Rabbits/Expert Profile

Expertise

***ATTENTION -- I DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT WILD RABBITS AND I CAN NOT HELP YOU WITH WILD RABBIT QUESTIONS*** Please do not ask me questions about your pet rabbits if you have no intention of taking them to a vet. I DO NOT CONDONE THE BREEDING OF RABBITS THAT ARE NOT PUREBRED AND PEDIGREED. ACCIDENTLY LITTERS OR RABBITS INTENDED FOR MEAT ARE ACCEPTABLE. *** I WILL NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS RELATED TO BACKYARD BREEDING. IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT BEING A RESPONSIBLE BREEDER I WILL HELP YOU. PLEASE DO NOT ASK ME ABOUT BREEDING RABBITS TO SELL TO PET STORES, TO USE AS PETS ETC. *** *** DO NOT HOUSE UNALTERED MALE AND FEMALE RABBITS TOGETHER, EVER! THIS IS WHERE BABIES COME FROM*** I WILL NO LONGER GIVE ADVICE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE CARELESS AND THINK THAT IT IS OK TO PUT 2 RABBITS TOGETHER WITHOUT KNOWING THEIR SEX*** Rabbits are not toys. They are living creatures. I believe that people are responsible for their animals. If you can't afford a vet, in my opinion, you can't afford a rabbit. I can answer questions on genetics, rabbit behavior, breeding, and health of all rabbits including meat breeds. I am a certified Vet Tech but am currently not working due to a disability. I can help you understand the basic treatment or most ailments, be advised that this may include emergency veterinary care. If your rabbit is sick I may tell you what I think is wrong but I strongly suggest that you take it to a doctor for an exam. I must stress that I am not a doctor and I can't "diagnose", especially over the internet without seeing your rabbit. All answers are just my opinion and must be taken at face value. I will absolutely NOT give you advice pertaining to the un-ethical treatment of animals.

Please do not ask me how to process rabbit meat. I have eaten rabbit meat in the past but I have no idea how to process a rabbit anymore than I would know how to process cattle. That is what butchers get paid for.

Experience in the area

I have raised and shown several breeds of rabbits over the past 15 years. I worked as a Paramedic for over 15 years and then went back to school to become a NYS certified veterinary technician. I did not work in the field long due to an unexpected disability but in the short time I was employed it was with a veterinarian who worked solely with exotic animals. I have a basic knowledge of meat breeds but absolutely have no clue how to process them. I am uncomforable answering questions about rabbits raised for meat but if you cant find someone else I will do my best to help. All animals need care even farm and meat animals. I have been studying rabbit behavior for over 7 years. I teach color coat genetics at our local universities animal science class and although the class is based on dogs and cats I still have a thorough knowledge of color genetics of rabbits as well as genetics pertaining to the health of rabbits. I enjoy working with difficult bunnies. I spend 100% of my time with my rabbits and helping others to train theirs. I am NOT part of the House Rabbit Society, but believe they have the best interest of the animals at heart and that is what is important. Many breeders will outright tell you the HRS is bad, and many HRS members will tell you that all breeders are bad. Neither is the case but in any situation you are always going to find people who will disagree. The most important issue I can stress is that breeding must be "responsible" no matter what you intend to use the rabbits for. It is competely irresponsible to breed rabbits just because you want to. If you want to eat them I have no problem with that, but if you have a litter of say 6-10 rabbits and only bred them for fun, you better have figured out what you are going to do with those kits or before you know it you are going to have 600 rabbits in yours house and you aren't going to have a place to sleep.

Organizations

American Rabbit Breeder's Association. Little Angels Animal Sanctuary. Humane Farmers of America.

Education/Credentials

Certified Veterinary Technician. ARBA licensed registrar. Full-time Farmer. My father ran a thoroughbred horse rescue my entire life. He was diagnosed with cancer 5 years ago and although he is in remission he has decided it is time to retire. I was appointed CEO of his organization and his sanctuary was private. I, with the help of my husband are in the process of acquiring our 501(c)3 IRS tax exemption status. Rather than breeding rabbits we have now taken on the task of rescuing unwanted pet rabbits as well as some farm animals. I still remain a member of the ARBA and still teach genetics as well as register and promote the breeding of only purebred and genetically sound animals.

Awards and Honors

Volunteer of the year 2008, dedication above and beyond.

Past/Present Clients

I was employed by an exotic animal hospital for 2 years. I left due to a disability. I now spend all of my time training my rabbits and helping others to properly train and bond theirs.

What do you like about this subject?

I love rabbits. They are my passion in life. I love taking care of them, whether they are brood stock, meat herds or pets. I love the hospital I worked for, not to many vet hospitals specialize in exotics and rabbits.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I would like to learn everything there is to know about rabbits and other exotic pets. I love studying genetics and enjoy teaching color coat genetics at our local university.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Did you know that you can teach a rabbit to fetch? It takes alot of work but when you accomplish your goal it is so rewarding.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

The ARBA would never judge someone for rescuing animals. However PETA and the HSUS would never allow a breeder to join their organization. I am sure they would take their donations but would ridicule and criticize them.