Puyallup Fair Request for Rabbits

Ok...I tried to contain myself but just can't anymore. I'm sure this will prove I am a nut to those that had any doubts left. I have received an email request -- 3 times now from 3 different people -- soliciting me to provide rabbits for the Puyallup Fair Petting Zoo.

I understand why I would be asked -- we have a lot of rabbits (until the recent food situation), we have a variety of breeds, I have provided display rabbits in the past and I have access to people and 4-Her's.

However, I think that the request for bunnies -- 5-6 weeks old is out of line. Bunnies that age should NOT be put in a petting zoo to be "petted" -- lets be honest - man-handled -- for 5-7 days.

I've been through the petting zoo. The majority that work there are doing just that -- working. They are not educating the public on rabbit ownership or even rabbits in general.

Showcasing 6 week old bunnies for amusement is exactly what organizations like PETA started out to prevent. Is this ethical treatment of bunnies?

For those of us who show rabbits, especially here in Washington, we know you would never bring a 6 week old bunny to a show. Why then, do some of these same breeders think having 6 week old bunnies in a petting zoo is OK?

What kind of example are we putting out for our rabbit-raising youth? What about the youth and people that come to the petting zoo? What example are we setting for them?

At 6 weeks old, all bunnies are cute. They are cuter at 4 weeks -- why not have some 4-week old bunnies there for the public to pet? Where do we draw the line?

And, if your bunny is cute enough someone will surely want to buy it (or another one). As enticement to provide bunnies, the fair will pass along your contact info so you can sell your bunnies to these "well-informed and well-educated" fair goers.

(Remember though, those of you showing your rabbits may NOT post any for sale info on your cages.)

And, the offer has gotten better. The last email offered me a bag of feed and free passes to the fair. Yipeeee

I don't think I'll sell out my 6-week old bunnies for $40 -- they deserve better than that.

So...shame on those of you for supporting this irresponsible behavior!

Oxyfresh and Rabbits

Hi -- A couple of people have asked about Oxyfresh and its use with rabbits. Oxyfresh corp actually has produced this flyer with the uses of Oxfresh and Rabbits.

When the weather is hot, changes or is too cold, it is very important to keep rabbits -- all pets -- consuming water. The Oxyfresh Oral Hygiene is perfect for this. We have used it with our dogs for about 15 years - along with the other pet products (and their human products).

The deodorizer is great if you have indoor pets or to spray in the car. The Pet Deodorizer isn't scented - it eliminate odors. The Household deodorizer has a very faint minty fragrance. It is perfect for those who are sensitive to fragrances.

You can check all the products out at www.oxybreath.com

Wow...how time flies! It is already the 11th of August.

Emily passed her registrar's test and will be doing her "show" working quickly over the next couple of weeks and hopefully have her license by October.

We are starting to feel some recovery in the rabbit barn. We had a litter of 4 Mini Rex born yesterday and on Saturday attended the Cluster in Monroe.

We did win BOSV with our junior BEW's (and yes we did have some competition) and were pleased with that. The two little REW's with some great potential were traded for more blues.

I also picked up a nice Opal buck from Kathie Z to work on with the Opals.

We are looking forward to a great fall showing season anyway.

No word back on the feed anlysis. It should be later this week.