Podcast appearances and mentions of annette edwards

Possibilities by Annette Edwards by World Parkinson Coalition with support from the Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon

Now with Memorial Day in the United States coming up, I wanted to have an episode on rabbit memorials from personal memorials to public memorials and statues. We will also cover Brer Rabbit Fools Sis Cow, A Georgia Folktale.  The Plant of the Week:  Shepard's Purse.  The Word of the Week: Ancestry.  And conclude with the News. We will start with ideas on how to Memorializing a rabbit.  There was a great article by Moira Anderson Allen, M.Ed. http://www.pet-loss.net/memorial.shtml I need to emphasize the importance of focusing on positive memories of your rabbit. Remembering the good times that you shared with your rabbit can help counteract the guilt and grief that come with its loss. One way to help yourself focus on those positive memories is to develop a memorial to your pet -- a tribute or reminder that will actively help you access and concentrate on those recollections. Creating such a tribute can be an effective tool to help you cope with grief (though it may certainly produce a few tears in the process!), and it will also provide you with a loving reminder of your rabbit in the years to come. There are many ways to memorialize a rabbit, and we are now going to cover a few of the most popular: 1) Develop a photo tribute. One way to do this is to choose an especially good photo of your rabbit and have it beautifully framed, and place it where it will bring you the most comfort. Another is to gather a collection of representative photos, such as photos of your rabbit engaged in different activities, and at different ages, and turn them into a collection or collage. You can purchase mats with cutouts for as many as 20 photos (perhaps even more), and this provides a lovely way to display a collection. You can then put the matted collection in a nice frame, which will help preserve it. 2) Have a portrait painted. Many pet portrait artists list their services in pet magazines; you may also find one in your local yellow pages. (You can also find such services online by searching under "pet portraits."). These artists generally work from photos (it being a bit difficult to persuade a pet to "sit" for a portrait). All you need to do, therefore, is to find a good quality photo of your rabbit (preferably one that gives a good view of its face) and send or bring it to the artist. Many people consider a portrait that is an original work of art to be a great tribute to a pet. 3) Create a craft tribute. If you enjoy a particular type of art or craft, consider using that to memorialize your rabbit. For example, my neighbor used a needlepoint kit that resembled her Rottweiler to create tribute. You can also find services that will transfer your rabbits photo onto a needlepoint canvas, or create a canvas from a photo. If you have a knack for painting ceramics or plaster, consider painting a statue that resembles your rabbit. 4) Create a written tribute. A written tribute can take just about any form: A poem to or about your rabbit, a letter to your rabbit (or even "from" your rabbit to you), an account of your rabbit's life, or anything else that seems an effective way of expressing your feelings and memories. This could also be done as a family project, with each member contributing their own materials, which can then be assembled in a single volume that can be shared by all. With today's printing technologies, you can even extend this option by having an actual bound book printed that includes both written tributes and photos. The easiest way to do this is to prepare the written tributes on a computer and print them off in the desired format, with your choice of fonts, formats, and colors. Have your favorite photos scanned (or scan them yourself if you have a scanner). You can then create a simple layout of text and artwork using a basic word-processing program, or print out the photos and text and assemble them by hand. Your book can then be reproduced and "bound" at your local print or copy shop. This will cost a few dollars, but is a nice way to make copies for family members. 5) Post a tribute online. A number of sites offer this as a free service; you'll find some of those listings in our links section. Because so many sites do offer this service at no cost, I do not recommend paying for this service -- unless you feel that the site is sponsored by a worthy organization and your fee will directly contribute to that organization. Many sites also let you post a picture of your pet. Memorial Pages at House Rabbits. These pages have been built in loving memory of some very special house rabbits who have passed away. They also have a pet loss FAQ that you might find useful. If your house rabbit has a memorial page and you'd like it added to our list of links, send them an email. http://www.rabbit.org/links/sections/memorial.html 6) Plant a tree. A company called Treegivers offers to plant a tree in your rabbit's name, in the state of your choice. Or, plant a tree or special plant in your own garden for "remembrance." Your city parks department might also allow you to plant a tree in a city park in memory of your rabbit. 7) Obtain a special urn for your rabbit's ashes. If you have chosen cremation for your rabbit, you may wish to keep its ashes in a decorate urn. Today, you can find a marvelous array of urns on the market. They come in fine woods, stained glass, gleaming metal, or even as carvings of specific breeds. To find lists of urn manufacturers, check the classifieds and back-page ads of major pet magazines, or check on-line. 8) Contribute to an animal welfare organization. Often, animal shelters will provide a plaque or paving stone with your rabbit's name on it for a minimum donation. For example, when the humane society in Olympia, Washington, relocated, it offered brass plaques that were used to line the walls in the main lobby; for a donation, one could have one's pet's name and a message etched on the plaque. Nor are you limited to pet organizations; when our local library, opened its new facility, it offered paving stones that could be etched with a message, and many tributes to beloved pets became a permanent part of the facility. 9) Contribute to the cure. If your rabbit died of a particular disease, there may be a research organization that is seeking a cure. A contribution to that organization may help other pets (and pet owners) in the future. 10) Shop for a memorial item. Believe it or not, shopping can be immensely therapeutic. We still have a beautiful bronze key hanger that is shaped like a cat that my wife purchased when a beloved cat died nearly 15 years ago. 11) Put your rabbit's picture in a photo-display box (one that has a place in the top for a photo). Put some of the rabbit's treasures inside the box, such as a collar or a lock of hair. 12) Place a memorial stone or marker in your garden, even if you have not buried your rabbit at home, or place a special statue (not necessarily a funeral marker) in a garden spot that your rabbit loved, such as a statue of a rabbit, or of an angel, or St. Francis. We have a link to some memorial stones at the hareoftherabbit.com on the featured items page. This weeks item is a memorial stone: This weeks item is a bit more solemn. This is a memorial stone to commemorate your rabbit. On a personal note from the manufacture: They are pet owners as well, and they are proudly owned by them. Never ever a harder day than the moment they moved on – And they DO UNDERSTAND. You will need to use the contact seller's email to send the info you would like. This 12" x 6" x 3/8" piece of Granite is engraved with the image of a rabbit as shown. The personalized text (you can have whatever you like), as a default, they have: Name of your pet, date of birth and passing, and "Thank you for being the best bunny and the most wonderful companion. There will never be another one like you. Rest easy my girl, until we meet again. You will be deeply missed." Thank you very much for your purchase and allowing us to help. This Frosted Engraved Black Granite Personalized Rabbit Pet Memorial Stone is natural stone that is polished with a smooth surface and a high sheen. Being a natural product, which means there can be variations in color and pattern, and sometimes what you get delivered may be touch different than what you see in the display but as in nature all is most acceptable. The memorials are designed and made exclusively in the Lazzari Collections ™ Studio. 13) Keep a journal to help you through the grieving process. Record your pet's life story in that journal. 14) Build your own website in tribute to your rabbit. 15) You could also memorialize your Rabbit with a decal for your car, or with modern 3d printing you could have a 3d figure printed of your rabbit. 16) Get a tattoo! What I don't recommend is turning a memorial into a "shrine". I realize that some people really like shrines, but in my view, this tends to keep one's mind and heart focused on "death and loss" and not on living, loving, and remembering. Your rabbit was a part of your life, and its tribute should also be a part of your life, and not a perpetual reminder of its death. Rainbow Bridge – When House Rabbits Pass Away By Bunny Approved April 14, 2014 http://bunnyapproved.com/rainbow-bridge-when-house-rabbits-pass-away/ To everyone who has lost a dear, sweet bun in the past, our sincere condolences. Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult events in our lives, no matter if the deceased is of the human or furry variety. Even though this is a topic no one really likes to think about, we thought we’d take this opportunity to talk about death. Specifically, what happens with our rabbits when they pass away. We humans are advised to have a will in preparation for any sudden fatal accidents or illnesses. We think that it is equally important to prepare for a house rabbit’s death. After all, making a good decision will be much harder when we are overcome with grief. So here are some of the options we have when our bunnies pass away. We decided to present all the ones we found relevant, without judgment. Backyard Burial If you have a bit of land and don’t expect to move in the near future, you might want to bury your pet in your backyard. It’s a good idea to call your local authorities and ask if the burial of a pet is allowed and if there are any restrictions, as this can vary between areas. At the very least you want to call your local utility providers before you dig anywhere. They will send someone over to your property within 2 business days and mark underground lines for free, no questions asked. The grave itself should be as deep as possible to avoid interference from wild animals. Your state, county, or town might even have regulations around that, but 3-4 feet is a good minimum. Some people like the idea of wrapping the body in plastic and placing it in a casket for further protection, others prefer to keep all materials bio-degradable. Caskets can be made out of crates, baskets, wood, or cardboard or you can purchase one from places like etsy or an online/local pet burial service. Even headstones, mausoleums, and urns are available. The great thing about a grave on your own property is that you can decorate it as you wish and visit it as often as you like. If you would like to have your rabbit buried in your backyard, you can also contact the local pet cemetery and request a home-burial. That way you get the professional service, but your pet stays with you near your home. Cemetery Burial A quick google search made it pretty clear – there are many pet cemeteries all over the United States. Many of these places offer full burial or cremation services for pets. One pet cemetery local to us even writes: “We encourage pre-planning, as it is easier to make selections prior to the loss of your pet. At this time you can choose casket and plot, and setup a payment plan according to your budget.” Costs for such a burial vary based on where you are located and what kind of casket you choose, but after calling several different cemeteries it should be around $350 for a pet rabbit, including the plot of land, a simple casket, and a private service. Cremation The process of cremation includes high-temperature burning of bodies with ashes as the final result. Your vet will know a trustworthy service in your area or you can find one yourself. Either way, there are two kinds of cremation services available. You can choose a communal one where several animals are cremated at once. This is the less expensive option, but you cannot get your pet’s remains returned to you, as they are mixed with those of other pets. An individual or private cremation is more expensive, but you can opt to keep the remains. If you do that, you will receive the ashes in a sealed bag inside a sturdy box or another specialized container. Some places allow you to be present while the cremation is going on and they generally offer personalized urns, headstones, or lockets/pendants. You can also purchase those on etsy or other websites. Prices depend on the services you ask for, but should range anywhere from $30-$400. Once your rabbit is cremated, there are several things you can do with the remains. You could bury them in your backyard or a pet cemetery and place a grave marker on top. Planting a tree or a small flower garden right above the grave would also be a great memorial. Some people like to keep the remains in an urn and have it on display over the fireplace or in another area of the home. Spreading the ashes in a park or your rabbit’s favorite spot in the backyard is also an option. If you want to keep your rabbit’s remains with you at all times, you can purchase a memorial locket that could hold the ashes and a picture or poem. Life Gem also offers diamond rings made from the cremated remains of pets and other loved ones. Pet Preservation There are several businesses out there that can preserve a deceased pet rabbit and create a lasting memorial for the bereaved. Taxidermy involves preparing and stuffing the skin of the animal, but there is also a special freeze dry technology that leaves the pet intact. The costs for such services range from $150-800 for a pet rabbit (prices are based on weight). Trash Disposal Most animals smaller than a cat can be disposed of with the regular trash. All you need to do is place the animal in a sealed plastic bag with a a visible note attached that confirms what’s inside. Please check with your local authorities to confirm (you might have to schedule a special pick-up). Hopping mad: South African ministers furious to discover sculptors who created Nelson Mandela memorial included a RABBIT inside his ear Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2544048/Hopping-mad-South-African-ministers-furious-discover-sculptors-created-Nelson-Mandela-memorial-included-RABBIT-inside-ear.html#ixzz4gLvv7inB A 30ft sculpture of Nelson Mandela has angered South African officials as the sculptors left a ‘signature’ on the artwork – a sculpted rabbit tucked inside one of the bronze ears. The bronze memorial, which was unveiled outside the government complex in Pretoria, after Mandela’s funeral on December 16, is billed as the largest statue of the South African leader in the world. Officials demand that the miniature rabbit is to be removed from the statue, claiming it mocks Mandela and his life’s work. The department of arts and culture said it didn't know the two sculptors, Andre Prinsloo and Ruhan Janse van Vuuren, had added a rabbit, said to be a discreet signature on their work. The bronze rabbit, sitting on its haunches with one floppy ear, is about half the height of the ear canal. ‘It doesn't belong there,’ said Mogomotsi Mogodiri, a department spokesman. ‘The statue represents what everyone in South Africa is proud of.’ His department said in a statement that there are discussions on ‘how best to retain the integrity of the sculpture without causing any damage or disfigurement.’ The giant work stands with arms outstretched, symbolizing Mandela's devotion to inclusiveness, outside the Union Buildings, where the his body rests. Earlier this week, South Africa's Beeld newspaper quoted the artists as saying they added the rabbit as a ‘trademark’ after officials would not allow them to engrave their signatures on the statue's trousers. They also said the rabbit represented the pressure of finishing the sculpture on time because ‘haas’ - the word for rabbit in the Dutch-based Afrikaans language - also means ‘haste.’ The 30ft bronze statue was unveiled day after Mandela's funeral. Paul Mashatile, arts and culture minister, said the sculptors have apologized for any offense to those who felt the rabbit was disrespectful toward the legacy of Mandela. The government had appointed Koketso Growth, a heritage development company, to manage the statue project. CEO Dali Tambo, son of anti-apartheid figure Oliver Tambo, said he was furious when he heard about the rabbit, and said it must go. ‘That statue isn't just a statue of a man, it's the statue of a struggle, and one of the most noble in human history,’ Tambo said. ‘So it's belittling, in my opinion, if you then take it in a jocular way and start adding rabbits in the ear.’ It would be, he said, like depicting U.S. President Barack Obama with a mouse in his nose. The bronze memorial, which was unveiled outside the government complex in Pretoria, after Mandela's funeral on December 16, is billed as the largest statue of the South African leader in the world. Tambo said the artists, who belong to South Africa's white Afrikaner minority, were selected for their talent but also in part because the project was a multi-racial effort in keeping with Mandela's principle of reconciliation. He said their signatures could be added on the statue in a discreet place, perhaps on Mandela's heel. Veterans' fury over giant statue of RABBIT erected next to town's war memorial Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2160066/Veterans-fury-giant-statue-RABBIT-erected-towns-war-memorial.html#ixzz4gLyqgewR A Massachusetts town is facing a major backlash from local veterans after installing a statue of a giant rabbit in the same park as a war memorial. The controversial bunny has inspired a protest from furious war heroes, who refused to stage their usual Flag Day parade in a nearby square. And while the huge rabbit has been renamed 'Peace' in an effort to inspire a more conciliatory spirit, the conflict is pitting neighbors against each other and threatens to tear the town of Dedham apart. The fiberglass bunny, originally dubbed Leroy, first went on display on Sunday - and it was made by one local veteran in honor of another, according to WHDH. The sculpture is made from Dedham pottery, commemorating the ceramic industry which put the town on the map in the early 20th century. But it is the location of the artwork that has caused a stir, as it is standing just yards away from a memorial to the town's veterans. Frank Currin, a Vietnam vet, told WHDH that he thought the placement was completely inappropriate, asking: 'Why isn't it down where the playgrounds are? They have it sitting right next to the monument.' He and his fellow veterans did not participate in Thursday's Flag Day celebrations owing to their anger over the sculpture. Solemn: But some say the memorial's message is undermined by its new neighbor. Complaint: Veteran Frank Currin has spoken of his outrage over the sculpture. Jennifer Barsamian, founder of the group behind the public artworks scheme, described the row as 'discouraging'. She added: 'The committee that put together this monument approved the placement of this rabbit, so we were completely surprised and caught off guard when this happened.' But some Dedham residents have come to Leroy/Peace's defense, arguing that the rabbit is not offensive. Navy veteran Paul Grimes said: 'Why can't the town of Dedham put the bunnies that show the spirit of Dedham where they want to go?'. The sculpture, one of 15 rabbits due to be erected throughout the town, is set to be on display for six months before being sold off to benefit other public art projects. A public meeting will take place on Monday to determine its future. https://books.google.com/books?id=jHeIAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT35&lpg=PT35&dq=rabbit+memorial+statue&source=bl&ots=6QSw7nwszr&sig=-JT78jAZK6MiMRUuFcqPrQvU_HU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjx6-vS1tzTAhWi6YMKHSPCDn84ChDoAQi_ATAH#v=onepage&q=rabbit%20memorial%20statue&f=false 20-Foot-Tall Rabbit - See more at: http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/24868#sthash.Cm3oNe78.dpuf Gainesville, Georgia The northeastern corner of Gainesville, Georgia used to be a hamlet named Rabbittown. It got the name because its farms raised the rabbits that the people in Gainesville ate for dinner. When Gainesville eventually absorbed it, Rabbittown gradually disappeared from Georgia's maps and became a dim memory. Then Gainesville began promoting itself as "Poultry Capital of the World," and even erected a big pillar with a life-size chicken on top. It made sense for Gainesville; poultry is a Meat World winner. There are no Rabbit McNuggets, and you don't order a "Bucket of rabbit to go!" for a family feast. But the elevation of the chicken rubbed some folks in the former Rabbittown the wrong way, and in 1993 they erected their own big pillar, topped with a much-larger-than-life-size rabbit. "Rabbittown, GA," reads a plaque on its base, from a hamlet that was no longer hiding its past. The rabbit has the soft lines and awkward alert pose of a chocolate Easter bunny, and makes a far more satisfying monument than the Gainesville chicken. 20-Foot-Tall Rabbit Address: 2415 Old Cornelia Hwy., Gainesville, GA Directions: I-985 exit 24. Drive east on Jesse Jewell Pkwy for less than a mile. The statue will be on the left, just past the gas station, in the parking lot of the shopping center. Popular rabbit statue to stay despite construction, company says http://pamplinmedia.com/bvt/15-news/348709-228150-popular-rabbit-statue-to-stay-despite-construction-company-says "Don't worry," reads the large sign in Harvey's massive hand, "I'm staying." Standing 20-feet-tall — 26 feet if you include the ears — the company's iconic rabbit statue has stood outside Harvey Marine, 21250 S.W. Tualatin Valley Highway, for decades. The eye-catching statue has made Harvey's Marine Aloha's most visible local landmark since the 1970s, but the company is undergoing several changes this month as crews demolish one of its company's buildings and constructs a new drive-through coffee kiosk. But while company officials say they will be taking down some of structures, it's most prominent figure won't be going anywhere Easter Bunny statue devouring a person https://www.reddit.com/r/creepy/comments/5fj3q4/easter_bunny_statue_devouring_a_person/ This is in Pilsen, Czech Republic The creator of this three-tone concrete statue of a rabbit devouring a man is a student of Faculty of Design and Art at The University of West Bohemia, Adam Trbušek. The art, named Panoptikum, is his bachelor work. The statue, which was formed in 10 months, was created for the Office of 1st municipal district. Trbušek explained: "The goal of my work was to create a monument, a memorial of current period. It's showing us the state of our society in a way I'm perceiving it. The satirical work illustrates a man imprisoned by the system's mechanism, totally helpless, ill, and devoted to his desires and whims." The rabbit statue is paraphrasing Goya's painting Saturn Devouring His Son.G oya created the painting in the period of Napoleon seizing Spain. "We can figuratively feel the destroying grip today. However, the person of a dictator has transformed into a societal phenomenon, where you can hardly pinpoint and accuse particular persons. We've all created it, everyone with their part contributes feeding this monstrum and what's worse we are feeding it with nothing more than ourselves. Moreover, we take care of it and don't take notice it's slowly gnawing the flesh of our limbs away," described Trbušek. This is from r/evilbuildings which is part of the staTuesday collection https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g60763-d143372-i156384198-Alice_in_Wonderland_Statue-New_York_City_New_York.html The Alice in Wonderland Statue is a minor family-friendly attraction that is well worth finding in Central Park. Its located just north of the Conservatory Water at the east side of the park around 74th street. Children are allowed to climb and play on the sculpture, which is sort of neat considering the playful subject matter of this 11 foot bronze structure. During warmer months, the sculpture arrangement is nice to see as it is framed with green foliage from surrounding trees. Note that the sculpture seems to have a continuous stream of children pouring onto it during much of the day. As such, it can be tricky trying to take unobstructed pictures. However, if you visit early in the day, you can enjoy Alice and company much to yourself and take some nice pictures. Great spots for pictures of yourself or children can be taken between the large mushroom, which Alice sits upon, and Mad Hatter. Many climb up the mushroom to sit next to Alice for photos as well. This is one of the more memorable attractions at Central Park, something you'll long remember after your visit to NYC, especially if you have children with you. Down the rabbit hole in Llandudno http://www.visitwales.com/explore/north-wales/llandudno-colwyn-bay/a-girl-called-alice Enjoy a wonderful tour of the Victorian seaside town of Llandudno, taking in the sites inspired by the Lewis Carroll classic Alice in Wonderland. Explore the history of the town, find out about Alice Liddell (the real Alice in Wonderland) and enjoy an Alice-themed afternoon tea. There are plenty of opportunities for silly nonsense, some curious sights and some great places to daydream. Alice Liddell, the real Alice in Wonderland View of the promenade on Llandudno's North Shore North shore, Llandudno by Seán Murray Llandudno’s wonderland links stretch back to 1861 when the eight year old Alice Pleasance Liddell (the real Alice in Wonderland) first holidayed in the ‘Queen of the Welsh resorts’, Llandudno. Her holiday home ‘Penmorfa’ was built on Llandudno’s West Shore, where the family holidayed for many years. The Alice trail… White Rabbit sculpture in Llandudno The White Rabbit, Llandudno by peterdouglas1 From the Hearts Quarter of the town, you’ll pass the town hall and enter into Madoc Street. Near here, the famous White rabbit marble commemorative statue was created to commemorate Lewis Carroll’s centenary. Towards the promenade you will pass the magnificent Mostyn Gallery, which is well worth of a visit. Just past the Gallery you’ll encounter a White Rabbit Wooden Sculpture complete with waistcoat and a pocket watch. Remember to bring your bucket and spade to the Spades Quarter adjacent to the wonderful promenade on Llandudno’s North Shore, a beautiful spot with views of the Great Orme. Perfect promenades Alice in Wonderland sculptures in Happy Valley Happy Valley, Llandudno by Darling Starlings Along the trail, you’ll encounter the longest Pier in Wales, where you can admire the majestic line of hotels that have not changed since Victorian times. Look out for the St George’s Hotel. It is thought that Lewis Carroll wrote part of 'Alice in Wonderland' here. You can also see St Tudno Hotel, where Alice first stayed back in 1861. Happy Valley is ideal to stop and daydream. It’s a surreal park with wonderful views and lots of Alice in Wonderland sculptures. You can even play a game of croquet! For a bird’s eye view, take the longest cable car in Britain. It will take you past the Alpine Ski and Toboggan Center before reaching the summit of the Great Orme. Eat Me! Drink Me! Exterior of a Llandudno fish and chip shop Fish and Chip shop, Llandudno by Tony Worrall Foto If you’re peckish the Clubs Quarter of the town, recognized for its many cafes, restaurants and bars, is worth a visit. Since we’re near the sea, you must try the award winning Fish Tram Chips and a local brew. Follow the trail to the wonderful Haulfre Gardens where you will meet the troublesome Tweedles. Pause and listen to the sounds and take in the wonderful smells of these gardens, before heading along the old Custs path, part of the Great Orme Country Park. Grin like a Cheshire cat Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee sculptures in Llandudno Alice in Wonderland characters, Llandudno by jazzbeardie At the Diamond Quarter you can enjoy fantastic views of the Snowdonia range of mountains as well as the view Alice would have enjoyed from her bedroom window. You will most certainly have a grin on your face when you meet a larger than life Cheshire Cat sitting outside the Lilly Restaurant. In here, you can enjoy a pint of Mad Hatter's brew. The White Rabbit trail really is worth a stroll and a ponder. It makes you wonder: if Alice hadn’t holidayed in the Queen of Welsh resorts, and if her adventures weren't shared with Lewis Carroll, would the books have been written at all? Curiouser and curiouser! http://georgiainfo.galileo.usg.edu/statues_monuments/ Brer Rabbit Statue on the Putnam County Courthouse Grounds Eatonton, Georgia Br'er Rabbit appeared in numerous "Uncle Remus" stories penned by author Joel Chandler Harris in the 1870s. A folktale is a story originating in popular culture, typically passed on by word of mouth. What is a story without a campfire in the background. In many tales Rabbit is a trickster character in folktales of African, African-American, and Native American Culture. Rabbit is the consummate trickster, who typically matches wits with a character, whom he always bests. http://americanfolklore.net/folklore/2010/07/brer_rabbit_fools_sis_cow.html Brer Rabbit Fools Sis Cow A Georgia Folktale retold by S. E. Schlosser Now Brer Rabbit was skipping down the road one day heading for his home in the briar patch when he spotted Sis Cow grazing in the field. It was a mighty hot day and Brer Rabbit was thirsty. Some milk would be real fine on such a warm afternoon, but Sis Cow always refused to let Brer Rabbit milk her when he asked. So Brer Rabbit thought up a plan. "Howdy Sis Cow," said Brer Rabbit, walking up to her in the field. "Howdy yourself, Brer Rabbit," said Sis Cow. "How are your folks?" "Fair to middling," said Brer Rabbit. "How is Brer Bull?" "So-so," replied Sis Cow. "I'm wondering if you could help me out," Brer Rabbit said to Sis Cow. "I'd like to get some persimmons down out of that tree, but it's too high for me to climb." He pointed over to a nearby persimmon tree. "I ain't no good at climbing myself," said Sis Cow dubiously. "I don't need for you to climb," said Brer Rabbit. "Just butt your head against the tree a few times, and the persimmons will all fall down." Sis Cow considered this a moment, and then she agreed. Sis Cow backed up a bit and ran at the tree with her horns down. BANG! She butted the tree as hard as she could. But the persimmons were still green and none of them fell down. So Sis Cow backed up again and ran at the tree with her horns down. SMACK! She butted the tree as hard as she could. And her large horns got stuck in the tree. She pulled and tugged, but her horns were held fast. "Help me out, Brer Rabbit," Sis Cow pleaded. "I can't climb up that high," said Brer Rabbit. "But I'll run and fetch Brer Bull." So saying, the rascally Brer Rabbit ran home to fetch his Missus and all of the kids. They brought a mighty big pail to the field and they milked the trapped Sis Cow until not a drop of milk was left. Sis Cow was pretty sore at Brer Rabbit. She kept pulling and tugging, but she couldn't get free. "I'll come back tomorrow for more milk," Brer Rabbit said. "Seeing as you're probably stuck 'til daybreak." Brer Rabbit and his family left the field with their big pail of milk, leaving Sis Cow trapped in the tree. Well, Sis Cow, she tugged and tugged, trying to free her horns from the tree. It took her near 'til morning, but finally she broke loose. Once she was free, she had a quick graze of the green grass to calm herself down. As she ate, she made a plan to revenge herself on Brer Rabbit for his nasty trick As soon as it was daybreak, Sis Cow put her head down and stuck her horns back into the holes she had made in the tree, pretending she was still stuck. Now Brer Rabbit had come early to the field and had seen Sis Cow grazing as free as you please, so he knew she was up to something when she put her horns back in the tree. He decided to play along with her game for a while to see what she was up to. Quick as a wink, Brer Rabbit went back down the road and came clippity-lippity, hippity-hoppity down the road, singing as loud as you please. "How are you feeling this morning, Sis Cow?" asked Brer Rabbit when he reached the field. "Poorly, Brer Rabbit," said Sis Cow slyly. "I've been stuck here all night. But if you grab my tail, you can help pull me out." Oh ho, thought Brer Rabbit to himself. She means to trample me. Aloud he said: "I'm a puny ol' man Sis Cow. If I pull your tail, I might get crushed. So this is as close to you as I'm going to get!" Well, Sis Cow was furious that her plan hadn't work. She pulled her horns out of the tree lickety-split and started chasing that rascally Brer Rabbit down the road. Brer Rabbit ran as fast as lightning. He reached the Briar Patch well ahead of Sis Cow and threw himself into the brambles. He watched Sis Cow sail passed his hiding spot. Then she stopped because her quarry had disappeared. She looked around, trying to locate him. Brer Rabbit chuckled to himself. He folded back his long ears, made his eyes extra wide, and then peered out of a shady corner of the Briar Patch, pretending to be Brer Big Eyes. "What are you doing Sis Cow?" he asked in a high-pitched voice quite unlike his own. "I'm looking for Brer Rabbit, Brer Big Eyes," said Sis Cow, who did not recognize the trickster rabbit in the dim light of dawn. "He jest ran passed lickety-split," Brer Rabbit lied. That was all Sis Cow needed to hear. She gave a bellow of rage, lowered her horns, and ran on down the road. Brer Rabbit, he just laughed and laughed, rolling about among the briars. He had fooled Brer Fox and Brer Buzzard in the past, and now he had fooled Sis Cow. He was a real rascal, no mistake! Humming happily to himself, Brer Rabbit went home to have a big drink of milk, courtesy of Sis Cow. Plant of the Week: Shepards Purse Word of the Week: Ancestry Dexter, brother of bunny killed in United Airlines freezer blunder, now tipped to become world’s biggest rabbit https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/3610059/united-airlines-bunny-brother-worlds-biggest/ Hungry rabbit scoffs 2,000 carrots a year and is already 3ft Exclusive By Dean Wilkins 20th May 2017, 10:00 pm Updated: 21st May 2017, 6:05 am GIANT bunny Dexter has high hops of being the world’s biggest after the death of his brother. The youngster is already 3ft and could take the crown from his 4ft 4in father Darius. His brother Simon was tipped for the top until dying in a freezer on a flight to the US. At just ten months old Dexter is already 50 per cent bigger than bunnies his same age and breed. He already weighs around one and a half stone, three times more than an average new born human baby. Dexter will be fully grown in two years. Owner Brad Paynter, 28, of Basildon, Essex, said: “Dexter is a gentle giant – he likes to play with our dogs, he likes to run around with children and go up to people". Lap it up . . . Brad says Dexter ‘was the size of a small puppy’ when they got him. “When we first got Dexter he was nine or ten weeks old and he was the size of a small puppy – a lot smaller than what he is now. “We had a choice of a few rabbits, but Dexter really stood out to us and he’s really shot up in the last few months.” Dexter scoffs 2,000 carrots a year and his owner splashes £100 a month on Dexter’s food alone. Brad said: “The biggest problem with Dexter is that he is quite demanding – he wants fresh food and bedding every day. “He eats five carrots a day, two apples, about half a pack of spring greens, cabbage, celery, cucumber, broccoli and a ton of hay.” Furry friends . . . Dexter enjoys hanging out with owner’s French bulldog. Simon’s breeder, former Playboy model Annette Edwards, 65, received an undisclosed five-figure cash payout from United Airlines over his death. They have since banned big bunnies from flying. Author Bill Day’s New Book “The Little Lost Rabbit” is a Gentle Children’s Story About Six Little Bunnies Who Venture Far Outside Their Home and Get Lost in the Woods http://www.prweb.com/releases/2017/05/prweb14349028.htm Recent release "The Little Lost Rabbit” from Page Publishing author Bill Day is a richly illustrated and simple story about parental love for young children in which six young bunnies leave the safety of their home and take a walk in the woods. After venturing deeper and deeper into the forest and realizing that they are lost, the youngsters enlist the help of a variety of friendly animals until their father arrives to bring them home. Goosebumps 2 title revealed, plus promo art for Jumanji, Grinch, and more Read more at http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/849929-goosebumps-2-title-revealed-plus-promo-art-for-jumanji-grinch-and-more#K8wXWrZtZzswmALX.99 Originally created by Beatrix Potter, the upcoming live-action and CG hybrid film adaptation of Peter Rabbit is described as a modern interpretation of the source material, built around the rivalry between the mischievous Peter and Mr. McGregor, The film stars James Corden, Rose Byrne, Daisy Ridley, Elizabeth Debicki, Domhnall Gleeeson, and Margot Robbie. 'There's Self-Doubt, Darkness, But There's Hope': Scottish Band Frightened Rabbit Pens Turbulent Tunes http://www.wbur.org/artery/2017/05/18/scottish-band-frightened-rabbit There's an indie band that sings of dysfunctional relationships and loss — some of the common themes in rock lyrics — and then it ventures into deeper territory: panic attacks and addiction. The subjects the songs deal with hint at the band's name: "Frightened Rabbit." The Scottish group will perform at Boston Calling next weekend, playing songs from its latest album, "Painting of a Panic Attack." WBUR’s Rita Cary spoke with lead singer Scott Hutchison from Glasgow. She describes Hutchison as a "really shy, introspective soul." Hutchison explained that his mom called him a "frightened rabbit" when he was little because she said that was the look he got on his face when she wanted to take him to the park to play with other kids. “I find it kind of amusing that something that I would call the band I had great aspirations for, and I was hoping to play to lots of people, I would call that after essentially my own social disorder," Hutchison said. The singer-songwriter reflected that he's a lot more confident now than when he was a kid, though some of that anxiety and self-doubt still exist and creep into the band's songs. "But I always make sure that there is a light at the end. It's a very Scottish way of looking at things," he said. "It's like everything is ruined, but there's hope." https://youtu.be/HvEEmGgI-04 Royal Mint restocks limited edition Peter Rabbit 50p coins http://www.belfastlive.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/royal-mint-restocks-limited-edition-13038523 It is the first coin from the second Beatrix Potter collection. ByNisha Mal The Royal Mint has restocked its limited edition Peter Rabbit collectible 50p coin. The coin was so popular when it was first released in April, that the website crashed due to popular demand. And according to mirror.co.uk , some shoppers were queuing for up to four hours to get their hands on the coin. If you were one of the unfortunate few, that didn't manage to get one the first time round, then now is your chance. The 50p piece - which costs £10 - has now been restocked on the official Royal Mint website . It comes presented in a fold-out case which includes quotes from Beatrix Potter's original tales. As it is special edition, stock is limited. Back in April 30,000 of the coins were released but they sold out within a day. The first Peter Rabbit collection was released in 2016 to celebrate Beatrix Potter's 150th anniversary. The batch showed illustrations of four characters - Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle Duck, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and Squirrel Nutkin. Characters in the 2017 collection include the new Peter Rabbit coin as well as Jeremy Fisher, Benjamin Bunny and Tom Kitten - however the other three coins are yet to be released. Anne Jessopp, of The Royal Mint, said: “While we always knew that the Beatrix Potter characters would be a huge hit, the enormous popularity of the 2016 set exceeded everyone’s expectations. “The coins sold out almost instantly as people raced to collect a complete set of the four friends. "We’re delighted to be able to present another group of her exquisite characters, giving them a new lease of life on our specially-designed colored commemorative coins.” The Tale Of Peter Rabbit was an instant success after being picked up in 1902 by British children's publisher Frederick Warne & Co. More than 45 million copies of the book have since been sold worldwide. Three dead rabbits discovered at Cessnock greyhound training area http://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/story/4672999/dead-rabbits-discovered-at-cessnock-greyhound-training-area/ Three dead rabbits have been seized as part of an animal welfare raid at a Cessnock greyhound training area. The discovery comes after the live baiting scandal that came to light in 2015. Greyhound Racing NSW officials were conducting a targeted operation at the greyhound training facility on Wednesday when they discovered the dead rabbits near the training area. The RSPCA seized the dead rabbits and took them to an independent veterinary pathologist for postmortem examination. GRNSW and the RSPCA have commenced a joint investigation to determine if any criminal offenses had been committed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act or any offenses have been committed under the GRNSW Greyhound Racing Rules. RSPCA NSW chief inspector David O’Shannessy said the RSPCA awaits the results of the postmortem investigation and cannot speculate at this stage what action might be taken. If offenses under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act can be established, the maximum penalties are $22,000 fine and up to two years imprisonment for an individual. The property owner has been given an interim suspension on his registration as a greyhound participant. GRNSW General Manager Regulatory Stephen Dodd said the investigation was a result of extensive intelligence work. “GRNSW is determined to rid the sport of rogue elements that refuse to abide by the rules of racing and are unwilling to adopt the highest of animal welfare and integrity standards,” Mr Dodd said. GRNSW encourages anyone to report any allegations of wrongdoing within the NSW greyhound racing industry to the NSW Greyhound Integrity Hotline on 1800 680 174 or submitting it in writing via intelligence@grnsw.com.au. First bunny Marlon Bundo makes first White House appearance https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2017/05/09/first-bunny-marlon-bundo-makes-first-white-house-appearance/101486672/ A bunny upstaged Vice President Pence Tuesday. Not just any rabbit, though. But BOTUS – Bunny of the United States. That would be Marlon Bundo, the Pence family pet with his own Instagram account who made his first White House appearance at an event honoring members of the military and their families for Military Appreciation Month. “Thanks for coming,” Pence said as he shook hands with a little girl. “Did you see my bunny rabbit yet?” The children, wearing party dresses and bow ties, colored pictures of rabbits and American flags while perched around the long table in the Vice President’s Ceremonial Office until BOTUS came to the lectern held tightly by Karen Pence as she stroked his ears. She told the group that BOTUS is “kind of famous” because he’s the first bunny to ride on Air Force 2. “Oh my God!” exclaimed one of the kids surrounding the Pences. Karen Pence explained that her daughter, Charlotte, got the black-and-white rabbit for a film she made in college. (Marlon Bundo is a play on actor Marlon Brando.) “This notoriety is nothing new for him,” she said. BOTUS is very tame, runs around their house and jumps in his cage when he needs to, she said. “Marlon came today really just to say `hi’ to you and to say thank you to all the children,” Karen Pence said. As the vice president started to applaud, Karen stopped him, motioning that the noise would cause BOTUS to jump out of her arms. “Don’t clap!” she admonished. Once BOTUS departed with the second lady, the kids had less interest in who was speaking. As Pence started his remarks, one young man pounded his fist on the lectern, saying “`Scuze me!” Another tried to rip the vice presidential seal off the lectern. “I love these kids,” Pence said. The vice president continued gamely through his remarks despite a scuffle that broke out between two of the boys at his side. Pence said he wanted to give a rousing round of applause to the military spouses and to “all of these wonderful and,” he paused “energetic children who are with us today.” “I hope you see this crowded room as just one more down payment on the debt of honor and the debt of gratitude that we owe to the families of our armed services,” he said. After ending his remarks, Pence told the crowd “more ice cream is available” before hugging some of the children and posing for photos.

In this weeks episode we are going to explore the New Zealand Rabbit, which has a two interesting somewhat shaky stories of how the New Zealand Red was created, as well as why the New Zealand is the most popular Meat Commercial Breed of rabbit.  A story about the New Zealand rabbits that are in New Zealand. The plant of the week Brussel Sprouts.  The Hare of the Rabbit Amazon item of the week which is The Encyclopedia of Pet Rabbits.   The Word of the Week:  Altitude.  Our Folktale this week is How The Rabbit Stole The Otter's Coat, and finally some recent News. Today we are going to explore the New Zealand Rabbit Now two weeks ago I mentioned New Zealands in New Zealand being bred to the Flemish Giant to get a larger rabbit, so I had guessed that the New Zealand was bred in New Zealand.  Again we find a breed that is named for a place from where it did not originate.  Perhaps surprisingly, New Zealand Rabbits are the very first truly American breed of rabbits.  Their genesis seems to be tied much more to Belgian Hares than it is to rabbits from New Zealand.  The very first New Zealands were Reds.  It is also the history of New Zealand Whites, as they are nothing more than albino sports of the early New Zealand Reds. Since New Zealands are as American as sliced bread, why are they called ‘New Zealand Rabbits?’  There are two, somewhat shaky, stories of how the New Zealand Red was created... There’s a story that they came from imported wild rabbits of New Zealand.  From a booklet called 'The New Zealand Red Rabbit', written in 1918 by Mr. C. P. Gilmore, we know that some New Zealand rabbits were imported from New Zealand to San Francisco and Los Angeles.  Most people suspect, although no document proof exists, that the New Zealand Red Rabbit is a blend of the popular American rabbit and the New Zealand rabbits that were imported from New Zealand.  The article connected them to the newly developing breed of rabbits known as New Zealands.  So maybe there is some New Zealand in the mix. The second theory is that fawn Flemish Giants were crossed to Belgian Hares, and eventually the New Zealand Red appeared around 1910.  While the alleged imports may or may not have contributed to the breed that would bear their name, the establishment of the New Zealand Rabbit is now understood to be a completely American story, since the breed arose in multiple locations concurrently across the USA, with or without any New Zealand imports.  It is also commonly believed that the red coloration was the result of a cross between a Belgian Hare and a White rabbit.  The Belgian Hares had been developed before the New Zealand Red breeding program started.  Breeders had taken Belgian Hares and crossed them with Flemish Giants.  After a few years, the offspring of such crosses were called Golden Fawns, sadly now extinct, they lent their blood lines in additional crosses back to Belgian Hares to enrich the red color. Apparently, according to Mr. Bob D. Whitman in his book Domestic Rabbits and their Histories, Breeds of the World, crossing Golden Fawns, Belgian Hares, Belgian Hare sports and Flemish Giants was the next logical step in the minds of several breeders from the East to West coast of America. By 1913, breeders in both Indiana and California offered several reddish-fawn-colored, meaty rabbits, that still retained a Belgian Hare stance, on the show table.  Despite the origins at different ends of the nation, all the rabbits were very similar in appearance, although the California rabbits were more agreeable from a meat producing perspective.  Both strains of these new rabbits were America's first New Zealand Red Rabbits and were very successfully bred in California and Indiana from 1906 to 1925. Documentation and records show that while most breeders were calling their new breed of rabbits 'New Zealands', some breeders favored the title of 'California Reds', or 'American Reds', and even entered them in shows using those names. As more of these New Zealand rabbits were seen on the show table, local and national clubs started to spring up.  In 1916 a vote was taken to decide on a final name.  The final contenders were the 'New Zealand' & 'American Red'.  Obviously New Zealand won (in favor of 10 to 1) and became the official name. New Zealand Whites first showed up in the nest-box of a New Zealand Red doe in 1917.  Four albino bunnies showed up in the same litter of seven kits.  The fact that one was a buck and three were does must have looked to the breeder, Mr. William Preshaw, like a gold-embossed invitation for the development of a new variety - White New Zealands.  It is thought that this white variety came about from the cross breeding of the Flemish Giant, American White, and Angora. Two years later, in 1919, Mr. Preshaw showed his "White New Zealands" at the Stockton, California Fair.  They were met with huge interest. By 1920, Mr. Preshaw was advertising "Pure White New Zealand Rabbits" for sale. In the 1920’s rising popularity for this new breed began.  These White New Zealand rabbits bore only slight resemblance to the NZW Rabbits of the Twenty-First Century.  In 1920, NZW rabbits were stocky and white, but they tended to pose in a modified arch much like their progenitors, the Belgian hares.  This New White breed became well known and was soon imported into the UK after the Second World War in 1945. Black New Zealands first occurred around 1924.  However, today’s New Zealand Blacks were bred by Dr. Alfred DeCastro with Black New Zealand sports from California breeder, using many crosses including the Giant Chinchilla.  The variety was accepted by the ARBA in 1958.   New Zealand Broken The Broken variety has been a recent addition to the New Zealand breed and was accepted by A.R.B.A. in February 2010 by David Mangione.  Now broken blacks and broken reds can be shown and compete for Best of Breed and Best Opposite Sex of Breed. It is my understanding that Blue New Zealands are being developed through a Certificate of Development from the ARBA.  Blue New Zealand rabbit are recognized in British Rabbit Club and United Kingdom.  In Fall of 2015 the Blue New Zealand passed after first showing at the American Rabbit Breeders Association National Show in Portland, Oregon.   Many breeds were brought from England to America over the years, but this is one that crossed the Atlantic the other direction in 1916 (reds) and 1949 (whites).  Today the British Rabbit Council treats the New Zealand Red as a different breed than the white, blue, and black.   British New Zealands look quite a bit different from the American ones, retaining more of their original type.  Americans have bred them to a deeper and rounder body style.  In both countries, the breed is considered a prime commercial rabbit.   Body: A New Zealand’s body should be long enough to pack in plenty of meat, but not so long as to be out of balance with the depth of body.  Yes, balance is key.  The ears should balance in length with the head and body.  The width should balance with the depth at the shoulders, midsection, and hindquarters.  Fly-back fur should be clean and set tightly in the pelt.  A New Zealand should be very firm of flesh.  New Zealand White rabbits have large, broad, and muscular bodies. Bucks (males) weigh between 9-11 pounds, while the does (females) weigh between 10-12 pounds. In addition to their greater size, females are distinguished by the presence of a dewlap,which is a flap of fur below the chin that stores fat to be used as extra energy if needed during pregnancies and lactation. Shape: New Zealand rabbits have a commercial body type with balance and uniformity. Being a meat rabbit qualities should include:     well rounded hips     well filled loin     ribs that carry forward to combine with the shoulders to balance with the rest of the body The body of New Zealand rabbits are medium in length, with good depth and with shoulders blending smoothly into the midsection. The midsection should blend smoothly into the hindquarters. From Side: When a New Zealand is viewed from the side, the top-line should start immediately at the base of the ears and rise in a continuous curve to the high point over the center of the hips and then fall downward in a smooth curve to the base of the tail. From Top: When the New Zealand is viewed from above the sides of the rabbit should tape slightly from hindquarters toward the shoulders creating the ideal meat production animal. Ears: All varieties of New Zealands have long perforated ears that stand straight up. Unlike the thick, snowy fur on their bodies, their ears have shorter fur that allows their skin to show through.     The Red variety, in the US, is to be a brilliant reddish sorrel color, not becoming so dark that it resembles a mahogany red coloration.  The color is to be carried as deep down the hair shaft as possible and the belly color is to be similar if not the same shade of red as the top color.  White coloration on the underside of the tail or on the front or rear foot pads is permissible.  Eyes of the New Zealand Red are to be brown in color.     The Black variety is to uniform jet black coloration throughout. The under-color is to be dark slate blue with dark brown eye color.     The Broken variety, in the US, is the newest and most complex of the four New Zealand varieties.  The same emphasis is to be placed on the color of the broken pattern, as well as the marking pattern itself.  The Broken variety include any recognized color of the breed in conjunction with white.  The colored areas of the broken pattern are to match the standard for the colored variety (black or red).  The marking pattern of the broken variety is to have the following pattern: brokens are to have both ears colored, color around the eyes, and on the nose (balanced nose marking ideal), and a body pattern that may be spotted, or blanket. The preference is to have an evenly balanced pattern, whichever the marking pattern may be.  The toenails of the animal may be white, colored or any combination of the two, and eye color is to correspond with the eye color specified under the respective solid colored variety.     The White variety is to be pure white, with pink eyes, with faults for any discoloration including dirt and hutch stains. New Zealand white rabbit has a genetic deviation called albinism. Albinism is caused by a lack of melanin, which is a vital pigment that gives all creatures, including humans, their skin, hair and eye color.  The most noticeable characteristic of New Zealand White rabbits is their bright eyes, which range in shade from pale pink to bright ruby purple. Due to their eye color their coloring is often referred to as REW (red eyed white). A very rare variation of New Zealand White rabbits have blue eyes. These are known as BEW (blue eyed whites)coloring.  The snowy coat of a New Zealand white rabbit is a normal length like other rabbit breeds. Most New Zealand rabbits also have a white/pink/light brownish tint to their noses. Fur/Coat: All New Zealand rabbits have short, fly-back fur. Their fur should be clean and set tightly in the pelt.  A New Zealand should be very firm of flesh. Today, New Zealand Rabbits have been bred nearly to perfection. They give other breeds very stiff competition for the coveted Best In Show award. There is no resemblance in today’s New Zealands to the Belgian Hare breed.  The majority of New Zealands in the USA are in very close conformity to the breed standard of perfection. Judges have to get picky in order to rank the entries.   Over the years, NZW rabbits have now become the number one meat rabbit in the United States.  The NZW rabbit has now become the breed of choice when it comes to most commercial rabbit operations.  In fact, it is estimated that 90% of all commercial rabbits farms in the U.S. use the NZW. These white rabbits have become the most popular for meat production because of their large, broad, and muscular bodies; plus their fur can be dyed to other colors. New Zealands have enjoyed rising popularity since the mid 1920’s. That’s a lot of years of breeding, line-breeding and at times, in-breeding. As a result, traits like...     mothering     siring     numbers of kits per litter     milking     fryer vigor     feed to gain ratio have been carefully maximized and built in to many commercial herds. Diet The diet of a New Zealand rabbit is no different than for any other rabbit breeds.  A high quality pellet feed (protein ~ 16-18%), along with unlimited timothy hay and fresh water and exercise will maintain a healthy individual.  In production rabbits a higher protein feed (protein ~ 18-20%), and alfalfa or mixed hay in addition to unlimited fresh water may be necessary to maintain proper condition. Commercial use New Zealand White rabbits were not bred to be a domestic pet.  Instead they were bred for their excellent fur and meat.  Fryers are slaughtered at two months of age and older rabbits are sold as roasters.  Fryers gain weight rapidly, reaching 5 pounds by 8 weeks or close to it.  The rabbits with high grades of fur are used to make fur coats and fur trimmings.  The lower grades are used to make felt hats and glove linings ("Commercial Rabbit Raising").  New Zealand white rabbits are the number one meat rabbit in the United States.  Some commercial operations look for the addition of hybrid vigor by crossing their NZW’s with a second breed, or even a third, utilizing Californians, or Altex, a new breed designed to be a terminal cross within a commercial herd. (Note: Altex are not recognized by the ARBA.).  If you’re thinking of raising meat rabbits or starting a commercial rabbit herd, you may want to consider the New Zealand White. Laboratory testing Along with commercial purposes, New Zealand White rabbits are also used for laboratory purposes. Rabbits react similarly to humans to diseases and medications. This reaction allows them to be used at pharmaceutical laboratories, the U.S. Public Health building, cancer research centers, and university hospitals. New Zealand white rabbits have been used to develop tests and drugs for diseases like diabetes, diphtheria, tuberculosis, cancer, and heart disease.  The effects of skin creams, cosmetics, special diets, and food additives have also been tested on New Zealand white rabbits.   Another advantage the New Zealand White has, is it  also reacts similar as humans do to certain medications and diseases. Therefore, NZW rabbits are now used in labs for certain developments and drug testing for cancer and heart disease.  NZW rabbit serum, or blood which has been cleaned, is blood that is close to a humans blood and therefore in very high demand for cancer, diabetes and tuberculosis research.  For this reason, NZW rabbits may one day be responsible for saving a lot of human lives. There is a high global demand for this wonderful breed of rabbit.  The New Zealand White Rabbit, because of its meat, fur, blood, rapid weight gain and ability to reproduce so quickly, make it special above all other breeds for commercial production. Breeding A doe (female rabbit) becomes fertile between 8-12 weeks of age and can be safely bred at 16-17 weeks of age.  Breeding before this age can cause harm or death to the doe and/or kits. Does are fertile all year long although day length can affect that some.  The gestation period is around 28–35 days, although most will kindle (give birth) at 31-32 days.  A nest box should be provided for the new mother two to five days prior to the expected kindling date.  The doe will pull fur from her abdomen and dewlap and along with hay or other materials provided she will create a nest.  The young are born hairless, deaf, and blind. Fur begins to grow in by day 3 to 5 and after 7 to 10 days the kits' eyes will open by 2 weeks they may begin exploring and sampling outside food sources.  At the age of three to four weeks their mother will begin to wean them off milk, meanwhile the kits will switch to eating hay and pellets. The average number of bunnies per litter is seven but commonly range from one to fourteen.  Because rabbits are induced ovulators a doe can become pregnant by the simple act of mating if conditions are right. A doe can get pregnant within 24 hours after giving birth.   Over the years, some recessive disorders have arisen in New Zealands. See Autosomal Recessive Disorders to learn more. On the other hand, the same frequency of breeding can lend itself to test-breeding and eliminating the same recessive disorders that may have been uncovered. Nevertheless, if you’re thinking of raising meat rabbits or starting a commercial rabbit herd, you may wish to ask questions about any recessive disorders in the rabbits you’re considering for purchase. Other than ensuring genetically excellent foundation stock, you can hardly go wrong in choosing New Zealand Rabbits as a meat rabbit or as a show breed Showing: True, this rabbit is used in meat production more than any other single breed worldwide.  But like the Californian, this breed also makes a very attractive show animal.  A tip-top New Zealand has no trouble hopping away with Best in Show; one even took home the trophy at the 2011 ARBA Convention, one of the largest rabbit shows in history.  White is the most valuable variety for commercial purposes, and therefore is the most highly developed, most commonly seen, and most competitive color.   Showroom variety colors are:     White     Black     Broken (US)     Red (US) (Separate in UK)     Blue (UK) Lifespan The average lifespan of a New Zealand rabbit is between 5 to 8 years. However this can vary depending on conditions such as diet, health care and housing. Personality New Zealand Rabbits are usually good with children and other pets, very relaxed about being handled and rarely aggressive. They are a wonderful rabbit and make a great beginner bunny as they are calm, easy-going and friendly. They are also known for their social and outgoing behavior and enjoy being part of the family. They like everybody including other household pets, and most importantly, they are not biters. One of their most lovable features is that they usually love to be handled. Pick them up, set them down, or hold them in your lap. They are often likened to 'Rag Dolls' because they flop down like a rag doll where ever you plonk them, even across your shoulder! New Zealand rabbits are comfortable both indoors and outdoors but I think because of their wonderful personalities they would make excellent indoor pets and companion rabbits. They do like to nibble though so make sure your bunny proof cables, wires and your favorite shoes! Also make sure they have plenty of time to run around outside and they have access to fresh water, hay, grass and hiding places. Breed Status All New Zealand Rabbits are safe and not endangered. They are not on any 'at risk' registers anywhere around the world. Their development and breeding continues with vigor and popularity. uses Rabbits tend to be bred for one of four things: meat, fur, show, or pet use. The New Zealand rabbit is referred to as an “All-Purpose Rabbit” because it fulfills all four of these purposes.  It is a Multi-purpose rabbit, and It is a fine breed for either meat production or for showing, and they should also make for a great pet!  Even though this is a large breed of rabbit, they are gentle and easily handled.  This makes them good for pets or show rabbits as well as meat production. Club The New Zealand is recognized by the BRC (British Rabbit Council), and the ARBA, (American Rabbit Breeders Association). These rabbits have a breed slogan known as "The Breed in the Lead". Note: The BRC recognizes the New Zealand White, Black & Blue together, while the British New Zealand Red is classed as a different rabbit and is recognized by a separate breed standard. The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) maintains the breed standard for all of the recognized rabbit and cavy breeds for it's international membership.  Recognized breeds are eligible for Registration and Grand Champion recognition. The AMERICAN RABBIT BREEDERS ASSOCIATION, INC. is an organization dedicated to the promotion, development, and improvement of the domestic rabbit and cavy.  With over 30,000 members throughout the United States, Canada, and abroad, its members range from the pet owner with one rabbit or cavy to the breeder or commercial rabbit raiser with several hundred animals.  Each aspect of the rabbit and cavy industry, whether it be for fancy, as a pet, or for commercial value, is encouraged by the organization. The British Rabbit Council (BRC) is a British showing organization for rabbit breeders. Originally founded as The Beveren Club in 1918, its name first changed to British Fur Rabbit Society and finally to The British Rabbit Society. Today, the BRC among other things investigates rabbit diseases, maintains a catalog of rabbit breeds, and sets rules for about 1,000 rabbit shows annually in the UK. Owners of house rabbits are also encouraged to join the organization to learn how to care optimally for their pets. http://www.raising-rabbits.com/new-zealand-rabbits.html http://www.crossroadsrabbitry.com/new-zealand-white-rabbit-history/ http://rabbitbreeders.us/new-zealand-rabbits http://www.justrabbits.com/new-zealand-rabbits.html The bunny rabbit may be an adorable symbol of Easter for many around the world, but in areas of New Zealand the rabbit is public enemy number one. This Good Friday, hunters killed over 10,000 rabbits in New Zealand’s South Island in the 25th year of what has become known as The Great Easter Bunny Hunt. Rabbits are not native to New Zealand or Australia, having been introduced by European settlers in the 1830s. With few predators and an endless landscape of fertile vegetation, the population exploded on the island nations. The damage to the natural ecosystem has at times been catastrophic, with millions of dollars spent annually to control the “pests” and booms of the invasive species regularly referred to as “plagues”. The 328 hunters who participated in the 24-hour cull in Central Otago were divided into teams with names like Happy Hoppers, Hopper Stoppers and The Anti-pestos. The winning team, called Down South, finished on top for the second straight year bagging 899 rabbits. The kill total was up 8,439 from last year but was still a far ways off from the record year of around 30,000. Some 287,679 rabbits have been killed during the course of the event’s history. http://globalnews.ca/news/2602059/over-10000-rabbits-killed-in-new-zealands-great-easter-bunny-hunt/ Have I Missed Anything? If you know something about the breed standard, history or status of this rabbit, please let me know.   Do You Have a Story About This Particular Breed?  What do you love about them? Do you have any tips or tricks up your sleeve for what might make this breed happiest? Perhaps you're a breeder of this type of rabbit. Let us know, and maybe we can set up an interview? Plant of the Week: Brussel Sprouts.     Encyclopedia of Pet Rabbits: Now this week our HOTR Amazon item of the week is the Encyclopedia of Pet Rabbits: This book is the book that I have been referencing for the plant of the week.  This book is filled with a wide variety of colored photos of the different types of rabbits.  It also provides a good description of rabbit care and housing.  In addition, there are medical tips and photos illustrating the results of poor care.  This is a useful guide for the young or old rabbit owner who may wish to explore other breeds.  It has Excellent photos, and is a compact book. Word of the Week:  Altitude. How The Rabbit Stole The Otter's Coat http://www.ilhawaii.net/~stony/1197lore.html     The animals were of different sizes and wore coats of various colors and patterns. Some wore long fur and others wore short. Some had rings on their tails, and some had no tails at all. Some had coats of brown, others of black or yellow. They were always disputing about their good looks, so at last they agreed to hold a council to decide who had the finest coat.     They had heard a great deal about the Otter, who lived so far up the creek that he seldom came down to visit the other animals. It was said that he had the finest coat of all, but no one knew just what it was like, because it was a long time since anyone had seen him. They did not even know exactly where he lived, only the general direction, but they knew he would come to the council when the word got out.     Now the Rabbit wanted the verdict for himself, so when it began to look as if it might go to the Otter he studied up a plan to cheat him out of it. He asked a few sly questions until he learned what trail the Otter would take to get to the council place. Then, without saying anything, he went on ahead and after four days' travel he met the Otter and knew him at once by his beautiful coat of soft dark brown fur. The Otter was glad to see him and asked him where he was going. "Oh," said the Rabbit, "the animals sent me to bring you to the council, because you live so far away they were afraid you might not know the road." The Otter thanked him, and they were on together.     They traveled all day toward the council ground, and at night the Rabbit selected the camping place, because the Otter was a stranger in that part of the country, and cut down bushes for beds and fixed everything in good shape. The next morning they started on again. In the afternoon the Rabbit began to pick up wood and bark as they went along and to load it on his back. When the Otter asked what this was for the Rabbit said it was that they might be warm and comfortable at night. After a while, when it was near sunset, they stopped and made their camp.     When supper was over the Rabbit got a stick and shaved it down to a paddle. The Otter wondered and asked again what that was for. "I have good dreams when I sleep with a paddle under my head," said the Rabbit.     When the paddle was finished the Rabbit began to cut away the bushes so as to make a clean trail down to the river. The Otter wondered more and more and wanted to know what this meant.     Said the Rabbit, "This place is called Di'tatlaski'yi (The Place Where it Rains Fire). Sometimes it rains fire here, and the sky looks a little that way tonight. You go to sleep and I'll sit up and watch, and if the fire does come, as soon as you hear me shout, you run and jump into the river. Better hang your coat on a limb over there, so it wont get burnt."     The Otter did as he was told, and they both doubled up to go to sleep, but the Rabbit kept awake. After a while the fire burned down to red coals. The Rabbit called, but the Otter was fast asleep and made no answer. In a little while he called again, but the Otter never stirred. Then the Rabbit filled the paddle with hot coals and threw them up into the air and shouted, "It's raining fire! It's rain- king fire!"     The hot coals fell all around the Otter and he jumped up. "To the water!" cried the Rabbit, and the Otter ran and jumped into the river, and he has lived in the water ever since.     The Rabbit took the Otter's coat and put it on, leaving his own instead, and went on to the council. All the animals were there, every one looking out for the Otter. At last they saw him in the distance, and they said one to the other, "The Otter is coming!" and sent one of the small animals to show him the best seat. They were all glad to see him and went up in turn to welcome him, but the Otter kept his head down, with one paw over his face. They wondered that he was so bashful, until the Bear came up and pulled the paw away, and there was the Rabbit with his split nose. He sprang up and started to run, when the Bear struck at him and pulled his tail off, but the Rabbit was too quick for them and got away. Rogue rabbit ends up in Manchester polling station http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-39804727 An escaped rabbit wandered into a polling station to the amusement of council staff and voters. Fudge's owner was shocked to find his pet when he arrived to vote at the station in Chorlton, Manchester. An appeal had already been made on social media, as voters were choosing the mayor of Greater Manchester. One person working inside the station tweeted: "Missing: brown rabbit has just wandered into our Polling Station #Chorlton. Random Election Day!" A council worker said: "The owner was very surprised to be reunited with Fudge inside the polling station." There appear to be no rules regarding rabbits in polling stations. But rules regarding other animals seem clearer. Before the 2008 London Mayoral election polling staff were issued with advice stating that dogs had to be in an "accompanying" role rather than "free-range". And dogs have been pictured outside polling stations across the UK. In rural constituencies where voters may arrive on horseback, animals should be tethered outside. United pays five-figure sum to owner of deceased rabbit:report http://www.freepressjournal.in/world/united-pays-five-figure-sum-to-owner-of-deceased-rabbitreport/1061966 United Airlines has reportedly paid a five-figure compensation to a British rabbit breeder whose giant bunny died under its care, the second out of court settlement the beleaguered American airline has made in a week. Three-foot Simon, who was expected to outgrow his father Darius to become the world’s biggest bunny, appeared healthy when he touched down at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport en route to a celebrity buyer but was found dead a short time later. Giant bunny breeder Annette Edwards was paid a five- figure compensation by the United Airlines after the 1,800 pounds rabbit died in their care, The Sun reported. Under the agreement, “she received an undisclosed cash payout and his ashes will be returned — providing she does not talk about the case which made headlines around the world”, the report said. Simon froze to death after bungling ground staff at Chicago’s O Hare airport put him in a chiller by accident and they later cremated him before a necropsy could be performed, it said. In a statement, Edwards, of Worcestershire, said, “I confirm that United Airlines has been in regular contact with me regarding the sad death of Simon the rabbit and that the matter has now been resolved to my satisfaction.” “I would like to thank everyone for their condolences. This matter has now been resolved to my satisfaction and I will not be commenting further,” she was quoted as saying. Simon’s new celebrity owner in Iowa is also thought to have been included in the settlement but no details were released, the report said. “We were saddened by the loss of Simon and have worked with Annette Edwards to reach a satisfactory resolution,” United Airlines told the daily. This was one among a slew of public relations disasters for the United Airlines in a tormented month. Three weeks ago, footage emerged of a doctor being violently dragged off from one their flights after overbooking meant United airlines staff had no seats. The matter was finally settled out of court last week. Just days after the incident, it emerged that a bride and groom headed for their wedding were booted from a United Airlines flight after they relocated to empty seats three rows up without permission. The makers of PaRappa The Rapper and Elite Beat Agents are allegedly collaborating on a new music game called Project Rap Rabbit. http://metro.co.uk/2017/05/03/parappa-and-gitaroo-man-crossover-game-rumoured-6613628/ Not that we’re complaining, but all of a sudden we seem to be drowning in video game crossovers. From Marvel Vs. Capcom: Infinite and Puyo Puyo Tetris to the rumors today of Mario + Rabbids and now… Gitaroo Man and PaRappa The Rapper. The release of a remastered version of PaRappa The Rapper last month naturally encouraged speculation that a new game of some kind might be on its way, but if this rumor from website Rice Digital is accurate it won’t be a straight sequel. What at first seems to be just a random, outsourced rumor does have some fairly believable looking artwork attached to it. And even a little logo. The game is called, or perhaps just code-named, Project Rap Rabbit and is supposedly a collaboration between PaRappa developer NanaOn-Sha and Gitaroo Man creators iNiS (also known for fellow rhythm action games Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan and Elite Beat Agents). The Japanese text at the bottom of the screen apparently says, ‘Make rhythm-action great again’. Which is an idea we can certainly get behind. How similar the game will be in terms of game-play between the two is impossible to know at the moment. But while Gitaroo Man was never as successful as PaRappa it is one of our favorites in the genre, and well worth seeking out on PlayStation 2 or PSP. Watch now: A giant bunny rabbit searches for "Help" in Papa Roach's new video http://www.wjbdradio.com/music-news/2017/05/01/watch-now-a-giant-bunny-rabbit-searches-for-help-in-papa-roachs-new-video Posted on 5/1/2017 10:16 AM Eleven Seven MusicPapa Roach has premiered the video for their track "Help," a single from the band's forthcoming album, Crooked Teeth. The clip follows a man dressed in a full-body bunny rabbit costume as he tries to go about his day, only to be met with constant ridicule and abuse. As the end of the video, he finds a helping hand in another bunny-costumed person. Crooked Teeth, which also features the tracks "American Dreams" and "Born for Greatness," will be released May 19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RDHYLTsdeO2uA&v=4HS2DQrG7wE

In this weeks episode, we will be covering the Flemish Giant rabbit, the plant of the week which is Linseed, the word of the week; admission, and a few news articles. I have a new segment I am adding to the podcast.  Every week I would like to bring you an item on Amazon that I personally use or has been purchased by many members of the audience, and I have researched enough to recommend. Today’s HOTR Amazon Item of the week is the 20 Pack of Blue Barb Rabbit Nipples for Automated watering .   I believe with some things to always buy the best you can afford. This weeks product is a nipple waterer for rabbits.  These are one of the best rabbit nipples available for 5/16″ inch tubing.  These are easy to take apart either to clean or replace parts. They are easy for rabbits to use and works great with gravity fed or low psi automated watering systems.  They can also be used with Ferrets, Chinchilla’s and other small Mammals.  I have found that the blue ones seem to hold up better then the red nipples.  I have also found that the “T”‘s that are with the nipples break very easily, so I would not recommend expecting the “T”‘s to last very long.  In fact, I have found that the “T”‘s last about thee weeks before I have a failurethat I have to change them out.  The nipples I have found seem to last pretty well.  I have had to swap them out about every few months, and this is because they sometimes break in half, and I think this is more from getting knocked by something outside of the cage.  They attach to the cage by sticking one end of the spring in one of the small holes on the metal base of the drinker, hook that to the cage, and stick the drinker inbetween one of the bars of the cage, with the hook on the nipple piece to the cage.     If you would like to support the podcast, you can support through Patreon for one dollar a month.  Patreon is an established online platform that allows fans to provide regular financial support to creators.  Patreon was created by a musician who needed a easy way for fans to support his band. you can also support the podcast, and help keep the lights on, whenever you use Amazon through the link at Hare of the Rabbit on the support the podcast page. It will not cost you anything extra, and I can not see who purchased what.   Now we are going to explore the Flemish Giant Rabbit.  We briefly discussed this breed last week when we were covering the Belgian Hare, and that led to this episode. History Opinions differ as to the real origin of the Flemish Giant.  It is undisputed that Flanders – the origin of it’s present name – was the country of it’s adoption and dissemination throughout Europe and eventual appearance in America.  As early as the 1500’s, rabbits "four times bigger than ‘normal’ rabbits" were already living in the area of Verona, Belgium.  Exactly when the actual oversize rabbit giant genes first surfaced will probably remain forever unknown. It could have been a random mutation. It was bred as early as the 16th century near the city of Ghent, Belgium. It is believed to have descended from a number of meat and fur breeds, possibly including the Steenkonijn (Stone Rabbit—referring to the old Belgian weight size of one stone or about 3.76 kg (8 lb 5 oz)) and the European "Patagonian" breed (now extinct). The name Patagonia is a reference, which could be a reference to Argentina, or to a Spanish term meaning "big foot."  On the other hand, the belief that giant creatures lived in Patagonia was common at the time, making the name a logical one for a very large rabbit breed. In the late 19th and early 20th century, big bunnies were all the rage.  From Flanders, Belgium comes the biggest bunny of all, the Flemish Giant.  Europe, however, can give no definite information as to how or when it first appeared there.  It is known to have been bred there on a large scale during a period of several hundred years, and for a long time was called the Patagonian rabbit. Now I read many different thoughts about the "Patagonian" Rabbit, and I will cover them as we go. This "Patagonian" rabbit, a large breed that was once bred in Belgium and France, was not related to the Patagonian rabbit of Argentina (Sylvilagus brasiliensis), a separate wild species weighing less than two pounds (about 1 kg), nor the Patagonian hare (Dolichotis patagonum), a species in the cavy family of rodents that cannot interbreed with rabbits. An analysis of historical events during the 16th and 17th centuries gives strong support to the belief that the original Patagonian was the wild rabbit of Patagonia in the Argentine Republic.  During the 16th and 17th centuries the Dutch were sailing the seas back and forth, trading with the West Indies, Central and South America.  It is not likely that they would bring back with them merely the name Patagonia and tack it on to the rabbit of Flanders and the Netherlands.    It is, however, very likely that they would take back to Europe the rabbit itself, and name it after the country from which it came.  However, it was just about the time the Dutch were carrying on their trade with South America that these rabbits first became known.  Previously there was no record of them.  Even today the loose limbed, wild sandy rabbit of Patagonia has the same typical appearance of the Patagonian rabbit of Flanders as it existed there several hundred years ago. It seems likely then that one of three things happened.  Either this rabbit was taken from Europe to Patagonia, or from Patagonia to Europe, or was a breed givin an exotic name with no origin's in Patagonia; but since we find no record in Europe before the Dutch started trading with America, then it seems fairly obvious that this rabbit may have originate in Patagonia. Whereas, however, in Patagonia the rabbit has remained wild and not been subjected to selective breeding, leaving it as it was hundreds of years ago. In Europe and America, selective breeding has been carried out extensively, and this has produced the far superior rabbit known today as the Flemish Giant. The earliest authentic record of the Flemish Giant Rabbit occurred about the year 1860.  At that time, in England, stories were being circulated by travelers having recently returned from Flanders, of the enormous size of the rabbits raised in that country and in parts of France.  Weights of certain specimen were stated to be 18  to 20 pounds.   Rabbit meat at the time was being imported into England to the extent of millions of pounds yearly and local breeders were unable to fill the demand.  English breeders of meat stock produced their product from stock weighing an average of 7 to 8 pounds at maturity, so it was but a short time later that the first importation of Flemish breeding rabbits took place.  In The British Islands Rabbit breeding as a fancy and as a means of reducing family expenses was looked upon more as a necessity rather then a hobby with this and competition being what it is, it was but a short time before the Flemish Giant made its appearance at some of the many rabbit shows held periodically in England.  The first standards for the breed were written in 1893. The first Flemish exhibited, although impressive in size, was not handsome.  The color being of a dirty iron grey with sandy or white bars on legs, long ears bent over at the tips, and a general uncouth appearance.  Nevertheless, it was but a brief period before the first Flemish Breeders’ Association was organized for the express purpose of improving the new breed.  Various experiments and crosses with other varieties worked a wonderful change in the former homely specimen and it eventually became the rule that no show was complete without a large display of Flemish Giants.  The weight and color improved from time to time.   American fanciers imported Flemish Giants from England about the same time of the Belgian Hare boom in the early 1880’s.   Fast-forward to the mid-1800’s.  Multiple Belgian clubs were already regularly holding weight competitions featuring their giant rabbits. The winning Flemish Giants weighed up to 19 pounds in the latter half of the 1800’s. No special notice was attracted to the breed until the year 1910 when at that time rabbits were exhibited at the leading poultry shows throughout the country.  The Flemish Giant was soon established as a favorite owing to their enormous size and beautiful colors.   Flemish Giants arrived in the USA at the very end of the 1890’s. They arrived here only partially pedigreed, yet the demand for these giant rabbits was as monstrous as the rabbits themselves. It was not long before American breeders organized their own clubs and standards of perfection for the Flemish Giant. The breed was well established by the turn of the 20th century, desired for its meat-producing qualities.  The first Flemish Giant club in the United States was established in 1915.  The Federation was founded in 1915 by a group of four Flemish Giant rabbit breeders and recently, they celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Flemish Giant National Show.   In 1924, the Flemish Giant Rabbit became a charter breed of the newly formed American Rabbit and Cavy Breeders Association, the forerunner of today’s ARBA. Before and during the last World War, it was very common in Europe to see these large easy-care rabbits being raised by children, who fed them on garden produce, to provide cheap and healthy meals in hard times. The British Flemish Giant is only bred in the UK, and is not as large as the typically massive Flemish Giants found in every other country. The breed is rare today. British Giant Rabbits The British Giant Rabbit is similar to a true Flemish Giant as recognized throughout the world.  It is a massive rabbit with a minimum weight of 13.5 pounds (6.14 kg), and no maximum weight. Now we are going to look at how the breed spread around rest ot the world!  By the end of the 19th Century, Flemish Giants were recognized in Belgium in two colors, gray agouti (white bellied) and iron gray (dark bellied), and various breeders began importing them to their various countries. Flemish Giant Rabbits are the mammoth rabbits of the rabbit world, and the basis of all giant rabbit breeds such as British Giants, Continental Giants, and Gigantes de Espana (Spanish Giants). New Zealand: The breed was imported into New Zealand from North America in the 1980s, its principal attraction being its large size – it is one of the largest breeds of domestic rabbit.  It soon attained a degree of popularity in NZ, which it still has today.  In 1986 a 10-month old Giant weighting over eight kilograms was imported from Germany and was used to help increase the size of those in New Zealand. Since then no other Flemish Giants have been brought into New Zealand.  Some time after the Flemish Giants were imported into this NZ, they were bred to New Zealand Whites by a small number of commercial breeders to try and produce a larger carcass with a fast growth rate.  The results were not up to their expectations as the cross resulted in an increase of bone to meat ratio – a Flemish Giant will produce bone first before filling out into the large solid rabbit they are.  They are often referred to as slow growers.  The Giants were also crossed with smaller breeds to introduce different colours and this has resulted in a reduction in their overall size, with a number of smaller sized rabbits being sold as Flemish Giants in New Zealand.  Any adult below five kilograms can’t be a giant amongst rabbits and live up to its name!  In 2011 it was estimated that there were about 70 Flemish Giant rabbits in New Zealand. Germany: The Germans changed the name of their Flemish Giants to German Giants in 1937.  They are genetically 100% Flemish Giants, however selectively bred to conform to the particular specifications of the German standards of perfection for the breed. England: Flemish Giants arrived in England in the early 1900’s. There was apparently a difference of opinion as to which breeding goals to pursue and which colors would be permissible. Perhaps this is why one can find a British Flemish Giant which is only bred in the UK and in only one variety, and the larger British Giant Rabbit which resembles the true Flemish Giant, and which is found in various colors. Japan: Japanese Jumbo Whites resulted from crosses between Flemish Giants and New Zealand Whites.  They enjoyed their heyday before 1950, but now their numbers are so few that the Japanese Agriculture Association protects the breed. Spain: The generally accepted breed history is that the Spanish Giant is the result of crosses between Flemish Giants and two Spanish rabbit breeds, the Lebrel Espanol and the Belier, a lop.  Subsequent breedings selected for erect ear carriage and size.  By 1900, the breed known as the Gigante de Espana (Spanish Giant) was recognized in Valencia, Spain. Flemish Giant Rabbits in the USA American Flemish Giant Rabbits are massive, but don’t quite achieve the truly gigantic proportions seen in a few strains of Continental Giants. This does not mean that Flemish Giants do not have the same size potential of the Continental Giant. They do, but the US Standards of Perfection don't incentivize massive size. Additionally, Flemish Giants in the USA do not carry themselves as flat as do the Flemish in other nations.  American breeders focus on their ideas of overall "balance," while still specifying no maximum weight.  In the US, a slightly smaller, but balanced rabbit will win over an enormous Flemish Giant that does not appear sufficiently balanced. This is the part of the USA standard that places less emphasis on a gigantic rabbit, resulting in giant rabbits that aren’t quite as ‘giant’ as their cousins in the UK or Europe. Overall Description Appearance The typical reaction of most people who see their first Flemish in person is that of awe! Those first comments are almost always some version of “WOW! That is one BIG rabbit”; many will also add “that is bigger than my dog!” Both statements are not an exaggerated truth, though are they favorites that the owners of these amazing giants just love to hear. The body of a Flemish Giant Rabbit is powerful, with relatively broad hindquarters without being fat.  It should carry a heavy bone. Flemish Giants are easily recognizable & quite distinguishable from other breeds of rabbits.  Most commonly, Flemish are world-renown for their long, erect ears and their substantially large size. In addition to this, they have big blocky looking heads with bright bold eyes that are fully complimented by long, noticeable eyelashes. When they are sitting in a resting position on a flat surface, starting from the base of their shoulders, they have a gradual rise that transitions across their wide midsection to their massive, broad hindquarters which continues in a smooth descent, over the hips, to a rear end that sits flatly on the table-top. As one of the largest breeds of domestic rabbit, the Flemish Giant is a semi-arch type rabbit with its back arch starting in back of the shoulders and carrying through to the base of the tail giving a "mandolin" shape.  The body of a Flemish Giant Rabbit is long and powerful, with relatively broad hindquarters.   Flemish Giant Rabbits weigh 15 pounds on average, though the biggest ones can weigh up to 22 lb, and the longest one on record (in fact, holding the record for the longest rabbit in the world of any kind), measured about 32 inches long. ARBA - The show standard minimum weight for a senior doe is 14 lb (about 6.4 kg), and the show standard minimum weight of a Senior buck is 13 lb (about 5.9 kg). The English Lop has a minimum ear span length, but the Flemish is the only breed where the standard specifies a minimum rabbit length.  This happens to be the same number as for the English Lop ear span: 21 inches.   Weight is at least 13 pounds on senior bucks and 14 pounds on senior does.  No maximum weight is specified, but some Flemish have pushed even to 20 pounds.  However, when judging the Flemish it is important to remember that big is good, but balanced is better.  Bone should be heavy, These are gentle giants. BRC - Bucks shall not be less than 4.974kg (11lb) and doe’s not less than 5.44kg (12lb). Size shall be considered irrespective of weight. FUR The fur of the Flemish Giant is known to be dense. When stroked to the head, the fur will roll back to its original position. The fur of the Flemish Giant is known to be glossy and dense. When stroked from the hindquarters to the head, the fur will roll back to its original position.  Coat & Condition should be a full short coat, firm in flesh and moderately thick. Color: The American Rabbit Breed Association (ARBA) standard recognized seven different colors for this breed: black, blue, fawn, sandy, light gray, steel gray, and white.  All are solid colors, as “broken patterns” are not recognized by the ARBA.  However, the color standards are different as defined by the BRC, mentioning only Dark Steel Gray. (BRC) Colour - Dark steel grey, with even or wavy ticking over the whole of the body, head, ears, chest and feet alike, except belly and under tail which shall be white, upon the surface of the fur. Any grey, steel, sandy or other shade on the belly or under tail, except a streak of grey in each groin, shall disqualify. AMPLIFICAITON OF COLOUR: The under should be blue at the base for a little more than a third of the length, then black, merging into a creamy, or bluish white ticking which may be again tipped with black.  In even ticked specimens, the mixture should show half grey and half black tipped hairs over half of the body, neck, face and ears, but may be interspersed with longer yet – black hairs, both even and wavy ticking being permissible. The whole should be uniform in colour.  The under parts to be white with blue under-colour. Tail should be ticked rather darker on top, white on the underside. Legs Their front legs will be very large, within proportion to their bodies, which will also be quite visible. However, their hind legs, while they are equally massive & very powerful, will not usually be as visible because they will be tucked up under their sides. BRC - Shall be in length proportionate to body, strong in bone, large and straight. Feet shall be velvety, dark and ticked. Ticking to show when coat rubbed back. Ears and Eyes The ears are around 8" (20cm) long, standing erect, there may be light rings around the eyes.   The ears large, and the standard actually calls for a reposeful expression in the eye.  Eyes shall be bold and dark brown in colour. Bucks and Does: Bucks have a broad, massive head in comparison to does, and can take 1.5 years to reach full maturity. Does may have a large, full, evenly carried dewlap (the fold of skin under their chins), and can take 1 year to reach their full maturity.  Does can take 1 year to reach their full maturity. Breeding season is in February. Flemish Giants do not handle heat well and therefore, pregnant rabbits do not do well during hot Summers. Babies are ready for new homes at 8 weeks or older. BRC and ARBA Although there are several differences of desired traits in this giant rabbit breed, the two most commonly used descriptions are that of the ARBA & the British Rabbit Counsel (BRC) Breed Standard’s of Perfection. Both standards state slight differences, from the American minimal weight standards for fully matured bucks at 13 pounds & 14 pound does, to the British standard of 11 pound bucks & 12 pound does. Other differences include body style, with the ARBA calling for a semi-arched mandolin shape & the BRC desiring longer, flat bodies. Otherwise, both state that heavy bone structure, mass, & thick, long ears, with bold eyes & dense, short fur that has a roll-back effect when brushing your hand across their backs in a back-to-front motion. BRC points:  1) Colour 30 points 2) Size & Weight 20 points 3) Body 15 points 4) Legs and Feet 15 points 5) Head & Ears 10 points 6) Coat & Condition 10 points Total 100 points INTERMEDIATE FLEMISH 1. To be judged to the Giant Standard 2. Age to be over 6 months old. 3. Weight - Buck to be less than 4.989kg (11lb). Doe to be under 5.443kg(12lb). Important Tips to Look for When Buying Show Stock: Big Flemish are desirable, but balance is even more important. Balance means well proportioned.  The head, ears, and legs should balance with the body. Long bodied rabbits should have longer heads, ears, and legs than a medium length rabbit.  Flemish giants should wide enough to not be too narrow.   Things to Avoid: Rabbits that are not balanced.  Pinched hindquarters, fat rabbits, narrow body.  Short body under 20 inches on seniors or lack of body arch is a disqualification.  Thin ears or weak ear base. Ears that turn over at the tip or are less than 5 1/2 inches are a disqualification.  Medium bone is a fault. Fine bone, short legs, cow hocks, flat feet, weak ankles (bending at the ankle affecting straightness of forelegs), and mismatched toenails are disqualifications. Thin, very short or very long fur or a soft coat. Care You should keep in mind that caring for a Flemish Giant differs from caring for smaller well-known rabbit breeds, this is of course mainly due to their larger size. Before getting started you will have to consider which of the different housing options would be the best solution. Due to its large size, the Flemish Giant needs substantial living quarters that provide ample opportunity for physical movement. The House Rabbit Society recommends keeping rabbits inside the home in a very large pen or room(s) in the home.  Larger dog crates are often more appropriate than traditional rabbit and small-pet cages, which tend to be smaller and shorter.  In the United States Department of Agriculture's standards for animal housing, rabbits over 12 pounds must have at least five square feet of floor space.  The size of appropriate living quarters increases with size of the rabbit.  You may wish to consider a custom made hutch, with a large door for the rabbit's access, or perhaps a dog crate would be better than a hutch.  They require a lot of space. Outdoor cages should be 5 feet by 3 feet ( 1.5 meters by 1 meter).  Cages must be in the shade so the rabbits do not overheat. Cages should be protected from wind using painter drop cloth. Cages should have plywood roofs to protect rabbits from rain and snow. The US dept of Agriculture standards for rabbits over 12 lbs (5.45 Kilos), advise at least 5 sq ft (.50 Sq Meters) of floor space for rabbits of such sizes and elsewhere you will find suggestions of minimum hutch sizes for large rabbits to be 14"High x 36" Depth x 48" Width (36x91x122 cm). This size allows the rabbit very little room and whatever you decide upon, just bear in mind the fully grown size can be from 14 to 20lbs (6.36 to 9.09 Kilos). Cages with incorrectly sized wire gauge bottoms (as opposed to small gauge wire or solid bottoms) can harm the feet of a Flemish Giant more so than smaller house rabbits due to their increased weight.  A resting board may be required to prevent sore hocks for a larger breed rabbit.  The Flemish Giant will require larger quantities of food compared to smaller breeds of domestic rabbits. Like some other short hair breeds of rabbits, the Flemish Giant will usually require mild attention to grooming due to its shorter hair. Shedding during the spring and fall transition periods tend to be the most dramatic, with smaller sheds often occurring in between. Care for the Flemish Giant is the same as with all rabbits but a rabbit of such size needs a lot of attention and handling from the beginning or a young age. Diet Flemish Giants can be fed like other rabbits, with the amount of food increased to match their larger size.  ARBA recommendations include hay and occasional treats. A high protein diet of 16% or more is needed for them to gain bone mass while growing and later when muscle mass develops.  Apples, cabbage or broccoli in small amounts can be given as treats and slowly increased.  A quarter apple per rabbit every other day for 3 weeks can be increased to a half apple after that.  Since Flemish Giants do not reach full size until they are 1.5 years old, they need to be fed a lot until then.  When females have babies and during winter, they need to be fed as much as they can eat, and given plenty of water. In supplementing a commercial diet, care must be taken to avoid excess protein, calories, and minerals such as salt and calcium, which in excess can cause kidney stones.  Overfeeding leading to obesity is a major health concern for both commercial and pet rabbits. The House Rabbit Society recommends 2 cups of chopped leafy vegetables per 6 pounds (3 kg) of body weight and no more than 2 tablespoons of fruit or carrots per 6 pounds of body weight daily. CARE OF THESE GENTLE GIANTS Because of their large size they are usually not bothered by cats, hawks or other small mammal prey.  Flemish Giants do not handle heat well.  They would need shade and a way to cool down. In hot cliamates, some people keep rabbits in a climate controlled environment with air conditioning in the Summer.  Flemish Giants are large rabbits that eat a lot. It is extremely important to have a good quality pellet food and plenty of hay daily.  IF you add a vegetable one day, and the bunny gets diarrhea, STOP IT IMMEDIATELY.  It is critical when a bunny gets diarrhea because they will dehydrate quickly.  Make sure they have plenty of clean water available at all times. Health The American Rabbit Breeders' Association (ARBA) recommends delaying breeding of female rabbits until they reach the senior weight range.  For Flemish Giants, this is 14 pounds, and a typical rabbit will reach this weight when they are about 9 months to one year.  A Flemish Giants can take up to 1.5 years to reach their maximum weight and a breeder should wait until the rabbit is slightly over a year old before breeding.  Females and males can become sexually mature at 4 months and 8 days.  Once the rabbits are 3 months old they should be keep in separate cages or put females with females and males with males.  If fighting occurs then they must be separated.  The breeding lifespan of a rabbit is variable.  Some breeders prefer not to have any more litters after the age of three years while others continue to produce quality litters for five to eight years.  The gestation period is between 28–31 days.  On average they give birth at 30–32 days. The Flemish Giant rabbit can produce large litters, usually between 5 and 12 in a litter. A nesting box filled with hay is given to the female as she prepares for birth.  After birth, clean out the hay, replace with some new hay, and check to see if babies are all alive.  Check box every day in case babies die and take them out. If the rabbit is not used to handling, then you will have big problems later on when, for example, you need to pick them up or examine them.  Rabbits of sizes similar to the Flemish Giant can be heavy to lift when fully grown. Because of their size, children are unlikely to hurt them by picking up or dropping them. They also get on well with other pets and can live easily with smaller rabbits, but you need to be careful with any introduction to smaller rabbits. Although they can cope with cold temperatures, they do not fare so well with the heat.  They must have exercise and it needs to be remembered that they will be more expensive to keep. They will eat a lot more than the smaller breeds, requiring more hay; they excrete more and need larger living accommodation. Larger rabbits can become high maintenance as they get older, though no more than a dog would. Uses Flemish are thought to have originally been used for fur & meat production.  However, it has since been realized that due to their large bone density, the meat to bone ratio is not the most ideal prospect available for such a purpose as meat production.  Instead, they are now primarily kept as pets and showmanship animals, as well as for 4H projects in the United States.  These gentle-giants are well-known for their easy-going, calm, docile nature.  Because of this, they make great pets for children and adults alike. Flemish Giants make excellent pets as they are calm, but heavy for most children to handle.  They eat at least .5 kg. or more food a day of dried rabbit pellets.  They expel a lot of waste.  Flemish Giants are not typically regarded as "meat" rabbits because much of the commercial rabbit market focuses on young rabbits, usually around 70 days of age.  At this time, Flemish Giants are developing bone mass rather than muscle.  However, when raised to roasting (under 6 months) and stewing (over 6 months) age, the size of the Flemish makes them desirable.  They are also often bred with other meat rabbit breeds, such as the New Zealand, to increase both meat-to-bone ratio and litter size. Due to the large amount of high protein food they consume and the cost of this food, the selling of the Flemish Giants for meat is not profitable; as buyers want to give just a few dollars per rabbit. Apart from being kept as a pet, the Flemish Giant is used for meat, fur, show, pet assisted therapy and education. 4-H and Show Flemish Giants, due to their uncomplicated grooming requirements and docile personalities, are used by 4-H programs throughout the United States as a starter rabbit for teaching children responsibility and care of farm animals and pets.  Another very popular youth program outside of 4-H that promotes responsible show breeding is the National Federation of Flemish Giant Breeders Youth Program.  Flemish Giants are the second oldest domesticated rabbit breed in the United States, following behind the now rare Belgian Hare, which we covered in last weeks episode. The Flemish these days is primarily a fancy breed, raised for show and pets.   People who first see them sometimes think these biggest ones must be meat rabbits, but Flemish consumes too much feed for the meat yield to be a very efficient commercial breed.  They have always had a strong following. Today the Flemish rabbit leads in number exhibited at all the principle shows and are sold at the highest prices recorded since the days of the ill-fated Belgian boom. Temperment/behavior Flemish Giants can be docile and tolerant of handling; frequent interaction with humans is a requirement for this to occur.  Flemish Giants, like all rabbits, can become fearful, and sometimes aggressive, if handled incorrectly or irresponsibly.  Their larger frame requires special attention paid to the spine alignment when handling a Flemish Giant, or any rabbit for that matter. Consequently, potential owners should consider these factors in addition to their size, level of food consumption, and substantial waste production before buying. It should be stressed though that proper handling of such large bunnies is very important- for your benefit as well as theirs. They do have very powerful hind legs, & when they feel threatened or scared, or are hurt, they can quickly inflict serious injury. Otherwise, due to the size of these bunnies, respectfully compared to that of a medium-sized dog, they require more money & time spent in caring for them than that of a smaller breed of rabbit. However, owning such a wonderful rabbit is well worth the investments to have one, or more.  Among other things, when considering becoming a Flemish Giant owner, it’s always best to learn all that you can before you buy. Each & every one of these gentle Giants has his or her own personality.  They are very inquisitive, and they are quite intelligent.  They will often stand up on their hind legs and stretch their bodies out so that they can see what is around them.  This is a common greeting as well, especially when they are buttering up their owner for a good ear-scratching or head-rub.  It also goes without saying that the more attention they get, the more they will want.  They will play with toys too, rolling them around by using their front paws or some nose-nudging, picking them up with their teeth, and most of the time will follow through by tossing it in true bunny-fashion.  If your big buddy is quite fond of you, or just in a playful mood, he may even bring his toy to you in the manner a dog would, when playing fetch.  However, they will also let you know when they are aggravated or upset, be it with you or for any number of other reasons.  This may be done by completely ignoring your greetings, turning their back to you and refusing to acknowledge that you even exist at that very minute, or if they are really ticked off, you can expect some loud thumping from those heavy hind feet and possibly adding in some grunting noises while they are demonstrating their unhappiness.  Although some Flemish are more vocal than others, they all do possess the ability and will, at some point, of making known their wide array of sounds. There are a few things that Flemish Giants do not tolerate very well.  First on their list is being picked up.  They become very nervous when they are picked up.  Therefore the importance of doing so correctly can not be stressed enough.  Picking them up is best done by lifting with both hands under midsection.  When that is not a possibility, pick them up swiftly, by the scruff (between the shoulder blades), and rapidly tuck them into position; be that onto a sturdy surface, or holding them in the manner of carrying a small human child, with their butt cradled in your arm and their front feet resting on your chest, or in a foot-ball type hold, where their head is tucked into the bend of your elbow, your arm snuggly holding their body against your stomach region while using your other hand to securely support around the rest of their massive body.  Once they know that they are secure and safe, they will relax and you can carry them around. Next, they do not like any loud noises, of any kind.  To them, this only means ones thing, danger is near! They will run, stomp, jump, scratch, and even bite without warning if they are really afraid.  Keep in mind that if these things happen to you, especially if you just brought your furry friend into your home, he is afraid and trying to protect him-self. Don’t take it as a personal attack against you in particular.  Brighter, happier days are just around the corner.  Be patient and be sure to give your Flemish the best possible care that you can. Flemish Giants are placid and laid-back, docile and tolerant by nature.  Because of this they do well with considerable handling, and are ideal for showing and as pets. Am intersting fact I uncovered about the breed is that the:  THE NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ONCE "INTERVIEWED" A FLEMISH GIANT. In 2010, the paper ran an "interview" with Herbie, Prospect Park Zoo’s 18-pound rabbit, to promote the zoo’s Live Encounters Program.  It was actually an interview with Denise McClean, the zoo’s director.  McClean revealed that Herbie was domestic and "probably would not be able to survive out in the wild on my own." In response to the question "Do you ever misbehave?" she said, "Flemish Giant rabbits have litters that run from five to 12 bunnies. If you left me with a female, you could end up with a whole lot of rabbits." Uses Rabbits tend to be bred for one of four things: meat, fur, show, or pet use.  Even though this is a large breed of rabbit, they are gentle and easily handled.  This makes them good for pets or show rabbits. Club Today, it is one of the more popular breeds at rabbit shows because of its unusually large size and its varying colors.  It is promoted by the National Federation of Flemish Giant Rabbit Breeders, which was formed in 1915.  The Flemish Giant has many nicknames, first and foremost the "Gentle Giant" for its uniquely docile personality and also the "universal rabbit" for its varied purposes as pet, show, breeding, meat and fur animal. The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) maintains the breed standard for all of the recognized rabbit and cavy breeds for it's international membership.  Recognized breeds are eligible for Registration and Grand Champion recognition. The AMERICAN RABBIT BREEDERS ASSOCIATION, INC. is an organization dedicated to the promotion, development, and improvement of the domestic rabbit and cavy.  With over 30,000 members throughout the United States, Canada, and abroad, its members range from the pet owner with one rabbit or cavy to the breeder or commercial rabbit raiser with several hundred animals.  Each aspect of the rabbit and cavy industry, whether it be for fancy, as a pet, or for commercial value, is encouraged by the organization. The British Rabbit Council (BRC) is a British showing organization for rabbit breeders. Originally founded as The Beveren Club in 1918, its name first changed to British Fur Rabbit Society and finally to The British Rabbit Society. Today, the BRC among other things investigates rabbit diseases, maintains a catalog of rabbit breeds, and sets rules for about 1,000 rabbit shows annually in the UK. Owners of house rabbits are also encouraged to join the organization to learn how to care optimally for their pets. Both the ARBA and the BRC recognize the Flemish Giant Rabbit with slightly differing standards as discussed earlier. Have I Missed Anything? If you know something about the Flemish Giant breed standard, history or status of this rabbit, please let me know.   Do you have a story about this particular Breed?  What do you love about them?  Do you have any tips or tricks up your sleeve for what might make this breed happiest? Perhaps you're a breeder of this type of rabbit. Let me know, and maybe we can set up an interview? http://www.nffgrb.net/Articles/Origins.htm http://rabbitbreeders.us/flemish-giant-rabbits http://mentalfloss.com/article/62965/7-big-facts-about-flemish-giant-rabbit http://www.rabbitmatters.com/flemish-giant.html http://flemish-giant.com/ http://www.thenaturetrail.com/rabbit-breeds/flemish-giant-rabbit-breed-information/ http://www.raising-rabbits.com/flemish-giant-rabbits.html www.thebrc.org www.arba.net https://www.rarebreeds.co.nz/flemishgiants.html http://www.petrabbitinfo.com/flemishgiantrabbits.html www.nffgrb.com. https://gentlegiantrabbitry.com/about-us/ NEWS: United Airlines in fresh PR nightmare after rabbit set to be world’s biggest dies on UK flight http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/04/26/united-airlines-fresh-pr-nightmare-rabbit-set-worlds-biggest/ United Airlines is battling another PR nightmare after a rabbit destined to be the world’s biggest died on a flight from Britain to the US. The airline, which recently triggered a worldwide backlash after a passenger was forcibly removed from one of its flights, could now face legal action after the death of a valuable rabbit in the cargo section of a Boeing 767 from Heathrow to Chicago’s O'Hare International Airport. Simon, son of Darius the worlds largest rabbit who died during transit to the USA Measuring three-feet, Simon was expected to outgrow his father Darius, whose length of 4ft 4in made him the world's biggest bunny. The 10-month-old continental giant rabbit was reportedly being sent to his new celebrity owner, whose identity hasn’t been revealed.  “Simon had a vet’s check-up three hours before the flight and was fit as a fiddle,” breeder Annette Edwards, of Stoulton, Worcs, told The Sun. “Something very strange has happened and I want to know what. I’ve sent rabbits all around the world and nothing like this has happened before.” The animal was found dead when it arrived at O’Hare, the airport where passenger Dr David Dao was dragged off a United flight earlier this month. "We were saddened to hear this news,” a United Airlines spokeswoman said, according to the Mirror. "The safety and wellbeing of all the animals that travel with us is of the utmost importance to United Airlines and our PetSafe team. "We have been in contact with our customer and have offered assistance. We are reviewing this matter." Ms Edwards, a former glamour model whose rabbits are said to be hired out at £500 a time, and the new owner in the US are considering legal action, the Sun reported. Darius, the Guinness World Record holder for world’s biggest rabbit, weighs three-and-a-half stone and costs his owner about £2,400 per year in food alone. United Airlines is already facing a row over a passenger being taken off a plane at Chicago's O'Hare Airport His mother Alice held the record before him and Simon was expected to continue the family tradition. The most recent figures from the US Department of Transportation - dating from 2015 but released this February - show 35 animal deaths occurred during transit across 17 carriers in the States. United accounted for 14 animal deaths in that period with a further nine reported injured among the nearly 100,000 animals carried by the company. United Airlines is still trying to tackle the public relations disaster caused by Dr Dao’s removal from a Chicago to Louisville flight on April 9. Video recorded by other passengers showed the 69-year-old doctor being dragged down the aisle with blood on his face after refusing to give up his seat. The carrier has since apologised several times. Second wild rabbit tests positive for tularemia in Pueblo West http://www.koaa.com/story/35243351/second-wild-rabbit-tests-positive-for-tularemia-in-pueblo-west PUEBLO WEST - A second wild rabbit found in Pueblo West has tested positive for tularemia, according to health officials. This animal was found near Scarsboro Drive. The first animal was found before Friday, April 21 in the Kirkwood Drive area. Health officials do not believe either rabbit came into contact with people. Both animals were reportedly covered with ticks. Tularemia, also called rabbit fever, is known to be transmitted by ticks and deer fly bites. Rabbit fever, or tularemia, can spread to human and cause life-threatening fever.  Typical signs of infection in humans include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, chest pain, and coughing. Tularemia can be effectively treated with antibiotics, therefore should you have any of these early signs, see a doctor.   Dogs and cats can also contract tularemia by eating infected animals or through tick and deer fly bites. Signs to watch in your pet include fever, nasal and eye discharge, and skin sores. If you notice any of those signs it is recommended that you take your pet to a veterinarian promptly. Health officials recommend the following precautions to avoid the bacteria: · Avoid handling wild animals. · Leash your pets when outdoors and keep them away from dead animals. · When outdoors near places where wild rabbits or rodents are present, wear insect repellent containing DEET. · If a dead animal must be moved, avoid direct contact with it. Put on a repellent to protect yourself from its fleas or ticks, and use a shovel to scoop it up. Place it in a plastic bag and dispose in an outdoor trash receptacle. Wash your  hands with soap and water afterward. · Wear proper footwear outdoors where dead animals have been found. · Routinely use a tick and flea prevention treatment on pets. · Avoid mowing over dead animals. If you hunt, trap or skin animals, take additional steps: · Use impervious gloves when skinning or handling animals, especially rabbits. · Cook the meat of wild rabbits thoroughly to a temperature of 165°For higher. Rabbit club seeks participants http://www.prairieadvocate.com/2017/04/23/rabbit-club-seeks-participants/akghmaa/ by Prairie Advocate staff MOUNT CARROLL – The 4-H Rabbit SPIN Club is looking for members. Participants don’t have to be 4-H members, but must be from 8 to 18 years old by Sept. 1, 2016. Meetings are from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. May 8 and 21, June 6 and 26, and July 10, 24, and 31, at 610 E. Washington St. Participants will show their rabbits May 21 in Belvidere, and do not have to own a rabbit. Information will include field trips to professional rabbit shows and rabbit breeders, learning how to handle, feed, groom, and perform veterinary checks on a rabbit, and more. Current 4-H members can take part at no cost, while there is a $20 fee for non-4-Hers. Scholarships are available for new club members if needed. Email Leanne Rahn at lrahn@illinois.edu or call the Carroll County Extension Office at 815-244-9444 to register. Boy, 15, charged over hare coursing http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-39671721 A 15-year-old boy has been charged in connection with a hare coursing incident in Midlothian. The teenager was also charged in connection with a dishonesty offence that allegedly occurred at the same time on 31 March. He was further charged in connection with a separate hare coursing incident in the Pathhead area on 23 March. The boy is the second to be charged with the Dalkeith incident which took place on farmland. A report has been submitted to the Children's Reporter. Sgt Michele Lindsay, of Police Scotland, said: "We recognise the impact that hare coursing has on rural communities and remain committed to investigating all reports of this. "We are working with farmers to tackle this issue and patrols are being carried out as part of the rural crime initiative. "Anyone with information about hare coursing or rural crime is urged to speak to a local officer. More than 100 rabbits saved by Brother Wolf http://www.blueridgenow.com/news/20170420/more-than-100-rabbits-saved-by-brother-wolf LEICESTER — A nonprofit animal welfare organization in western North Carolina says it has rescued more than 120 rabbits from a home after getting a tip from the neighbor of a property owner. The Asheville Citizen-Times reports that Brother Wolf Animal Rescue initially took 60 animals from the property, and is in the process of spaying and neutering 60 more. Brother Wolf founder Denise Bitz said more than 30 rabbits were pregnant, resulting in 65 baby bunnies born while in the group’s care. Bitz said many of the rabbits came to Brother Wolf with medical concerns because of overcrowding and poor nutrition. She said several rabbits died. Bitz said the property owner realized she was in over her head, but didn’t have the funds to have the animals spayed and neutered Video of rabbit being hit against pole prompts Maypearl ISD to change curriculum https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2017/04/18/video-rabbit-hit-pole-prompts-maypearl-isd-change-curriculum Written by Claire Z. Cardona, Breaking News Producer The Maypearl Independent School District is changing the curriculum for one of its classes after a video surfaced that shows a junior high student killing a rabbit for a class assignment, KXAS-TV (NBC5) reported. The outdoor education elective at Maypearl Junior High School is focused on survival and life skills. Part of the class involves the "dispatching and harvesting of animals, cleaning of animals and the proper cooking techniques of the animals, and those kinds of things," Maypearl ISD Superintendent Richie Bowling told NBC5. In a video of the incident provided to the Waxahachie Daily Light, a seventh-grade student is instructed by her teacher to kill the rabbit. The student is seen swinging the rabbit into a metal pole. A few parents raised concerns about the animal being killed, and whether it was killed humanely. The school has since changed the curriculum so no more animals will be killed in the class, the station reported. "Our parents were given information prior to even signing up for the class and asking to be a part of it," Bowling told the station. "And my understanding of that is it lists every bit of that out, as far as dispatching animals, harvesting animals, and all the processes that go along with that." The student who filmed the video was given a three-day in-school suspension because of the school's cellphone policy, the Daily Light reported. In its guidelines for the implementation of agriculture education, the Texas Education Code expects students to discuss "livestock harvesting operations" as well as "describe wildlife harvest techniques and procedures." It does not mention an in-class demonstration, the Houston Chronicle reported.