Somerhill Billy

Billy is one month old and weighs 2# already. Still learning about CF type, but its hard to find fault with him right now. Really dense fur, nice bone, level topline, shoulders wide as hips, full hindquarters with straight hind feet. His ears lookk good, and he already is showing a wide, chunky head.

Woolarama: The Year of the Rabbit

We had a new building this year, and everyone really liked the change.
Besides being larger and providing better space use, it also had good customer
traffic throughout the day, so our vendors were happy. 

At the end of the show, all the BIS go up against oneanother for 
a chance at BEST OF THE BEST.  Catherine's Giant Angora 
was chosen for this honor by new UARC Hall of Fame inductee 
Candy Haenszel.  Candy celebrated 50 years in angoras last year 
at the WoolaRama.

Best of Breeds in show C.  They were fairly consistent throughout 
the weekend, with just the French Angoras switching between the 
WSD andCSD.   Both were owned by Jackie.  
Left to right:  Catherine with GA, Jackie with FA, Penny with SA,
and Emily with EA.  

7.5 weeks old

How did they get so BIG already? L-R Maverick, Bewitched, Mannix & Ironside. 1 REW doe, 3 bucks

Somerhill Chickadee Litter

GrCH Somerhill Knights in White Satin x Somerhill Chickadee litter is now 4 weeks old. They are really starting to SHINE!

CF Groupies

This weekend at the OSRBA mini-convention in Columbus, we got to meet Don Havlicek, who originally imported the Frosties into the US, as well as holding the 1st COD. He regaled us with stories of his early experiences and show us lots of pictures. He really seemed pleased that there was so much interest in the breed, and happy to be surrounded with people who shared his passion. We are now CF groupies!

UARC Angora Specialty

I was secretary for the UARC angora specialty at the Ohio convention today in Columbus. Here are the breed winners.

We also had a Wool//Skein/Garment competition.

New Genetics!

 

6 days old now, and growing well.  These are from
my new Frosties.  
Sire:  Swamp Willow Andrej
Dam:  Peacock LR2

They're here!

 Recently, I saw an ad for a herd of Frosties in KS.  After about 3 minutes thought, I contacted her and said I wanted them.  After looking at pedigrees to see that they had different genetics than I already had,  I called a good friend and asked if she had time to do a private run from KS to OH, and to quote me a price.  2 Paypals later, and they were ready to roll.  

My original thoughts had been to share the wealth with some Ohio friends who also had Frosties and had been talking about the need for new genetics, but when push came to shove, they bowed out. That was disappointing, since I had hoped for a fun day of evaluating the herd and getting help decided what ones to keep in our group.   So I talked to a few more friends I knew needed bucks or does to let them know I had something for them if they wanted them.  

So yesterday, after a wild ride from KS to OH, they arrived!   All were in good condition, eating well during the trip, and ready to munch on their hay and pellets as soon as I popped them into their new homes.  

There is a trio; 1 buck, 2 does.  Then a weaned litter of 6, a month old litter of 6, and a newborn litter of 4.  My rabbitry appears to have been invaded - never had anything but Satin Angoras in it until recently. 

The nestbox of 4-5 day old kits traveled with them, and was given to the doe twice a day to feed them.  She hopped right in as soon as they were put in her carrier.   The rest of the time, they were in a separate carrier to keep them warm &  safe from accidents.  

Munching on hay and drinking as soon as they got here.   
At every stop for gas, food, rest, they immediately started snacking. 
 This litter is a month old, and still nursing from mama. 
They traveled in the same cage with her.  

The weaned litter is 2 months old.  They traveled in pairs,
and I have them in 3 big cages with their buddy so they
won't be stressed from the trip, new surroundings, and strangers.

This shows the inside of the transport van and 
the nice, clean, well cared for carriers.