10/15/2026
Warning: this is long winded.
I’m getting sick of seeing all the comments on breeders posts attacking them because they’re breeding, without looking into how that breeder does things.
Now, I for one, am the first to be able to think of some breeders that essentially should not be breeding, but we aren’t here for that.
I truly believe ethical breeders and rescues can all coexist. I personally support legit rescues, hands down.
I think what makes a good breeder is something who is:
A. Trying to improve the breed. Not just breeding because something is cute or a cool color.
B. Willing to make difficult decisions. Not every bunny should be bred. Personally if the bunny isn’t friendly, I don’t breed it. Might sound silly to some, but especially with does, they raise the babies and babies pick up the traits of the mother very easily. Another thing is if you find a line to not be genetically sound, you cut it from your lines. Even if you have multiple rabbits from it.
C. Taking responsibility for the bunnies you produce. When a baby leaves here I am always available to help guide a new home on the care and maintenance. If you can’t keep your bunny I will take them back, or help rehome. If you want to be a breeder, don’t add to the problem, have a plan in case a home doesn’t work out.
D. Put the animals first. Proper housing, nutrition, enrichment, cleanliness and knowing when to give an animal a break or retire. Each bunny is different, I alter care based on the individual needs of that particular bunny. Also, bunnies shouldn’t be sitting in their own waste, this is a main reason why a lot of breeders choose properly gauged wire, the proof is in the studies.
E. Always be willing to learn. No matter how many years you’ve been breeding, you’re always learning. No one knows everything and research changes.
F. Being honest and transparent. About their animals, their lines, their policies, and any issues that come up. Genetics aren’t always predictable, and even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. It’s how you handle those situations that says a lot about you.
And here’s another thing.
Being a breeder doesn’t automatically make someone unethical, just like calling yourself a rescue doesn’t automatically make you ethical.
There are wonderful people on both sides. There are also people on both sides who have absolutely no business doing what they’re doing.
I don’t think every person needs to purchase from a breeder. If adopting from a rescue is what works for you, that’s wonderful! There are so many animals that deserve loving homes, and I absolutely encourage people to support reputable rescues.
But I also don’t think someone should be attacked for choosing to go through a responsible breeder, especially when they’re looking for a specific breed, temperament, or purpose.
And I certainly don’t think breeders should be attacked simply for posting pictures of their animals without anyone knowing a single thing about their program.
I’m not going to sit here and pretend I’m perfect. I’m constantly evaluating my own animals, my breeding decisions, and what I want my program to look like moving forward. I’ve made changes, I’ve learned things, and I’m sure I’ll continue to.
Because to me, that’s part of being responsible.
At the end of the day, shouldn’t we all want the same thing? Healthy, well-cared-for animals in good homes?
You can support rescue AND responsible breeding. The two don’t have to be enemies.
And maybe, just maybe, before jumping into someone’s comments to tell them how horrible they are for breeding, take five minutes to learn something about them first.
You might be surprised. 🤍
