As our Cinnamon herd has been dwindling we are taking any measures to save what we can. We have one great Mini Lop mom who has her own kids and is now "fostering" several Cinnamon kits.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Well feed samples went off to both WSU and the WSDA. WSU will run some tests, which they normally don't do but since they can't determine a cause of death they are going to try to continue to help us.
Today we also bought all new Timothy Hay (replacing the new grass hay we just bought), straw and are trying to supplement with fiber. We are also using gas removal drops to help clear up intestinal problems in the youngest ones. I am also adding Oxyfresh to the water to promote more drinking which seems to be working.
Each day we hope the worst is over and try to look at the bright side...natural culling, etc. but that is not always helpful and there are times when giving up seems like the best answer. (Certainly the cheaper option.)
Tomorrow is a new day and we do have a doe who is building a nest and we have one nestbox of 8 Cinnamon babies so there is hope.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
WSU Results
Well...we got the tissue sample results and our rabbits were healthy. Dead...but otherwise healthy.
They commented they looked very well taken care of and could not find any diseases, bacteria, etc that could account for what is happening. They are going to help us get the feed we had saved tested. Normally, they will not test unless it comes from an unopened bag.
We have also finished the first round of water testing -- we have no lead, no pesticides, no high nitrites or nitrates, our pH level is a little high but nothing signiticant and of course no levels of chlorine. This is good as we have well water.
We have one bacteria test outstanding and will get the results back on that in 2 days.
If anyone is experiencing any problems, please let us know. We will certainly provide any help we can and the phone numbers we have.
They commented they looked very well taken care of and could not find any diseases, bacteria, etc that could account for what is happening. They are going to help us get the feed we had saved tested. Normally, they will not test unless it comes from an unopened bag.
We have also finished the first round of water testing -- we have no lead, no pesticides, no high nitrites or nitrates, our pH level is a little high but nothing signiticant and of course no levels of chlorine. This is good as we have well water.
We have one bacteria test outstanding and will get the results back on that in 2 days.
If anyone is experiencing any problems, please let us know. We will certainly provide any help we can and the phone numbers we have.
More on deaths
We are still losing rabbits...now only very young ones with the exception of one doe with a litter. We received the necropsy reports back on the initial two rabbits sent out and they could find nothing unusual and have moved forward with the tissue and organ tissue testing.
We are on a private well and are now having our water tested for any high levels of anything. One of the WSU vets said that high levels of nitrates would not affect people but could affect the rabbits. He wasn't sure why it would not affect chickens or our other animals. (Knock on wood as they have not been at all affected.)
Tissue results should be in this week.
We are on a private well and are now having our water tested for any high levels of anything. One of the WSU vets said that high levels of nitrates would not affect people but could affect the rabbits. He wasn't sure why it would not affect chickens or our other animals. (Knock on wood as they have not been at all affected.)
Tissue results should be in this week.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Losing Rabbits....feed issues
It was both with sadness and relief that I read the article about feed problems in this edition of the NMRRC (National Mini Rex Rabbit Club) newsletter. Sadness in that others were losing their rabbits and relief that we weren’t terrible owners and doing something wrong.
In the past eleven days we have lost 14 rabbits. The first two died on Sunday, July 13th while we were attending a show in Sandpoint, ID. It was a Mini Lop doe and one of her 4-week old babies. We suspected it was due to the heat. It was about 90 degrees which is unusual for our Pacific Northwest area.
We returned home and all seemed ok. While we were gone, Dad had bought two 50# bags of feed and filled the feed barrels.
Tuesday a couple of Mini Lop juniors and a Cinnamon junior were not looking well. Emily suspected poor feed after finding loose corn in the rabbit feed and in the pellets themselves. These were the bags that had just been bought over the weekend while we were gone. We immediately stopped feeding the pellets and put everyone on grass hay.
The next day we lost one Mini Rex buck that we had just added to our herd in June. He was about 2 years old and the junior Mini Lops were fading fast.
All had similar symptoms – listless, seemed bloated and constipated. Some however developed diarrhea.
Emily called others local breeders who had experienced recent feed problems and started trying other remedies such as giving them yogurt and terramycin.
Friday night she called and left a message for Washington State Dept of Agriculture to see about feed testing. Over the weekend a Cinnamon buck we shipped to California died. The doe that was also shipped is doing fine. We then lost several junior Mini Lops.
Only two other adult Mini Lops have experienced any problems. One has recovered while one is still on our “watch” list. We lost one Senior Cinnamon doe and 4 of another Cinnamon litter. No Mini Rex other than the first one has been affected.
Through persistence, Emily has talked with our WSDA representative and he is looking into the issue. Although we know of other breeders that have had problems, the WSDA was unaware of many of these. Our representative is checking with other reps to find how widespread the problem is in Washington.
We did have the feedbags and tags from the last bags that we feel were the source of the problem. However, in order for them to test it, they needed an unopened bag. The feed store claimed to be out of the feed. (However, Emily had went into the store over the weekend and told them she was having problems. I have to wonder if the feed was pulled.)
The WSDA representative has been very helpful and has called back with any updates – even non-updates. He put us in touch with the WSU (Washington State University School of Veterinary Medicine) office in Pullman, WA and we just sent 2 rabbits over for necropsy. The fee will be $45 per rabbit. If they feel tissue testing is needed and warranted that is $25 extra. This is very reasonable considering any veterinary office we found that could do it would charge in excess of $400 and was going to need to send out for any tissue testing.
We are awaiting the results of the necropsies now. We still have a couple of Mini Lops that are not looking as perky as they should but we are hoping the worst is over.
Suggestions we received from the WSDA and a WSU Professor of Veterinary Medicine that might be helpful for others:
· Report any problems as soon as possible
· Keep food samples and put those in the freezer
· Keep an unopened bag of feed with the same lot number if at all possible (or pick up another bag with that lot number at the feed store)
· Animals that may need necropsies should be refrigerated and not frozen
(As an animal science major, Emily did her own little necropsies on 2 of the rabbits. We do have pictures that show the rabbits were extremely bloated with gas and fecal material especially in the small intestine. )
In the past eleven days we have lost 14 rabbits. The first two died on Sunday, July 13th while we were attending a show in Sandpoint, ID. It was a Mini Lop doe and one of her 4-week old babies. We suspected it was due to the heat. It was about 90 degrees which is unusual for our Pacific Northwest area.
We returned home and all seemed ok. While we were gone, Dad had bought two 50# bags of feed and filled the feed barrels.
Tuesday a couple of Mini Lop juniors and a Cinnamon junior were not looking well. Emily suspected poor feed after finding loose corn in the rabbit feed and in the pellets themselves. These were the bags that had just been bought over the weekend while we were gone. We immediately stopped feeding the pellets and put everyone on grass hay.
The next day we lost one Mini Rex buck that we had just added to our herd in June. He was about 2 years old and the junior Mini Lops were fading fast.
All had similar symptoms – listless, seemed bloated and constipated. Some however developed diarrhea.
Emily called others local breeders who had experienced recent feed problems and started trying other remedies such as giving them yogurt and terramycin.
Friday night she called and left a message for Washington State Dept of Agriculture to see about feed testing. Over the weekend a Cinnamon buck we shipped to California died. The doe that was also shipped is doing fine. We then lost several junior Mini Lops.
Only two other adult Mini Lops have experienced any problems. One has recovered while one is still on our “watch” list. We lost one Senior Cinnamon doe and 4 of another Cinnamon litter. No Mini Rex other than the first one has been affected.
Through persistence, Emily has talked with our WSDA representative and he is looking into the issue. Although we know of other breeders that have had problems, the WSDA was unaware of many of these. Our representative is checking with other reps to find how widespread the problem is in Washington.
We did have the feedbags and tags from the last bags that we feel were the source of the problem. However, in order for them to test it, they needed an unopened bag. The feed store claimed to be out of the feed. (However, Emily had went into the store over the weekend and told them she was having problems. I have to wonder if the feed was pulled.)
The WSDA representative has been very helpful and has called back with any updates – even non-updates. He put us in touch with the WSU (Washington State University School of Veterinary Medicine) office in Pullman, WA and we just sent 2 rabbits over for necropsy. The fee will be $45 per rabbit. If they feel tissue testing is needed and warranted that is $25 extra. This is very reasonable considering any veterinary office we found that could do it would charge in excess of $400 and was going to need to send out for any tissue testing.
We are awaiting the results of the necropsies now. We still have a couple of Mini Lops that are not looking as perky as they should but we are hoping the worst is over.
Suggestions we received from the WSDA and a WSU Professor of Veterinary Medicine that might be helpful for others:
· Report any problems as soon as possible
· Keep food samples and put those in the freezer
· Keep an unopened bag of feed with the same lot number if at all possible (or pick up another bag with that lot number at the feed store)
· Animals that may need necropsies should be refrigerated and not frozen
(As an animal science major, Emily did her own little necropsies on 2 of the rabbits. We do have pictures that show the rabbits were extremely bloated with gas and fecal material especially in the small intestine. )
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Presidential Elections
Keeping on the political topic....there has been some news regarding whether the Obama family needs a pet - I think specifically a dog.
It might help with a family image, but as those who are breeding animals (maybe even into farming, etc), we should take a look a look at how the candidates stand on these types of issues. There is a nice little overview of the top 4 candidates - Obama, Clinton, McCain and Ron Paul - that does get one thinking. The review can be found at Spaniel Journal --http://www.spanieljournal.com/2jyates.html
Although none may be a clear-cut favorite, some do rate higher than others with Animal Rights groups.
I don't feel Animal Rights vs Owners' Rights will be a huge Presidential issue, it is one we all need to consider on our local levels. These are the places the laws start and gain momentum. So, this election season, take a look at who is being endorsed by whom and see if that is in alignment with your views on animal ownership.
It might help with a family image, but as those who are breeding animals (maybe even into farming, etc), we should take a look a look at how the candidates stand on these types of issues. There is a nice little overview of the top 4 candidates - Obama, Clinton, McCain and Ron Paul - that does get one thinking. The review can be found at Spaniel Journal --http://www.spanieljournal.com/2jyates.html
Although none may be a clear-cut favorite, some do rate higher than others with Animal Rights groups.
I don't feel Animal Rights vs Owners' Rights will be a huge Presidential issue, it is one we all need to consider on our local levels. These are the places the laws start and gain momentum. So, this election season, take a look at who is being endorsed by whom and see if that is in alignment with your views on animal ownership.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Elections
Well...here it it another election year. While America is deciding between McCain and Obama, rabbit breeders are choosing between Wickizer and Hayhow.
Both of these elections can certainly make changes in our futures...the future of America and the future of rabbit showing.
I think most agree now that the economy is the number 1 issue facing Americas. Rising costs of gas and living expenses is hitting everyone. And, as Americas, this is also hitting the rabbit breeders.
I think the economic issues will be ones that the next ARBA president, like THE President, will be the most important and trying. The ARBA president we choose must be the one we feel can unite us -- can help us work together in times of declining club numbers and show entries. The president must work to actively promote rabbits across the board as well...not just to us. We already love rabbits - we need to be working with youth and those who have not been involved in rabbits in the past.
In hand with this, we need a president who understands the issues of traveling with rabbits and just being able to own them in some areas. Zoning restrictions, "pet" laws, etc are just a couple of examples that come to mind.
We need a president ready to "get their hands dirty" and work for all of us. The ARBA president will set the stage and pace for us to follow. Be sure the one you vote for is one whom you would follow and be leading us in the right direction. We need to be MOVING and ACTIVE.
And, even if your choice doesn't win, in order for ARBA to continue to prosper, we must all rally around the president and continue to make rabbit breeding a fantastic hobby!
Both of these elections can certainly make changes in our futures...the future of America and the future of rabbit showing.
I think most agree now that the economy is the number 1 issue facing Americas. Rising costs of gas and living expenses is hitting everyone. And, as Americas, this is also hitting the rabbit breeders.
I think the economic issues will be ones that the next ARBA president, like THE President, will be the most important and trying. The ARBA president we choose must be the one we feel can unite us -- can help us work together in times of declining club numbers and show entries. The president must work to actively promote rabbits across the board as well...not just to us. We already love rabbits - we need to be working with youth and those who have not been involved in rabbits in the past.
In hand with this, we need a president who understands the issues of traveling with rabbits and just being able to own them in some areas. Zoning restrictions, "pet" laws, etc are just a couple of examples that come to mind.
We need a president ready to "get their hands dirty" and work for all of us. The ARBA president will set the stage and pace for us to follow. Be sure the one you vote for is one whom you would follow and be leading us in the right direction. We need to be MOVING and ACTIVE.
And, even if your choice doesn't win, in order for ARBA to continue to prosper, we must all rally around the president and continue to make rabbit breeding a fantastic hobby!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Traveling to Shows
Well...I have been a bit lax in updating the blog. Our rabbits are doing well and we recently attended the Quad-shows in Sandpoint, ID. I would like to thank Donna, Barry and the entire group for putting on a wonderful show that ran remarkably smoothly. In fact, we were on the road home by 2:00 pm on Sunday. Talk about efficiency.
This show really had me thinking about Rabbit Shows and the future of showing. We are all facing the rising costs of gas and overall expenses and some think I'm "silly", "insane" or "stupid" to be attending shows so far away. Twice we have chosen to go east instead of attending shows happening here on the western side at the same time.
I have to agree that at some point, usually at least once every day, those remarks fit. However, in choosing to travel to these shows, I would disagree. We chose those shows for a variety of reasons....the main one for me is rabbit showing is a hobby and should be fun. I don't intend to earn an income or become rich and famous by showing rabbits. I do it for the friendship and fun and enjoyment. If wanted to be stressed out all day I would stay home, work and be paid for it!
(Emily is more of a traditionalist -- legs and points.)
We opted to travel to Davenport over Bremerton as the MRFGNW were hosting a specialty show on Friday night. That is 3 chances to show Mini Rex and a chance to support the club and of course earn those elusive sweepstakes points. (We are 3rd in the National Mini Rex club with Opals.) We also coordinated with Cinnamon breeders and had competition from Montana attending this show. The chance for "real" legs and real competition - this would not be the case in Bremerton.
We had a great time visiting friends on Friday night and the show was smooth sailing on Saturday. We had a nice "pre-test" prior to State Convention for our Cinnamons. Visiting with Helen is always a joy.
And, in "true" rabbit showing fashion, we did earn points, legs and even Granded my English Angora.
Traveling to Montana was almost a no-brainer. This was the final show for this club, this is the home of the Cinnamon breed, we had the CRBA president as our judge and Ellis & Rose Houseman were there. Having the developer of the breed look at your animals (see past blogs) is priceless. And, thanks to Lawrence Weeks, having Ellis at the table was, as my son used to say, "A once in a lifetime opportunity".
Sandpoint was a bit more of a stretch. However, after being over in Davenport and then Montana, ID didn't seem so very far. After sitting next to Donna in MT for two days, we were pretty much sold on the idea and heard it would be a great time. We were not disappointed. It was well-organized and the club quickly solved any glitches. We saw a variety of breeders, made new friends and visited with old ones.
The potluck Saturday was great! It is really refreshing to say something other than "What breed did they call?" to other breeders. Most of us are actually intelligent people who can hold a conversion. I learned a lot talking with fellow breeders Susie, Nancy, Frank and the list goes on. I definitely learned what breeds are not for me!
Of course there were points and legs earned.
As everyone faces different financial challenges, we will all prioritize differently. We all show and raise rabbits for different reasons, choose different breeds and therefore different shows will meet different needs. This is one of the joys of this hobby.
Enjoy!
This show really had me thinking about Rabbit Shows and the future of showing. We are all facing the rising costs of gas and overall expenses and some think I'm "silly", "insane" or "stupid" to be attending shows so far away. Twice we have chosen to go east instead of attending shows happening here on the western side at the same time.
I have to agree that at some point, usually at least once every day, those remarks fit. However, in choosing to travel to these shows, I would disagree. We chose those shows for a variety of reasons....the main one for me is rabbit showing is a hobby and should be fun. I don't intend to earn an income or become rich and famous by showing rabbits. I do it for the friendship and fun and enjoyment. If wanted to be stressed out all day I would stay home, work and be paid for it!
(Emily is more of a traditionalist -- legs and points.)
We opted to travel to Davenport over Bremerton as the MRFGNW were hosting a specialty show on Friday night. That is 3 chances to show Mini Rex and a chance to support the club and of course earn those elusive sweepstakes points. (We are 3rd in the National Mini Rex club with Opals.) We also coordinated with Cinnamon breeders and had competition from Montana attending this show. The chance for "real" legs and real competition - this would not be the case in Bremerton.
We had a great time visiting friends on Friday night and the show was smooth sailing on Saturday. We had a nice "pre-test" prior to State Convention for our Cinnamons. Visiting with Helen is always a joy.
And, in "true" rabbit showing fashion, we did earn points, legs and even Granded my English Angora.
Traveling to Montana was almost a no-brainer. This was the final show for this club, this is the home of the Cinnamon breed, we had the CRBA president as our judge and Ellis & Rose Houseman were there. Having the developer of the breed look at your animals (see past blogs) is priceless. And, thanks to Lawrence Weeks, having Ellis at the table was, as my son used to say, "A once in a lifetime opportunity".
Sandpoint was a bit more of a stretch. However, after being over in Davenport and then Montana, ID didn't seem so very far. After sitting next to Donna in MT for two days, we were pretty much sold on the idea and heard it would be a great time. We were not disappointed. It was well-organized and the club quickly solved any glitches. We saw a variety of breeders, made new friends and visited with old ones.
The potluck Saturday was great! It is really refreshing to say something other than "What breed did they call?" to other breeders. Most of us are actually intelligent people who can hold a conversion. I learned a lot talking with fellow breeders Susie, Nancy, Frank and the list goes on. I definitely learned what breeds are not for me!
Of course there were points and legs earned.
As everyone faces different financial challenges, we will all prioritize differently. We all show and raise rabbits for different reasons, choose different breeds and therefore different shows will meet different needs. This is one of the joys of this hobby.
Enjoy!
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