sharond said:
I do not know anything about Leicester French Lops Sorry! But just to say I got George, a blue butterfly French Lop from Ross Rabbits and he has been wonderful.
The lady from there is a hobbyist breeder who breeds her lops as pets and has bred to maintain her lines ( no interbreeding or showing) for 30 years. Most of the babies she keeps for herself, but she has a waiting list if there are any babies available.
Like the lady you have mentioned, she has been wonderful, she devotes her life to her rabbits and has taught me so much about rabbits. I was a complete beginer and without her help and this forum I don't know what I'd have done. She continues to give any advice and support she can.
George has been an absolute delight. He is a freerange house bun, he was 99% litter trained when I got him and is 100% now. He is so tame loving friendly and such a character. I do put most of this down to Ross rabbits breeding, and her rearing of her buns.
I did feel guilty after finding this site that I didn't have a rescue rabbit, but to be honest as I was new to rabbit ownership and learning, I still think that for my first rabbit I made the right decission, and through him being so adorable I have been able to learn and practice things without too much difficulty, which puts me in a better position to be able to consider a rescue rabbit or maybe rabbits in the future.
I have to say though, even though I do hope to have rescue rabbits, I think would always go back to Ross rabbits for my French Lop house rabbit, as he is so amazing.
If your breeder and her Lops are half as good as the owner of Ross rabbits and her buns, you will not be dissapointed. Good luck and I hope to hear an update.
I
never ever post on here because of people's attitude to breeders. I know Karen very well. She loves her rabbits and many other people I know who breed rabbits are not like the lady you describe - ie
tarring show breeders with the same brush. People show cats, dogs, mice, hamsters, rats, chinchillas, guinea pigs and you cannot change the world. Some breeders also rescue. Many name their rabbits and they are lovingly treated - just because you have seen one breeder doesn't mean all the other ones are like that. Maybe she hadn't fed them yet when you were there.
I know there are several show breeders on here too and no wonder they don't go on here much as this site is not as united as people think it is. Mostly you are rescues and pet owners and I can see at times where you are coming from but many many people tend to assume things on this forum about other people/hobbies etc!! Many breeders have extensive knowledge of rabbits veterinary and foodwise. Their knowledge of rabbit language is really good. Many let their bunnies out in large runs and don't just "get rid" of rabbits because they didn't make the show grade. Rabbit are not just baby making machines either to some.
I'm not going to say any more on this thread nor reply to any posts that will come up. There are loads of breeders like Karen out there - you just need to do your homework and look.
The most important thing is that whereever you get your rabbit from is that it has a loving, caring home.