Although Tan Nationals was held the first weekend of May, I am just now getting around to writing about it. The show was held in Columbus, Ohio. Breeders from Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and even New York showed up for the weekend show. Not having any juniors, I was hesitant to even go. I had a few very competitive senior bucks, so ultimately I entered them as well as a few last minute senior does. My goal was to win my classes, or at least come close. Juniors tend to me more flashy and in their prime and usually take BOB and BOS, so going in I knew that winning would be a long shot. My seniors were very nice, but they were at their prime as juniors. Three shows were held that weekend. With a few exceptions, most of the same rabbits were present in all three shows. For the Nationals I placed 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the black senior buck class. I was in very good company as the 1st place buck in that class won Best of Breed. In the next show that same day, I was thrilled to win Best of Variety Black. Considering how competitive blacks are, I was pretty surprised and happy by that. A chocolate buck won that show, but I was told I had the second best rabbit by the judge. That exceeded my goal, so I was thrilled. On Sunday under Bill Patrick I won both my classes, which was my goal going into the show. He loved my seniors, but ultimately the juniors were more in their prime. I knew my lack of juniors would kick my butt all weekend.It was very great to see everyone from near and far. I was sad to see the west coast not represented. Usually at least one or two people end up flying in. I heard later from many people that the timing of the show was bad due to graduations and other such things. Tan Nationals will be held next year in Lafayette, Indiana with the judge TBA. Be sure to try to make it!
Yesterday two rabbit friends came over to pick up a Tan I had been holding for one of them. While they were there I happily showed off my two week old litters of Tans. Soon I heard, "Is one missing his ears?"At the moment I discovered that, yes, one is missing his/her ears completely. Here is a picture of the little guy and a sibling for comparison:As breeders know all too well, injuries sometimes occur during the birth process. It is possible she had a difficult birth and the ears may have been chewed off in an effort to remove the baby as she kindled (gave birth). It is not uncommon for first time mothers to be "surprised" at what is happening and try to pull the first baby or all of the babies out. Sometimes this unfortunately results in dead kits and other times an injury.The important thing to know is there is nothing wrong with the doe. In this case, the young kit has healed completely and is fine as well. This particular injury is non-threatening. While this little guy will never be a show rabbit, he/she will make a fine breeding stock only buck or doe. He/she could also make a nice pet for someone that does not mind his funny appearance.I have already had quite a few people ask just within the last day as to the fate of this rabbit. This little guy (named Little Van Gogh) was in a litter of five out of a Best 4 Class winning grand champion doe and a very nice buck that was Best of Breed at both the state fair and state convention in Indiana last year. I may keep the rabbit for breeding if he/she is one of the best in the litter (there are five) or give him away to anyone wanting a nice breeding rabbit (or even just a pet).If you are interested in his progress, I will be sure to post some pictures on here as he grows.
I can always tell when 4-H season is beginning to start when the e-mails start increasing around March.I checked my e-mail at midnight last night and I woke up today alone to 10 new e-mails asking if I have any Tans for sale. I sold all of my show stock already and even sold some more I had not planned on selling. I feel guilty because I want to help everyone, so at the moment I am looking over my pedigrees once again to see if there is anything else I can let go to help these kids out.This spring we have an especially low number of juniors as we did not do any winter breeding. We moved into a new house the first of February and we did want to have to move mothers and their babies. My first late winter litters are a little over a week old, which means they will not be ready to go until July or so.My recommendation and to 4-Hers and their parents: Try buying your stock starting in the late summer and early fall for the next year. Too many people wait until the spring to buy stock. Breeders in Indiana tend to have less litters during the winter due to the weather and thus less stock to sell in the spring months. I have been there as a past 4-Her, so I understand. If you are wanting juniors to show at your fair you can buy a nice buck and doe in the fall and breed them at the appropriate time to get juniors. If you are wanting seniors to show or have no preference, just buy a junior or senior in the fall and you'll be set next summer..
