GorbyJobRabbits
Well-Known Member
With my Harlequins, they're getting on the small side. I know genetics is the key to this, and talking with a few Harlie breeders the breeds body type has pretty much went down the drain because all focus is on the colors. They admitted to getting small straggly looking Harlies and it's just going to keep getting that way.
While it is a bit discouraging, at the same time, I really want to improve the breed. I'm honestly not sure that anything I bought would make the 6.5 pound weight minimum if it were thrown on the show table.
I've been looking into starting with Beverns as well. And they ofcourse are large and fast growing. I had thought about introducing the Bevern blood into the Harlies, but will this effect the chances of a properly marked Harlie? And I know you have to keep breeding for a few years and through generations to essentially get the 'pure bred' Harlie back..... Would the Bevern be a good breed to do this with? Would any other suggestions work better?
any other suggestions to helping get larger more meaty type Harlies again? I would love to have the 8 pound rabbits out there instead of the little meatless ones.
While it is a bit discouraging, at the same time, I really want to improve the breed. I'm honestly not sure that anything I bought would make the 6.5 pound weight minimum if it were thrown on the show table.
I've been looking into starting with Beverns as well. And they ofcourse are large and fast growing. I had thought about introducing the Bevern blood into the Harlies, but will this effect the chances of a properly marked Harlie? And I know you have to keep breeding for a few years and through generations to essentially get the 'pure bred' Harlie back..... Would the Bevern be a good breed to do this with? Would any other suggestions work better?
any other suggestions to helping get larger more meaty type Harlies again? I would love to have the 8 pound rabbits out there instead of the little meatless ones.
Some don't have the greatest color, but some are BIG! There was a buck at the swap a few weeks back that must have weighed 7-8 pounds at the least. His color wasn't great, but he was huge. 
