He’ll sit in the showpen and you’ll know by his beauty that he’s the gem of the Fancy
IN THE EVOLUTION OF THE BLUE REX Mother Nature has revealed herself as the perfect artist. Here is true beauty expressed in shape and colour. It is a beauty that does not fluctuate from one generation to another but remains constant and is the culmination of the process of nature, aided by the dedication of the true fancier. Our picture of a recent Bradford Ch Show winner (see Photo Gallery) shows how beautifully formed and perfectly proportioned is this Gem of the rex. Watching visitors entering the rabbit marquee at a recent agricultural event it was apparent that the lovely Blue was the show-stopper that they returned to again and again. Perhaps it is the Mediterranean sky blue colouring, unique in the rabbit collection, that gives this particular rex so much appeal? One quality never changes – that of the Blue’s sweet natured temperament. Its gentle endearing ways have won the hearts of lady fanciers and juniors, and many have become much loved house pets. There is as always room for improvement and the Bluerexologists are constantly working to improve coat and type – and to retain that enchanting colour. The club’s membership has never been stronger, and quality stock is available to the genuine enthusiast. During the early days of Spring breeding is in full swing, and of course the Blue Rex lives up to its reputation by being excellent mothers. It is not unusual for siblings to remain with their mother until well after weaning age, such is their placid nature. As the babies leave the nest, the colours may seem a little mixed, from light to dark and even one or two with a grey-white ghostly mixture. The latter are known as “snowballs” and this is the colour to watch! Invariably it is the snowball that will gradually develop into that sought-after Mediterranean blue. For the exhibitor short of hutch room, the Snowballs and Mediums are the ones to concentrate on. The Darks should be examined carefully for any obvious faults – protruding black guard hairs, white hairs or even white patches – and discarded from the breeding plan. Begin handling those promising Snowballs from the age of about four weeks and before long they will pose on a grooming bench with all the assurance of a show star. Concentrate on those with short coats, good texture (the feel of ‘wet velvet’ is an apt description), free from curl or any hint of softness, and with well covered hocks. Blue Rex have a reputation for clean habits but the owner must assist by keeping the hutch clean and dry, providing the best quality forage and pellets or mix, and an ample supply of fresh drinking water. Breeding stock can be trained to use a litter tray (but do not use trays for potential show stock or the result will be brown feet!) On the day of the show, provided you have stuck with your daily routine of hutch-care, grooming (stroking from nape to rump with damp hands and checking the underneath for any loose fur etc before a final polish with a piece of silk cloth is usually sufficient) all the Bluerexologist has to do is to settle his or her Gem in the Pen and hope the judge agrees that on the day this is YOUR day. |
