I have just updated the post on rabbit growth and today was the final week. You can read the post – How Should A 8 Weeks Old Look Like Part II (Remake Of The Most Popular Post). This is inline with the reason why we encourage those looking for a pet bunny to only bring home one that is 8 weeks or older. I hope by sharing such information, it will help new owners to be better informed and knowledgeable in starting their new hobby.
That being said, I absolutely love how the two kits are at the moment. Cute as buttons I must sa. I’ll let the photos do the talking for me.
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.
Thanks to DC Rabbitry for being the enabler of this project. For which without his help, this breeding will not be possible.
In just a blink of an eye, we are now entering the 3rd day of year 2015. Time seemed to be passing faster now and I sometimes wonder if rabbits can perceive time. If yes, how do they perceive time? The kits are 7 weeks old today and I have started the weaning process. They are eating well on their own and I am sure their dam will enjoy some “me” time.
Living in a multi-cultural environment can be very interesting because we get to experience the diversity that it brings. Each unique celebration brings about and stirs up different feelings within us. The music from each festive season reminds us that it is time to send warm greetings and well wishes to each other. Take the Chinese New Year for example. From its origins, it is a time when the first sign of the Spring season is being celebrated after a long harsh Winter. But as for us living in the tropical climate, the Chinese New Year is usually celebrated during the month of January or February. We all know how warm it can be during these months and it does not in any way make us feel that it is Spring time. But I am sure that the music played in the malls will always make us feel a little warmer.
Likewise, during the month of November and December when we experience more rainfall, can make us feel cooler. With the celebration of Christmas, we can almost feel the “snow”.
Whatever the celebration, there will always be one thing that most if not all of us should experience and feel – the JOY in our heart.
The world in itself is already quite depressing with all the negative news about wars, religious intolerance, and the many unnecessary issues created to cause disunity and conflicts. We are in fact all humans and have the same (red colour) blood running through our veins.
Let us not forget our role to wish each other well in whatever occasion. The least we can do is recognize the JOY of giving. not necessary material things but giving our will and desire sincerely to see our neighbours, friends, or acquaintances happy. The world is in dire need of compassion and most of all, LOVE…
December is usually a joyful month here mainly because it is the school holidays and everyone seemed to be in the holiday mood as well. It goes to show just how much the festive seasons influence one’s mood. Another week has gone by and I can no longer take photos of the two little bunnies together. They look awkward being together.
Based on our “probably inaccurate” guesses of their genders, we have reasons to believe that they are a boy and a girl. We named the boy Otto and the girl Ophelia. In case they have a natural “sex change” along the way, we will have to other suitable names.
I just want everyone to pause and recognize their cute looks at the moment. Have a mental note how a four (4) weeks old baby rabbit looks like. This is usually how most rabbits being sold at the pet stores look like. The cutest age and yet most crucial that they are not to be separated from their mother. They look rather mature but internally, still depend very much on their mother’s milk. Don’t be fooled by their looks and please do me a favour by not patronizing a pet store or any breeder trying to sell you cute baby rabbits at this age.
Whenever I was faced with the challenges of raising Holland Lops, I was tempted to start raising another breed to take my mind off the difficulties. Many Holland Lop breeders are known to raise at least another breed to minimize the frustration. I have always held back my intention until recently when I saw the cutest little broken blue mini rex. It was in fact love at first sight.
I have been working on a rabbit breed that looks so much like a dog (short muzzle) and that made me wanted to raise another breed that actually looks like a rabbit. I not only found that in the mini rex but I also like the soft plush rex fur in the breed.
I do not claim to be an expert but there will be more to learn about this breed and today, I start my journey with the Mini Rex breed by welcoming R.O.B.’s Khal Drogo. For those who have watched Game of Thrones on HBO will find this name familiar. I like this TV series and wanted a macho name to go with my little new buck. I found it fitting to name him after the vicious warrior character.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my friend Khairul of Republic Of Bunnies (R.O.B.) for allowing me to have this beautiful little buck.
Not sure if that’s the right way to pose. He’s too tiny!
Isn’t he cute!?
🙂
New breed standard to learn…
If you like to own a beautiful Mini Rex, please get in touch with me at truluvrabbitry@gmail.com.
Posting a blog post takes quite a bit of effort these days. I believe that I am slowly, slowing down – ROFL. I finally had the time and was in the right shade of mood to update my blog today. Sorry for the long hiatus (a week or two is a long time by my standard).
Once in a while, a little kit pops up and steals my heart from day 1. I guess like many breeders out there who has been breeding rabbits long enough can roughly tell which baby is going to grow up to be competitive on the show table or not. I had my eyes on Blaze right from the start and looking back at his development, it is pretty consistent. Many people thinks that I am rather crazy taking photos of kits and young baby rabbits. To be honest, that is just how I keep track visually how my Hollands develop through time. I believe that photos have helped me identify promising babies as well.
Blaze at 4 months. I just love those cheeks!
Blaze is solid like a rock!
Blaze getting cute as days go by
On the other hand, my little Murdoch is maturing into a very nice little buck. He just turned 6 months not too long ago and I am expecting him to have a huge head when he matures more in the next few months.
Murdoch’s head is getting really huge!
I also have the opportunity to snap a photo of my oldest favourite home grown – Tru-Luv’s Balian! Holding up his huge head has always been a problem for Balian and now that he is 2 years 8 months, it gets even harder just like how I myself is slowing down. Nonetheless, he is still the cute little boy that I know. I cannot believe that it is almost 3 years now and I hope that he lives for many more years for his little owner.
Tru-Luv’s Balian turned 2 years and 8 months!
On a very happy note, I have been invited to be a featured writer for an online pet magazine that will be launched soon. I shall keep everyone updated as soon as I am allowed to. I am very happy to be able to continue educating, sharing and building awareness using another effective channel. Stay tuned…
I remember vividly about 4 years ago when I started embarking in this hobby, a friend of mine asked me what is the point of keeping Show Rabbits when there is no Rabbit Shows in Malaysia. It was back then when I look forward to hearing news of how rabbit breeders in the USA fair in Rabbit Shows weekend after weekend and yearning to have the experience back home here in Malaysia. The naive me also dreamed not only that Malaysia have rabbits shows but also being able to produce competitive rabbits of my own. A Tru-Luv rabbit that places well in shows that is. Today, that little dream has become a reality and the best part is, I get to enjoy every bit of the Rabbit Show as an exhibitor. With a busy schedule, I cannot imagine myself putting up such an event and it is definitely an enjoyable day hanging out with fellow breeders and friends. God really works in His own mysterious ways to answer prayers and the silent desire of the heart I must say.
My bunnies & I
One for the album - Chris Zemny & I
Last minute grooming
Kudos to the Malaysia Rabbit Club for again putting up a spectacular show held in a very comfortable venue for both rabbits and owners. The venue was setup exclusively for the rabbit show and even children were enjoying themselves while their parents paid full attention to the rabbit show.
The Stage, Trophies, Ribbons and Mock Cheques
Chris & Allen giving the welcoming speech before the show
The Show Room
Because it was a conducive environment, exhibitors were able to hear the judges clearly when they explain while judging the rabbits. I learned quite a few things throughout the judging.
An exhibitor placing a rabbit in the judging coop
Placing Izzie into her coop
Dovehill's Faith (left) and BBC's Izzie (right)
“Any given day, given judge & given rabbit”
Chris judging LTD's Dimsdale
Allen judging Faith
Just like last year, I attended the show with an open mind wanting to know how well my rabbits will do in the show. It is good to remind oneself that we are all the receiving end of the judges’ opinions. Their opinions will only help us in moving forward with our herd. At the same time, I am also aware that judges’ opinions may differ from one to the other. Nonetheless there are always good points to take away from each show. At some point during the show, I got a little disillusioned because of all the input and immense knowledge I received listening and looking at how the judges evaluate the rabbits.
Seeing so many beautiful rabbits that win over mine can be quite a daunting experience and the thought of revamping my entire herd did cross my mind. Then I took a step backwards and thought to myself. If I would to follow the different judges’ opinion, I might as well be revamping my herd every time a new judge comes to town. It was at that moment, something happened and affirmed that this hobby is not about getting new stocks just for the win. The hobby is made to be prolonged when we work towards breeding our own show worthy animals.
I remembered Chris Zemny’s words pretty clearly when she said that the Juniors are the ones she is excited about because competitive juniors that are bred locally shows how well the breed is doing here in Malaysia (or something along those lines). She then goes on to pick Tru-Luv’s Murdoch, my 2nd generation home grown Broken Junior Buck as the #1 for the BJB class in SHOW A. Allen Mesick also gave Murdoch the same placing in SHOW B.
Chris judges the Broken Junior Buck class while Murdoch poses
Having a picture with Chris and Murdoch
The win is not mine alone. I only have my rabbit friends in the USA to thank for it. I am grateful to those who have sent me very good foundation stocks and have entrusted me to work with their rabbits. I am very grateful for all of their mentoring and encouragements. Sometimes it is amazing how rabbit friends place their warm embrace around me when I face both bunny issues and life’s struggles alike. We have grown out of the “just rabbit friends” into a big family.
Dimsdale & Me
Not forgetting the few bunny family I have here. We share so much when we meet – talking and laughing our hearts out with the little events that happened throughout the show. We share the joys of winnings and pick each other up whenever the results were undesirable. The good thing that I see throughout today is that parents in the hobby is now exposing the next generation (their children) at the rabbit show. I would love to see the younger generation picking up this hobby. My wife told me that she rather see young people spending their time at rabbit shows than to wander around shopping malls aimlessly. I couldn’t agree more and that should be our aim moving forward.
Tru-Luv's Murdoch is a product of Fellowship, Friendship & Fun!
Last but not least, congratulations to all winners!
I just wanted to inform you that I have received the package and I'm utterly thrilled and satisfied with the service. Keep it up! :) - Grace (TinyCritterz.com customer)
"Hi Tim. My three bunnies will attest to and endorse "your" Timothy Hay! And my wallet THANK YOU ;-)" - SC
"I really appreciate you helping me out even though Jackie was not bought from you!" - Maggie
"Just wanna say thank you!!! :)" - June
"You are my mentor and idol. I know this amazing creature through news article about you and your bunnies" - Siti
"I'm really grateful and excited that finally, there is someone out there who truly cares for rabbits. Thanks so much for doing this" - Hani
Tru-Luv Rabbitry: Quality Holland Lops in Malaysia 