12/11/2024
Hollands are hard.
This isn’t something most have not heard. But, I felt it necessary to repeat. Some people question the price tags on holland lops from reputable breeders. And I am just here to explain the reasoning. Why are they so much more expensive than other breeds? Here is a look into a holland lop show breeder’s life:
Hollands are known for having difficulty birthing- much like a French bulldog or any dog breed that is genetically wired to have large heads. Besides that fact, we also battle first time mammas not quite knowing what to do. On top of that, there are things that are uncontrollable such as dramatic increases/decreases in weather and peanuts and/or “max factor” kits (less common) which will not make it, and then faders at the 4-6 week mark.
So out of a litter of 4 babies maybe you get 3 healthy. ONE-TWO of those MAY be show quality, if you’re lucky.
This post is written in response to some “pet homes” complaining about prices. Well, when you consider the issues involved with this breed, plus the amount of money we (as breeders) spend on quality feed, hay, cages, toys, litter, the top quality rabbits we have invested in for us- not to mention the TIME we spend caring for our rabbits…being on top of due dates, checking on pregnant does, watching them to make sure they safely deliver their kits, possibly playing OBGYN and pulling kits out (not live generally) and then spending countless hours trying to warm up kits that may or may not make it…
In addition, being sure to handle babies every day and socialize them to life- with kids, dogs, cats, other people besides the one caring for them, paying for entry fees and driving to shows to get comments from ARBA judges and sometimes hotel stays. Also, the time it takes as a show breeder to evaluate them and place them where they should be placed.
I am in no way complaining, I absolutely love this hobby and will never give up on my goals, but it is frustrating to hear people complain about pricing when they clearly have no idea what goes into producing these babies, mentally, physically, and financially.