28/08/2026
I don't usually post something like this but these type of people really irk me something rotten.
Not all breeders are the same.
Not all breeders are the problem.
We breed for temperment.
We breed for health.
We breed for structure.
We breed to better the breed we work with.
Some people are so focused on all breeders being the issue that they don't see the bigger picture.
Do you know what happens if breeders stopped breeding? Rabbit breeds stop improving. Rabbits still stay in rescues because either they can't be homed without specialised rules, can't be homed with other animals, can't be homed with children, can't be homed in specific houses e.g. they don't have a garden, live on a main road etc.
So those rabbits stay in rescues anyway.
Thats ignoring the fact that a majority of rabbits in rescues have health issues already.
Rabbits are an exotic pet for a reason. There isnt as much research for them. There arent specific medications for them. If you have a rabbit and have taken them to the vet i'm sure you've noticed you either end up with canine medication, bovine or something else because they don't generally make rabbit specific medicine.
Not all breeders are the same.
Breed for health. Breed for temperment. Breed for type. Breed to better the breed, to retain its qualities. To improve what is out there.
We at fox and fern don't home everything we breed. I don't believe everyone should because from both personal experience and research i know not every kit is structurally sound, is good quality, good temperment, should be bred from or passed onto someone else.
We don't pass issues onto other people. Its unfair on them and its unfair on the rabbits.
We take our rabbits back. For whatever reason, relationship breakdown, unsuitability, it doesnt work out etc.
Though I try to home rabbits with the right people, ask questions, find out their needs, what they want in a rabbit before they take them home. It doesnt always work out but as a responsible breeder I do my hardest and I would rather they come back to me than be passed around like some object or end up in a rescue or other bad situation.
Rabbits that don't move on, that arent suitable for other breeders, homesteads, pets, show or anything else and that arent kept on as future breeders here are used to fill our freezer.
A lot of people don't like that idea but this is where the difference is. You can't have it both ways. You can't say we're bad breeders just because we choose to breed an animal. You can't say we're bad because they end up in rescues but then when told ours don't because we eat them then that makes us bad too.
It doesnt work like that. These type of people will never be happy. I always try to be nice, respectful and will try and help teach others ans guide them to better knowledge about what truly happens and how I try to prevent adding to problems but some people want to argue for the sake of arguing and it truly shows.
You can't tarnish everyone with the same cloth then complain about them doing it differently to to avoid the very thing your complaining about.
I'm not angry at these people. I feel sad for them. I pity them because they are so set in their ways that they refuse to see any other way.
I also know it wont be everyone's cup or tea and a lot of people wont be happy about what i'm about to say next but i'm going to say it anyway because it needs to be said.
If rabbits in rescues are such a big problem. Find a solution.
Why not cull the bad temperment, health issues, structural issues out. Feed them to the dogs and cats that are in rescues. Not only would that reduce the number count but it would akso reduce 3 feed bills in one.
Less rabbits to feed who can't be rehomed.
Free food for the cats and the dogs that is naturally sourced and healthy for them and also reduces the feed bill for those animals therefore reducing the output of costs of the rescue leaving them more money to help home healthy well balanced animals.
This is just my opinion. You are welcome to have yours. You are welcome to a healthy debate but any abuse to myself of my followers you will be blocked. This is your warning.
