Twenty Tips for the Top

1 Do not go for the big show winner. It could be spun out as far as the breeding hutch is concerned. Its mated dam or litter mate will be a better proposition, and will cost far less.

2 Do try to keep within a particular strain. Occasionally the different strains will blend successfully, but generally speaking you are likely to upset the balance of the ‘A’ line by doing this.

3 Patience is a must for the Orange and Fawn breeder. Retain stock that is at least equal or better still, superior to its parents. Such constant super selection must eventually put you on the summit of success.

4 Beware … White hairs, muddy tops and rumps, blue undercolour, long coats, cream bellies, a profusion of guard hairs. Watch those hocks and trim those nails.

5 Never be too self critical of your own stock, this trap is very easy to fall into. At the major show, the one you left behind in its hutch could well be in the money on the day if you had entered it.

6 Never tolerate stock that has … wet eyes … noses … or feet … if you see such stock at a show, report it to safeguard others.

7 Novices are often disappointed when they see their youngsters leave the nest. They seem so far away from that plush, highly colourful adult. Young Oranges improve every day. Experienced breeder judges know this.

8 Remember that the best youngster does not always finish as the best adult. The wise breeder will run two distinct lines in his stud. Those eye-catching show youngsters, and the somewhat ungainly one which moults and fills out into a smashing adult. This illustrates the importance of getting to know your rabbits. Experience is gained over the years, not overnight.

9 Never breed two soft-coated rabbits together. A mating between a harsher coated but dense coated but dense buck with a ½inch coat to a softer doe gives a better result.

10 Keep litters to a reasonable size. Four is ideal. Litters of one and two invariably are of superior quality. Wide variance in the desired features may be apparent in large litters. If in doubt, discard the smallest and the lightest ones.

11 Watch out for youngsters with a lot of bright rich coloured orange on the head and ears, with similar front feet and chest. These are the ones to hold on to. Beware stock that has exaggerated eye circles – almost spectacles – badly barred feet, or overlong bare ears. You want the biggest bold-headed stock that you can get, beware the snipey ones.

12 Feeding is a matter of personal convenience. A mixed diet of oats, pellets, hay, greens or roots give the best results. Water should be freely available. Feed regularly, whether it be once, twice or three times daily. Do not overfeed. If the stock is bounding up and down the hutch waiting for its feed you are on the right lines.

13 Never keep more stock than you can comfortably afford to feed, clean and accommodate. If you can reduce the number of new stock to be retained annually to three or four you are really getting down to the job of knowing your own stock.

14 Never overshow any rabbit, especially a youngster, or he will never make it! And watch the condition of your travelling boxes, they have to take heavy punishment.

15 Remember that the buck is the better proposition for showing. A doe will always seem to pluck herself the night before the show, and is more temperamental anyway.

16 Always retain an outstanding stud buck for as long as he will service your does. He is the mainstay of your stud.

17 The judge’s decision is always final … on the day. But of course there are other days and other judges. If you feel that you have been treated badly, the remedy is in your hands. Condition is often the deciding factor in a close finish.

18 Disregard any gossip that you hear … It’s the rabbit that counts. The Orange and Fawn is a “Tan Patterned Rex”, shaded with a white belly – what a tremendous challenge.

19 Support your national club and secretaries to the full. Distribute good stock as much as you can and press on with the job. The perfect Orange and Fawn has never yet been bred – or never will be?

20 Finally, remember that a little luck is needed, and may you have plenty of it.