Haley 2010
Tag Archives: kits
Revisit #1
Moving forward, I will be posting handpicked photos from the past 8 years. Over the years I have amassed approximately 18,000 photos of the rabbits – some of which did not make it onto this blog previously. I feel that it is a good time to revisit the collection and share these beautiful photos.
Welcome to the first edition of Tru-Luv Revisit.
Holly Hope (2010)
Filed under Throwback/Revisit
A Judge’s Disclaimer Notice
The huge amount of information and misinformation on the internet can either make you or break you. In my case, I cannot help my brain going crazy and think of funny things in reply to all that I have seen on the internet as well as in real life. I believe that to truly enjoy the rabbit hobby, we have to stop being too anal about it. In other words, we must “chill” and stop taking things too seriously. It is the ability to take a step back and laugh at some of the things that we do in life that enables us to have a great time. And it is on that note, this blog post was made possible. I really had a good time writing this piece which I know may not go down well with some people. For those who care to share a light hearted moment, I hope you will have a hearty laugh.
The traffic situation here afforded me the time to craft this entry. As I juggle with focusing my attention on the road, my mind carefully picked all the right and wrong words to be included in this blog post. However, I must warn you that I cannot be too careful with my words else it will not make this satirical piece a good one. I came to realization that such a post is only possible because I am not totally immersed and into it (the hobby) too deep that it will affect my livelihood without it. Being too into anything is a form of addiction and a drug addict without his or her fix can be crazy enough to kill. I am happy that life is quite balanced for me and grateful to be sober enough to write what I hope is a funny piece.
Having had watched a number of rabbit judges at rabbit shows, I cannot help but to put myself in their shoes and think about what I would say or not say differently. Or perhaps, to say that what he or she truly means and not use tons of wonderful or bombastic words but in the end, says nothing. As we play multiple roles in life, I too imagined (not necessarily aspired to be) myself being a rabbit judge. I wondered what I would say when addressing the exhibitors just before I start judging. It was through this imagination, that this disclaimer notice was born…
My dear exhibitors, breeders, hobbyists, and friends, I would like to thank you for your participation and making this event happen through your generous funding. I am honoured to be invited to be your judge today. I can assure you that the hotel was pretty awesome, you have afforded me to travel around the globe and given a choice, I wouldn’t be here on my own expense. I will ensure that you will get your entry fees’ worth by trying to spend more time going through each and every one of your rabbits. I know it is hard but I will try to also ensure that I do not put my foot into my own mouth by contradicting myself while judging your otherwise beautiful rabbits. Please allow me to be brutally honest and not sugar coat what I am going to say about your rabbits. Most often than not, I must not make politically correct statements lest be flamed on social media such as f@cebuk and tweedle-tweed-twee right after the show. May I ask that you will never forget that every judge have his or her personal preferences in each breed while upholding what has been specified in the Standard Of Perfection. I will try my level best to judge each rabbit in accordance to the best of my understanding and memories of such standards.
Since time can be a constraint, please understand that the duration in which your rabbits will be in front of me should or should not be made an indication of its favourable or unfavourable standings in this competition. Also due to the time constraint, do accept the fact that my judgements where measurements are required are solely based on my ability to guesstimate and please do not take me to court for guesstimating the various lengths and weights on your rabbits inaccurately.
While you stay engaged, immersed, indulged, and totally have your eyes on the ribbons, please leave room for a little consciousness and awareness so that you will not run amok if I may mistakenly not select your rabbit for any of the awards. Rest assured, it is totally unintentional (but you could have brought me out for fine dining last evening and now it is too late). What you must also know is that I had a blast last evening and I am so very grateful to my hosts. Picking their rabbits should not be made an issue as I am usually fair and just. Rest assured, I am totally professional as well.
Last but not least, please remember that we are all here having fun at the expense of our rabbits. They are lucky to have survived this long under your care and it is truly their lives we are celebrating today.
Now that I have said all that I can to cover my sorry ass, let the show begin (and be over with) and the (already identified) champ be crowned!
Oh what a judge I would be…
Filed under Rabbit Show
Biological or Mechanical Standard
Please allow me to start off this post with a disclaimer – that the intent of this post is not to criticize anyone, any establishment, and most of all, this wonderful hobby of raising rabbits. I do apologize if you take offence of what I am about to write. It is a free world and life is wonderful when we are able to just do whatsoever we wish as long as it is confined within the rule of law. I am not in any way imposing my thoughts and beliefs unto any readers or encouraging others to be aligned to my thoughts.
That being said, please allow me to spill my thoughts.
I recently stumbled across the following video:
The video sparked off some interesting thoughts in my mind. It pointed me to three words – Standard Of Perfection.
Can we really achieve a perfect show animal? I can now confidently say, NO.
Why?
The fact that the genetic make up of an organism just do not allow for perfection. Perfection based on human justification that is. Therefore, the Standard Of Perfection (SOP) is indeed just a guide and in my humble opinion, have no interest in the internal but more of exterior. No Standard Of Perfection in the animal showing world have the slightest emphasis on the internal health of an animal except for bone structures (e.g. hip dysplasia). In short and general speaking, an animal can resemble (physically) whatever that is stated in the SOP may be show worthy even though it may be suffering from an internal terminal illness.
I guess to truly understand where I am coming from, perhaps we should dissect the word Standard to its most fundamental form. We hear about many organizations governing standards and ISO being one that is the most well known. Without referring to a dictionary or wikipedia, the definition of Standard to me is plainly a series or a set of actions or processes that constantly yield a perfect result/resolution. Most of the show animal SOP does not lay down steps in producing a perfect animal, it simply states how a perfect animal should be perceived and takes shape (physically). That to me is not a standard. Perhaps it should be called Guidelines To The Most Ideal Physical Manifestations Of Breeds. I know it does not sound as catchy as Standard Of Perfection but that is the reality in my humble opinion.
In reality (and the odds are), there will never be a perfect, perfect animal adhering perfectly against every point stated in the SOP. It can be very near but never 100% to be absolutely honest.
And sometimes we see breeders leaving the hobby and we ask why? The question is why not?
If you have ever played a game of soccer, just imagine that each time you score a goal, someone shifts the goal post. Yes, that is exactly how it feels as a breeder most of the time because SOP changes every 5 years in some cases.
Can we really achieve 100% perfect biologically? NO.
On the other hand, take the case of Spot (the mechanical dog) for example. Every microchip or mechanical components must be fitted exactly where they are. The processors must be programmed to execute an action in perfect precision. Can we achieve a mechanical Standard Of Perfection? YES!
I believe it is easier to accept a standard provided for a machine. The size of the motherboard, memory chip, sensors, and materials used can all be governed by standards.
Throughout the years, I have observed that the subjects that are being judged do not change much but the rules around the judging usually changes. And sometimes it comes full circle and the cycle repeats itself. We as humans are so accustomed to change and we even say that “the only constant is change”. We have to always reinvent ourselves in order to stay current. Take for example the hairstyle in the 60s versus the 90s. And at some point, the 60s fashion seemed to make its way back as a trend.
Clothing remains as a piece of textile used to cover oneself. However you change it, the purpose remains the same.
I must also emphasize that it is in the end just a hobby or past time. An interest we adopt to spend our time and it makes us happy, intrigued, proud, bewildered, engaged, relaxed, and many more advantages both tangible and intangible. It is never a case of right or wrong. It is a case of “to each his own”.
Can we ever be 100% perfect biologically?
Just a thought…
Filed under Thoughts
Happy Lunar New Year 2015
Here wishing all of you a prosperous and happy new year. May the year of the goat brings peace and joy to our hearts.
Filed under Greetings
Eighth Week
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.
Filed under Juniors
Seventh Week
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.
I have also updated the post – How Should A 8 Weeks Old Look Like Part II (Remake Of The Most Popular Post). We’re just one week shy of completing this post.
Filed under Juniors
Reference: The End Game
Every year, WordPress.com sends us an email with a summary of weblog activities. The statistics include “The Most Views” post and that was how we found out that one of our posts being the top post throughout the years. Another amazing information we found out through the summary is that we have been listed as one of the references in WabbitWiki.com – Baby Rabbits. What an honour to be referenced by such a wonderful site.
We were also very excited to see an article written about Weaning Baby Rabbits by our dear friend Golden Pines Rabbitry being referenced as well.
We would like to thank the people who found our post informative and worth being a good reference for the rabbit community at large!
Filed under Bunny Business, Recommendations
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 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.
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 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 is goat’s milk.
The fourth week…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Filed under Community Service, Friends Of Tru-Luv, Rabbit Education
Merry Christmas 2014!
Here wishing one and all Joyful Holidays, Blessed Christmas and a Wonderful New Year 2015!
Tru-Luv Rabbitry: Quality Holland Lops in Malaysia 