Tag Archives: baby rabbits

by | May 8, 2012 · 12:06 am

We’re Going Ultra!

I am sure most of you know who is Ultraman and if you do not know who or what is Ultraman, please get up to speed by reading about this super hero – here. There are many variances of Ultraman from Ultraman Taro to Ultraman Gaia. Yes, there is a huge Ultraman family if you have been following. Though many different Ultraman, every series that appear only have one thing in common, the BEEP! Most of the Ultraman have a little light on his/her chest. The episode always and usually starts with a monster attacking the city and Ultraman will soon come to the rescue. What cannon cannot kill, Ultraman can by just playing karate!  Sometimes, Ultraman loses his energy and the light on the chest would blink and BEEP! as a sign of weakness. The fight will always end up with Ultraman summoning all his energy for a finishing move either through a Spacium Ray or an Ultra Slash!

I am sure that brings back a lot of childhood memories but there are two folds as to what I would like to write about today. Firstly, I would like to focus on the word Ultra which I believe denotes the highest level of goodness. Before I elaborate more on the word Ultra, please allow me to digress. We are indeed in the BEEP! situation as far as the varieties of good rabbit food is concerned. Therefore, we summoned all our energy and effort in bringing only the BEST OF THE BEST into Malaysia. I personally is fed up firstly with inconsistent stocks and most disgustingly, those that does not have the least passion for our pet rabbits. The outcome – brands that appear and disappear on the shelves like Chipsmore cookies and people who deny our rabbits of their rightful basic needs.

Tru-Luv Rabbitry’s long presence clearly shows that I (or we) are dead serious about the welfare of our rabbits. I am committed to my rabbits by providing them only the best. We know that there are many brands of rabbit food in the market and often find ourselves asking the question – WHICH ONE TO BUY?

I understand that not everyone bothers to go through the ingredients and know exactly what the rabbit food is made of but instead depend very much on word of mouth and “recommendations”. Since ingredients and scientific facts are not our forte, I would like to just distinguish and categorize to make things simple. I believe the scientific facts will be laid down in due time.

Pet Owner or Breeder?

Pet owners love their pets to bit and pieces and always want the best for their furry buddies. The number of animals kept are less than 5 at a time and most of the time, the BEST is well affordable.

Breeders in Malaysia have anywhere from 20 to 300 (farm) animals at a time and that will bring us to the next question.

Commercial or Pet Market?

I can only give the commercial the following formula:-

Low Investment = High Profit

or

Minimum Input = Maximum Output

Let me share with you my observation at the moment and see if it makes sense to you. Most of the rabbit food available in the market at the moment is formulated for the purpose of meeting merely what the rabbit needs so that it can survive to reproduce more. Most of these are used for meat and they do not need to live for a long time as they are slaughtered after reaching a certain age. Therefore, farmers could not care less what are the ingredients used to produce these rabbit food. Some may even include additives so that the rabbits gobble up as much as they can just to gain enough weight to be slaughtered.

On the other hand, rabbit food specially formulated for pets not only provide nutritional needs but enhances the lives of our beloved pets so that they live a long and healthy life. If having a healthy rabbit living a long life is not what you intend to have, then I am not sure why you are keeping a pet to begin with. Therefore, I assume all of us are pet lovers and want the best for our pets. Although the price maybe a little steep, we need to take a step back and understand the reason behind it. Certain rabbit food maybe a little higher in price but the AMOUNT TO FEED is lesser than other rabbit food. In the long run rabbit owners save more! Also, we have to take into consideration the QUALITY of the ingredients used to prepare the rabbit food.

What I find disturbing at the moment is that, the prices of commercial rabbit food formulated for farm animals are selling at a higher price compared to rabbit food formulated for pets!

In the next few days, an ULTRA PREMIUM rabbit food will be unleashed and to be honest, all Tru-Luv rabbits has been anxiously waiting for this after having a couple of months of sample supplies.

I am taking the lead by taking the LEAP, what about you?

https://www.facebook.com/GenesisPet

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by | May 5, 2012 · 11:44 pm

Pedigree Problems

First of all I would like to apologize for my long hiatus. I just realized that it has been a while since I wrote a punchy post filled with good information.

There has been a buzz lately surrounding two genetic problems – Split Penis & Malocclusion (Misaligned Teeth). While the former has no explanation, I would like to take some time to write about what I think about the latter. Malocclusion is most common in dwarf breeds like the Netherland Dwarf and Holland Lop.

Before I share my opinion as to why this phenomenon happens, I would like to share the following video:-

Although the video highlights the problems with pedigree dogs, I believe that it does apply to the rabbit hobby to a certain extent. Much has been said and written about selective breeding and the business of producing the perfect show rabbit. If you have the time please browse through the archives and my previous posts.

Why Malocclusion is common among the dwarf breeds?

I do not have a good picture of how Malocclusion looks like but here is the link to an example – http://furrybutts.wordpress.com/2008/10/05/bummer/

And here is a severe case – http://www.rabbit-vet.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/rabbit_malocclusion.jpg

My take on this issue is that, we are indeed changing the skull structure of these breeds. We want them ROUND! Just like the bulldog, when we breed for roundness, we are bound to get undershot jaw (Denoting or having a lower jaw that projects beyond the upper jaw).

Just like how the wild dogs or wolves are domesticated and selectively bred, the natural and wild characteristics of the rabbits has been drastically changed. From a long or narrow muzzled hare to the round “bulldoggish” face of the Holland Lop, these are the obvious physical changes brought about by selective breeding. The breed standard is a visualized blueprint of the physical manifestation desired in certain animals. Just like a vision we place ahead of us and taking actions to achieve it.

Genetics or Dietary?

Often times, this is a genetic issue and manifests itself very early in the rabbit’s life. It can be detected as early as 5 days. I always believe that if it occurs later in the rabbit’s life (after 2 years), it is most probably due to dietary problems. We all know that rabbit teeth grow constantly and the grinding motion through chewing helps in keeping the length of their teeth in check. Even narrow muzzled rabbits can develop malocclusion because they have not been chewing enough.

How often does this happen?

As much as we like to play God, we have no control over this matter except to avoid crossing two rabbits that has the history of such genetic problem.

What is the solution?

As a long term measure, some may opt for extraction of the affected teeth but if the situation is less severe, occasional filing can be done. Sometimes for mild cases, providing more chew toys or food that promotes chewing can be given to help the rabbit cope with the problem.

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Holland Lops available:

For inquiries, please email truluvrabbitry@gmail.com.

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by | April 22, 2012 · 11:29 pm

Want Versus Can

I have written a lot about pet ownership especially to consider carefully before getting a pet rabbit or any other type of animals as a pet. I came across this very interesting article and once more, matching your lifestyle to a suitable pet seemed to be paramount when making the decision to own a pet.

I have heard about people getting large dogs as pets but had to give them up for adoption because they were offered jobs that require them to travel or work at irregular hours. We have many priorities in life and sometimes have no choice but to discard commitments that are lower in the priority list. Sadly, one of the items at the lower end of the priority list happens to be our pet.

It is easy for us to want many things in life but we often forget if we can have them. We cannot really classify keeping a pet as a need so it really it a matter of can we have one or not. But I really can understand if the want overpowers the can.

Who can resist this charm?

Way beyond cute!

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by | April 13, 2012 · 2:21 pm

New Life, New Hope

So it is Spring time in most places and does are starting to have kits. At Tru-Luv Rabbitry, a new litter was born a few days after Easter. We are also looking forward for a few litters to be born while contemplating to send some retired show does to good pet homes. It is extremely hard to make a decision on passing these beautiful does along. But we do hope that they will be well taken care of one way or the other.

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by | April 7, 2012 · 11:54 pm

2012 ARBA Show

“Be careful what you wish for…”

Show Table A & Show Table B

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!

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by | April 6, 2012 · 11:07 am

Happy Easter!

For many, Easter symbolizes LIFE and for some parts of the world, Easter coincides with Spring. Spring is the season when flowers bloom and the meadows come alive! For some traditions, the rabbit and eggs are symbols of fertility and abundance during Easter. For Christians around the world, Easter is the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection and that in itself represents LIFE.

It is said that during Easter, many tend to buy rabbits to be kept as pets and most of the time, the outcome may not be a happy one (for the rabbits). The little bunnies soon out grow their cuteness and we soon find them in the shelters.

We really need to take some time to think about it and not buy pets on impulse. Whenever we think of getting a pet, we must first find out if the pet is a perfect fit into our lifestyle. We must ensure that we are able to accommodate and care for another life in our daily routine.

I recently visited the horse stable and I could see that the horses there are really happy as they are all well taken care of. In my opinion, a healthy horse is one with flesh and their rib bones are not visible.

Having a good time at the stable

Around the same time, I learn from a friend living at the heart of the Kuala Lumpur city that she and her friends found a horse roaming in the housing estate. And looking at the condition of the horse (through photos), it seemed to be pretty skinny and neglected.

Is there something wrong with this picture?

Besides from the skinny horse, I believe looking at the picture, anyone would feel that it is an inappropriate place to have a horse. Roaming around a housing estate, the horse is at risk of getting hit by a car or injuring someone if it goes into a rampage due to the stress and fear. The environment is not conducive for a horse and it is clear that it has not been given the correct diet it needs to thrive.

My friend and a few other good Samaritans have since transported this horse to a proper location in hope that it will soon recover from its emaciated condition and also to live out its life as a normal horse. They have also given a name to this horse – Dixie.

This is much better!

This is not the first time I have heard of horses ended up in housing estates but I hope we do not have to see more of this in future. As I mentioned, we must first know the basic needs of a pet and if we are able to provide it with a good environment to thrive. Some pets live shorter lives while others longer, their lifespan must also be taken into consideration as our commitment and responsible for them last as long as they are alive.

I urge everyone to do your part in saving a life. Whether you choose to buy or adopt, ensure that you are able to provide your pet with the best and for as long as it lives.

Happy Easter Everyone!

Have a Blessed Easter!

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by | April 3, 2012 · 9:46 pm

I Love Coincidences!

I was at the mall today and my wife pointed out to some cute cabinets and waste paper baskets. These days, anything bunny would draw her attention and she in turn will try to get my attention as well. As I walked closer, I saw cabinets with cute bunnies on them.

Aren't they cute!?

As I turn my eyes away from the cute characters, the wordings on the cabinet gave me a little shock.

I immediately turned to my wife and told her (jokingly) that someone is “hacking” my brain waves. I have always believed that when you have an idea and a thought, there is a possibility that somewhere out in this world, someone may pick up these thoughts and ideas. The words “True Love” and “Friendship” was so spot on and it came rather timely.

Can’t wait to see everybunny this weekend!

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by | March 31, 2012 · 1:53 am

Isn’t She Lovely?

Just spent some time grooming the little fuzzies and took picture of them for their new owner. Bliss is really cute at this stage and it’s a pity that I do not have the time for grooming else I’ll keep a couple of fuzzies as pets. Their coat needs to be brush often to avoid mats which can be bad for their skin. Bliss enjoys her little grooming sessions and after the grooming session, she will look like a little puffed up hairball – so cute!

And remember our date later this morning (It’s 1.50 am already!), at South City Plaza (Seri Kembangan). Come meet Tru-Luv rabbits and get some rabbit supplies! See you there!

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by | March 27, 2012 · 2:21 pm

Come Join The Fun!

Dear friends,

Please join me, Suggies At Home & Golden Pines Rabbitry this Saturday, 31st March 2012 from 9 am to 6 pm for a meet & greet session. We will be offering our products, services and advice for those who needs more information about Rabbits, Sugar Gliders and other small animals. If you need help with nail clipping and learn how to give your rabbits a simple grooming session, please drop by with your bunnies.

Due to space constraints, we will not be able to bring too many supplies so please let us know if you have anything specific that you need so that we will include them in our sales kit. See you there!

For more information please visit the organizer’s facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/events/189375451171763/

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by | March 17, 2012 · 3:19 pm

Nursery Time

Sometimes I wonder where did all my time go and 24 hours just do not seemed to be enough. At times I felt that I might be slowing down for whatever reason. During the initial days of this weblog, I can be juggling with so many things and yet was able to spend some time taking photos and post them. I really enjoy posting photos because I know there are many people out there who appreciate and enjoy looking at them. I spent a little time today taking photographs and promised myself to write a good article today.

In the past weeks, there has been some discussions and at times heated arguments about rabbit breeds. The discussions got heated up maybe because of some wrong choices of words on my part or perhaps it was some misunderstandings and misinterpretations on the intent of my status posted on Facebook. One of the discussions was about a hybrid rabbit called the Teddy Bear. My opinion is, it could possibly be a rabbit that can be categorized under the Lionhead breed as some are with manes. There is no working standard for this breed of course but the point really is, there is no doubt anyone can start creating their own breed. The question really is who or which body/organization/association will govern and scrutinize the breed standard or if there is a standard in the first place. Either way, I agree that it is just a hobby and we need not get too serious about pedigree breeds. I must also admit that at times, I am very particular and adamant in my cause for purebreed/pedigree breeds.

The reason for this excessive compulsive behaviour over pure breeds is because a lot of hard work and time (years) that has been used to develop each different breed. So when someone toys with the idea of mixing 2 different breeds (to produce a hybrid), the argument is why are we starting from scratch again? If one is not serious in developing a new breed or improving a certain breed, I am totally against it. My view is, every litter of rabbits born will require a certain amount of resources. It is a waste of resources to just “experiment” or to help a rabbit fulfil its circle of life. When we breed, we should ensure it is a good decision crossing 2 different rabbits. It is a game of chance with genetics but we should make good “judgment”.

No doubt even the Holland Lop was first developed by crossing 2 different breeds – French Lop and Netherland Dwarf. It is also mentioned that to improve its coat and fur texture, wool has been bred into the Holland Lop as well in the history of development of this breed. That is the reason why we have the “FUZZY HOLLAND LOPS” produced once in a while and they never fails to surprise or disappoint a Holland Lop breeder. Even after more than 20 years, we are still being haunted by the genes introduced during the hybrid days.

Tru-Luv's Bliss a Fuzzy Holland Lop. Will be available in 2 weeks. Please email truluvrabbitry@gmail.com if interested.

I am totally against crossing a Fuzzy Holland & a Holland Lop deliberately on the pretence of producing “better” Fuzzy Hollands. There is no such thing as a “better” Fuzzy Holland Lop. The right thing to do is to breed a “Typey” Fuzzy Holland Lop to an American Fuzzy Lop to improve the American Fuzzy Lop. Bearing in mind that this process is also producing hybrids that does not have a full 3 generation American Fuzzy Lop pedigree. In any development, the fundamental is to use as much information possible to make the right decision in breeding. One of the most important document that can help in such decision is still the PEDIGREE. That is how important the pedigree is for without it, we are unable to know the possibilities of our breeding decision. Ask any seasoned breeder, and he or she will tell you to obtain the best specimen you can afford. I have the opportunity to work with a couple of breeders here in Malaysia that believes in that advise. They have the patience and right frame of mind to accept the fact that it is possible to produce good rabbits and only time will tell. They demanded no short cuts and enjoy the process of producing their own show stoppers. I myself is still working towards the same goal to be honest just like any other breeder out there. The carrot at the end of the stick is always ahead of us I must say.

There has been too many “School Of Thoughts” in this hobby and it really depends on what cause each “Guru” is sorting after and if the cause is a righteous one. And it also boils down to the objectives their “Followers” strive to achieve. We are indeed at a juncture where there is still a lot of education needs to be done and it is as though we’re going back to “NURSERY TIME”.

We must ask ourselves the following questions:

1. What is my objective of breeding?

2. What do I seek to produce?

3. Is it worth starting from SCRATCH (Hybrid)? If yes, am I committed to work towards a long term goal of 5 years and more to materialize a new standard?

4. Why am I starting from SCRATCH (Hybrid)? If yes, am I committed to work towards a long term goal of 5 years and more to materialize a new standard?

My advice is consistent with any seasoned breeder out there which is, get a couple of decent stocks and work towards a GOAL – Standard of Perfection and beyond…

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