Rawhide Ranch Rabbitry

01/07/2026

Regardless of how you feel about the “bitter” chocolate color, it’s really exciting to see the science behind rabbit color genetics being explored. The possibility of a novel gene in Silver Fox is fascinating, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the genotyping results show. 🧬🐇

Exciting news!
The first of the genetic samples (tissue, blood) have been sent to the University of Nebraska to begin the painstaking work of working to map rabbit color genetics and eventually to help us get to the bottom of “bitter” chocolates.
Samples have been sent from blacks, chocolates, bitters and carriers of those varieties to help the University begin discovery and mapping of these color genetics.
A huge thank you to the “bitter” folks (specifically Victoria Lanter here) for working to get this done and these samples submitted. We are looking forward to hearing the results!

Edited: here is the group for bitters to learn more
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BTy7pUymY/

01/05/2026

RRR’s Reba 🧡

One of my favorite parts of raising rabbits is getting to watch them grow and change. These photos show Reba at 6–7 weeks compared to now at 4 months, and it’s been so fun to see how she’s developing over time.

It’s always exciting to see the pieces come together on a project line 🐇✨

01/01/2026

Ringing in the New Year 🥂🐇

As we welcome the New Year, I’ve been reflecting on just how much 2025 brought with it.
This year included a trip to Convention in Indianapolis, something I’ll always be grateful for — not just for the experience itself, but for the people. I made new friends, finally met breeders in person who I’d only known online, and was reminded how strong and welcoming this community really is.
In the barn, 2025 was a year of focus and clarity. I began to see the results of my work with torts, and made the decision to focus my program on Silver Fox. Narrowing that focus has already made a difference, and I’m excited about the direction things are heading.
Looking ahead to 2026, there’s a lot to be excited about. A possible move and barn expansion are on the horizon, along with continued work on improving type across my herd. I’m hoping to produce even more torts this coming year — and maybe even bring a few out to shows. And of course, I’m really looking forward to seeing a strong Silver Fox showing at Convention 2026.
Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey — the mentors, friends, fellow breeders, and supporters. Here’s to another year of learning, growth, and doing right by the rabbits we love.
Happy New Year from the barn. 🐇✨

12/11/2025

🔥 Learning Before Breeding: One of the Best Things You Can Do for Your Herd 🐇

Something I’ve been thinking about lately is how important it is to really understand what you’re looking at before you start planning breeding pairs. Evaluating things like type, depth, HQ width, peak placement, fur quality, and overall balance takes time — none of us learned it overnight.

When I place rabbits with youth and 4-H kids, I almost always place juniors. Not because they aren’t finished, but because juniors give them the chance to:
• learn the breed
• get to know their individual animals
• build a bond
• and understand the standard before taking on the responsibility of breeding

And truly — it’s easiest to know what kind of quality you should be looking for when you know what quality feels like. Putting hands on well-built rabbits teaches you more than pictures or words ever could.

This is why having a mentor is so valuable. Someone who will let you handle their top animals helps you learn what to keep from your own litters… and what may be headed to Camp Kenmore. 😉

It’s also why shows matter. They’re not just about ribbons — they’re where you meet people, handle great rabbits, ask questions, and build the confidence to evaluate your own herd accurately.

If you want to improve your herd, set yourself up for success: take your time, learn the standard, handle quality animals, and make thoughtful breeding decisions based off of the qualities you need in your herd.

Better breeding always starts with better education. 🐇✨

12/09/2025

A special moment in the barn last night 🐇✨

I was lucky enough to catch Harmonia kindling her litter with Agamemnon. 8 beautiful black babies have been added to the bunny barn 🖤

Both she and the babies are doing well — such an incredible thing to witness. Video of her pushing and cleaning babies will be in the comments 💕🐰

12/08/2025

🤎RRR’s Zarax 🤎

Zarax is a 6 month old chocolate buck out of Circe x Rake. He’s nearly through his molt and still a bit of a “parts” buck — but I'm loving his overall depth and especially his deep start to the shoulders.

He could use more HQ width and his facial silvering is on the plain side, but I’ve got some well-silvered does to balance that out 🤞🏻 His first litter is due on January 1st, and I’m excited to see what he produces!

12/06/2025

🧡RRR’s Reba 🧡

Reba is just about 13 weeks old and has really started getting short and deep these past few weeks. Her shoulders run a touch long, but my current focus in the tort program is depth and fur — and she’s showing promise in both.

These lines usually show their best around 16–20 weeks, so I’m excited to see how her loin fills out and how her first prime coat continues to come in. 🐇✨

12/01/2025

A Post-Convention Season Reminder 🐇

Every year after Convention, there’s an influx of new breeders excited to start their journey — and that enthusiasm is wonderful. But as you pick up your first pair or trio, especially if you’re working with a heritage or rare breed, please keep this in mind:

Not every rabbit you produce should be sold.
Ethical breeding requires culling — even in pet breeds — to prevent genetic issues from spreading and to protect the long-term integrity of the breed. Selling everything you produce doesn’t make you a good breeder; making hard decisions for the betterment of the animals does.

And remember: even rabbits sold “just for meat breeding” should be high quality. The Standard of Perfection is written to maximize meat production on the animal — poor structure has no place in a meat program either.
Additionally, many rabbits sold as “just meat breeders” often end up back in the show ring or passed along to a 4-H or youth breeder as “show quality.” If it shouldn’t represent the breed on a show table, it shouldn’t be leaving your barn under any label.

Edited to Add - And of course, sports in marked breeds and false dwarves have their place as well — with responsible care and honest representation. Not every off-variety rabbit is a cull, but they still require the same ethical standards in how they’re managed and where they’re placed.

Silver Fox are on track to be one of the first breeds to graduate from the rare breed list. As they become more common, the responsibility becomes even greater. Please cull hard. We don’t want this breed associated with low quality animals or with breeders who let anything leave the barn just to make a sale.

If you truly care about the breed:
Breed the best — eat the rest.

12/01/2025

🖤RRR's Lyssa🖤

Kinda liking this little doe - possible tort carrier. Great depth but a touch of extra length in the shoulder. She can go in her own cage for a bit 🤞🏻

11/26/2025

❤️RRR's Reba❤️

Young tort doe who is staying to replace mom. She needs more depth, but her fur and type is an improvement over our starting point and I'm excited to see how she produces! She will be bred mostly to blacks (once she meets weight of course) to produce carriers for next generations improvements. I already have several plans for her over the next year or so 🤞🏻

11/26/2025

🖤RRR's Nemesis🖤

4m old doe I'm excited to keep watching 😍 She didn't make it to Convention this year, but might make some Jrs for next year in Reno 🤞🏻 Choc carrier, possible white and tort carrier.

11/20/2025

A Quick Rabbitry Update 🐰🖤

I’ll be stepping back from selling rabbits for the next few years while I focus on some big goals in my own barn. I may still make the occasional exception for youth and breeders with similar goals, but regular sales will be paused.

I’m always happy to refer you to other reputable breeders if you’re looking for something specific. Thank you all for the support and understanding!