Podcasts about flemish giant

Have the best wildlife encounter (best for you, best for the wildlife), and is Bali really all it's cracked up to be? Also, sip your way around the world at these leading wine destinations and find out how you can while away your time (for free!) at the airport. What an episode! Kirstie catches up with award-winning wildlife photographer and journalist Rachelle Mackintosh to chat about the powerful impact of seeing wildlife in their domain. She shares hair-raising tiger encounters, talks of her obsession with sighting whales, and explains how you can ensure you're doing the right thing by the wildlife experience you book, https://faunographic.com/ Belle chats with Bali-based author and travel writer Penny Watson, who moved to the Island of the Gods in the midst of the pandemic. Penny talks about how not to be an absolute loser when you visit Bali, and how to spread the love. We're talking Kintamani, the waterfalls of Munduk, Amed on the east coast and Lovina in the north – basically anywhere beyond Ubud, Kuta and Canggu – for access to local businesses, ceremonies, and a connection to the Balinese people. She's also just released her new book, Wilderness, which you can order here pennywatson.com.au/books   Also, here's the link to Alex the Flemish Giant bunny at San Francisco's airport, see  instagram.com/alex.thegreat100 at take a listen to Belle's chat with ABC radio Melbourne, talking about how to while away the time in airports around the world, https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/melbourne-sundays/uncovering-the-secrets-of-airports/102752868 And a big shout out to our producer Alaisdair Leith for his zen-like patience, and to you for listening! Don't be afraid to subscribe to The World Awaits via your favourite podcast wrangler or at theworldawaits.au --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theworldawaits/message

10 questions. 10 points. 10 minutes.Hello and welcome to Tuesday's Perfect 10. We've got another show lined up for you today that's packed full of questions, brain teasers and riddles to educate, entertain and irritate. Join us on your commute, around the smart speaker or in any spare time you might have and we'll hopefully help you feel a bit sharper and smarter in just 10 minutes.Don't forget to share with your friends, family and co-workers to see who can score the most points! And if this is your first time joining us, why not go back and take on all of our previous episodes first?Perfect 10 is here Monday to Friday so make sure you subscribe to get our daily episodes as soon as they drop.You can also find us on YouTube so head on over to https://www.youtube.com/@perfect10carolJoin the Perfect 10 family on social media for even more bonus content and questions.Facebook

The DSPCA is currently searching for the owners of a giant 7kg rabbit that was found lost in Dublin. ‘Queen Maeve' is a Flemish Giant rabbit that was discovered in Mulhuddart last week. Gillian Bird, Education Officer with the DSPCA joined Sean on the show to discuss...

The DSPCA is currently searching for the owners of a giant 7kg rabbit that was found lost in Dublin. ‘Queen Maeve' is a Flemish Giant rabbit that was discovered in Mulhuddart last week. Gillian Bird, Education Officer with the DSPCA joined Sean on the show to discuss...

关注【璐璐的英文小酒馆】+小助手【luluxjg2】获取全文稿Year of the Bunny 癸卯兔年-水兔-黑兔 Year of the Water Rabbit根据天干地支推算出，2023年属于癸卯年，癸属水，卯为兔，故有了“水兔年”的说法。同时，在五行当中，白色-金、青色-木、黑色-水、红色-火、黄色-土，因此，“水兔年”也被唤作“黑兔年”。Rabbit, HareRabbit and Hare are two species in the same family. Get to know Rabbit: • The large = Flemish Giant （up to 13kg）• The small = Netherland dwarf rabbit (between 0.5 – 1.13kg)• A baby rabbit is called a kit/kittens, a female is called a doe and a male is called a buck. • Rabbits are very social creatures that live in groups. They live in warrens – a series of tunnels and rooms that they dig underground.• Their teeth NEVER stop growing! Instead they're gradually worn down as the rabbit chews on grasses, wildflowers and vegetables – meaning they never get too longRabbit symbolismRabbits almost always symbolize prosperity, abundance, good luck, and fertility.1. In most European cultures, rabbits are springtime animals, symbolic of fruitfulness and renewal. 2. The connection between rabbits and spring is also found in Japanese culture. 3. Rabbits are the luckiest of the Zodiac animals in China, according to Chinese astrology, rabbits are predicted to be gentle, quiet, elegant, and alert as well as quick, skillful, kind, patient, and very responsible, faithful .4. In the U.S., rabbits are symbolic of cleverness, devotion to self-improvement, and good luck. But they are primarily seen as trickster animals by Native American cultures. 5. Many Central American peoples see rabbits as symbols of fertility, Aztec mythology associates rabbits with drunkenness and promiscuity.Terms of endearmentHoney bunny Snuggle bunnyDust bunnyGym bunnySnow bunny Beach bunnyIdioms related to bunnyRabbit foodBreed like rabbitsPull a rabbit out of the hatpull a rabbit out of (one's)/the hatDown the rabbit holeAs mad as a March hareFamous rabbits in artsAlice in Wonderland（The White Rabbit） 【爱丽丝梦游仙境】里的白兔先生 Peter Rabbit 【彼得兔】Bambi (Thumper) 【小鹿斑比】里头的Thumper Bugs Bunny 【兔八哥】Zootopia （Judy Hopps）【疯狂动物城】里头的兔子朱迪和兔兔有关的成语发奋强，扬眉气，飞猛进，前似锦辞旧岁，跃新程

Where are we today? Where do we want to be in the future? How do we get there? On today's episode we hear stories from Theresa Beauchamp and Delin Ruhl, two people who've taken action in moments of injustice. Our guests share their remarkable tales of standing up against oppression, whether that confrontation happens behind the lines of a phone bank or face to face in the streets. Theresa Beauchamp (she/her) is a retired family practice Physician Assistant and full-time political activist focused on reproductive and racial justice and the fight against voter suppression. Boogie boarding, e-biking with her husband, live theatre, hiking in the Sierras and playing with her grandchildren rejuvenate her along her journey as a lifelong activist. Delin Ruhl (they/them) is a musician and storyteller based out of Portland, OR. Locally, Dell plays alto saxophone for the Carroll Raum Swing Orchestra, and flute for the group Jump Up Pup. They have also played whistle and bodhran with the group Possibly Irish at Enchanted Forest, and enjoy performing original sets at venues like The Ranger Station and Floyd's Coffee. Theater credits include Is He Dead? and The Glass Menagerie (Hawai‘i Pacific University), for which they received a Hawai‘i State Theater Association Po‘okela Award for Leading Actor. Regional theater credits include A Christmas Carol (Goodman Theatre), Circle Mirror Transformation; Mauritius (Hawai‘i Repertory Theater), and Someone Else's Slippas (The Arts at Mark's Garage). Offstage, they can often be found debating with their parrot, snuggling their 20-pound Flemish Giant rabbit, or writing limericks.

Ep. 005 - 2021 Seattle Mariners Podcast Sloppy in Las Vegas, Flemish Giant Rabbits Maximus, Autograph stories, & I have nipples Focker - can you milk me?  A free podcast found in iTunes about all things 2021 Seattle Mariners baseball for fans by fans. Host: https://twitter.com/AaronAviles (@AaronAviles) Co-Host: https://twitter.com/jsloppy7 (@jSloppy7) Co-Host: https://twitter.com/TheHawkMariners (@TheHawkMariners) Twitter: https://twitter.com/marinerspodcast (@MarinersPodcast) https://my.captivate.fm/www.MarinersPodcast.com (www.MarinersPodcast.com)

German Angora Rabbit Breed - How Rabbit got his long Ears - Mongrel Hello Listener! Thank you for listening.  If you would like to support the podcast, and keep the lights on, you can support us whenever you use Amazon through the link below: It will not cost you anything extra, and I can not see who purchased what. Or you can become a Fluffle Supporter by donating through Patreon.com at the link below: Patreon/Hare of the Rabbit What's this Patreon? 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. What do you need? Please support Hare of the Rabbit Podcast financially by becoming a Patron. Patrons agree to a regular contribution, starting at $1 per episode. Patreon.com takes a token amount as a small processing fee, but most of your money will go directly towards supporting the Hare of the Rabbit Podcast. You can change or stop your payments at any time. You can also support by donating through PayPal.com at the link below: Hare of the Rabbit PayPal Thank you for your support, Jeff Hittinger.       ABOUT THE GERMAN ANGORA The German Angora Domestic rabbits originated in Europe. Our domestic angoras are mutations of the European wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus. German Angoras are English Angoras that have been selectively bred in Germany over the last 80 years with a focus on quality and quantity of wool. The German standard recognizes animals suitable for supplying the needs of a growing international commercial wool market. In Europe, this breed is just called Angora (bred according to German standards). The German Angora Rabbit is a friendly, long-haired rabbit that makes a great family pet. This breed is the one most often used in commercial Angora operations. They look very similar in appearance to the English Angora only much bigger, with very dense fur, facial furnishings (although less than the English), tufted ears and a round body. Their coat is fairly easy to maintain and tends to resist matting despite the huge amounts of fur. HISTORY During the 1920s, in Germany, Angora breeders wanted to improve the breed for commercial purposes. Nearly seventy years ago, angora breeders of the Zentralverband Deutches Kanichenzuchters (Z.D.K.), in partnership with the Federal Agriculture Research Center, embarked on a program to improve the wool production of their angoras. The philosophy was straight-forward. Goals for wool production and body type were set. They started with foundation stock similar to what we know as English angoras. Wool production increased steadily from a starting point of 250 grams (half pound) to a world record set in 1990 of 2,232 grams (over five pounds). Ten years later, a new record of over 2,800 grams was achieved. Tracking the progress of the program required the elimination of as many management variables as possible. The first testing stations were established in 1934 to provide controlled conditions for the evaluation of the angora breeding stock, data collection and research to improve husbandry techniques. In plotting their strategy for the improvement of the angora, breeders in Germany needed to clearly define body type, wool production and wool qualities in language as objective as possible. The standard for the angora in Germany is specific. The ideal body is described as being as wide at the shoulders as it is deep. The length of the body should equal three times the width. The shape of the body is tubular, resembling a loaf of bread. This body type is preferred for rapid shearing of first grade wool. Body weights run from seven to eleven and a half pounds (2.5 to 5 kilos) with an average of nine to ten pounds of very solid dual-purpose rabbit.   The wool must densely cover the entire rabbit and be silky, not cottony. German wool is heavily crimped. The ideal texture and length of the wool should be as even as possible over the entire body of the rabbit.   Development of the angora in Germany was started over 70 years ago. It remains an intensive and deliberate program based on objective data and the challenge to surpass current achievements. One would expect that an angora produced out of the German system and bred according to the German standard would satisfy predictable expectations for wool production and body type.   I.A.G.A.R.B. Several importations of angoras from Germany occurred during the 1980’s. With their impressive wool production, “German Angoras” cause quite a sensation in North America. A version of the German angora, which came to be known as the Giant, was submitted for acceptance with the A.R.B.A. In an article titled “Giant Angora – Not German Angora” published in the National Angora rabbit Club Newsletter in 1991, Louise Walsh, the presenter offered her description: “…The Giant angora is a larger rabbit than the German angora. During the developing years of the Giant angora, I mixed in colored short hair commercial bodied rabbits, French Lop and Flemish Giant.”   At that time, there were many other breeders who were not comfortable with these changes. Instead, they were committed to the preservation of the high production angora as it was developed in Germany. They felt that wool yields could best be improved by breeding to stock of similar origin and by following a proven system. Founded in 1987, the International Association of German Angora Rabbit Breeders accepted the Angora Standard of the Z.D.K. This breed is not recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, as it was deemed that it lacks distinct traits. Although it has a different quality of fur, German Angora is still quite similar to the English Angora in terms of body shape and overall appearance. Being quite popular in the USA and Canada, a separate American (or international, as they call themselves) accrediting organization was created, the International Association of German Angora Rabbit Breeders (IAGARB). At the 1990 I.A.G.A.R.B. Convention, members unanimously agreed that a German Angora was descended exclusively from imported angora breeding stock. The genetic inclusion by any foreign breeds, no matter how distant, would always be considered a dilution. Crosses with North American English or French angoras, while they are related varieties, were also considered a dilution. A fourth generation German cross, regardless of color, could be registered as a “German-Hybrid.”   In 2005 at the IAGARB Annual Meeting, an important step forward was taken. It was agreed that the system of defining a German Angora only in terms of pedigree was not effective. It had become confusing and easy to abuse. Rabbits were valued simply because they were descended from imported stock, not because they maintained the excellent qualities of their ancestors. Because our registration system was put in place in 2001, we had an alternative to the “definition by percentage” approach. As in Germany, we decided to let our registration testing work for us to identify the best angoras. The IAGARB utilizes a German Angora standard modeled after the German standard, which heavily favors the animal's wool production and quality of that wool:   Weight -- up to 20 points Body Type -- up to 20 points Wool Density and Length -- up to 15 points Wool Uniformity -- up to 15 points Wool Texture -- up to 15 points Furnishings -- up to 10 points Condition -- up to 5 points   Giant Angora Rabbit, which is nearly identical in appearance to the German Angora, other than size German Angora Rabbits weigh 2.0 - 5.5 kg (4.4 - 12 lb), with preference given to the larger animal. They come in REW most frequently, however solid colors (not brokens) have been accepted recently into the IAGARB standard. In order to register an animal with IAGARB, the German Angora must not only meet the standard for type, it must also pass 90 day wool production and quality tests. In Germany, the State has set up Angora Wool Stations, and these perform objective testing of German Angora wool quantity and quality. Without a doubt, the 90 day wooling tests resulted in the selection of breeding animals that produce way more wool than any of the other Angora breeds...   In 1920, angoras typically produced 200 grams of wool a year. By 1963, German Angoras were surpassing 1000 gm/year. By 1999, the 2000 gm/yr mark had been passed, again by German Angoras.   Another improvement:   In 1920, breeders had to comb out the wool every day in order to keep the rabbit mat-free.   Today, according to Walter Drecktrah of Sulingen, Germany:   "Any [German] Angora leaning toward matting is removed from the breeding program. Combing or brushing the animals between shearing is unheard of."   As a result of this process of selective breeding, German Angora breeders discovered and retained the non-molt gene.   Interestingly, today English breeders are discovering individual English angora rabbits with the same trait.   In Europe, the breed is Angora. In order to follow the German system as closely as possible, we have adopted the same approach to the breed Angora. We agreed to use our testing to sort out the most worthy breeding animals from all of the rest. Concerns were voiced that other types of angoras might be accepted into our registry than those out of exclusively imported lines. In response, the Standards Committee ruled that any hybrid angora that passed our registry tests, regardless of its percentage of imported background, would have an “H” added to its tattoo number. In the event that an angora with no imported lines in its background passed our tests, it would have an “N” added to its tattoo number. The Standards Committee felt that these designations would assist potential buyers in having a greater understanding of the backgrounds of registered rabbits. With these new polices in place, it was unanimously agreed that our registry could be opened to colored angoras. Unless offspring were descended directly from colored angoras imported from Germany, they and their albino littermates would continue to include an “H” at the end of their tattoo numbers. The IAGARB system of registry by merit has worked very well. By mid 2007, all of the rabbits that have passed our tests have been 100% out of imported lines with only 2 exceptions. Both of these rabbits were 98% Hybrids and demonstrated exceptional qualities. Since then, the Standards Committee recognized that individual performance testing alone is the best means of ensuring quality. The terms hybrid and crossbred proved too confusing to be useful and the “H” system was abandoned. As no angoras without some percentage of imported bloodlines ever passed testing, the “N” designation was never used. During discussions at the 2012 AGM, it was agreed that crossing to other angoras had merit as a means of broading the genetics available to us. In order to be IAGARB registered, an angora must score more than 80 points and its certified 90-day wool performance must meet or exceed 325 grams.   How are angoras regarded in Europe?In Europe the only recognized wool producing rabbit is the breed Angora. Variations are referred to by country or club such as “Angoras from Denmark” or “Angoras from the population in France.” An angora rabbit may have originated in Germany and have been bred according to the standard recognized in Germany, but the “German angora” is not considered a separate breed from other European angoras. In Great Britain, imported angoras are commonly referred to as “Continental angoras” in order to distinguish them from the local population. It is interesting to compare the style of the angora rabbits kept in England against the North American English angoras. The British born rabbit is longer in the body, not usually as heavily furnished and is allowed a higher percentage of guard hair than its North American cousin. The richness of wool color and the excellent texture of the British angora wool is similar to what, in North America, is associated with French angora wool. Likewise the North American French angora bears limited resemblance to the angora commonly raised in France. The angora of France, being part of the Continental European population, looks more like the rabbit known in North America as the German angora. European rabbit breeding associations take a different approach to classifying rabbits than what is practiced in North America. Rather than evaluating rabbit against rabbit, they set forth a standard against which each animal is judged. It is the French standard or the German standard or the Danish standard, etc. which influences the regional selection of individuals within the breed Angora. During judging, each angora is compared to the standard and awarded points according to its merit in meeting that standard. At the conclusion of judging, the points are added and the rabbits with the highest points are considered to be most like the ideal rabbit described in the standard. If none of the rabbits earn a minimum number of points, then there are no winners. Overall Description The German Angora Rabbit's coat is woolly, and when sheared, it can be spun into soft, luxurious yarn. Apart from their beautiful coats, the German Angora rabbits are best known for the interesting furnishings on their face and ears, commonly known as tassels. Their ears are upright and well-haired, with tufts of hair on the top. Considered to be large-sized, these rabbits can weigh from 5.5 lbs to 12 lbs. Their bodies are very symmetrical and of cylindrical shape, being at the same width and height, and of medium length. Coat All Angoras are treasured for their fluffy fur, but the German Angora Rabbit outperforms all of its relatives. Their hair is long, very fine and woolen. Even though Angora rabbits usually have high-maintenance fur, the German variety of the breed is popular for the effortless upkeep of the coat. Their woolly hair will not shed, as they have the non-molt gene. Their fur is extremely resistant to matting, and they don’t need to be brushed or groomed. However, every 3 months, these rabbits need to be sheared. Their wool can be spun into yarn, as their production is abundant and the quality of hair outstanding. Wool of German Angora Rabbits German Angora Rabbits and Giant Angoras (developed from Germans), are distinct in that they carry three separate wool fibers. The undercoat is heavy, finely crimped, silky, and needs to be suitably long. The awn fluff are intermediate fibers, longer than the undercoat, a bit crimped and always with a curved tip. The tip will curve itself even after shearing. The awn hair is also known as guard hair. It is stronger and straight, extending beyond the lengths of the other fibers. A good balance between these three fibers will result in correct wool texture. Furnishings are present, but not excessively. German angoras should not be ‘wool blind.’ Expect to find more furnishings on bucks than on does. The usual interval between shearings is 90 days. But German angoras require shearing by 4 months at the latest or matting does occur. This is because the wool, while it doesn't fully molt, does slip a bit, and this is what seems to create the mats. Despite the rigorous testing, weighing and measuring of German Angora wool by the IAGARB, some German angora guard hair fibers are quite coarse, measuring as high as 21-30 microns. This is as compared to merino wool, with an acceptable "high" of just 26 microns. Too high a coarseness may result in itchiness. The coarser fiber of the German angora may contribute to its heavier weight.   What this means: Breeders of German angora rabbits can improve their breed by: Continuing the process of selectively breeding for non-molting rabbits In non-molting rabbits, breeding for quality of fiber (not too coarse) Don't pursue total fiber weight to the detriment of the breed as a whole.       Colors   The German Angora Rabbit comes in all monochromatic colors, but the most common is REW or ruby-eyed white rabbit. In case of colored rabbits, the color of their coat is never uniform. Their undercoat is always lighter than the top of the fur, which appears in a more intense, vibrant hue. Markings or patterns of the coat are rare, as they are not allowed in breeding standards, and, as such, considered an undesirable trait.   The German Angora Rabbit’s coat is woolly, and when sheared, it can be spun into soft, luxurious yarn.   Care Requirements   Not unlike all long-haired rabbit breeds, the German Angora will require a little extra effort to stay healthy and happy. The most important care requirements of the breed are its diet and grooming needs.   When it comes to feeding German Angora rabbits, they’ll happily nibble on veggies, fruits, and rabbit pellets, same as any other bunny. But the majority of their diet needs to consist of hay. Roughage such as hay helps Angoras with the wool block, and it’s a problem that affects the German variety of the breed even more. As they produce a lot of wool, it’s only logical to assume that bigger amounts of the hair end up in their digestive system while they are grooming themselves.   These rabbits can be kept both indoors and outdoors, both, in both cases, their living environment must be safe and comfortable. If you’re planning on keeping a German Angora in your home, you’ll need an enclosure of appropriate size. Their crate should be large enough for them to be able to stand on their hind legs and freely walk around. The bottom should be padded with rabbit-friendly bedding and changed frequently to maintain the hygiene inside the enclosure. The requirements for outdoor enclosure are the same, except you’ll need to provide them protection from extreme temperatures and potential predators as well. The hutch should be at least 36x24x18 inches and have a tray under the wire floor to catch the urine and droppings, which will help prevent the rabbit's fur becoming dirty. Unlike other bunnies, the German Angora will hardly feel the wire floor since its feet are well-furnished with hair. The lifespan is 5 to 7 years.   Sweet-natured and affectionate, the German Angora rabbits will love playing with their owners. When you’re letting them to go outdoors, you’ll need to monitor them the whole time. Allow them to play only in fenced parts of your yards, where no other animal could harm them and where they can’t get lost. During their playtime indoors, make sure that no electric cables or valuables are lying around. Rabbits love to nibble on stuff, and there are a lot of thing in anyone’s home that could seriously harm the rabbit if they chew on them. Health   The German Angora Rabbit doesn't shed and has a mat-free coat. In general, the German Angora Rabbit is a healthy, sturdy breed. The only breed-specific issues that can arise can be prevented with good care and a grooming routine. As they have lush, fluffy coats, these rabbits often swallow a lot of their hair while grooming themselves. This can lead to wool block, as previously mentioned, often referred to as GI stasis. This is a serious, life-threatening condition, which is why it’s essential to catch it in its early stages. Unfortunately, this means you’ll have to pay close attention to your rabbit’s poop. If the rabbit is not brushed regularly, it will become terribly matted and can develop the wool-block. It is a condition when the bunny ingests the loose wool during regular self-grooming. The wool-block can result in the rabbit's death. The German Angora needs to be shaved in very warm weather and when it's bred. Constipation, small and dry poop, or the so-called “string of pearls” (poop connected by strands of hair) are the most common signs of GI stasis. As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, you need to take your bunny to the vet. A good way to prevent wool block is to feed a lot of roughage and shear your German Angora at least every 90 days. The hay is not only a good dietary choice for its benefits to the rabbit’s digestive system. Rabbit’s teeth grow throughout their lifetime, and chewing on hay helps grind them down. It’s a win-win choice!   Unless you’re planning on breeding your rabbits, getting them spayed or neutered is a choice worth considering. This routine procedure can have tremendous benefits on your rabbit’s health and personality (although the German Angora already has a lovely temperament!). Spaying or neutering your rabbit will minimize the risk of cancer and diseases that affect reproductive organs and eliminate their instinct to mark the territory with urine.   The German Angora Rabbit doesn’t shed and has a mat-free coat.   Temperament/Behavior   As a breed that depends on humans to survive, the German Angora is a friendly, docile rabbit. If socialized properly from young age, these rabbits make excellent pets. Because of their fluffy fur, they are accustomed to grooming and human touch, so they don’t mind being petted and enjoy spending time with their owners.   They are also very intelligent and love to play. With a little effort and patience, you can even train your German Angora Rabbit to come when called and use the litter box. They are not too active and energetic, and they’ll be content with napping in their comfy enclosure until the playtime comes. Since the German Angora Rabbit doesn’t shed and has a generally sociable temperament, it is a good choice for families with kids. They are not prone to biting or scratching, love cuddles and there is no risk of young children ingesting hair, like there is with shedding long-haired breeds. Of course, before you decide on a pet rabbit for your family, make sure to explain to your children how to properly play and cuddle with German Angora without hurting them. Like all Angora rabbits, the German Angora has a calm, relaxed, and placid personality. These traits have been selectively bred for centuries in order to groom the rabbit properly. Best fit for: rabbit owners serious about spinning, fiber arts or selling wool, who have space for this big bunny. The breed is not recommended for those who don't like to brush their pets.     YOUR CHOICE   Make an informed decision purchasing any angora rabbit. The integrity of the breeder is the first consideration. What is the genetic history and foundation of the stock in question? What level of wool production can you expect from them in exchange for your initial and daily investments of labor and feed? Can you expect them to breed true? Compare price to value. Estimate the anticipated wool to feed ratio. These questions can be answered favorably by reputable breeders provided full disclosure is made and the rabbits are suitable for your intended purpose.     http://iagarb.com/about-the-german-angora/ https://www.raising-rabbits.com/german-angora-rabbits.html https://www.petguide.com/breeds/rabbit/german-angora-rabbit/ https://www.thecapecoop.com/what-breed-angora-rabbit-is-right-for-you/ https://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/german-angora.htm   HOW RABBIT GOT HIS LONG EARS http://www.lib.unb.ca/Texts/QWERTY/Qweb/qwerte/mic_mal/rabtxten.htm As Retold By Elder Margaret Labillois   A long time ago when Rabbit was first on this earth he had very short ears. One day he had nothing to do. He was very bored so he decided to play a trick on all the other animal's.   He told Beaver, "Did you know that the sun was not going to rise again?"   Of course Beaver told Squirrel and Squirrel told Chipmunk and Chipmunk told Skunk and so on. The story soon got around and all the animals were worried.   The animals were all upset. They said, "If the sun is not going to shine anymore it will be dark and cold like winter. We will have to gather our food and get ready right now."   Even Bear was worried. He began to eat and eat the blueberries around him so he could grow fat and store his food. Squirrel was busy gathering all the nuts he could find. Everyone was busy getting ready for the sun not to shine again. They had no time to play even though it was a nice summer day.   Now Rabbit really thought this was funny. He hide in the bushes. He was laughing and laughing as he watched the other animals all running around trying to get ready for the sun not to shine anymore.   Along came Glooscap. Normally the animals were all very glad to see Glooscap. They usually gathered around to talk to him. But this day no one run up to greet him. Glooscap asked Bear, "How are you? How is everything going?"   Bear said, "I don't have time to talk to you."   Glooscap just kept walking. No one paid any attention to him.   Glooscap went back to Bear.   "What's wrong with you? You're not talking to me. What is going on? Talk to me. Something is wrong!" Glooscap said.   "Well, don't you know?" Bear said. "The sun is not going to shine anymore and we have to hurry up. I have to get ready for winter now. That is what everyone is doing."   Glooscap told bear, "Whoever told you that story is lying. It's not true."   So Glooscap called a meeting with all the animals and they all gathered around him in a circle. He got to the bottom of it.   He said, "Who told you Bear?"   Bear said, "Raccoon told me."   And Raccoon said, "Well, Chipmunk told me."   Everyone said who they heard the story from, all the way down to Beaver.   Beaver said, "It was Rabbit that told me."   Glooscap said, "Well, where is Rabbit?"   Rabbit was really scared so he hid in the bushes. Glooscap knew for sure then that Rabbit had started the story.   "Where is Rabbit?" he asked again.   "Not here. He is gone. He must be hiding," Beaver said.   Glooscap went and looked in the bushes. He found Rabbit and when he did he grabbed him by his ears and lifted him up. That is how Rabbit got his long ears.     © Copyrighted

Liz and Sarah talk about why it's important to be open to changing your mind at work. And Sarah shares how she changed her mind at home. Instead of getting a Flemish Giant rabbit, she got her daughter, Violet two guinea pigs. Then they answer a listener question about crying at the office, and disclose the times they've burst into tears in the writers' room. In Hits and Bombs, Liz reveals her hit this week! She bought two "sexy-adjacent" swimsuits, and Sarah has a bullet-journal bomb. Finally, this week's Hollywood Hack is not only "green," but charitable: the Give Back Box! Links:Zoe Kazan: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1443740/Flemish Giant Rabbit: http://flemish-giant.com/Guinea Pigs: http://petguineapigcare.com/Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue: https://www.laguineapigrescue.com/Bloomingdales: https://www.bloomingdales.com/Panda Planner: https://pandaplanner.com/Is It Ever Okay To Cry At Work: https://www.nbcnews.com/better/business/what-do-if-you-cry-work-ncna749026What To Do When You Cry At Work: https://twocents.lifehacker.com/what-to-do-when-you-cry-at-work-1823975547Broadcast News: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092699/The Giveback Box: https://givebackbox.com/

All over Los Angeles, first-time Staff Writers are starting their new jobs in the writers’ room. Liz and Sarah talk to a first-time Staff Writer on their new show The Fix: Brook Turner, their former assistant! They encourage Brook— and everyone who’s landed a big break— to hit the ground running and not be afraid to make mistakes. Then they debate Sarah’s decision to get a Flemish Giant rabbit, which Liz thinks is a disaster in the making. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack is a screenwriting MUST: Final Draft!                                                  Links:The Fix: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7942774/Staff Writers: http://getinmedia.com/careers/TV-staff-writerMindset: The New Psychology of Success: https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322Flemish Giant Rabbit: http://flemish-giant.com/Final Draft: https://www.finaldraft.com/

Rouennais Rabbit Breed - The Fox Hare and Rooster - Fleas - Strange   Hello Listener! Thank you for listening.  If you would like to support the podcast, and keep the lights on, you can support us whenever you use Amazon through the link below: It will not cost you anything extra, and I can not see who purchased what. Or you can become a Fluffle Supporter by donating through Patreon.com at the link below: Patreon/Hare of the Rabbit What's this Patreon? 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. What do you need? Please support Hare of the Rabbit Podcast financially by becoming a Patron. Patrons agree to a regular contribution, starting at $1 per episode. Patreon.com takes a token amount as a small processing fee, but most of your money will go directly towards supporting the Hare of the Rabbit Podcast. You can change or stop your payments at any time. You can also support by donating through PayPal.com at the link below: Hare of the Rabbit PayPal Thank you for your support, Jeff Hittinger. Now we have a bit of a short episode this week as I had family visiting for the week from out of town. We had several fun activities, for one we went to see PINK in concert. She grew up somewhat close to where I did, and she has the same birthday as me, although she is a couple years younger. We also went to see a medium, and that was also quite interesting. We booked tickets to the movies to see Dead Pool 2, but we were off by a month, so we watched the goofy movie Super-Troopers 2. So needless to say it has been a busy week! I am going to cover one of the long extinct Rabbit Breeds - The Rouennais Rabbit Breed A native or inhabitant or Rouen. Rouen (French pronunciation: ​[ʁwɑ̃]; Frankish: Rodomo; Latin: Rotomagus, Rothomagus) is a city on the River Seine in the north of France. It is the capital of the region of Normandy. Formerly one of the largest and most prosperous cities of medieval Europe, Rouen was the seat of the Exchequer of Normandy during the Middle Ages. It was one of the capitals of the Anglo-Norman dynasties, which ruled both England and large parts of modern France from the 11th to the 15th centuries. People from Rouen are known as Rouennais. Rouennais is a very old French breed which was also know as the "Bulldog" because they had a very square and broad head like a bulldog. It was in France during the early to mid-1800's. The breed weighed in at up to 14 pounds and came in two varieties: Light Fawn and Light Grey, but the Fawns were the most common color. They had rather long ears which were carried upright, but some carried the ears in the same fashion as the Half-Lop of the same era. France exported many of these rabbits to neighboring countries. Rouennais were often crossed with the Patagonian and were used in the genetic makeup of the French Lop. The breed has long been extinct. The Flemish Giant has a blocky head, so maybe that is also where this breed turned up. After looking at more pictures of the French Lop, I can see how they could have a bulldog face. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Rouennais https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rouen Fox, Hare and Rooster There was once a fox and a hare. The fox had a house of ice, the hare a house of wood. Fair spring came and melted the fox's house, while the hare's stood firm and strong. So the fox asked the hare if she could come in to warm herself, then drove him out. The hare went down the road crying, and met two dogs, who asked, "Wuff, wuff, wuff! Why are you crying?" "Leave me alone, dogs! Who wouldn't cry? I had a wooden house, while the fox had one of ice. She invited herself into mine and drove me out." "Don't cry, hare," barked the dogs. "We'll chase her out." "No, you won't." "Oh, yes we will." Off they went to the hare's house. "Wuff, wuff, wuff! Come out of there, fox!" "Go away, before I come and tear you to pieces," she shouted back from the stove. The dogs took fright and fled. Once more the hare went on his way crying. This time he met a bear who asked, "Why are you crying?" "Leave me alone, bear," said the hare. "Who wouldn't cry? I had a wooden house, while the fox had one of ice. She invited herself into mine and drove me out." "Don't cry, hare," said the bear. "I'll chase her out." "No, you won't. The dogs tried and failed; you'll fare no better." "Oh, yes I will." Off they went to chase her out. "Come on out, fox!" roared the bear. But she shouted from the stove: "Go away, before I come and tear you to pieces." The bear took fright and fled. Once more the hare went on his way crying and met an ox who asked, "Why are you crying?" "Leave me alone, ox! Who wouldn't cry? I had a wooden house, while the fox had one of ice. She invited herself into mine and drove me out." "Come with me, I'll chase her out." "No, you won't," said the hare. "The dogs tried and failed, the bear tried and failed; you'll fare no better." "Oh, yes I will." Off they went together to the hare's house. "Come on out, fox!" But she shouted from the stove: "Go away, before I come and tear you to pieces." The ox took fright and fled. Once more the hare went on his way crying and met a cock with a scythe. "Cock-a-doodle-doo! Why are you crying, hare?" "Leave me alone, cock! Who wouldn't cry? I had a house of wood, while the fox had one of ice. She invited herself into mine and drove me out." "Come along with me, I'll chase her out." "No, you won't," said the hare. "The dogs tried and failed; the bear tried and failed; the ox tried and failed. You'll fare no better." "Oh, yes I-will." So they went up to the house. "Cock-a-doodle-doo! I'll cut that fox in two with my scythe so sharp and true!" When the fox heard that, she took fright and called, "I'm getting dressed." Again the cock crowed: "Cock-a-doodle-doo! I'll cut that fox in two with my scythe so sharp and true!" And the fox cried: "I'm putting on my fur coat." A third time the cock crowed: "Cock-a-doodle-doo! I'll cut that fox in two with my scythe so sharp and true!" The fox rushed out of the door and the cock cut off her head. So the hare and the cock lived together happily ever after. https://russian-crafts.com/russian-folk-tales/fox-hare-cock.html Fleas and Flea Infestation in Rabbits Flea infestation occurs as the result of the common flea inhabiting the body of the rabbit and reproducing. The occurrence varies with weather conditions, and clinical signs will depend on each animal’s individual reaction to the infestation. Because fleas feed on blood, heavy infestations may cause anemia (low hemoglobin in the blood due to loss of blood), especially in young rabbits. Rabbits can also develop a hypersensitive reaction to fleabite, with excessive scratching and itching that can sometimes lead to lesions on the skin's surface and skin infections. Symptoms and Types Some rabbits will not show any symptoms when suffering from a flea infestation, but many more others will display one or many of the following symptoms: Self- biting or chewing Excessive scratching, licking Visible bite marks or evidence of fleas (e.g., larvae, flea dirt, etc.) Hair loss Scaling on the skin Pale mucous membranes, increased heart rate (in anemic animals) Secondary bacterial infections ( sometimes seen) Causes Fleas are more common in some climates and during particular seasons, but they can affect rabbits year-round. Moreover, fleas can jump from one pet to another, such as from dogs or cats. Diagnosis Although flea infestation can be easily apparent by the presence of the insects on your rabbit's body, your veterinarian may want to differentiate the insects from ear mites, skin mites, or other parasites. If your rabbit has symptoms of severe itching (biting, licking, scratching at self), your veterinarian will also want to differentiate the reaction from other allergic reactions, infections, or reactions to injections, if any have recently been given. For diagnosis of flea infestation, your doctor will do a flea combing; fleas and/or flea dirt are usually found in affected rabbits. An analysis of skin scrapings will determine whether bacterial infections or other skin parasites are present. A study of discharge from the ear, meanwhile, will confirm whether an ear infection is affecting your rabbit or whether ear mites are present. And a complete blood profile will be conducted as part of a standard physical examination. This will include a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. If your rabbit is suffering from a condition of anemia, this will be determined and treated quickly. https://www.petmd.com/rabbit/conditions/parasitic/c_rb_flea_infestation Word of the week: Strange © Copyrighted

Liz and Sarah pay tribute to Suzanne Patmore Gibbs, the head of TriStar television, and share the many lessons they learned from her vibrant life. Then Liz and Sarah discuss their self-care getaway weekends after pilot production... and how they were sort of successful, sort of not. This week we have two Hollywood Hacks to up your selfie game: have the tallest person in the group take the selfie and use a PopSocket grip. Finally, Sarah reveals her celebrity sighting at the pet store while preparing to get a Flemish Giant rabbit: Gina Torres!

What do you think of a smart rabbit at collage?  Many colleges allow students to keep fish in small tanks in their dorm rooms. It’s a lot more uncommon to find a college that allows more interactive pets to live with student owners. For students who feel they need a four-legged companion while they’re away at school, we have a link in the show notes to 15 pet friendly colleges. There are five reasons why you should own a rabbit: 1) The cost. Are you aware that the cost of owning a rabbit is less than owning a cat or a dog? To own a dog or a cat costs roughly $2,000 a year! That's a lot of bones. A rabbit, depending on how much you spoil it, costs roughly $400 a year. So having a rabbit even works within the most meager of college student budgets, and you still get your "warm and fuzzy" cuddle fix. 2) Their cuteness level. How can you say no to a fuzzy, cute little rabbit face? When you look up cute animals on Google, rabbits heavily dominate the internet cuteness category. Everything they do is cute no matter what. Rabbits are pretty kawaii! 3) Their social and friendly personalities. Not only are they great with people, they love hanging out with animal buddies. 4) The variety of the breeds. From the biggest Flemish Giant to smallest Netherland Dwarf, rabbits come in all shapes, colors and sizes. 5) Last but not least, you have a friend for life! Rabbits live up to 14 years and will be your buddy through all those years College students leaving the comfort and familiarity of home for the first time can experience a lonely and stressful transition, but a small number of schools across the nation are making this potentially difficult period easier by allowing students to bring their beloved pets to reside with them on campus. Schools such as MIT, Eckerd College, University of Washington and Stephens College have designated pet-friendly dorms where students can cohabitate with their furry family members. Upon seeing the success of these programs, the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in Greeley launched a pet-friendly housing program in the fall of 2014. For UNC, the stakes for success are high. Enrollment is down, the university has lost 1,000 students in the past five years, and the university is looking for new ways to attract and retain students. Jenni Brundage, assistant director of Apartment Life and Operations, expects the program to be a great recruitment and retention tool: There is already a waiting list, and the university may add additional floors next year. Americans have not only embraced the Shultz dictum that happiness is a warm puppy: They’re applying it to warm rabbits, kangaroo rats, pot-bellied pigs, cockatiels and ferrets. And for that matter, to decidedly tepid ball pythons, Cuban rock iguanas and Chilean rose hair tarantulas. The issue here isn’t the type of beastie; it’s that animals equate to happiness, whether you’re at home, in the workplace, or in the stressful milieu that is the modern academy. An increasing number of students believe they benefit from having pets for emotional support or comfort. And those with diagnosed mental health problems—including anxiety, panic attacks and depression—are asserting their right to keep them in university residences at campuses such as UC Berkeley. Although counseling or psychiatric care may be necessary to address these real and growing needs, pets can be a valuable adjunct for restoring the emotional equilibrium of troubled students. Some of the evidence for this is simply empirical: Who hasn’t felt better stroking a furry cat or feeding a carrot to an equable equine? Though still relatively scant, there is scientific evidence for the positive effects of animal propinquity. A recent article in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, for instance, concluded that “animal-assisted intervention” may prove a good complementary therapy option for trauma. Nobody claims the dorms are evolving into petting zoos. But animals are gaining a toehold (clawhold?) in Cal residences. Which is all well and good if you’re cool with critters in general—but what if you’re afraid of dogs, allergic to cat dander, or freaked out by snakes, even the benign non-venomous kind? Is the French lop rabbit down the hall just the camel’s nose under the tent, a harbinger that the residences will soon teem with—well, camels? Probably not. Berkeley allow animals in the residences under guidelines established by two laws, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act. But the criteria for each are fairly explicit. “The Americans with Disabilities Act covers people with psychological disabilities, and only authorizes dogs and in some cases, miniature horses,” says Aaron Cohen, a staff psychologist for Berkeley’s residential and student service programs. “And the animals must also be trained to respond to specific patient needs. For example, they can alert patients who’ve missed their medications. Or a dog could be trained to put its head in the lap of a patient with bipolar disorder who’s on the verge of a manic episode.” By contrast, emotional support animals, covered by the Fair Housing Act, can be any species, says Cohen. “You’d require a diagnosis (from a qualified professional) of your condition and documentation establishing that it would be difficult for you to live in a stable and comfortable fashion in the residences without your animal,” says Cohen. “But the animal doesn’t have to be trained to perform a specific task.” That doesn’t mean the animals are accorded carte blanche to act like utter animals, however. They are expected to conform to the same rules applied to human residents: No biting or mauling, spitting venom or defecating in hallways, let alone blasting music at 3:00 am in accompaniment to a beer pong tournament. Adam Ratliff, Cal’s critical communications manager, emailed California that “If the animal’s and owner’s behavior becomes a nuisance or danger to other community members (e.g., noise, lack of waste pick-up etc.) then we do contact students to help mitigate the community impact.” One freshman at Washington State University was allowed to bring a 95-pound pig into her dorm—and, because the pig refused to use the stairs and was stressed out by the freight elevator, wound up staying in the second-floor dorm room and using a litter box. “The other students thought the pig was kind of cool, “ Hannah Mitchell, the dorm’s residential director at the time, told The New York Times, “but less cool when it began to smell.” It’s easy to poke fun at the idea of housing swine or alpacas or Komodo dragons in the dorms, but as Ratliff indicates, requests are generally for more compact pets—felines, small dogs, and perhaps rabbits, guinea pigs or white rats. Since the beginning of this school year, he continued, the university has approved all documented requests for both service and emotional support animals: 33 so far. All are either dogs or cats, wrote Ratliff, adding, “The type of animal does not impact our process or review.” For some students, the university can be a bleak and lonely place, and that seems especially the case for top, highly competitive institutions. According to the American College Health Association, almost a third of students found themselves so depressed at some point during 2014 that they couldn’t function. Around 15 percent of Cal students used campus counseling services last year, up from 10 percent five years ago; at UCLA, that figure has spiked to 20 percent. Throughout the UC system, student demand for mental health services has jumped 37 percent in the last six years. As a way to reduce overall student stress, Berkeley’s University Health Services has partnered with Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) to bring pups to Sproul Plaza once a month, with bonus visits during finals. These “Pet Hugs” events are open to all passersby, and very popular. “Cal is a highly competitive campus of 37,000 students and we at UHS are always looking for ways to help students manage their stress levels,” the health services website explains. “Petting an ARF dog offers instant stress relief.” Cohen says he first heard of emotional support animals in 2004, “so that’s a long time to have a conversation about the subject.” And even now, he says, evaluation guidelines are not deeply detailed. “It’s easier to determine (qualifications) if you’re looking at psychological disability rather than emotional support,” he says. So is there potential for abuse? Can someone who is in every way well-adjusted and anxiety-free bring a kitty cat to the dorms just because he or she really, really likes cats? Of course, says Cohen. “But there’s the potential for abuse in many areas, and I really haven’t seen much of it in our system,” he says. “Emotional support animals are gaining acceptance. Even on the airlines, anyone can bring an emotional support animal for a fee, though I recall an incident where a guy with a huge pig was walked off a plane. It’s a balancing act. We need to maintain guidelines, but we also want to support students. Further, it’s the law. Under the Americans with Disabilities and Fair Housing Acts, service and support animals must be accommodated if there is documentation of need.” In Berkeley’s dorms, no one seems to be getting in much of a lather about the issue. The general attitude seems to be: As long as no roommate is allergic or otherwise severely stressed by our four-footed (or six-or-eight-footed), winged, finned or scaled planetary associates, bring ‘em on. Some students told California that a good alternative might be a separate floor for animal owners, or a “pet place” where the animals could be housed and visited regularly. “I think (students) should be able to have emotional support animals because Berkeley is a stressful place,” says Danny Chera, a freshman majoring in microbial biology. “Animals are a way of getting away from reality and kind of having something close to them. I have tons of pets at home, dogs, fish, birds. They keep me sane. I would love to have them here. I think it would help me a lot.” Even undergrads who aren’t wildly enthusiastic about the emotional support concept generally are supportive. “I personally would not want to have a pet,” says Hosefa Basrai, a freshman in pre-business. “Woofing would make me uncomfortable, especially at night. (But) I think if they need it, they should have them.” As for critics who complain that comfort animals are infantilizing students? Dorm residents apparently beg to differ. “You could be 30 years old and still want the support of animals,” says Chera, “because the bond you can share with animals you can’t really get with people. Everybody deserves whatever they need to cope.” How Pets Came to the University of Northern Colorado Exactly why did UNC create the program? “We allow our live-in staff members to have pets, and a lot of students asked for pets themselves,” Brundage says. “We were getting an increasing number of applications for students to live with emotional support or therapy pets. There is a lot of off-campus housing that allows pets, and piloting this program opens the door for more students with pets to live on campus.” My practice, Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital, serves as veterinary advisor for the program. In essence, we are the first line of care if the university has concerns about the care of the students’ pets. The hospital also provides education to students and staff about pet wellness and cares for many of the pets as patients. As a veterinarian, I was particularly curious about how this would work once the program began. Student with cat Student Sarah Hammer finds her cat, Robin, to be a great support. When Dr. Merideth Early, a colleague at Sheep Draw who is also president of the Weld County Veterinary Medical Association, sat on an advisory panel for the program at its inception, she says she was impressed with the level of care and responsibility demonstrated by the university. “The staff and students were interested in my input about making this a good experience for everybody. They really thought about everything, including not using the elevators so that students who have allergies won’t be affected by pet hair or dander in the elevator.” (Another way the school protects students with allergies: Laundry facilities have designated certain washers and dryers for the pet community. Everybody is free to use them, but the signs help pet-allergic students avoid contaminated machines.) Putting the Program Into Action The pet program encompasses the second and third floors of Lawrenson Hall, an imposing 16-story building in the middle of UNC’s campus. Students live in two-bedroom, apartment-style suites; there is a maximum of two animals per apartment. Each apartment has a sign outside the door with a picture of a dog or a cat and a number indicating how many of each pet is in the apartment. (This signage helps the UNC police department, facilities and maintenance staff know the type and number of critters to expect if they need to enter the premises.) For now, the only pets in the program are cats and small dogs, none of whom weigh more than 40 pounds. The pets must stay in the apartments at all times, unless they’re coming or going from the dorm. It’s recommended — but not required— that pets be housebroken or litterbox trained. What’s more, all pets must be spayed or neutered, vaccinated against rabies, be registered in Weld County and be on a leash when out on campus. Finally, students are required to buy liability insurance, which costs about $15 a month. Lawrenson Hall UNC's Lawrenson Hall has two floors that are pet friendly. A Tour of the Pet-Friendly Residences To see how the program is progressing, we took a midsemester tour with Corey Friend, director of Lawrenson Hall.Friendis a pet lover himself and lives in the dorm with his dog, Kirby, a tiny, happy,fluff ball mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise. Our first impression was that the pet-friendly hallways smelled clean — kind of like cranberries. Not one stray animal hair or piece of poo was spotted: Even the gated gravel outdoor dog run and elimination area was spotless. “Some of the other hall directors are jealous because they think the pet-friendly floors smell better than the pet-free ones,” Friend says about the cleanliness. “The students are very good about cleaning up after their dogs: They know that if there is a problem, they could be asked to leave the program. Our custodial staff cleans this area as well.” What Students Are Saying On the tour, we met Lawrenson resident senior Sarah Hammer and her rescue cat, Robin. Hammer is studying English with a minor in history, and her story is interesting in that it highlights the unconventional way this program is helping people succeed. She considers Robin a therapy cat. “Back in 2013 I was having a really hard time, so I got a cat, and she really helped me, made me feel like life was worth living again.” Overall, the program is going very well, according to Hammer. “The only time I heard a bunch of dogs barking and freaking out was during the fire drill, which is understandable. I think there is more community because we have to work together to make it successful.” Student with cat at UNC Morgan Monroe was thrilled that she could take her 17-year-old family cat, Bootsie, to school with her. Colorado native Morgan Monroe is another cat-loving participant in the program. She lived in Lawrenson last year. When she first went away to college, her parents cared for her 17-year-old feline, Bootsie, who experienced depression without Monroe and the cat had to go on medication. So when Monroe heard about the program, she signed up right away. “I am so happy to have Bootsie with me. I love him,” she says as she fusses over the furry senior citizen. “Everybody makes fun of me because I talk about my cat on a regular basis,” she says with a laugh. “He is like a family member. He is the unofficial mascot of my sorority, because on Tuesday nights we have dinner in the apartment and he hangs out with everyone.” So Far, So Good As far as dealing with issues with aggression or house-training, Brundage says, “We honestly haven’t had to cross that bridge yet, but the plan is to deal with issues on a case-by-case basis. The students are taking this privilege very seriously and are active advocates for this community.” When asked how they ensure that the pets aren’t abandoned at the end of a semester or left unattended for an unreasonable amount of time in the dorms, she explains, “We do have an overnight policy: If a student is going to be absent overnight, we require a pet sitter, which could be a roommate, and we require that all pets are taken home for winter break. Most of the pets come from home and are family pets, so this hasn’t been an issue yet. Again, part of the purpose of this community is teaching students how to be responsible pet owners, and responsibility doesn’t stop with the end of the term.” UNC will promote the groundbreaking program at the regional college housing conference in November. If the enthusiasm of the staff and student participants and those on the waiting list is any indication, this program will continue to grow in popularity, and we may see similar programs extend to other universities. If you’re in the market for an untraditional pet that’s still dorm-sized, here are some things that you should know about bunnies before you adopt. 1. Energizer Bunny You can’t just keep bunnies in a cage all day long. If they’re in a confined space for too long, they’ll get super wiry and start to act out. If you have an open cage, they may even attempt (and eventually succeed) to escape and get into things they shouldn’t. If you’re not home most of the day, I would recommend getting a cage with a playpen area on it, so the bunny is able to have more space. But when you are home, make sure to let them have some free roaming and exploring time. 2. Everything’s a Chew Toy Bunnies have super sharp teeth, and they need to keep them filed down, so they’ll chew on whatever they come across. Some bunnies are better than others, but when the hoppy child is exploring the house, make sure to hide all of your chargers and wires, because they’ll snap them in half with one bite. They’ll also chew on carpeting, wood and blinds, so I recommend having them confined to areas of the house where they’ll cause the least destruction, or, if that is unavoidable, keep a close eye on them while they’re out of their cage. 3. Vet Problems Yes, just like cats and dogs, bunnies need to go to the vet regularly, but many vets lack experience with rabbits. The carrot crunchers are super prone to getting cancers, especially reproductive ones, so make sure you get them fixed ASAP if they aren’t already, as doing so can extend their lives by years. If you choose not to get them fixed, don’t anticipate your rabbit living for more than three-to-five years. If you do get your furry friend snipped, they can have the life expectancy of cats and dogs, sometimes even longer, depending on the breed. 4. Tricks Are for Rabbits Rabbits can be trained to do almost anything. Litter training can be difficult before they’re fixed, but with some work, it can be done, to the point where they’ll do their business in the same corner of their cage/litter box each time. Aside from litter training, you can teach your two-eared friend commands just like you would a dog. Some respond to her name and “no,” and she can beg and “stay” for a short amount of time. They’re pretty smart animals. 5. Hidden Figures Bunnies can take a while to adjust and open up to you. Don’t be surprised if they hide in their cage for the first few days after bringing them home. If you end up moving at some point, do not be surprised if they repeat the behavior again. The bewhiskered breeders feel vulnerable in unfamiliar areas, and they’ll take a while to realize it’s safe and that they can start exploring their new area. Same goes for their owners. They’ll typically warm up to one or two people rather than the whole family. If there are younger kids in the house, they’ll typically stay away from them as well. 6. Territorial by Nature Rabbits can be very territorial and temperamental. If they’re in their space chilling and don’t want to be bothered, they’ll let you know. If you approach them, don’t be surprised if they growl and charge at you. If you ignore that, don’t be surprised if you get bit. Their moods can change instantly—one minute you can be petting them and giving them all your love, and the next they’ll want to be left alone. Don’t be surprised if they growl and charge you while you’re trying to feed them as well; if you try to remove their food bowl, they get super mad, and if you reach into their space, they may think you’re trying to pick them up (which they hate, FYI), so they’ll try to defend themselves. Eventually, they’ll know you’re not trying to hurt them, but to avoid such violent behavior, try to make sure the same people interact and feed them on a regular basis. If a stranger tries to care for them, the bunny will flip out and possibly attack, which will stress everyone out. If you go on a vacation, make sure the caretaker is introduced to your pet beforehand. 7. Eat Like a Rabbit These Easter mascots eat more than carrots. A typical diet is a small amount of rabbit feed each day, along with plenty of hay. Most foods have dried veggies in them, which are crucial to their health and make a nice snack. Fresh fruits and veggies also make great treats. Avoid iceberg lettuce though, because too much can be harmful to their diet, whereas blueberries, bananas, apples (minus the core and skin), yogurt and basil make great treats. 8. Bone Up on Bunnies Though this is general information, there are many different rabbit breeds, and they come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s best to know which breeds will work best for you. Some rabbits will grow to be the size of cats, while others will only grow to be a few pounds. Get to know a little bit about each breed before you visit the shelter, so you know you won’t be bringing home the wrong rabbit. Though bunnies take a lot of work, with some of your time, patience and love, they can become your best friend and an amazing pet. College Pets https://www.collegeraptor.com/find-colleges/articles/student-life/20-pet-friendly-college-campuses/ Rabbits, the College Girl's Best Friend: 5 Reasons Why You Should Own a Rabbit https://www.hercampus.com/school/cal-poly/rabbits-college-girls-best-friend-5-reasons-why-you-should-own-rabbit Pet Therapy: Students Increasingly Bringing “Emotional Support” Animals to College https://alumni.berkeley.edu/california-magazine/just-in/2015-11-10/pet-therapy-students-increasingly-bringing-emotional-support Are Pet-Friendly Dorms Working? http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/are-pet-friendly-dorms-working Why Rabbits May Be the Perfect College Pet https://studybreaks.com/2017/05/10/rabbits/ Word of the Week: Romp! The Young Man who was Saved by a Rabbit and a Fox. http://www.sacred-texts.com/nam/ne/al/al48.htm (Passamaquoddy.) There dwelt a couple in the woods, far away from other people,--a man and his wife. They had one boy, who grew up strong and clever. One day he said, "Father and mother, let me go and see other men and women." They grieved, but let him go. He went afar. All night he lay on the ground. In the morning he heard something coming. He rose and saw it was a Rabbit, who said, "Ha, friend, where go you?" The boy answered, "To find people." "That is what I want," replied the Rabbit. "Let us go together." So they went on for a long time, till they heard voices far off, and walking quietly came to a village. "Now," said the Rabbit, "steal up unseen, and listen to them!" The boy did so, and heard the people saying that a kewahqu', a cannibal monster, was to come the next day to devour the daughter of their sagamore. And having returned and reported this to the Rabbit, the latter said to the boy, "Have no fear; go to the people and tell them that you can save her." He did so, but it was long before they would listen to him. Yet at last it came to the ears of the old chief that a strange young man insisted that he could save the girl; so the chief sent for him, and said, "They tell me that you think you can deliver my daughter from death. Do so, and she shall be yours." Then he returned to the Rabbit, who said, "They did not send the girl far away because they know that the demon can follow any track. But I hope to make a track which he cannot follow. Now do you, as soon as it shall be dark, bring her to this place." The young man did so, and the Rabbit was there with a sled, and in his hand he had two squirrels. These he smoothed down, and as he did so they grew to be as large as the largest sled-dogs. Then all three went headlong, like the wind, till they came to another village. The Rabbit looked about till he found a certain wigwam, and then peered through a crevice into it. "This is the place," he said. "Enter." They did so; then the Rabbit ran away. They found in the cabin an old woman, who was very kind, but who, on seeing them, burst into tears. "Ah, my dear grandchildren," she cried, "your death is following you rapidly, for the kewahqu' is on your track, and will soon be here. But run down to the river, where you will find your grandfather camping." They went, and were joined by the Rabbit, who had spent the time in making many divergent tracks in the ground. The kewahqu' came. The tracks delayed him a long time, but at last he found the right one. Meanwhile the young couple went on, and found an old man by the river. He said, "Truly you are in great danger, for the kewahqu' is coming. But I will help you." Saying this, he threw himself into the water, where he floated with outstretched limbs, and said, "Now, my children, get on me." The girl feared lest she should fall off, but being reassured mounted, when he turned into a canoe, which carried them safely across. But when they turned to look at him, he was no longer a canoe, but an old Duck. "Now, my dear children," he said, "hasten to the top of yonder old mountain, high among the gray rocks. There you will find your friend." They fled to the old gray mountain. The kewahqu' came raging and roaring in a fury, but however he pursued they were at the foot of the precipice before him. There stood the Rabbit. He was holding up a very long pole; no pine was ever longer. "Climb this," he said. And, as they climbed, it lengthened, till they left it for the hill, and then scrambled up the rocks. Then the kewahqu' came yelling and howling horribly. Seeing the fugitives far above, he swarmed up the pole. With him, too, it grew, and grew rapidly, till it seemed to be half a mile high. Now the kewahqu' was no such sorcerer that he could fly; neither had he wings; he must remain on the pole; and when he came to the top the young man pushed it afar. It fell, and the monster was killed by the fall thereof. They went with the squirrel-sledge; they flew through the woods on the snow by the moonlight; they were very glad. And at last they came to the girl's village, when the Rabbit said, "Now, friend, good-by. Yet there is more trouble coming, and when it is with you I and mine will aid you. So farewell." And when they were home again it all appeared like a dream. Then the wedding feast was held, and all seemed well. But the young men of the village hated the youth, and desired to kill him, that they might take his wife. They persuaded him to go with them fishing on the sea. Then they raised a cry, and said, "A whale is chasing us! he is under the canoe!" and suddenly they knocked him overboard, and paddled away like an arrow in flight. The young man called for help. A Crow came, and said, "Swim or float as long as you can. I will bring you aid." He floated a long time. The Crow returned with a strong cord; the Crow made himself very large; he threw one end of the cord to the youth; by the other he towed him to a small island. "I can do no more," he said; "but there is another friend." So as the youth sat there, starving and freezing, there came to him a Fox. "Ha, friend," he said, "are you here?" "Yes," replied the youth, "and dying of hunger." The Fox reflected an instant, and said, Truly I have no meat; and yet there is a way." So he picked from the ground a blade of dry grass, and bade the youth eat it. He did so, and found himself a moose (or a horse). Then he fed richly on the young grass till he had enough, when the Fox gave him a second straw, and he became a man again. "Friend," said the Fox, "there is an Indian village on the main-land, where there is to be a great feast, a grand dance. Would you like to be there?" "Indeed I would," replied the youth. "Then wait till dark, and I will take you there," said the Fox. And when night came he bade the youth close his eyes and enter the river, and take hold of the end of his tail, while he should draw. So in the tossing sea they, went on for hours. Thought the youth, "We shall never get there." Said the Fox, "Yes, we will, but keep your eyes shut." So it went on for another hour, when the youth thought again, "We shall never reach land." Said the Fox, "Yes, we shall." However, after a time he opened his eyes, when they were only ten feet from the shore, and this cost them more time and trouble than all the previous swim even they had the beach under foot. It was his own village. The festival was for the marriage of his own wife to one of the young men who had pushed him overboard. Great was his magic power, great was his anger; he became strong as death. Then he went to his own wigwam, and his wife, seeing him, cried aloud for joy, and kissed him and wept all at once. He said, "Be glad, but the hour of punishment for the men who made these tears is come." So he went to the sagamore and told him all. The old chief called for the young men. "Slay them all as you choose," he said to his son-in-law; "scalp them." But the youth refused. He called to the Fox, and got the straws which gave the power to transform men to beasts. He changed his enemies into bad animals,--one into a porcupine, one into a hog,--and they were driven into the woods. Thus it was that the first hog and the first porcupine came into the world. This story, narrated by Tomah Josephs, is partly old Indian and partly European, but whether the latter element was derived from a French Canadian or a Norse source I cannot tell, since it is common to both. The mention of the horse and the bog, or of cattle, does not prove that a story is not pre-Columbian. The Norsemen had brought cattle of various descriptions even to New England. It is to be very much regretted that the first settlers in New England took no pains to ascertain what the Indians knew of the white men who had preceded them. But modern material may have easily been added to an old legend. The terms grandchildren, grandmother, etc., do not here signify actual relationship, but only friendship between elderly and young people. © Copyrighted

I would like to thank you for letting me take a week off from podcasting. As you may or may not know I like near Charlottesville Virginina, I will be briefly discussing what happened in Charlottesville this weekend past. I live in Greene county Virginia Susan Bro who is the Mother of Heather Heyer, works at my local 4H office. My children are active with 4h. I have had conversations with her many times about many topics. She is a friend. We have discussed house rabbits because she has had them in the past for many years. She is a sweet lady, and this past week has been a painful week. I know that this is probably not the venue to pour this out, but I feel that I need to. People say that this could never be in my backyard… This was in my backyard. To quote my wife “If this could happen in Charlottesville, this could happen anywhere.” We had a Japanese exchange student staying with us through4H, and we had planned to go to Charlottesville this weekend past. It was a Pre-planned outing. It was the last weekend she was staying with us, and there is a Virginia store on the downtown mall, about a block from Lee (Emancipation) Park. We knew about the protests and being from the school of “don’t do stupid things with stupid people in stupid places”, Charlottesville fell into two of the three categories… We went over the mountain to the Route 11 potato chip factory in Mt. Jackson, then to Harrisonburg and Staunton. We went to a glass blowing factory, and we saw live music. I hoped that they had the police in place to keep anyone from getting hurt, especially anyone that my wife or I might know. I received a notification about a car hitting protesters. We went to the "Virginia Store" for made in Virginia items for our Japanese student to take home to Japan. We came back home on a scenic drive through the Shenandoah National Park. Along the ride, my wife says that Susan posted a message about loosing her daughter standing up for what she believes in. My wife works at the University of Virginia and they found out about the plans for the torch-lit march through social media, and were told the route that was planned by speaking to the march leaders. This is not the route they took. They marched to where the few students that are able to move in early were. The marchers were despicable to the students that were on grounds. The students were moved to a basement to get away from the “Peaceful” march. One of the teachers has had a stroke this week. He was hit in the head with a tiki-torch (Probably a brain bleed of some sort). This was Friday nights activities in Charlottesville. I believe that the Saturday event was designed to push the protesters (Antagonists) together. I had spent a few days feeling angry, and angry at the news for still creating divides. My wife was on edge. I went to a yoga class and stopped reading the news for a few days. To quote the judges father on night-court “I’m feeling much better now". https://youtu.be/3SnGU6Jtxc0 If you want to see something beautiful, check out the candle-lit walk that the faculty, staff and students participated in last Wednesday. There were at least 2000 people that participated in this walk. It was promoted only by word of mouth. This was not promoted through social media for fear of the Nazi's and KKK showing up again. A youtube link to the candle-lit walk is in the show notes. https://youtu.be/cITuxcGlAr8 Now for our One Eared Rabbit breed: One Eared Rabbit Breed Most of the info about this breed is from Domestic Rabbits and Their Histories by Bob D. Whitman. Now it is possible rather then a gene mutation it might be more likely that the mom "over-groomed" it as a newborn. Sometimes when cleaning the blood off of the babies, the mom will accidentally get carried away and chew off an ear, tail, or foot. England appears to be the native home of the "Unicorn of the Rabbit World" which was being bred true to form during the later part of the 18th century. I have been able to find next to nothing on this unusual rabbit, other then a small passage in John Sheail's book, "rabbits and their history" published in 1971. Sheail mentions that the one eared rabbit bred true, and the population slowly increased. However little commercial value could be placed on such a rabbit, and that little notice was taken by the authors of the time. From all indications, it would appear that the One Eared rabbit breed was produced in the Warrens of the day, and was probably of the wild agouti coloration. I have not been able to location any further information on this most unusual mutation. There is a picture of a pair of of One Eared rabbits in the February 1959 issue of the National Rabbit Raiser Magazine. Claude Holbrook of Evansville, Indiana, who raises rabbits for a hobby, got a surprise when he looked into a nest box recently. "Two of the new litter had but one ear - right in the middle of their forehead.". So as rare as the legendary Unicorn may be, so is the One Eared rabbit. http://karlshuker.blogspot.com/2011/10/unicorn-rabbit-from-county-durham.html A pet rabbit that its owner, 9-year-old Kathy Lister of Trimdon Grange in County Durham, England, had very aptly named Unicorn is most extraordinary . Due to a genetic fluke, Unicorn had been born with just a single ear. Yet whereas there are numerous reports on file of individual mammals of many different species in which one or other ear is missing, Unicorn’s condition was rather more special. For unlike typical one-eared individuals, her single ear was not laterally positioned, but arose instead from the centre of her head, standing upright like a long furry horn! Born in spring 1981, Unicorn was a Flemish Giant doe bred on James’s farm, and she subsequently became the much-loved pet of his daughter Kathy. In more than 35 years of rabbit breeding, this was the only one-eared rabbit that James had ever observed. In autumn 1984, Unicorn escaped from her pen, but three days later she was found, recaptured, and placed in a new hutch. Over the next month, she grew steadily fatter, and 31 days after her original escape Unicorn gave birth to a litter of five offspring. As she had never been introduced to any of the farm rabbits, it is clear, therefore, that during her brief period of freedom Unicorn had encountered and mated with a wild rabbit. Of her five offspring, four were normal, but the fifth displayed its mother’s remarkable median-ear condition. Regrettably, however, all five offspring died shortly afterwards during a very severe thunderstorm, so no details of their sex are known. Happily, Unicorn survived, and lived for a further two years, but she did not give birth to any further litters, so the unidentified mutant gene presumably responsible for her median ear and that of one of her offspring was lost forever when she died in November 1986. Judging from the 4:1 normal:mutant ratio of offspring, it is likely that the median-ear condition was induced by a recessive allele (gene form), and that Unicorn was homozygous for it (i.e. possessing two copies), thereby enabling the condition to be expressed by her. If so, then it must also be assumed that her wild mate was at least heterozygous (possessing one copy) for this same mutant allele, in order to explain the birth of the single median-eared offspring in her litter. Yet if this mutant allele is indeed present in the wild population, one might have expected it to have been expressed far more frequently (especially in animals that are famous for breeding...well, like rabbits!). Could it, therefore, be associated with some debilitating trait too, so that individuals expressing it are more vulnerable in some way to predation? The most obvious affliction to be expected that may prove detrimental to survival in the wild is some form of hearing impairment – an occurrence that normally accompanies most ear-related mutations. Yet Kathy had observed that when Unicorn was called, she would turn towards the direction of the voice, thus suggesting that her hearing was not severely impeded (although by having only one ear, it meant – inevitably - that Unicorn’s hearing could only be monoaural, not stereo). Tragically, however, in the absence of further litters from Unicorn upon which to base breeding observations, little more can be said of her apparently unique mutation. So it is likely that its identity will remain undiscovered, unless this remarkable ‘unicorn ear’ condition reappears one day in some other rabbit farm. Through the 2012 edition of Ripley's Believe It Or Not, there is a second unicorn rabbit. Owned by rabbit breeder Franz-Xaver Noemmer, from Egglham, Germany, it was born in February 2010, and has snow-white fur. Now a Book about a one eared rabbit that I found while researching one eared rabbits. Podkin One-Ear (The Five Realms #1) by Kieran Larwood Podkin One-Ear is a legend: a fearsome warrior rabbit whose reputation for cunning and triumph in battle has travelled the ages. But how did he become such a mighty fighter? The answer may surprise you... When a travelling bard arrives at Thornwood Warren on Midwinter night, he is warmly welcomed. In return for food and lodging, he settles down to tell of how Podkin One-Ear - and soon the rabbits are enthralled to hear the story of how one lost little rabbit overcame the cruellest enemy imaginable, and became the greatest warrior their land has ever know. Another popular one eared rabbit is Bongo! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_in_Hell Life in Hell is a comic strip by Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons and Futurama, which was published weekly from 1977 to 2012. The strip featured anthropomorphic rabbits and a gay couple. Groening used these characters to explore a wide range of topics about love, sex, work, and death. His drawings were full of expressions of angst, social alienation, self-loathing, and fear of inevitable doom. Bongo is Binky's illegitimate son, the product of a drunken night of "jungle passion." He was introduced in a 1983 storyline in which his mother, Hulga, left him to Binky so she could seek her fortune in New York. Bongo's defining physical attribute is his one ear, which Groening admits is solely so that the casual viewer can tell him apart from Binky. Bongo made an appearance in the Futurama episode "Xmas Story", where he is seen being sold in a pet shop. He also appeared in The Simpsons episode "Treehouse of Horror XII" as one of the rabbits that Homer catches in the trap. He appears in The Simpsons again in another episode as a plush toy in Lisa's room, though he is called Madam Bunny. He is shown as a plush toy in "The Fool Monty" where Mr. Burns is eating it in Bart's closet. He has a cameo in "Simpsorama" as one of the rabbit-like creatures rampaging New New York, where he writes on a wall "Crossovers are hell" Word of the Week: Sanitary Plant of the week: Coltsfoot News: Now we had an episode about Rabbit Jumping, and the sport has been mentioned a few times in the news recently. http://www.dailyinterlake.com/article/20170817/ARTICLE/170819865 Rabbit jumping debuts at Northwest Montana Fair Onlookers draped themselves over the fence surrounding the bunny jumping competition Thursday at the Northwest Montana Fair. Handlers and their rabbits were spread out beneath the shade of a canopy, some taking time for an extra snuggle with their competitors while others kept a close eye on the competition. Before them was a line of jumps, ranging in height from roughly 3 inches to about a foot. There were roughly 20 competitors who participated in the fair’s first bunny jumping contest. The sport ranks competitors based on speed and how clean their runs are. The event was spearheaded by Glacier View 4-H leader and Glacier Rabbit Breeders founding member KelleySue Bain, who wanted to raise awareness about the burgeoning sport. “Most people don’t even know about it or don’t know that it’s available here,” she said. Rabbit hopping, also known as Kaninhop, originated in Sweden in the 1970s and has a sizable following in Europe — there are more than 4,000 rabbit hoppers in the U.K., Germany and Scandinavia, according to National Geographic. She hosted the club’s first contest in April and introduced rabbit hopping to fairgoers in Missoula last week. Bain has another competition set for Sept. 16, which will also feature rabbit agility, but noted that the contest will be low-key, at least for now. “We’re still trying to keep it really fun because everybody is so new, so we’re not making it really serious yet,” Bain said. “Rabbits are very easy to train and they’re very smart. Some people clicker train them and can get them to do all kinds of tricks. You can get them hopping pretty quickly — at least a little bit,” Bain said. “Sometimes you’ll get a rabbit that just doesn’t want to do it, but definitely the majority of them want to do it once they get comfortable.” Competitors come in different shapes and sizes too. Bain said the September show, which will also take place at the fairgrounds, will be open to youth and adult contestants. Hop to it! Wisconsin State Fair competition includes rabbit obstacle course http://www.thecountrytoday.com/Country-Life/Country-Life-News/2017/08/15/Hop-to-it.html WEST ALLIS — Donna Towell said she had never heard of rabbit hopping — at least not as an official sport — until some of her Waukesha County project members saw a story in a rabbit magazine. “They came to me with this article, and I thought, this is cool, so I made the straight-line course and introduced it at the Waukesha County Fair,” Towell explained. “It really took off from there.” Six years ago Towell and her rabbit project youngsters introduced Wisconsin State Fair visitors to the sport with demonstrations, but for the past three years, the event has been offered officially for both junior and open competition. Five courses are offered at the state fair: straight-line, crooked, high jump, low jump and agility. “That’s like an obstacle course hopping up, over and through,” Towell said. “They have a platform, a teeter-totter, a bridge, an A-frame, a tire and then jumps.” Rabbit hopping will be featured this year at the American Rabbit Breeders Association convention Oct. 1-5 in Indianapolis. More information can be found at http://www.indyarbaconvention.com. Czech university announces new type of rabbit fever http://www.radio.cz/en/section/news/czech-university-announces-new-type-of-rabbit-fever A Czech university has announced the discovery of a new strain of rabbit fever. The discovery has been announced by the University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Brno after the sudden deaths of scores of rabbits across the country in July. They found a previous version of the fever as well as a newer once which often lasts longer but appears to have a reduced death toll of up to 70 percent compared with the 90 percent death rate of the older fever. A vaccine against the new version is expected to be ready in August. Uni graduate finds riches keeping rabbits at interactive bunny farm https://coconuts.co/kl/news/uni-graduate-finds-riches-keeping-rabbits-interactive-bunny-farm/ A bunny-loving Agriculture Science graduate has managed to make a small fortune from turning his hobby of rabbit-keeping into a booming business. Opening a bunny petting zoo, Arnab Village (Rabbit Village), in Kampung Purakagis, Ranau, Sabah, he’s managed to earn RM300,000 (US$75,000) in ticket sales after a year of operation. It’s become a legitimate attraction on the Sabah tourist trail, conveniently nestled between hot springs, fish spas and tea plantations. He tells The Sun that his farm carries 8 species of rabbits, New Zealand White, Standard Rex, Mini Satin, Lion Head, Netherland Dwarf, Lop Ear, Anggora and the local breed. He started with RM5,000 (US$1,250) of capital for facilities and landscaping, and has been consistently upgrading throughout the year. His last phase will see a restaurant built on the premises. Let’s hope there’s no rabbit on the menu. That would be a bit creepy. Starting with 400 rabbits, he hopes to reach 1,000 by next year. Considering rabbits have a reputation of ahem multiplying profusely, we’re sure he’ll hit those targets soon enough, and then some. Fancy holding a bunny? Arnab Village will set you back RM3 for children and RM5 for adults if you’re a local (US$0.75-US$1.25). Expect to pay RM5 for children and RM10 for adults (US$1.25-US$2.25) if you’re an international visitor. A few Rabbits in the movies: 'Rabbit': Film Review | Melbourne 2017 http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/rabbit-film-review-melbourne-2017-1027487 'Rectify' star Adelaide Clemens anchors a psychological thriller about a young woman searching for her twin sister. If Get Out was transplanted to Australia and had its sense of humor confiscated by customs, the result would surely look something like Rabbit. Making its debut in Melbourne but filmed in the leafy suburbs and surrounds of Adelaide, this debut feature from director Luke Shanahan is arresting to look at but exhaustingly portentous, with hometown stars Adelaide Clemens (Rectify) and Alex Russell (the upcoming Only the Brave) gamely committing to the helmer's own script, which withholds any sense of narrative clarity until the closing minutes. Nominally interested in cryptophasia, the phenomenon of twins who develop their own language, this nothing-but-mood piece showcases strong work from its two promising leads and striking location photography. The film begins with a bedraggled Clemens running through the woods, pursued by a hoody-wearing man in black. She runs into the arms of an elderly woman, who welcomes her into her home before restraining the girl with the help of several accomplices. Cut to Germany, where Australian student Maude (Clemens again) wakes up from the same recurring nightmare — or is it a vision of something that actually occurred? Maude's identical twin Cleo has been missing for over a year, and she returns home to figure out if the dream is trying to point her in her sister's direction. She's joined on her quest by Ralph (Russell), as Cleo's fiancé, and an obsessive cop (Jonny Paslovsky) who thinks Ralph had a hand in the girl's disappearance. How Porgs are bringing the cuteness back into Star Wars Read more: http://metro.co.uk/2017/08/12/how-porgs-are-bringing-the-cuteness-back-into-star-wars-6841526/#ixzz4qF34rwm4 There can be little doubt that the galaxy far, far away has delivered some of cinema’s most astounding moments, riveting plot twists and memorable characters. We’ve had the terror of Darth Vader, the innocence of Luke Skywalker, the sliminess of Jabba the Hutt and the wisdom of Yoda. Star Wars changed the landscape of modern cinema in so many ways, but not all of it was about being cool. Sometimes it was about being cute. Think back to the original trilogy. In the original 1977 movie we were first introduced to cuteness in the form of Artoo Detoo. The cutest character in the original (with the Mousedroid a close second), he almost stole the show and ignited a following that endures to today, with the R2 Builders doing such an amazing job of recreating the little droid that their work is seen in the modern Disney era of Star Wars films. The Empire Strikes Back was a darker film that introduced Master Yoda to the series. While he wasn’t conventionally cute, he gained a rabid following of his own. However, the third film was the one that really smashed the cute button. Arriving in the film as our heroes land on the forest moon of Endor, tasked with destroying the shield generator and allowing the Rebel fleet to attack the second Death Star, we first met the frankly adorable ewoks. Hated by some, George Lucas referred to the Ewoks as the little rabbit by the side of the road who helps the hero when they are in trouble. The ewoks were certainly that: helping the Rebellion defeat the Empire on the ground while the fleet took on the Empire in space. Marvel’s comic series also had their fair share of cuteness in the form of the hoojibs. Basically telepathic rabbits, the hoojibs assisted the rebellion as they fought the Empire and became firm favourites with the readers. The Force Awakens smashed box office records in 2015 and brought with it a new level of droid cuteness – BB-8. This diminutive astromech droid well and truly stole the show as he fought alongside Rey, Finn and his master Poe Dameron in their battles against the First Order. Early images and footage from The Last Jedi have revealed what are quite possibly the cutest characters ever to grace the screen in a Star Wars film – the Porgs. How Porgs are bringing the cuteness back into Star Wars Looking very much like puffins, these wide-eyed, open-mouthed, bird-like creatures live on the world of Ahch-To. If you thought the ewoks were marketable (and they were, the fuzzy denizens of Endor were a marketing phenomenon back in the mid 80’s) then you’ve seen nothing yet. With Star Wars fandom online already delirious over the Porgs (seriously, check it out, fans and the staff at the official Star Wars site are losing their minds) there’s every chance these creatures will be the toy of the year, just as BB-8 was a couple of years ago. I would like to thank those that purchased through the Amazon link at the HareoftheRabbit.com website. It looks like we had a few books, disc golf, and headphones.    

Rabbit Jumping or Kaninhop   Learn more about Rabbit Breeds, history, superstations, news, folk tales, and pop culture.  Discover cool facts, Rabbit Care, resources and Rabbit Breed Info at the website http://www.hareoftherabbit.com/ If you would like to support the project, 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.   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.   Rabbit jumping is a growing sport that is becoming increasingly popular all around Scandinavia. Rabbit jumping exist in other parts of the world as well but it is often not as big and organized as in Scandinavia. The goal is to jump cleanly over a set course within an allotted time. Rabbit show jumping or Kaninhop is modeled after horse show jumping, only on a much smaller scale to suit rabbits. Competitions have been held in several European countries. The cool thing about Rabbit Hopping is that it doesn't matter if your rabbit has a pedigree as long as your arm or if it was bought from a pet shop, it can still do it and WIN!!! Rabbit jumping is perfect for someone who want to spend time with their rabbit and do something fun together! History Rabbit jumping as a sport started in Sweden in the late 1970’s when the first rabbit club started to have competitions in rabbit jumping. In the beginning the rules were based on the rules of horse jumping however, over time the rules changed to better fit rabbits. In the start a lot of breeders were very skeptical of rabbit hopping and thought it was a short craze. In 1986 the sport started spreading all over Sweden. Back then it was held separately in two different parts of Sweden with no contact between each other. In 1987, the first national championship for "straight line easy course" was held in Stockholm, Sweden. In 1991 they met and merged the two groups as a subgroup to the Swedish rabbit breeders association. Rabbit jumping grew bigger still and could not develop as fast as needed. This lead to the formation of the organization we have today. September 3rd 1994 the Swedish Federation of Rabbit Jumping was established. The Swedish Federation of Rabbit Jumping is nationwide. Today they have about 800 members in about 20 affiliated clubs, which are all arranging competitions in rabbit jumping. There are competitions arranged almost every week somewhere in the country. The main task of the federation is to develop the sport and make sure the competitions are fair. They also make sure there are two Swedish championships held every year and an opportunity each year to educate judges for the sport. Another important thing they work with is to have a good connection and cooperation with other countries. Germany joined the other countries in starting their own rabbit hopping club in 2000. Organizations were established in Norway (2002) and Finland (2004). Training and participation with translations for a new set of rabbit hopping rules came from the judges committee in Denmark. 2001 brought forth the Rabbit Hopping Organization of America. The rules and guidelines for rabbit hopping were established for all Americans with the help of the judges committee in Denmark and with personal assistance from hopping judge Aase Bjerner. The American Hopping Association for Rabbits and Cavies (AHARC) was chartered with the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 2013. The rules and guidelines for this association were molded after R.H.O.A. and Denmark. The AHARC held the very first official national competition in the United States during the 2011 ARBA Convention in Indianapolis, IN. The performance competition for rabbits during 2013 ARBA convention in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania was a Mid Atlantic Rabbit and Cavy event. AHARC had the first national performance event for cavies during the 2014 ARBA TX convention. The American Hopping Association for Rabbits and Cavies is the national performance club in the U.S. for rabbits and cavies (guinea pigs) chartered by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). Their Purpose is to help others learn about the performance sports of Rabbit Hopping, Rabbit Agility and Cavy Agility. They are a resource and place for people to locate information about performance events all over North America. AHARC is in the process of developing Rules and a Guidebook for their members. The Rules Committee is currently headed by Tammy Steele. Please contact Tammy at alikattbunnies@hotmail.com with any questions. National Specialty Club - This has been an amazing and interesting adventure. Most people don't realize how much work and commitment is required to start up a national level club. Being welcomed under the ARBA umbrella in 2013 as a National Specialty Club was a rare and long awaited opportunity   Rabbit Agility was developed by the Canadian Hopping Club and by Dell Robins from Minnesota independently of each other. They call theirs a Rabbit Obstacle Course. However they do not use weave poles for their courses.   The Canadian Rabbit Hopping Club, like a lot of things, had a very humble beginning. During their 2005/2006 4-H year members Amanda Greening (entering her 2nd year in the 4-H rabbit project) & Krysta Turner (entering her first year) were looking for a fun activity to round out their project. That's when they found a website from Denmark & a magazine on the sport of rabbit hopping, which is like dog agility, but just with jumps. Although they did not have Dutch rabbits, generally the rabbit of choice, they thought it looked like fun. The first order of business was to build jumps to use, which were made as part of the project. They also needed to get the rabbits used to wearing harnesses and being on a leash. To train them to jump, first you have to lay a pole on the ground near the base of the jump, so they get used to the idea that they are supposed to go over it. Then you put the poles in the jump cups, gradually raising them as the rabbits get better. The girls use film canisters to make the jump cups. The bunnies performed in some fun shows & at Achievement Day, but the first really big live performance was at 4-H on Parade, our big year end show for 4-H. The demonstration was run in a space beside the dairy show & about half way through they had emptied the stands from the dairy show. It was there they were also noticed by a representative of the Calgary Stampede, who requested them for 5 demos, including in front of the main Grand Stand Stage during the 2007 Family Day breakfast. Since then, they have performed at pet stores, the S.A.R.B.A. Easter event in Airdrie, Calgary Pet Expo, Chestermere rabbit show, & will be back at 4-H on Parade & performed in Edmonton on Canada Day 2008! Since this time, they have made many more appearances, to see a full list, check out our events & performances link. There are lots of new members & even more new rabbits! Check out our Meet the Stars link for a list of all the rabbits & their trainers! Each rabbit even has it's own story & song & some even have their own music video! We have added new equipment, going for more toward agility, with an "A" frame, tunnel, pause table, hoop jumps, bunny walk, teeter totter & most recently, the high jump & long jump. In the summer of 2011, Amanda saw previews for a Canadian version of the popular show America's Got Talent. She sent off the application & on September 14, 2011, Amanda with some club members & bunnies auditioned in Edmonton, Ab. for Canada's Got Talent. On October 18, 2011 the club performed in front of the live studio audience. Interesting CGT facts: In September over 3000+ auditioned in Edmonton for the show! Out of those, 80 made it to the stage in Calgary on October 18 & 19, 2011. From those 80, we were one of only 18 shown on national TV on March 5, 2012! While the club did not advance to the next round, we did not receive any X's & got a standing ovation from the studio audience. Since CGT, the club has taken a huge step forward from it's humble beginning of two girls looking for a new 4-H rabbit project!   2013 saw the beginnings of The Rabbit Hopping Society Of Australia also with the assistance of Aase and Rasmus Bjerner. In 2015 Freya Pocock Johansson founded Rabbit Hopping New Zealand.I (Freya Pocock Johansson) introduced Rabbit Hopping to New Zealand in the beginning of 2015 at The Christchurch Pet Expo, and have gone on to hold many successful demo days and practices in Christchurch, thanks to Lynette Peebles who also hosted them! Thanks to Kathy Davis, we also now have Rabbit Hopping on The North Island!!! Inspired by equestrian jumping events, rabbit enthusiasts in the Czech Republic recently organized a bunny hop competition as an early Easter celebration. A rabbit, a symbol of Easter, jumps over an obstacle during Rabbit Steeple Chase at the Old Town Square’s Easter market on April 14, 2014 in Prague, Czech Republic. There are federations both in Norway (since 2002) and Finland (since 2004). Denmark, Germany, UK, and USA also arrange rabbit jumping although they don’t have any federations. Hopefully the sport will grow and get even bigger all over the world. About rabbit jumping Some basic rules There are four different types of rabbit jumping; straight course, crooked course, high jump and long jump. THE CLASSES STRAIGHT: In straight course the rabbits are divided into 4 classes: Easy class, where the course has 8 - 12 jumps at max. 25 cm (9.8 inch.) high at a distance of 180 cm (70.9 inch.) between the jumps. Medium class with 10 - 14 jumps at max. 35 cm (13.8 inch.) at a distance of 200 cm (78.7 inch.) between the jumps, Difficult class also with 10 - 14 jumps and a distance of 200 cm (78.7 inch.), but with a max. at 40 cm (15.7 inch.) high. At last the Elite class with 12 - 16 jumps at max. 50 cm (19.7 inch.) at a distance of 220 cm (86.6 inch.) between the jumps. CROOKED: At crooked course there are also 4 classes and the highs are the same as at straight. The jumps are placed in an other way; more like show jumping for horses. You follow the numbers at the jumps. HIGH JUMP: High jump takes place by letting the rabbit hop over a jump, which can be put up to about 100 cm (39.4 inch.), and you gradually put one more rails on, till the last rabbit goes out. Each rabbit has 3 trials at each high. The world record today is 99½ cm (39.2 inch.) made of the rabbit "Tøsen" with the handler Tine Hygom from Horsens, Denmark. It was made at the cattle show in Herning June 1997. The rabbit id dead now. LONG JUMP: Long jump takes place at a jump, where you start at 60 cm - 80 cm (23.6-31.5 inch.), an the length is put out till the last rabbit goes out. Each rabbit has 3 trials at each length.   A crooked course is a lot like a show jumping course for horses with turns and loops while on a straight course the jumps are placed on a straight line. The goal is, as said before, to jump cleanly through the course. For every jump knocked down you will receive one fault. There is always one judge counting the faults and one person taking the time of the race from start to finish. If the rabbit doesn’t jump straight over the jump but askew you receive one fault. The same happens if you lift the rabbit over a jump that isn’t already knocked down. If the rabbit jumps the course in the wrong order or exceeds the time limit it will be excluded and will not receive a placing. It is important that the rabbit jumps out of free will and isn’t forced. The rabbit has to be in front of the owner. The tracks have 8-12 obstacles (depending on the level of difficulty) that the leader (något annat) is supposed to help the rabbit through with as few faults as possible. The obstacles needs to be passed in the correct order for the equipage not to be excluded for taking the wrong way. The height of the obstacles also depends on the level of difficulty. There are four different levels to compete in and the heights of the obstacles in each of them are 30, 38, 45 and 50 cm. A rabbit has 2 minutes to complete the course, if the time runs out before the course is completed, the rabbit is disqualified. In straight track the obstacles are placed in a row and in the winding track in a logically turned order, but not in a distinct pattern like an L, S or something like that (it should look almost like a horse jumping track). For each obstacle that is knocked down the rabbit and the leader (the ekuipage) gets one fault. You are also penalized with one fault if you choose to lift the rabbit over an intact obstacle, if the rabbit jumps over it the wrong way, that is adrift (criss-crossing or in between the bars, if the rabbits go over the start marker before it is allowed, and after three corrections. A correction is when the leader gives the rabbit a new run-up for an obstacle. Corrections are not taken into account at the lowest level of difficulty. The winning rabbit is the one with fewest number of faults. If two or more rabbits have tied for the same placing the one with the shortest time will be the winner. When winning or earning a placing (the number of placings depend on the number of participants) the rabbit will gain one promotion point with which the rabbit climb in the levels. In Sweden they call it a “promotion stick”. If the rabbit doesn’t receive any faults at all it will automatically receive a promotion stick. In straight and crooked course there are four official levels; easy, medium, difficult and elite. Older rabbits can compete in the veteran level and beginners can choose to compete in the unofficial mini level. The levels differ in height and length of the jumps but also in number and technical difficulties of jumps. The mini course is just an introductory course. In order to progress from easy to medium, etc. a rabbit has to earn promotion points. Rabbits are placed according to the number of faults they have (such as knocking a rail down) time only comes into play if 2 placing rabbits have tied for the same placing. High jump and long jump have different rules. Here the winner is the rabbit who jumps the highest or the longest. There is only one jump in high- and long jump but it is higher respectively longer than in straight- and crooked course. The rabbit can have three tries at one height/length. If two rabbits have tied for the same placing the one with the fewest amount of tries wins the competition. There are only two levels in high- and long jump; non-elite and elite. To gain a promotion stick the rabbit has to jump either 60 cm = 23.62 inches high respectively 160 cm = 62.99 inches long. In the elite level the rabbits compete about certificates, when the rabbit has gained three certificates in a specific course it will be a champion. One important rule in all courses is that the jumps must be constructed so that they can be knocked down in any direction without hurting the rabbit. You are not allowed to beat or kick the rabbit or to lift the rabbit only using the leach. The rabbit must be held in a harness with a leach, necklaces are not allowed as they can hurt the rabbit’s neck. And remember, only the rabbit is to jump, the human walks beside the jumps and not over them. In the tracks there is as mentioned four different levels of difficulty. Higher levels includes more difficult obstacles in the tracks. All equipage starts out in the lowest level of difficulty, and for each placing they get what we call an "upgrade point". When the rabbit has three upgrading points in the same level of difficulty it has qualified for the next following level. The number of placings in each given class is based on the number of starting rabbits. For every five starting rabbits one place is given. For example if there is 10 starting rabbits two places are given, if there are 26 starting rabbits six places are given. However the rabbit must finish the track with less than two faults per round to get an upgrading point. The most common is that one basic round and a final is arranged, which means that you can have up to at total of 4 faults and still get an upgrading point. If the rabbit completes two rounds without any faults it will receive a upgrading point no matter of the placing number. The lowest level of difficulty is called "easy" and this is the class were all rabbits begin. The maximum height is 30 cm (11,81 inches) and the track has at least 8 obstacles. After collecting three upgrading points the rabbit qualifies for the next level which is "harder than easy". Here the maximum height of the obstacles is 38 cm (14,96 inches) and the track should contain 10 of them. Like before, the rabbit has to collect three upgrading points until it's qualified for the next class which is called 'difficult'. This level has a maximum height of 45 cm (17,72 inches) and there should still be at least 10 obstacles. You must collect five upgrading points in the difficult level before you are qualified for the most difficult class, which is called 'Elite'. The elite has a maximum height of 50 cm (19.96 inches) and the track has 12 obstacles. The length of the obstacles are adjusted to fit the class, but there is a maximum length in the easy class that is 45 cm (17.72 inches) and for the other 80 cm (31,15 inches). There are also regulations for the shortest length between the obstacles. That is 250 cm (98.43 inches) in all the classes, but in the higher levels even a further distance is preferred to give the rabbits as many good possibilities as possible. In 'difficult' and 'elite' there must be a water obstacle. This is special in the way that it counts as one fault if the surface of the water is touched. The width of the obstacles, which is the length on the bars, should not be less than 60 cm (23.62 inches). In addition to the obstacles, there must be a low start and finish obstacle. These obstacles are not included in the track together with the other obstacles, they are only used for the purpose to know when to start and stop the time. In all the classes you need to finish within a maximum time limit, the most common is two minutes. The leader will be noticed when there are 30 and 10 seconds left. There are some different judgings, A-F. The most common is judging C which means that all ekuipages makes one round and that a pre-decided number of them will make it to a final round. Judging D is also. That means that all the ekuipages that completes the first round are allowed to start in the second round. This was a short description of the most important rules in the two tracks, so now let us move forward to the long and high jump. In these two events the rabbit jumps over a single specially made obstacle. In the high jump it is all about jumping as high as possible. The obstacle increases in height after every round. The rabbits have three attempts on each height. If the rabbit fails all three attempts the ekuipage is eliminated. The rabbits that performed the jump correctly continue to the next round, in which the height of the obstacle is increased. You cannot clear the same height more than once. If all the rabbits that is still in the competition fails at the same height, the winner is the rabbit that has used the least attempts to clear the previous height. If those results are also the same you have to look at the height before that and so on until you can separate them to get a winner. If not there have to be a "re competition" between those ekuipages that ended at the same result. Long jump has the same system of declaring a winner, but here the rabbit must jump as far as possible. In high and long jump we have a different upgrading system than in competition in tracks. There are only two classes, 'not elite' and 'elite'. The rabbits starts in not elite. To receive an upgrading point in these events a limit of 60 cm (23.62 inches) in high jump and 160 cm (5,2 feet) in long jump must be cleared. To advance to elite in either of the events, the ekuipage have to collect three upgrading points respectively. When you have reached the elite level in all events, there are no longer any competitions for upgrading points. Instead, the winner of the class receives a certificate, if the class has more than 10 starting rabbits. To receive a certificate in high jump the rabbit must also clear a height of at least 70 cm (27,56 inches) and in long jump 180 cm (5,9 feet). If a rabbit receives three certificates in the same event taken in at least two different clubs, the owner can, regardless of the number of certificates received in the other events, ad the title champion to its name. If the rabbit becomes a champion in two events you ad Great Champion, in three events Super Champion and in all four events Grand Champion. The most important factor in rabbit jumping is the safety of the rabbits. The obstacles are not allowed to be built in a way that the rabbits under any circumstances can hurt themselves. Nails cannot be used to put the bars on. You are not allowed to beat or kick the rabbit, and you can of course never lift it only by its leach. No stressing sounds or acts is allowed and if the rabbit needs to be guided, this should be done by gently using the hands, never the feet or just the leash. The hand holding the leash must be behind the rabbit at all times. The leader of the rabbit cannot go over the obstacles; he or she must pass next to them.   To be allowed to participate in a competition the person must have turned 7 years old and the rabbit must be at least 4 months old. In high- and long jump the rabbit must be 12 months old. All breeds and crossbreeds are allowed to participate, the only important thing is that the rabbit is healthy! All breeds are allowed to compete; however, there may be problems with smaller and larger breeds. (Rabbit size is usually determined by weight: small rabbits are considered under 2 kilo/4.4 lbs and giant over 5 kilos / 11 lbs) Small rabbits, such as the Polish and Netherland dwarf sometimes have problems jumping over long obstacles due to their size. However, there are examples of small rabbits that still made it to the highest Scandinavian classes. Smaller rabbits can overcome weaknesses through style and will. Larger rabbits such as the Flemish Giant and French Lop will put a lot of weight on their front legs in the landing while jumping high over higher obstacles, which may cause injury. Generally, long-haired Angora type breeds, if not clipped, are excluded from competing because of the difficulties their coats cause with agility and vision. Neither English Lop should be entered as they risk injury to their ears. The ideal jumping rabbit has long legs and a long back, which will help it see over longer obstacles and correctly judge the height or length in order to get over. In the case of with slender bone, such as the Belgian Hare, the legs should be strong and muscular so high jumps will not hurt them. In Scandinavia, where rabbit show jumping has a strong base, most are crossbreeds, bred with good jumpers as parents, similar to the method of breeding show dogs. How to teach your rabbit to jump HOW TO TEACH THE RABBIT TO HOP It is best to start with a young. It is good to buy a young at 8 weeks at a breeder, who is a member of a breeding organization. The very first thing you have to teach your rabbit is to walk in a harness and leash. It might be a little cat´s harness or a special harness for rabbits with an eye behind in the back piece. It must not just be a necklace, because then the rabbit might be choked. It might take time to get it used to the harness, but don´t be in too great a hurry. It is very important, that nothing happens, that might frighten the rabbit, when it is in harness. Let it have a good experience, when it is in the harness. Then it will gradually look forward to come out into the harness for a walk. If you have more rabbits, it is best to have one harness for each rabbit. Some rabbits will bite in the harness, if it smells of an other rabbit. When the rabbit has got used to the harness, you can start teaching it, that you are the one, who decides, where you are going. When your rabbit is good at walking in the harness, you can start letting it hop over small jumps. As long time as the young is little, you must not let it jump too much and not too high. Just about 5 minutes at 0 - 5 cm. (0-2 inch.) (0 cm is when the bar is just lying at the grass). It will be good with some milk cartons or some small wood blocks with 100 cm. (40 inch.) between the cartons or blocks. After some weeks you can put one more carton upon the first. When you add the high, you have to add the length. If you already have a rabbit jump, you start with one bar or two bars. If the rabbit don´t want to jump, you can try to lift it once or twice, maybe it will jump by itself the next time. Teach your rabbit from the beginning just to hop the one way. Then it is easier to teach it just to go forward on a course. That´s what it´s about in an event. If your rabbit gets tired, you must let it get a rest and then try later the same day or the next day. To calm or encourage your rabbit it is important, that you talk with your rabbit the whole time both at training and at events. Don´t tell it off, if it doesn't go like you want. You don´t achieve anything by that. At straight course, there has to be the same distance between the jumps. In this way the rabbit gets a fluent run through and has a better chance to make the jumps. When the rabbit is 4 month, it can start training at an easy course (25 cm (9.8 inch.) high) and it can start in an event. Here in Denmark the handler has to be a member of the Breeding Organization of Denmark. Maybe you can try to train in an organization before being a member. All breed and mixed rabbits can learn to hop, but do not hop with very big and heavy rabbits. Don't over train your rabbit. By training once or twice a week it will quickly get used to hop and become a clever hopping rabbit. If you have got a rabbit, who in spite of your best attempts, will not hop, you must let it be a pet rabbit. If you force it, it might be aggressive and maybe you will get sour. It is hard to say, if it is best to hop with a male or a female. We have had best luck with the females. Our males are often more interested in sniffing and peeing and mating our legs. The females might be a little lazy, when they are in heat, but else they are very willing to hop. If it is very hot and very cold it is better not to hop. Rabbit hopping is fun for children and grown ups, and it is a different good and exciting way to have rabbits and to be a rabbit. If you have a little fenced area in your garden, your rabbit can have fun of running there too. It also will give it more exercise. Before you start teaching your rabbit to jump you must teach it how to walk in a harness. When the rabbit feels safe and brave walking in the harness you can start with low jumps (about 5 -10 cm = 2-4 inches). Put the rabbit in front of the first jump and give it some time to think. You might have to help it the first time by lifting the rabbit or by push loosely at its backside. Praise and let the rabbit walk to the next jump. When the rabbit has learned to jump – walk – jump you can add some more jumps and after a while you can increase the difficulty. Think about not to hurry and not practice too much. Otherwise the rabbit might loose interest. You can build jumps out of things you have at home as long as the rabbit can’t get hurt when jumping it. Remember that the jumps must be constructed so that they can be knocked down in any direction without hurting the rabbit. Most rabbits can be taught to jump but not all of them like it. You should never force a rabbit to jump. World records The Guinness Book of World Records makes note of the world record for the highest rabbit jump which is 99.5 cm (39.2 in), which was achieved by Mimrelunds Tösen (The Lassie of Quivering Grove) who was owned by Tine Hygom (Denmark) in Herning, Denmark on 28 June 1997. However, June 13, 2013 this record was beaten by Snöflingans (Super Champion) Majesty of Night "Aysel", owned by Tarkan Sönmez (Sweden) at 100 cm (39.4 in). A video of this can be found on YouTube. The record for longest jump is 3m (118.1 in), held by Yaboo (owner: Maria B Jensen, Denmark)and was set on June 10, 1999. The world record in high jump is held by a Swedish rabbit called Aysel. She has jumped 100 cm (39.37 inches). Her owner is Tarkan Sönmez. The world record in long jump is held by a Danish rabbit, he is called Yaboo and the longest jump was measured to 3 m (9.84 feet). In conclusion At events, there is always great attendance from the spectators. People of all ages have a good time by looking at rabbit hopping. Even radio, TV, newspapers and magazines find, that rabbit hopping is a good subject and now and then they bring photos or on-the-spot report. Of course now and then people, who think it is cruelty to animals, are passing by, but they have hardly ever understood, that the rabbits are hopping of joy. The critics do not think about, that all what we do, are be built on the natural movements of the rabbits. Rabbit jumping is a fun sport for both owner and rabbit. In Scandinavia it is growing and getting more popular. We wish that with this podcast we will inspire rabbit owners all over the world to try rabbit jumping safely! The more you do with your rabbit, the more fun you have with it. If you make rabbit hopping there will by itself come a very close tie between the handler and the rabbit. About 3,000 are expected to take part in the rabbit version of Hickstead. The Swedish rabbit jumping team is among 3,000 animals taking part at the Great Yorkshire Showground, in Harrogate. You are very welcome to contact the committee for The Swedish Federation of Rabbit Jumping if you have any questions. styrelsen@skhrf.com http://skhrf.com/englishsit/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit_show_jumping https://sites.google.com/site/americanhoppingassociation/ http://www.canadianrabbithoppingclub.com/ http://www.kaninhop.dk/uk/ http://rabbithoppingnz.wixsite.com/rabbithoppingnz http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/15/bunny-hop-competition-prague_n_5155397.html http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/watch-adorable-bouncing-bunnies-take-5031497 www.smallanimalshow.co.uk.   Plant of the Week: Barley Word of the Week: PrePaid

Intro ⦁ This week we are going to explore the French Lop Rabbit breed. ⦁ Item of the Week: Holmes window fan ⦁ The plant of the Week: Sweeds and Turnips ⦁ Word of the Week: Alleys ⦁ Folktale: Rabbit and Dear race ⦁ And finally end with the rabbit news of the week 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 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. If you’d like to get “more bunny for your money,” there’s not much better choice than the French Lop. If this breed can be described in one word, it is “cuddly.” This is the only lop-eared beed that is placed in the “giant” size category, and Frenchies are gentle giants indeed. Although French Lops are not widely bred due to the space and feed they require, a number of people keep “just one” as a cuddle bunny. By breeding together the English Lop and the Flemish Giant or French Butterfly rabbit back in the 19th Century, fanciers developed the hugely popular French Lop rabbit. The French is different from it’s English cousin as it’s bigger and its drooping ears are shorter. It also weighs slightly more. The lovely French Lop usually weighs in at around four-and-a-half kilograms, but can weigh more and can live to be more then five years old. French Lops are 1 of 5 lop-eared breeds that the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) recognizes. They are the largest breed of lop, weighing in at 11 lbs. minimum when they reach their adult age class. Some can weigh as much as 16 lbs., while 12-13 lbs. seems to be an average weight within the breed. History The French Lop rabbit was first bred in France around 1850 by a Frenchman named Condenier. There were several other breeders that bred the Lops during this time period, however the credit is given to Condenier as the originator of this breed. The French Lop breed resulted from a cross between the English Lop and the Butterfly rabbit of France. The Butterfly rabbit is still bred in France and can be seen at the Grand Prix Show in Paris. This rabbit closely resembles our Flemish Giant of today, but is shorter in body and weighs approximately 15 pounds. The French Lop Rabbit was first breed in France and established in France as a rabbit for meat during the mid-19th century. Between the period of 1850-1910 there was great popularity of both the French and English Lop on the continent of Europe and in England. In fact, they were referred to as the "King Of The Fancy". Mr. Woodgate of England contributes the downfall of the French and English Lops due to the fact that they obtained such perfection during this period that they lost their challenge to the breeders. The French Lop increased in popularity in neighboring countries such as Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. In 1933, it was reported that ten French Lop Rabbits were brought over from the Netherlands and exhibited in the UK, although it was not until the 1960s that French Lop Rabbits became a popular mainstream rabbit breed in the UK. French Lop Rabbits were imported into the United States in 1970-1971. As rabbit fancying became more popular the breed was further developed to have a thickset body that was heavily boned and a large bulldog shaped skull. The French Lop bred today differs greatly from its original form in that it functions more as a companion and exhibition animal today, than as a meat and fur producing animal of the past. Overall Description Giant and cuddly, French lops are the largest breed of lop rabbits. In fact they are the only lop considered a “giant” breed. They are gentle giants with a commercial body type and glossy rollback fur. The French Lop is a very large rabbit, typically weighing around 10-15 pounds, they don't have a maximum weight in the show standard. With lop ears of between 5 and 8 inches long that hang down below the jaw, and an almost cubic appearance with a short thickset body and large head. The front legs are short and straight and the hind legs are carried parallel to the body. The French Lop has a dense, soft coat that comes in two color varieties: solid and broken, and within these categories can be found a number of different rabbit colors. The French Lop comes in many colors and these can either be solid, or broken – where they can display a mixture of white and another color. Colors include white, blue, black, agouti, chinchilla and sable, among others. The fur is short, dense and very soft. Their ears are usually 5-8 inches long and hang just below the jaw, but aren’t as long as the English Lop’s. French Lops also have a thick body and a large head with a wide forehead and chubby cheeks. Their ears are well-shaped and fall open without folding over. Body French Lop bodies should be shaped more or less like New Zealands, and should feel like boulders. They are prone to becoming a little flabby and developing a “skirt” – that is, a roll of skin and fur around the lower hindquarter. The coat is a long and glossy rollback, which means that the fur slowly and gently returns to its original position when stroked against the grain. The head is set moderately high on the shoulders and is broad and bold. Ears are topped with a fluffy crown. Maximum ear length is not desired on this lop breed like it is on the English. Ear carriage and shape are important. Ears should be horseshoe shaped and fall open without folding or rolling. French lops have a rollback coat, which needs little grooming. Simply brushing it once a week should be enough to remove loose fur. When they are molting more grooming may be necessary. Again, many color varieties available which include Black, White, Brown, Blue, Agouti, Chinchilla, Opal. Sooty Fawn, Siamese Sable, Orange, Fawn, Steel and Butterfly. The French Lop has a good climate tolerance for all climates Important Things to Look out for When Buying Show Stock: Things to Avoid: A long, narrow, or flat body. Hindquarters that are chopped or undercut. Junior does with large dewlaps. Long, narrow head or flat crown. Pointed muzzle. Blemished ears, ears with poor carriage, narrow, folded, or thin ears. Ears that turn out away from the rabbit’s cheeks. Weak ankles. Broken patterned rabbits with unmatched toenails. Fine bone is a disqualification. Fur that is silky, long, harsh, thin, or very short. care A French Lop is able to live outside and inside; a large waterproof hutch that shelters the rabbit from any rain, snow, or heat is acceptable with a run attached. French Lops do not handle heat well, so make sure they have adequate protection like a frozen water bottle or a fan. If kept inside, a hutch or a cage can be used. It is infinitely preferable to keep rabbits in pairs - you should only ever consider getting a single rabbit if you can spend several hours a day with them. The rabbits should have a large run for exercise and mental stimulation - lack of exercise can contribute to obesity, gut stasis and behavioral issues. Due to their relatively larger size in comparison to other breeds, the French Lop may require a large hutch/run to move around freely. They fare well in both outdoor and indoor cages but keep in mind they are still rabbits and not dogs and they will chew and you need to bunny proof. A large wooden hutch should be provided for the French Lop – he’s a big rabbit and will need plenty of space in his home to hop, stretch out and stand if he chooses to. The hutch should be placed out of direct drafts and full sun and could be placed in a light, well-ventilated shed if there is one available. If not, his hutch should be fully waterproof and should have a mesh front with a cover to keep out any wind or driving rain, and he should also have a covered area where he can build his nest and escape for some peace and quiet. If your rabbit is going to be kept in the house he can have the run of the place providing anything important is kept out of the way. Take the time to litter train him and he will be clean too, although he will appreciate somewhere quiet to rest where he will not be disturbed. French Lops can be very lazy creatures and sometimes he will appreciate a place where he can observe the action, rather than take part in it. He will also love a nice warm lap to sit on too. They can live perfectly well indoors or outdoors but it must be remembered that this is a rabbit and not a dog or cat. They will chew indiscriminately so anything you treasure, including shoes, mobile phones, clothes and cables and wires, should all be kept well out of the way. He can be litter trained, but as a rabbit, it will not be easy and will take time and patience. That said, it can be done! diet It is recommended that the French Lop receive a standard intake of a high quality, high protein pellet. It is common for some owners to provide treats, although in very limited quantities, which can include a slice of strawberry, or other healthy foods. Commercial treats are available in the pet stores in shops and can be occasionally used, although even more sparingly, since they typically feature a higher sugar and starch content. Some of the vegetables that rabbits enjoy are romaine lettuce, turnips, collards, kale, parsley, thyme, cilantro, dandelion, and basil. The green, leafy tops of radish and carrots also are excellent sources of nutrients—more than the vegetable itself. New vegetables should be introduced slowly due to the delicate digestive systems of rabbits. It is recommended that cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage be avoided, as they cause gas and can lead to gastrointestinal stasis, which can be fatal. Vegetables such as potatoes and corn should also avoided due to their high starch content. Research what kind of fruits, vegetables and greens are rabbit-friendly and if you’re not sure if a particular food can be eaten, the rule of thumb is simply not to give it to them. Stop, research, and/or ask your veterinarian if it is bunny-safe before feeding. French Lops also require an unlimited amount of fresh water, usually provided for in a water crock, tip-proof ceramic pet dish, or hanging water bottle. A proper diet is also important to ensure other digestive problems don’t develop. For example, if your rabbit develops diarrhea because of a poor diet, their soiled coat can attract flies in the warmer months (especially if it is outdoors) and if the rabbit is unable to groom himself properly, the flies can lay eggs in his fur (near the bottom). When those eggs hatch, they will begin to eat your rabbit while they are still alive, causing them extreme pain- this is called fly-strike. To avoid this, make sure your rabbit eats a balanced diet and check their fur for any flies that may have landed on soiled fur. Health Breeding The ideal age for the female French Lop rabbit to start breeding is 9 months. It is recommended that they should not have any more litters after the age of three years. The French Lop rabbit can produce large litters, usually between 5 and 12 with a gestation period of between 28 and 31 days. On average they give birth at 30–32 days. The French Lop does not have any health issues particular to its breed, however As with most rabbit breeds, there are some conditions which affect the species as a whole that are the biggest threat to your pet’s otherwise good health. Dental issues are the number one cause of illness in rabbits so it’s vital that you keep a close eye on the quality of your rabbits teeth. By feeding a diet that’s high in fiber and roughage, your rabbit’s continuously growing teeth will be kept worn down. They can suffer with overgrown teeth and enamel spurs and if these are allowed to develop your pet could find it difficult to eat or may develop injuries in his mouth that may become infected. Prevention is better than cure so providing a diet that’s high in good quality hay and fibrous green vegetables is essential if you are to avoid dental problems. A good diet is also crucial to the health of your rabbit’s digestive tract and if the diet is not adequate, he can easily develop diarrhea. The French Lop also has a tendency to become a little overweight, which most rabbit parents don’t notice because of its already large size. Being overweight can cause a multitude of other health issues so always be aware of how much you are feeding your gentle giant. Watch the French lop’s condition, they tend to get a little flabby. They can develop a “skirt” of loose skin around their hindquarters. Temperament/behavior This is a bunny that simply loves to be adored, and he’ll return that adoration tenfold. The French Lop is renowned for its gentle, docile demeanor and he will tolerate handling and other animals and children very well. Providing your animal is socialized and handled correctly from a young age he will make an affectionate and playful companion and will be fantastic with children. It should be remembered that because he is a larger rabbit he can be strong and will not make a suitable pet for a first-time owner. Their hind legs are very powerful and the can kick out if startled, which, if you are holding him at the time, could cause injury. They are known to have a placid and relaxed temperament, and can tolerate other species. When socialized well at a young age they are a wonderful family pet, and are very gentle with children. Rabbits are highly social animals and should always be kept with a companion - however care should be taken when introducing them as adults. Neutered rabbits will be less likely to fight - male-female pairs tend to be strongest. Like all rabbits, they may go through a "teenager" stage, where they are reaching sexual maturity and might become aggressive. It's less common in the French Lops though than other breeds. Apart from their distinctive appearance, French Lops are also distinguished by their endearing and gentle temperaments. Bred for decades to be an easily handled breed, their large, imposing frames are misleading as most French Lops are very docile in nature, they are usually quite fond of interaction with humans and are much less active and more relaxed than a great number of other rabbit breeds. The French Lop thrives on human interaction and loves to be picked up and petted. This large breed of rabbit makes for a wonderful pet due to their calm, docile temperament. These gentle giants have a huge personality each different than the other rabbit. At first glance, it can be mistaken as a small dog but make no mistake about it, this rabbit is just as cuddly as any dog you’ve ever had. They thrive on human interaction and love to be picked up and petted, making them ideal for couples who want to take the next step into pet parenthood or singles who would like some animal companionship. As a good natured and social animal, the breed will thrive on interaction with people as well as with other rabbits. They can be quite playful and will enjoy some simple toys to keep them occupied. The French Lop does tends to have large litters, sometimes with as many as twelve offspring. The average lifespan of a French Lop rabbit is about 5 to 7 years. 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 as well as meat production. At a minimum of eleven pounds, it is occasionally mistaken for a small dog at first glance. Unlike some other giant breeds, the French Lop has commercial body type rather than semi-arch. Although perhaps slow to grow out, the French Lop yields a good amount of meat and can even be shown in market pen classes. The French Lop rabbit was mainly developed as a meat rabbit breed. And was a very popular meat rabbit breed in the mid 19th century. The breed is very suitable for commercial rabbit farming business for meat production. French lops are most commonly used as show rabbits, though with their large, commercial type they can also be used for meat. In fact, they can be shown in the meat classes. French lops also make good pets, as long as you keep in mind that these rabbits are at least 11 pounds, and will need roomy cages. Today it is a popular meat rabbit breed and also raised as pets and show animal. The French Lop is a large breed of rabbit that makes for a wonderful pet, due to their calm, docile temperament. Club 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. “Presented” means that they are there on exhibit for the ARBA committee to see and vote on if they would like to accept the new breed. The breed is recognized by both the American Rabbit Breeders Association and the British Rabbit Council. The French Lop Color Guide allows many colors, but this breed is shown in only two classifications: solid pattern and broken pattern. Today the French Lop shares a national specialty club with the English Lop, and that’s fitting enough, since they were brought to this country along with the English Lop in the early stages of the American rabbit fancy. The breed was first developed in France, as the name suggests. The first record of it being shown is in 1850, by a breeder named Condenier. It is not one of the most popular breeds, but also is not in danger of extinction at this time. Learn About the History and Objectives of the Lop Rabbit Club of America. In April of 1971, the National Lop Rabbit Club of America was formed and later became known as the Lop Rabbit Club of America. The object of the LRCA is to popularize, promote and improve the breeding of the Lop rabbits, to encourage fanciers and exhibitors with the help of this club's services which are at their disposal. Our American Standard has for years recognized both Lop breeds. Through the great efforts of many early Lop breeders, the Lops have gained enormous popularity and recognition in this country. The original stock was imported from Switzerland, Holland, Belgium and Germany during 1970-1971. The future of our French and English Lops in America looks bright and promising. The Lop Rabbit Club of America invites you to join our organization. We are one of the most progressive Rabbit Clubs in America. As a member, you will receive our Official Club Guidebook, plus the Lop Digest which is published quarterly. Most importantly, you will be able to enjoy the breeding and exhibiting of two of the most unique and irresistible breeds of rabbits known to man - The French and English Lops 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? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Lop https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/breeds/rabbits/french-lop/ http://www.petguide.com/breeds/rabbit/breedsrabbitfrench-lop/ http://rabbitbreeders.us/french-lop-rabbits http://www.thenaturetrail.com/rabbit-breeds/french-lop-rabbit-breed-information/ http://www.frenchlopcare.com/about-the-french-lop-breed.html http://www.lrca.us/ http://www.roysfarm.com/french-lop-rabbit/ 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. This weeks item is a window fan! I have had a Holmes window fan for over ten years. It has a temperature setting so that you can set it to come on at a specific temperature. I have used it in the window to draw in or out air, and I have used it in a door way to move air from one room to another. This could be used in a room with a rabbit to draw cool air through from outside, or if you have a rabbit barn with a window, this Holmes window fan could be used to draw some air through. This Holmes window fan is cost effective and draws in fresh, cool air from the outside or exhausts stale, hot air from inside. The Holmes window fan can do both simultaneously because each of the two fans can be set independently to draw in or exhaust out, allowing the unit to exchange inside and outside air. Operable either manually or automatically—with its thermostat turning the fans off and on to maintain a selected temperature—the unit has a one-touch electronic control and two speeds so it can be adjusted to specific conditions. It's designed to fit double-hung, vertical-slider, and casement windows.   Plant of the week - Sweeds and Turnips Word of the week: Alleys Our FolkTale: http://www.native-languages.org/trickster-rabbit.htm Rabbit is the trickster figure in many Southeastern Indian tribes. The Rabbit Trickster is generally a light-hearted character who does not engage in serious wrongdoing and features in many children's stories; however, like most tricksters, he is prone to humorously inappropriate behavior, particularly gluttony, carelessness, and an overinflated ego. In the folklore of some Southeastern tribes, it was Rabbit who stole fire and brought it to the people. http://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Legends/HowtheDeerGotHisHorns-Cherokee.html In the beginning the deer had no horns, but his head was smooth just like the doe's, He was a great runner and the rabbit was a great jumper, and the animals were all curious to know which could go farther in the same time. They talked about it a good deal, and at last arranged a match between the two, and made a nice pair of antlers for a prize to the winner. They were to start together from one side of the thicket and go through it, then turn and come back, and the one who came out first was to get the horns. On the day fixed all the animals were there, with the antlers put down on the ground at the edge of the thicket to mark the starting point, While everybody was admiring the horns the rabbit said: "I don't know this part of the country; I want to take a look through the bushes where I am to run.". They thought that was all right, so the rabbit went into the thicket, but he was gone so long that at last the animals suspected he must be up to one of his tricks. They sent a messenger to look for him, and away in the middle of the thicket he found rabbit gnawing down the bushes and pulling them away until he had a road cleared nearly to the other side. The messenger turned around quietly and came back and told the other animals. When the rabbit came out at last they accused him of cheating, but he denied it until they went into the thicket and found the cleared road. They agreed that such a trickster had no right to enter the race at all, so they gave the horns to the deer, who was admitted to be the best runner, and he has worn them ever since. They told the rabbit that as he was so fond of cutting down bushes he might do that for a living hereafter, and so he does to this day.   News Carla Wilson 1949 - 2017 http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestarpress/obituary.aspx?n=carla-wilson&pid=185872286&fhid=19244 Carla Wilson, 68 Portland - Carla Wilson, age 68, a resident of Portland, passed away on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Carla was born February 7, 1949, in New Castle, Indiana, the daughter of Noel and Kathleen (Williamson) Myers. She graduated from Wes-Del High School in 1968. Carla worked at the Pennville Library for many years and was also an ARBA Rabbit Judge for many years. She was a member of the Hickory Grove Church of the Brethren; she was also a member of the American Rabbit Breeders Association, Indiana Rabbit Breeders Association and also a Jay County and Delaware County 4-H Leader. She married Larry Wilson on September 20, 1969. Survivors include her loving husband: Larry Wilson - Portland, Indiana; 2 sons: Kelly (wife Jennifer) Wilson - Portland, Indiana and Aaron (fiancé Nicolle Courtney) Wilson - Muncie, Indiana; 1 daughter: Linsy (husband Cody) Zigler - Lynn, Indiana; 2 brothers: Dave (wife Kaye) Myers - Orlando, Florida and Ron (wife Linda) Myers - Fayetteville, North Carolina; 1 sister: Emma Lou Bocook - Munising, Michigan; and 5 grandchildren. Visitation for Carla Wilson will be held on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at the Williamson and Spencer Funeral Home in Portland. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at the Williamson and Spencer Funeral Home in Portland with Pastor Earl Doll officiating the service. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Muncie, Indiana. Memorials may be directed to Hickory Grove Church of the Brethren. Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to www.williamsonspencer.com. Published in The Star Press on June 22, 2017     Hundreds of Animals Still Recovering After Being Found in Fresno Moving Truck http://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/hundreds-of-animals-still-recovering-after-being-found-in-fresno-moving-truck/746534266 FRESNO, Calif. -- Nearly 1,000 animals are still being cared for after being found in an old moving truck in South West Fresno on Friday. Fresno Humane Animal services officials said many of the animals are recovering but some may have a long road ahead. Kendyll Lyons, a kennel worker at Fresno Animal Humane Services has been working long hours to make sure the hundreds of birds, bunnies, quail and others at Fresno Humane Animal Services survive. "We have had the occasional bunny, the occasional rabbit but never anything like this," said Lyons, kennel worker, Fresno humane animal services. On Friday, Fresno Humane Animal Service employees said they recovered 955 animals from a moving truck in Southwest Fresno. "It was 107 degrees inside when we got there and certainly that is not as hot as it has been. Thank goodness for that," said Brenda Mitchell, Fresno Humane Animal Services Board President. The animals were transferred to Fresno Humane Animal Services' air conditioned warehouse, where they have been closely monitored. But, even with the care from animal experts, officials said 10 have died since Friday. "I don't know if it is related to those conditions but certainly their age and the fact that they are fragile little creatures," said Mitchell. Officials said they could lose even more animals. Many of the birds have injuries, feather loss and officials said many of the rabbits are too young to be without their mothers. "I would be very surprised if some of the little rabbits made it," said Lyons. The workers said they will continue taking care of each one until they are fully recovered. Officials said when their investigation is complete they will start finding homes for all of these animals.     A 'Furfest' in Wytheville http://www.swvatoday.com/news/article_20980352-5856-11e7-8b75-572ee59e7b10.html The fur was flying at Wither’s Park Thursday morning as adults and children gathered, along with dogs, a cat, even a rabbit, for the annual Chautauqua “Furfest” pet show. Border collie Greeley Joe was top dog, taking home the People’s Choice and Best in Show Awards. Greeley Joe’s owner, Cora Chrisley, 15, said she started training the 1-year-old pup when he was about 6 weeks old. “Just whenever we would play or during potty time,” she said. Nothing special. He takes to it really well.” Already, Greeley Joe can sit, lie down, shake hands, circle, catch a Frisbee and fetch (which he loves). The Best in Show Award is awarded in memory of Marsha Jones, a Wythe Arts Council member who promoted the pet show for years before she died in 2007. Her family has continued to sponsor the Best in Show Award in her memory. Jones’ young family members, Cali and Beach Molinary, attended the show. Nearby, Debbie Yates watched her 6-year-old granddaughter, Kyla Yates, play with her rabbit, Cocoa, who took home second place for the cutest pet. They also entered golden retriever Nellie in the show, who snapped up third place in the “best trick” category. She shakes hands. “We came just for fun and to watch; we love the festival,” Debbie Yates said. “I thought it would be good for her (Kyla) to participate. She did real well walking her out there. I think it builds self-confidence, don’t you?” Patty Hall’s Pomeranian, Shadow, won honorable mention in the “cutest” category. Hall’s friend, Ann Harrison, arrived too late to enter her Shih Tzu, Gizmo. They were at the pet show with 10-year-old Gaige Dawson and Hall’s daughter, Christi Armbrister, who was visiting from Fort Walton Beach, Florida. “We just came to watch,” Harrison said. “It’s so neat and wonderful to see all the dogs and we saw a rabbit and a cat and some sweet people.” Here are the Furfest results: Look Alike: First place: Chloe (Annette Gilliam) Second Place: Greeley Joe (Cora Chrisley) Best Trick: First place: Greeley Joe (Cora Chrisley) Second place: Chloe (Annette Gilliam) Third place: Nellie (Debbie Yates) Honorable Mention: Copper (Oscar Montgomery) Largest: First place: Baby (Payton) Second place: Chloe (Annette Gilliam) Third place: Bo (Jackie Alley) Honorable Mention: Copper (Oscar Montgomery) Smallest: First place: George (Cora Chrisley) Second place: Lanie (Lili Belle) Third place: Romeo (Zachary Coley) Honorable Mention: Roscoe (Maranda/Mariah Wall) Best Costume: First place: Keni (Oscar Montgomery) Second place: Roscoe (Maranda/Mariah Wall) Third place: Baby (Payton) Cutest: First place: Benji (Joe and Marsha Turpin) Second place: Cocoa (Kyla Yates) Third place: Peanut (Blair Jackson) Honorable Mentions: Shadow (Patty Hall), Nellie (Debbie Yates), Bo (Jackie Alley), Addison (Cora Chrisley) People’s Choice: Greeley Joe (Cora Chrisley) Best in Show: Greeley Joe (Cora Chrisley) To reach Millie Rothrock, call 288-6611, ext. 35, or email mrothrock@wythenews.com.     Colorado's Iconic Rabbit Ears Peak just lost a chunk of its ear http://www.9news.com/news/local/colorados-rabbit-ears-peak-loses-chunk-of-ear/449687186 STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLO. (AP) - An iconic sight near Steamboat Springs is missing something. Rabbit Ears Peak looks a little different after losing a chunk of one of its ears. Steamboat Pilot & Today reported Thursday the western ear of Colorado's iconic landmark is significantly skinnier and pointier following what appears to be an erosion event at the top of the rock formation. The Rabbit Ears are remains of pyroclastic materials, which are layers of extruded rock and ash. It's a popular landmark and hiking spot for tourists and locals alike. Dr. Barbara EchoHawk, a professor of Geology at Metro State University, says Rabbit Ears Peak is the result of volcanic explosions from 30 million years ago. Check out the before and after here. Because of the way the magma erupted in a vent from the ground, Dr. EchoHawk says there are some large and some smaller pieces of volcanic rock. During its formation, these pieces were broken by steam eruptions, causing cracks in the rock, that eventually, naturally, will crumble and fall away as these cracks line up with other joints in the rock. Even the rabbit ears themselves are just smaller, leftover pieces of the original formation. Dr. EchoHawk says more erosion can be expected in the future as the rock and its cracks freeze, thaw, freeze and thaw. U.S. Forest Service District Ranger Chad Stewart says he made a point to look at Rabbit Ears Peak on a drive he took this week after he was informed of the possible change in the rock's appearance. The piece that broke off was at a height that would not be easily accessible to humans. Stewart says there are also no rock climbers permitted to operate at the rock formation, making this scenario more unlikely than natural erosion     On View | 'Bunny Attack: An Exhibit of Illustration and Photography http://host.madison.com/wsj/entertainment/arts_and_theatre/visual/on-view-bunny-attack-an-exhibit-of-illustration-and-photography/article_c5249055-1dd3-5998-a604-0ccf04fd401f.html Dreams, nature and dark emotions stimulated the creativity displayed by artist Bunny Attack at Bos Meadery, 849 E. Washington Ave., Suite 116. “Bunny Attack: An Exhibit of Illustration and Photography” will be on view through the end of June. “It is through a quiet observation that most of my work comes to life,” Bunny Attack said in her artist’s statement. “Introverted and imaginative, I spend my life in a state of observation and interpretation; I am mostly drawn to the colors of the fading day, the patterns and details presented in the natural world, the stories that come to life via melodies, harmonies and lyrics in my favorite music.” Bunny Attack’s works in the exhibit include black-and-white illustrations featuring anthropomorphic animals, sullen self-portraits, and double-exposed film photography that all carry a dark and mysterious theme. Part of her earlier collection “The Dangers of Living,” all the black-and-white work was composed once she had developed a personal style she was happy with and was able to really focus on creating detailed illustrations. “The newest works have more color, and are a bit more playful, although still being on the darker side of things,” Bunny Attack said in her press release. Bunny Attack has no formal art education other than a couple of photography classes. “Drawing has been a favorite (pastime) for as long as I can remember, and in high school I picked up a love for photography,” said Bunny Attack in an email. “It took time and much trial and error to develop the style I have now, and I’m happy with the work I’ve produced thus far and am excited to experiment more and advance in my techniques.”   William Shatner From Captain Kirk to ... Bunny Handler!!! http://www.tmz.com/2017/06/17/william-shatner-better-late-than-never-cast-bunny-rabbit-show/ EXCLUSIVE William Shatner may have explored new worlds where no man has gone before, but now he's in Sweden ... running around with rabbits. The legendary "Star Trek" actor is in Stockholm shooting for his new comedy/reality show "Better Late Than Never" ... and showed off his skills as a bunny handler. Spoiler alert -- he wasn't great at it. Rabbit show jumping is big in Sweden -- kind of like the Westminster Dog Show in the U.S. Shatner and his fellow cultural icons on the show -- Henry Winkler, Terry Bradshaw and George Foreman -- all took part in the rabbit racing and looked like they had a blast. As usual, host Jeff Dye was their guide.  

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.

Blue of Saint Niklass - Vampire Rabbit - Hemlock - Heart - Tale of Rabbit And The Dancing Turkeys Feel free to visit the website: http://www.hareoftherabbit.com/ If you would like to support the podcast either visit the link for Amazon, then make your purchases as normal.  I cannot see who purchases what, but a small percentage of your purchase will benefit the podcast: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=haroftherab-20&camp=228761&creative=536025&linkCode=ur1&adid=0Z1J5SZGFHE81DASKT78& Or you can donate to the podcast at: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=4748024 Today we are going to explore the Blue of Saint Niklass rabbit Breed, the history, The Vampire Rabbit, Hemlock, Heart, and Tale of Rabbit And The Dancing Turkeys. History The history of this beauty is a bit unusual. The Blue of Sint-Niklaas is one of the oldest rabbit breeds in the world. The Blue of Sint-Niklaas breed of rabbit originated in the Flemish city of Sint-Niklaas.  Being bred since the nineteenth century, this rabbit breed is only recognized as being in the “Blue” category.  Blue of Sint-NiklaasBlue of Sint-Niklaas (Dutch:Blauw van Sint-Niklaas) is a Flemish rabbit breed.  It has been bred since the 19th century, near the city of Sint-Niklaas, to supply the local fur-industry, and is thereby one of the oldest fur-rabbit breeds of the world.  The Van Beveren, also a fur-rabbit breed, is family and has been bred in the same region of Flanders, the Waasland.  I covered the Beveren in another episode, which led me to the Blue of Sint-Niklass. These little blue beauties were a hot commodity when fur trade was still going strong in that area.  Many of these little, beauties lost their lives for their meat and pelts. Originally, they were identical to the Blue van Beveren and also showed their typical mandolin -shaped physique.  Which rabbit breeds except the van Beveren still were involved in the origin of the breed is not known, the size of the breed suggests that giant rabbits were used for breeding out.  From the van Beveren, the blue of St. Niklaas originally distinguished by the white markings that were required at the beginning of the 20th century in the form of a forehead blaze.  However, since it had not been possible to achieve this badge homozygous, the standard was amended in 1917, that the animals were required color.  The sister race van Beveren has a distinctly different body shape and is slightly darker in color.   The Blue of Vienna St. Niklaas. was especially bred for fur rabbits and was known for her coat quality.  With the decline of the fur industry, the spread of the Blue of St. Niklaas decreased.  The popularity of the breed decreased with the disappearance of the fur trade in the early 20th century.   After the decrease of pelt-saling and fur-industries in the region (and the world) the breed became almost extinct, as it was not popular as a pet or meat-rabbit.  Only a few European breeders in Belgium and France are left.   There are few breeders left of Blue of Sint-Niklaas bunnies.  The Blue of Sint-Niklaas rabbits are now very rare and possibly close to extinction. 1. Flanders – Flanders is the Dutch-speaking northern portion of Belgium, although there are several overlapping definitions, including ones related to culture, language, politics and history. It is one of the communities, regions and language areas of Belgium. The demonym associated with Flanders is Fleming, while the corresponding adjective is Flemish. In historical contexts, Flanders originally refers to the County of Flanders, which around AD 1000 stretched from the Strait of Dover to the Scheldt estuary. In accordance with late 20th century Belgian state reforms the area was made into two political entities: the "Flemish Community" and the "Flemish Region". These entities were merged, although geographically the Flemish Community, which has a broader cultural mandate, covers Brussels, whereas the Flemish Region does not. Flanders has figured prominently in European history. As a consequence, a very sophisticated culture developed, with impressive achievements in the arts and architecture, rivaling those of northern Italy. Belgium was one of the centres of the 19th century industrial revolution but Flanders was at first overtaken by French-speaking Wallonia. In the second half of the 20th century, however, Flanders' economy modernised rapidly, today Flanders is significantly more wealthy than its southern counterpart. Geographically, Flanders is generally flat, has a small section of coast on the North Sea. Much of Flanders is agriculturally fertile and densely populated, with a population density of almost 500 people per square kilometer. It touches France to the west near the coast, borders the Netherlands to the north and east, Wallonia to the south. The Brussels Capital Region is an enclave within the Flemish Region. It comprises 6.5 million Belgians who consider Dutch to be their mother tongue.   Flanders – The Sack of Antwerp in 1576, in which about 7,000 people died.   Flanders – Flag   Flanders – Winter scene by Sebastian Vrancx, 1622   Flanders – 1609 map of the county of Flanders 2. Sint-Niklaas – Sint-Niklaas is a Belgian city and municipality located in the Flemish province of East Flanders. The municipality comprises the towns of Belsele, Nieuwkerken-Waas, Sinaai. Sint-Niklaas is the capital and major city of the Waasland region straddling the East Flanders and Antwerp provinces. The city is known for having the largest square in Belgium. At one point this square also boasted the largest easter egg in Europe. Belsele was already mentioned in a 9th-century document. The new parish was to depend until the middle of the 16th century. However, it was part of the County of Flanders. The power of Flanders at that time favoured the economic development of the city, which became the administrative centre of the region in 1241. The city was never walled, which made an easy target for conquest. In 1381, it was engulfed by plundered. However, the central location of Sint-Niklaas between Ghent and Antwerp, far from the Scheldt, favoured further development. By 1513, Emperor Maximilian had granted the right to hold a weekly market. Around 1580, the church of Saint Nicholas suffered heavy damage from roving iconoclasts. The 17th century was generally a period of prosperity, marked by economic growth, mostly in the wool industries.   Sint-Niklaas – Sint-Niklaas   Sint-Niklaas – Sint-Niklaas Town Hall   Sint-Niklaas – Church of Our Lady Overall Description Body Size-They can grow to an average of 10 to 12 pounds (5.4 kg). They are large in size similar to the Flemish Giant breed (which can grow to a whopping 15 pounds).   Stature-The Blue of Sin-Niklaas is a generally “meaty-looking,” plump rabbit. Unlike wild rabbits, this breed tends to have chunky body, head and legs. Wilder rabbits tend to be lean with thinner legs. The weight of the animals is 4.5-6 kg, with an ideal of 5.5 kg. The body is stocky and cylindrical, viewed from above, the animals should act rectangular. The 14-16 cm long ears are worn V-shaped. The coat color of the breed is a very bright, steady blue. The eyes are blue-gray, the claw horn color. The breed is not allowed in Germany. ears and eyes Coat Coat-This rare breed of bunny, as imagined, has a beautiful coat. It is a thick, lush coat that is sometimes a creamy gray or bluish color. It would be hard for any rabbit breeder or bunny fanatic not to be able to identify this breed. The special color of the coat could be due to a unique mutation. Originally, the (Blue) Van Beveren and St Nicholas Blue were considered the same breed. Now that has changed and these two varieties are kept well apart in terms of shape, size, weight and color. colors Since 1917, Blauwe Van Sint Niklaas rabbits have all been the uniform blue-grey uniform color. care Bunnies can make great pets, no matter which breed you pick.  However, before you run right out and grab a new furry buddy, do your research. Many people go out spontaneously (especially around Easter) to get a bunny. Yes, they are beautiful-but they do require upkeep. This upkeep can be time consuming and sometimes expensive. Be sure you are interested in the Blue of Sint-Niklaas because you genuinely want a pet to love and care for. Don’t let the Blue of Sint-Niklaas become part of a collection, a thing, just something you can say you have. Hopefully, you will choose your new, furry companion for the right reasons. He will give you companionship for years to come. diet Health Temperment/behavior If your Blue of Sint-Niklaas bunny is tame enough, he may be a good cuddler.  The Blue of Sint-Niklaas breed could make great “showbunnies” if you’re into bunny beauty contests. Blauwe Van Sint Niklaas rabbits are quiet, good-natured and friendly animal that enjoys a spacious hutch. uses Rabbits tend to be bred for one of four things: meat, fur, show, or pet use. The St. Nik 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. Whether you’re looking for a furry, pal or a show pet, the Blue of Sint-Niklaas is truly grand.  Are you looking for a unique and fuzzy pet? How about an unusual bunny? Blue of Sint-Niklaas is an unusual name for and unusual rabbit breed. Club Internationally, only blue varieties are accepted by the standard, in contrary to the Van Beverens, where other varieties are accepted. Also in contrary to the Van Beverens, the weight of the Blue of Sint-Niklaas is much larger, up to 12 lb (5.4 kg) indicating resemblance to the Flemish Giant. There are few breeders left of Blue of Sint-Niklaas bunnies. The Blue of Sint-Niklaas rabbits are now very rare and possibly close to extinction.  . They are not on the endangered species list YET. 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. “Presented” means that they are there on exhibit for the ARBA committee to see and vote on if they would like to accept the new breed. 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? history, superstations, pop culture Let them know how to donate News Any kick starter campaigns? Contact information and Close. http://blue-of-sint-niklaas.rabbits-for-sale.info/ http://www.second-opinion-doc.com/blue-of-sint-niklaas-rabbit-breed.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_rabbit_breeds http://www.youpet.com/rabbit-breeds/ http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-some-rabbit-breeds.htm http://vetbook.org/wiki/rabbit/index.php?title=Blue_of_Sint-Niklaas http://wikivisually.com/wiki/Blue_of_Sint-Niklaas http://memim.com/blue-of-sint-niklaas.html https://www.omlet.co.uk/breeds/rabbits/st._nicholas_blue With its crazed bulging eyes, huge fangs and claws, The Vampire Rabbit of Newcastle is a mysterious grotesque that has perched above the ornate rear door of the historic Cathedral Buildings, facing the rear of St Nicholas Cathedral for over a hundred years but no one is quite sure why the blood-sucking lepus was created. Erected with the rest of the building in 1901, locals tell a tale of grave robbers who were running rampant in the area until one dark night the fanged beastie rose on the door opposite the graveyard as if to scare off future robbers. Less superstitiously, it has also been theorized that the vampire rabbit is in fact a hare whose ears were mistakenly put on backwards. If this were the case the bloody little creature could have been installed to reference Sir George Hare Phipson, a local doctor, Freemason, and friend of the cathedral’s architect. Most basically the rabbit could simply be meant to represent the coming of spring, invoking the same symbolic association that created the Easter Bunny. While the vampire rabbit of Newcastle was originally the same sandy color of the surrounding stonework, in modern times it has been painted a menacing black with droplets of blood staining its teeth and claws. http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-vampire-rabbit-of-newcastle If it is a hare, it could have been a quirky reference to a doctor in Newcastle at the time called Sir George Hare Phipson, also founder of Durham Masonic Hall, who was a friend of William H Wood, one of trio of architects behind the Cathedral Buildings adjacent to St Nicholas’. Wood may have been a freemason himself and hares appear in masonic symbolism. Or maybe the carving was a touch of Mad March Hare humour from the architects; the others being Thomas Oliver and John Leeson who, with Wood, transformed the west side of Dean Street from Mosely Street to The Side during those years. A decade ago the Vampire Rabbit enjoyed a brief moment in the limelight when it formed part of a light festival. During a winter Glow event in 2006, the carving was illuminated in pink, making it look even more weird and wonderful, and there were projections of it across the city. With so little known about the carving, there had been an appeal the previous year for any information about it to be included in an online archive involving Tyne and Wear Archive and Museums and Newcastle University. But the rabbit, which has had a few licks of paint over the years, including being turned black with its teeth, eyes and claws picked out in red, still retains its air of mystery. http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/stories-behind-newcastles-called-vampie-12455793 Hemlock Heart Tale of Rabbit And The Dancing Turkeys https://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/tale-of-rabbit-and-the-dancing-turkeys.htm One time while Wild-Cat was out hunting he came upon Rabbit in the tall grass. Rabbit and Wild-Cat were enemies, and so they began to fight. Soon Wild-Cat had Rabbit down and was about to kill him, when Rabbit said: “How would you like some nice Turkeys to eat?” “That is just what I have been looking for,” said Wild-Cat. “Well, I know where there are some, and I was just about to catch some when I met you. Now, if you kill me they will all get away. You had better spare my life until I show you how to catch the Turkeys; then you may do what you please with me.” Wild-Cat agreed, and so Rabbit told him to stand still while he sang the Turkey dance song. After he had sung a little, he told Wild-Cat to lie down and pretend to be dead; that he would tell the Turkeys that he had killed Wild-Cat, and wished them to dance around him with closed eyes. While they danced, Wild-Cat was to jump up and grab all he wanted. Soon the Turkeys heard the song and came to see what it was about. Rabbit told them that he had killed the great turkey-eater, Wild-Cat, and that he wanted them to dance a victory dance around him. Rabbit continued his song, and as he sang the Turkeys danced. Wild-Cat peeped and saw one big one dancing near him. He jumped to get it, and as he grabbed the Turkey, Rabbit ran away through the grass, and so escaped from Wild-Cat.