Friday, July 31, 2015

How few..

..is too few?

I've been trying to figure this out because it is looking more and more likely that we will be moving across the country. This presents a number of challenges such as:

1. We have to move there. I know this seems obvious, but we only have so much money and time.. and there is only so much space on the biggest moving truck. It won't be feasible to make multiple trips for animals.

2.  We will probably have to rent at first until we get settled in and find a new place. This means we have to find a landlord that will be okay with our critters.

I know I need more than a pair or two. But do I need 15? 12? 8? What do you think would be a good minimum number to maintain your own line? I don't want to try to move too many, but I also don't want to shoot myself in the foot if I end up moving too few.

Also, TGIF. Big time. 

4 comments:

  1. There is always the possibility that you will be able to move to an area with a larger Harlie population. :-) That could help you build up your line.

    But, focusing only on your own stock: I think 3 bucks and 5 does would provide you a good foundation to continue from. That is what I started with.

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  2. Thank you! I would like to think we could build back up, but I don't know anything about the area we will probably be moving to. 8 sounds like so few, but also do-able.. just so hard to pick who will stay. We may end up listing a few for sale after a few years of no sales because they are too nice to cull for one reason or another. Tough decisions ahead for sure!

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    Replies
    1. To decide who stays, consider all aspects: size, growth, conformation, coloration, markings, clarity, reproduction, etc. Identify your very best. These will be the beginnings of who stays. Also label who is the worst in your herd. Those will be the ones who do not move with you. From the rest, choose animals that compliment your best until you have a foundation of rabbits to work with.

      8 is pretty doable. Easy to care for and the 3:5 ratio could allow you to develop separate lines for crossbreeding later if you're unable to find suitable additions to your herd. Plus 8 rabbits in the house isn't so bad to care for if there are no other immediate options available at the new place.

      Good luck!

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  3. Hi there! Since I'm just a meat breeder I have no advice for you.........but I do wish you luck in your move and your decision making! :)

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