life!

3) The Everlasting Lover

A true rabbit lover tends to the needs of his/her rabbit by giving them not only the best homes but also nutrition wise. The best rabbit feed available, the best groomer and not forgetting the 5 different types of vegetables every night chopped to perfection. The rabbit live in the comfort of the home roaming freely without any supervision and comfortably sits on the couch during movie hours. I could understand how this will start to add up to the month expenses but giving the best rabbit food is really the least that we can do for our rabbits.

Honestly speaking, I can only achieve about 50% of what is stated above because it is pretty obvious that I do not only have just one companion rabbit. If I am not a “True Rabbit Lover”, what is my role as a breeder?

I am sure you would agree that to a certain extent, none of the above can be achieved without the “main actor” – the rabbit. That is where I come in. My responsibilities to name a few are as follows:-

1) To provide the true rabbit lover a healthy and beautiful rabbit to begin their lifelong journey.

2) To provide the support in terms of advice and recommendations that the true rabbit lover needs to raise his/her companion until the end of its lifespan.

3) To provide the true rabbit lover directions to seek professional help and only use DIY remedies as a last resort when all else fails.

And that is the reason behind the name…

tru – RABBIT – luv

Does it not make you wonder if I have thought about it all before embarking on this journey as a breeder and not a companion rabbit owner?

The answer is YES, and I have the unscrupulous breeders to thank. Tru-Luv Rabbitry was made to existence because I was once sold a little puppy that died 3 months after purchase to Canine Distemper (AIDS in the dog’s world), another puppy that died 3 months after purchase due to collapsed lungs which according to the vet is congenital and another puppy was killed by an unqualified vet. These are just a few heart wrenching incidents that inspired me to start Tru-Luv Rabbitry. My mission is to help the TRUE RABBIT LOVER not to have to go through the heartaches I experienced. All you have to do is trust me when I say Yes and when I say No.

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Hard work pays!

The 89th ARBA Convention at Wichita, Kansas has just concluded. Technology has made it possible for us living near and far to get almost instant updates on all that was happening which made it more bearable not being there in person.

I am sure the feeling of being present on location is very much different from looking at photos and watching videos. Certain things like the intensity, energy and massiveness of such an event can only be felt on the ground.

Though I have made a promise to myself to try and attend the ARBA Convention yearly with the sole intention of visiting my beloved bunny friends, God had a different plan for me this year. I was blessed with the opportunity to briefly visit 3 different states in the USA and one of which is one of the 7 wonders of the world. Until today, I am still awestruck by how massive it is and its energy is beyond the imagination. Photos are unable to describe how majestic this place is.

The size of the people on the edge only shows how huge this small section is.

This is but only a very small part of The Grand Canyon.

It really feels like I was at the top of the world and the feeling is impossible to describe, simply out of this world. And that was one of the things I was preoccupied with when most rabbit breeders were busy preparing for Convention.

Nice as it may seems, there were hard work involved in everything and in everything there is a price. That brings me to the next part of the intention of this post.

I have known the wonderful family over at the Three Little Ladies Rabbitry since the initial days of my rabbit raising journey. Though younger, the girls have been raising rabbits (seriously) for much longer than me and their collective years of experience surpasses me by many miles.

After such a long time, their hard work finally paid off at this year’s Convention when one of their Jersey Woolly rabbits was crowned Best Of Breed in Open. Their win inspires me as it is a good testimony of how hard work and perseverance can bring about sweet victory. I can always remember that tiny little girl holding one of her rabbits in that news article and I am sure that little girl has grown to be much taller than I am.

Congratulations to the Usakowski family especially Taylor & Jessica!

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Something I Am Very Proud Of

At the end of 2010 and after 3 years of raising Holland Lops, I started feeling a worried not being able to grow the hobby. Most of my rabbits were shared with pet owners mostly keeping single bunnies and there were no other reputable breeders to work with.

Then my prayers were answered when I met Golden Pines Rabbitry who share the same sentiments when it comes to ethical breeding while trying to improve the breed locally. Almost 2 years has gone by and I am glad that much has been achieved. In fact, Golden Pines Rabbitry has surpassed me in many aspects of the hobby. If I am not wrong, they will soon have rabbits with pedigrees filled up with the GP prefix perhaps making them one of the rabbitries in Malaysia to have 100% locally bred competitive Holland Lops. These rabbits are fully conditioned to thrive in our climate without the need of air conditioning and etc.

Another rabbitry that I am proud of is CME Rabbitry. I got to know CME Rabbitry through Golden Pines Rabbitry and I am glad to mention that I enjoy working with CME Rabbitry. CME is always eager to learn and today his knowledge has surpassed mine in terms of color genetics. To be honest, I tend to slack off when it comes to the ABCD of colors.

Through his knowledge and experience, CME Rabbitry is now producing very nice colored Holland Lops especially in the otter department. I believe this is attributed to his perseverance and patience in the hobby. Another attribute that deserve commending is that CME Rabbitry have a big heart for his rabbits and always go the extra mile to ensure that they are passed on to responsible and good owners.

One point to take note is that CME Rabbitry have always worked with locally bred Holland Lops and up to this point of time, have not imported any stocks of his own.

Kudos to CME Rabbitry for producing beautiful colored Holland Lops!

Life is a journey, not a destination.

Nuff Said….

And to top off the wonderful weekend, I received the much anticipated Rabbit Fever DVD in the mailbox today.

An awesome little documentary!

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Genesis is suitable for Chinchilla!

Whiskey loves Genesis Alfalfa Ultra Premium Rabbit Food!

If you do a quick search about Chinchilla diet, you will notice that some rabbit pellets are suitable for Chinchillas. In fact, in Malaysia, a particular local brand is actually a repack of the commercial rabbit pellets imported from USA.

Inspired by that fact, we have been testing out Genesis Ultra Premium Rabbit Food on Chinchillas for the past few months. Whiskey (picture above) is one of the Chinchillas we have been feeding Genesis. The truth is, he LOVES it! His fur condition has improved as well giving yet another strong testimony how great Genesis is as THE rabbit food and now can be given to Chinchillas as well!

Why feed rabbit food when there are chinchilla foods formulated specifically for chinchillas? Well, we’re going for ULTRA PREMIUM that’s why!

*Whiskey appears courtesy of Furfurries

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