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Why does the judge hate my rabbit? |
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| Top 10 Reasons We Are Closed On Wednesday’s! | |
| Wryneck Treatment by Barbi Brown | |
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VBF Show Schedule |
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| Production Tip | |
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Freezing Temperatures? |
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You're Acting Like a Child! |
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Top 10 Reasons I go to Rabbit Shows |
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Uses for Salt |
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Letters to Corey |
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I need to tattoo my rabbit |
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Herbal Discussion-wryneck, probiotics, pinworms |
Honesty is the Best Policy!
Buying or selling any kind of animal can be an exciting and fun adventure. It’s always important for both parties involved in any transaction to exchange as much information about the animals as is available. Where the animal is going and for what purpose is just as important as where it came from.
Whenever anyone decides to buy an animal, there are several questions that need to be answered. What exactly am I looking for? Where am I going to keep it? What am I going to feed it? Is it a healthy animal? Can I trust the seller to be truthful about its background? Have I informed the seller of my purpose for purchasing this animal? Buyer Beware! It is important to ask as many questions and try to be as informed as possible about your new animal. It is in the buyers’ best interest to know what they are getting for their money. Ask for references, ask about guarantees and ask the owner how they would rate their animal.
Whenever someone decides to sell an animal, there are also many questions that need to be addressed. Why am I selling this animal? How much is it worth? How much information is available about this animal? Being as open and honest as possible is a golden rule. Earning trust and respect will help develop integrity in your animal business.
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*New at VBF* We now have |
VBF Hours Sunday 9 am till 3 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 8 am till 4 pm Most Saturday’s we’ll see you at the rabbit shows |
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We would again like to thank
all the people who have contributed to our newsletter. If
you have an article or subject that you think would be of interest to
the rest of our customers, please submit it to Pat at bunnies@bunnyrabbit.com
for her consideration. |
The Judge Hates My Rabbit!
Do not give up on showing your rabbit because of one person’s opinion. Many
beginners and young people can get discouraged when negative comments are made
about their wonderful rabbits. We give our bunnies three strikes. This goes for
showing as well as breeding. Three comparisons of our rabbits against other good
show rabbits, gives us an idea of where this rabbit stands in competition. Three
breedings with positive results will tell us what kind of breeder we have. Give
your rabbit a chance to prove themselves before eliminating them from your herd.
Some bunnies are late bloomers and can develop into grand champions when given
the time and opportunity. VBF
Top 10 Reasons We Are Closed On Wednesday’s! 10. The only people on the golf courses are doctors. 9. Grocery stores are less crowded Wednesday afternoon. 8. Auto repair shops are open in case we need work done. 7. It’s easier to find an empty bowling lane. 6. There are fewer jet skiers at our favorite fishing hole. 5. Our dentist keeps his office open in case we need him. 4. Movie matinees are discounted on Wednesdays. 3. Our masseuse keeps her mornings open for any emergency back pains we may develop. 2. Most kids are at school, so it is easier to find a spot at the Fiesta Texas wading pool. And the number one reason we are closed on Wednesday’s… 1. Even we deserve a day off!
WRYNECK TREATMENT
One Woman's Opinion By Barbi Brown
Once the E. Cuniculi had been diagnosed, I was on a campaign
to find a cure.I searched the internet and all readily available veterinary references for anything I could find on E.C. and found an article that indicated Albendisol ( the human equivalent of Ivermectin) is used to treat Aids patients infected with the Encephalitazoon protozoa.
Checking health records for the rabbits with Wry neck I found that in every case they had either never been treated with Ivomec or had not been treated in 6 months. (I usually treat them at three month intervals).
I finally came to the conclusion that in order to fight E.cuniculi I needed to kill off anything else that could possibly compromise the rabbits' health. And I now believe that everything we do simply makes it possible for the rabbits natural defenses to develop an immunity to the EC.
Any rabbit exhibiting symptoms now are treated with not only Ivomec but Piperazine as well. That is followed with Penicillin with Benzathine (Dura-Pen etc.) and Depo-Medrol if the head tilt or rolling has begun. I do not intend to prescribe any medication, only to report what works for me. I find a dosage of one-tenth cc. per pound of body weight seems most effective for all injectables as well as Ivomec by mouth. Piperazine is given at the rate of 4 drops per pound. Many, I'm sure will disagree with the dosage but it works for me. The action of the Ivomec appears to be that it immobilizes the e.c. and prevents it's multiplication and migration to the brain.
Supportively they are removed from any source of draft or extreme heat, loud noises or other stress factors. Bene-Bac or other lactobacillus, and Nutri-Cal are added to maintain gut stability.
It may not be according to Hoyle, but in the last 10 years I have treated well over 100 rabbits with what I believe is E.Cuniculi (some without necropsy or blood tests so I can't be certain of the exact number of confirmed cases) and I have only failed to be successful in 4 cases. The suspect cases that were necropsied confirmed my theory. Perhaps it's just luck or perseverance, but it has saved animals "everyone said couldn't be saved". I have not used the Elisa titre since I understand that it will only show IF a rabbit has EVER been exposed and not whether it is an active case of e.c.
I hope my experiences will provide others with some hope and an arsenal to fight this terrible disorder or better yet, further research to find how, when and where the protozoa is acquired.
Maybe then, we can prevent it rather than face the challenge of the cure.
For the whole story, check out— http://www.barbibrownsbunnies.com/ecuniculi.htm
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Vanecek Bunny
Farm Show Schedule |
2/24/01
3/10/01
Montgomery County Keith Lemons3/17/01 South TX RBA Mike Withrow
YOAKUM (361) 293-7227
3/24/01 San Antonio RBA Jane Keller
KILLEEN 210-590-7460
Happy Hoppers Fred Hudgeons
DOUBLE SHOW 512-335-1230
3/30/01 Stephens Co RC CJ Carroll
3/31/01 Stephens Co RC 405-252-7381
SINGLE SHOW FRIDAY NIGHT
DOUBLE SHOW SATURDAY
DUNCAN, OK
4/7/01
TRBA STATE SHOW Danny Messer4/21/01 Bay Area RBA Doris Mills
PORT LAVACA 512-552-2753
5/5/01 Central TX RC Marilyn Morris
GIDDINGS 512-281-3803
6/2/01 Grimes Co Fair Sandra Kuta
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Vanecek Bunny Farm |
Everything's Always Hopping at the Bunny Farm! |
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Production Tip Be sure to extend your daylight hours in the fall and winter when the days are shorter. We have a timer on our lights and they stay on till 10 p.m. |
What Do You Do Whenever The Temperature Is Below Freezing?
Keeping fresh water available for the rabbits during the winter months is an important task. Without water rabbits will not eat. If rabbit do not eat, they will not produce body heat. Without body heat rabbits may die. Water will freeze if the air temperature is below 32oF. Crocks may crack, bottles may split, drip systems may stop and drip system parts may crack. Keeping the barn above freezing is one way of insuring the rabbits get the water they need. Bringing the rabbits cages inside your house is another option (which may not be possible). Heated water lines or heat tape wrapped on water systems may help keep the water from freezing. We generally hand water (using crocks) twice a day during extreme cold temperatures (the temperature doesn’t get above freezing).
Most adult rabbits can survive and probably will enjoy cooler temperatures. New kits (babies) and young rabbits may need a little help to survive the cold. We remove nestboxes from the barn cages and keep them in a controlled temperature environment. We call it the Nursery. Some people bring nestboxes or nests with moms inside during extremely cold nights. Nestbox warmers, light bulbs (above the cages—only 60-100 watt-you don’t want to cook them) and small heaters may help babies and younger rabbits survive the cold. Do not subject your young rabbits to quick temperature changes. Drastic temperature changes may kill babies. A gradual slow change of temperature is better and safer for any animal. Never overheat babies or any rabbits. Keep yourself warm and dry while working with your rabbits so that you will stay well. Your bunnies depend on you for their care. Good luck, VBF
You’re Acting Like A Child!
Being young can give us the opportunity to try new ideas and experiment. Expanding the mind and developing new areas of the brain keeps many people feeling young. Most young people that I have met are eager to listen and learn new methods and ideas. Our younger generations should have the desire and determination to develop into intelligent adults.
My Dad told me to try and learn something new every day. When we stop learning, we stop growing. A rolling stone gathers no moss. If you rest, you rust! I was young at the time and thought at sometime I would run out of new things to learn. Raising rabbits has shown me just how wrong I was. I have been raising rabbits for most of my life. I am still learning new and important facts about bunny farming every day.
The rabbit raisers motto is to strive to raise and develop the perfect rabbit. To me, this means that we will always have the possibility of getting better rabbits from our litters. We just have to try something new. If we settle for what we have, soon we will be left behind in rabbit show competition. We should be able to adapt our lives to new and unique ideas. Learning and growing helps us to be like young people. You’re as young as you feel. Even if something we try doesn’t work for us, at least we learned something that won’t work. I have tried several things that haven’t worked well for me. I am getting older every day, but I will continue to try to think and act young for as long as I can.
I am having fun raising rabbits and developing a rabbit equipment business. I will try to tell you everything new I have learned about rabbits and rabbit equipment. I am available to answer questions and listen to comments at most Texas rabbit shows. I am usually acting like a child and talking with the kids. These young people are the future of rabbit shows and the future leaders of our world. They have a lot to offer, even people that are older than them - like me. I don’t know everything but I will tell them everything I know about rabbits. Come by and join in the fun. I’d love to see you smile. Ken
| Top 10 Reasons Why I Go To Rabbit Shows |
| 10.
To receive valuable information about raising
rabbits from other breeders.
9. To try some interesting and tasty new food.8. To find out what is new in rabbit equipment and supplies.7. To visit some wonderful & different cities and towns. 6. To learn more about the standards set for my rabbit breed. 5. To get comments about my rabbits from knowledgeable, experienced judges. 4. To get the family out of the house for an adventure. 3. To compare my stock to other rabbits at the show. 2. To win some nice trophies and awards. And the number one reason!!!! 1. To meet & talk to Ken & Pat Vanecek |
USES FOR SALT
1. Soak stained hankies in salt water before washing.
2. Sprinkle salt on your shelves to keep ants away.
3. Soak fish in salt water before de-scaling; the scales will come off easier.
4. Put a few grains of rice in your salt shaker for easier pouring.
5. Add salt to green salads to prevent wilting.
6. Test the freshness of eggs in a cup of salt water; fresh eggs sink; bad ones float.
Rinse a sore eye with a little salt water.
8. A tiny pinch of salt with egg whites makes them beat up fluffier.
9. Soak wrinkled apples in a mildly salted water solution to perk them up.
10. Rub salt on your pancake griddle and your flapjacks won't stick.
11. Soak toothbrushes in salt water before you first use them; they will last longer.
12. Use salt to clean your discolored coffee pot.
13. Mix salt with turpentine to whiten you bathtub and toilet bowl.
14. Soak nuts in salt brine overnight and they will crack out of their shells whole.
Just tap the end of the shell with a hammer to break it open easily.
15. Boil clothespins in salt water before using them and they will last longer.
16. Clean brass, copper and pewter with paste made of salt and vinegar, thickened with flour
17. Add a little salt to the water your cut flowers will stand in for a longer life.
18. Pour a mound of salt on an ink spot on your carpet; let the salt soak up the stain.
19. Clean you iron by rubbing some salt on the damp cloth on the ironing surface.
20. Adding a little salt to the water when cooking foods in a double boiler will make the food cook faster.
21. Use a mixture of salt and lemon juice to clean piano keys.
22. To fill plaster holes in your walls, use equal parts of salt and starch, with just enough water to make a stiff putty.
23. Add a little salt to your boiling water when cooking eggs; a cracked egg will stay in its shell this way.
24. Mildly salted water makes an effective mouthwash. Use it hot for a sore throat gargle.
25. Dry salt sprinkled on your toothbrush makes a good tooth polisher.
26. Use salt for killing weeds in your lawn.
27. Eliminate excess suds with a sprinkle of salt.
28. A dash of salt in warm milk makes a more relaxing beverage.
29. Before using new glasses, soak them in warm salty water for awhile.
30. A dash of salt enhances the taste of tea.
31. Salt improves the taste of cooking apples.
Soak your clothes line in salt water to prevent your clothes from freezing to the line; likewise, use salt in your final rinse to
prevent the clothes from freezing.
33. Rub any wicker furniture you may have with salt water to prevent yellowing.
34. Freshen sponges by soaking them in salt water.
35. Add raw potatoes to stews and soups that are too salty.
36. Soak enamel pans in salt water overnight and boil salt water in them next day to remove burned-on stains.
37. Clean your greens in salt water for easier removal of dirt.
38. Gelatin sets more quickly when a dash of salt is added.
39. Fruits put in mildly salted water after peeling will not discolor.
40. Fabric colors hold fast in salty water wash.
41. Milk stays fresh longer when a little salt is added.
42. Use equal parts of salt and soda for brushing your teeth.
43. Sprinkle salt in your oven before scrubbing clean.
44. Soaked discolored glass in a salt and vinegar solution to remove stains.
45. Clean greasy pans with a paper towel and salt.
46. Salty water boils faster when cooking eggs.
47. Add a pinch of salt to whipping cream to make it whip more quickly.
48. Sprinkle salt in milk-scorched pans to remove odor.
49. A dash of salt improves the taste of coffee.
50. Boil mismatched hose in salty water and they will come out matched.
51. Salt and soda will sweeten the odor of your refrigerator.
52. Cover wine-stained fabric with salt; rinse in cool water later.
53. Remove offensive odors from stove with salt and cinnamon.
54. A pinch of salt improves the flavor of cocoa.
55. To remove grease stains in clothing, mix one part salt to four parts alcohol.
56. Salt and lemon juice removes mildew.
57. Sprinkle salt between sidewalk bricks where you don't want grass growing.
58. Polish your old kerosene lamp with salt for a brighter look.
59. Remove odors from sink drainpipes with a strong, hot solution of salt water.
60. If a pie bubbles over in your oven, put a handful of salt on top of the spilled juice. The mess
won't smell and will bake into a dry, light crust which will wipe off easily when the oven has cooled.
Letters to Corey!
Corey,
Where did you get your name?
Brad Rumfield Adkins, Texas
My full name is Corinthian Rodem Vanecek III. My owners gave it to me because they consider me to be an exceptional animal. They call me “Corey” because I answer to it whenever I am needed. Call me by any other name & it will not work.
Corey,
I have read in many show rules that exhibitors should not alter their rabbits appearance before shows. What is your interpretation of this rule?
(name withheld on request)
Changing the natural appearance of show rabbits by coloring fur or nails may be considered unethical. Pulling unwanted fur can also be unlawful under the basic show rule. Combing, brushing, grooming or cleaning rabbits is a normal and natural process in preparing animals for the show table. I know my fellow K9’s can go through an extensive process before setting a paw on any show arena floor.
Corey,
Do rabbits have to be pedigreed in order to be shown at ARBA sanctioned shows?
Justin Brown, Bulverde TX
No. Any rabbit can be displayed as long as it looks like and meets the requirements of the breed being judged at the show table. Pedigrees can help the new owner examine the heritage. Which may influence the future breeding of that animal. Pedigrees help breeders keep a record of their rabbit herd. My own background is very questionable. My owners took me in when I suddenly turned up on their doorstep. I have now lived there for over 6 years.
Corey,
Do your people use salt blocks in the bunny cages?
Kelly Holtsford, San Antonio TX
No. Salt can cause wire cages to rust. Most rabbit food manufacturers add enough salt to the ingredients when they make rabbit pelleted food. If fresh greens are the only food rabbits eat, salt may be needed to help keep the bunny alive. Use a good brand of rabbit pellets to insure your bunny stays healthy.
Have a question? Ask Corey. Send questions to Corey @ 51 Sun Valley Drive, Spring Branch TX 78070. Or you can email him at bunnies@bunnyrabbit.com.
Bunny T-shirt Designs
Beautiful colors
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Vanecek Bunny Farm bunnies@bunnyrabbit.com |
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offer good thru 3-31-00 NEW* 4“ E Z Feeder reg-$5 |
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If you would like to pick up something at a show, just
give us a call or email us and let us know. We will be happy to deliver
anything to a show for you. (except feed). |
Vanecek Bunny Farm |
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HERBAL DISCUSSION |
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| Taken off the Web |
| Subject: WRY NECK Date:
Wed, 27 Sep 2000 From: "Deb Goldben" <Westwind@tbcnet.com>
We've had good success by putting some VetRx in garlic/goldenseal oil (purchased at the health food store) and then putting a couple drops of this in the ears twice a day and massaging it down into the ear canal. The essential oils in VetRx are those recommended in aromatherapy books for ear infections. The garlic/goldenseal oil are antiseptic/antibiotic in nature. Best wishes on a recovery. Deb Goldben |
| Subject: Natural probiotics Date:
Tue, 3 Oct 2000 From: ISerendipity@aol.com
In a message dated 10/3/00 , HerbalRabbit@egroups.com writes: << Thanks for this. When Matilda was on Baytril for 6 weeks Jerusulem Artichoke was one of her favorite vegies. No tummy troubles on the antibiotic. Great to know. They all seem to love it too. So I am growing it for them now. A lot cheaper than probiotics. >> Just a quick addition--for rabbits, feces from a healthy rabbit are quite beneficial to restore the gut balance, as is yoghurt. Both are much less expensive than pro-biotics, and rabbit droppings contain the exact bacteria that sick bunnies need. Dawn Date: Thu, 5 Oct 2000 From: ISerendipity@aol.com Subject: Re: warmed-over berries! In a message dated 10/5/00, HerbalRabbit@egroups.com writes: << You do mean the night feces, right? Not the normal "everyday berries", I'm sure. >> Actually, Diana, while the night feces are ideal, even the everyday berries contain live bacteria from the gut, so yes, even those! Dawn |
Subject: Pinworms Date: Thu, 12 Oct 2000 From: "Rick Stahl" <rick@lazyacre.net
The most regularly recommended treatment for Pinworms is Piperazine 17% in the drinking water, 1oz per gallon of water, give for 3 days and repeat twice at 30 and 60 days. This is an instance when thorough cleansing of cages is recommended (RABBIT PRODUCTION, 8th Ed, p226)
While attending shows is most frequently mentioned mode of transmission of Pinworms, as stated in RABBIT PRODUCTION, they normally are of no consequence to rabbits that are in good condition and healthy. More than anything they are gross when they become apparent in the rabbit's droppings, little white worms squirming around. So far, in over 23 years of exhibiting rabbits, I've yet to find any Pinworms in any of my rabbits, but if I did I would treat as recommended by Dr Patton and not worry about it. Sulquin 6-50 IS Sulfaquinoxaline at a 29% solution. Rick
