01/16/2023
Good Morning!
An update on our bun buns is long overdue. I apologize for the delay. Unfortunately, I contracted Long Covid last February. I’m not contagious but the long list of bizarre symptoms can last up to two years and it’s daunting. I’m perpetually beyond exhausted and have fallen behind in regard to updating this page. I have, however, been working frantically behind the scenes on our new breeding regime.
THE GOAL: you asked for bigger bunnies … you’re getting bigger bunnies! Lol The Flemish Giant breed originated in Europe, eventually making its way to America. From everything I’ve seen, these buns are bigger overseas. Thus, I wanted to purchase new breeder buns and have them shipped here. I’ve talked to a retired breeder that did just that, and he did so with great success. The buns arrived in good health, and indeed, larger than their American counter parts.
THE ISSUE: thanks in part to Covid, the two Airlines we could use to ship the buns here, present a challenge in doing so. One insists on having each rabbit microchipped. Which makes little sense to me. And requires the breeder overseas to have this done before shipping. Specific cages are required, which that breeder would also have to acquire, and they’re apparently not easy to find in their areas. Lastly, one of the airlines suddenly announced they will not be shipping animals, temporarily. We do not know when this ban will be lifted as of yet. So, every time we think we have things all worked out, we’re thrown another “road block.”We WILL figure this out and return to breeding our beloved bunnies. We are all 200% committed to continuing to keep this incredible breed in existence.
CHANGES: we are no longer breeding what we would consider the “American version of the Flemish Giant.” Yes, they’re big but our adopters want bigger, and so do we. As you all know, inflation has hit hard. Our hay prices have tripled and our feed price has doubled. We don’t grow enough of our own hay, so we have to purchase hundreds of bails to accommodate horses, sheep, and the bunnies. And we only purchase from one trusted person that thankfully lives nearby. Additionally, our target market is changing, and these people are true rabbit enthusiasts, like us. They may show their rabbit and want only the best lineage, complete with pedigree and registration. They may want their rabbit as an ESA animal (Emotional Support Animal) And again, they want SIZE, which is what the Flemish Giant is known for. The breeder bunnies cost a lot more, the pens need to be larger, they eat more, etc. Therefore, the adopter’s purchase price is also impacted.
PRICE: all that being said, as we move forward, our purebred, pedigree Flemish Giants will now adopt out for $500 each. Therefore, we are not the breeder for everyone. We knew that would be the case when we chose to enhance our breeding. Surprisingly, we have a waiting list of 49 potential adopters that are patiently awaiting their newest addition to their family. Initially, I wasn’t so sure there would be a big enough market to warrant our delving into this huge endeavor. But clearly there is. We’re getting calls, texts, and pm’s daily.
DEPOSITS: we do not accept any deposits until the litter has arrived, and we’ve given them at least 4 weeks to grow and develop. We handle them daily and watch closely for any potential health issues. The RHD2 virus in rabbits was wicked, and not just present in American rabbits, but in the UK as well. You can’t be too careful! Once we have concluded that the new babies are healthy, we will then invite visitors to view the babies, and choose the perfect one for them and/or their family. At that point, the baby will be marked so we can keep track of whose baby is whose, and a deposit equal to half the total price ($250) is required to reserve that baby. Each will come with a starter bag of feed and supplement. The babies will not be released to their new homes until they reach 10 weeks of age. They need time with momma to further develop after being weaned.
Once the babies have left our farm and care, we cannot be responsible for their well-being. Be sure to “bunny proof” your home by picking up any electrical cords/wires and other items that can potentially become “chew toys”. Some bunnies will chew everything in site – others don’t. Can’t tell you why but I’ve seen both ends of the spectrum in our house bunnies. Maintain the same feeding regiment that we provide here. A change in feed can cause health issues in bunny’s tummy, resulting in “Bloat”, which if not treated ASAP, will result in death.
WEBSITE: our old website has been removed, and a new one will take its place, as our farm undergoes some exciting new changes, offering Equestrian Assisted Therapy to Military members and first responders. This will be conducted w/ our beautiful, loving, gentle giant Draft Horses. The change in website was necessary, as we’re not permitted to operate a 501c3 (Equestrian Therapy) business, and an LLC business (bunnies) on the same property, per law.
The new website will, like the last one, include all the details in regards to what bunnies can and cannot eat. This includes the type of feed we use, and supplements for greater health.
We are ALWAYS available – PLEASE ask questions. Our team loves to help! And research these special rabbits online, on reliable sites. They are BIG, they eat ALOT, and constantly. They require bigger pens, and need to be kept indoors, in a climate-controlled environment, as they are kept here. We will no longer adopt out bunnies to homes that keep them outdoors. It’s not good for the bunny. They need regular socialization in order to bond with their new owner.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly. The farm number is (615) 572-2188. You can also text or pm us through this page as well.
*PIX: hubby holding a Fawn and Blue Flemish Giant baby @ 12 weeks of age
