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Okay, there's actually a number of ways to get a self-black looking rabbit, each with a different genetic reason. For starters, there is a gene (which some say is rare and only in a few breeds) called dominant black, coded E(D), that works with agouti. It is found on the 'E' extension gene...

Before I answer the questions, let's go back to that extension 'E' gene we were talking about with the harlequin. Think of having a paintbrush of dark color (could be black, chocolate, blue or lilac). The extension gene determines how much of the hairshaft gets painted dark, and where. Agouti...

Not quite. A rabbit with two copies of the recessive non-extension gene, the blue tort, only leaves the blue on the face, ears, legs and tail, and puts the lovely creamy straw color (fawn) on the main body. There is some smoky shading down the flanks towards the blue legs. The problem with...

Okay. There's a gene called 'extension', coded 'E', that determines how the dark color gets spread along the hairshaft. Normal extension, coded 'E' with a capital letter, allows the dark color to appear however the other genes determine they should be. In the case of agouti rabbits, there will...

Thank you!

Is this referring to 'smut', or is there simply yellow on the face and ears? How would that apply to the Ame rican Standard of Perfection that requires the ears to be of alternating color with the face? A good Dutch pattern requires Du du, a good spotted is En en, does a good alternating...

I have noted that my harlequins have some normal dark black markings, along with a few intensely dark bands. Those must be the dominant black.

Interesting, isn't it, how much we still don't know about rabbit colors. There are obviously color intensifier/reducer genetics as well. I've heard the ones that deepen the colors were called umbrous, and work similar to rufus--multiple positive modifiers make for a darker color. I'd love to get...

These photos are fascinating. There are similar photos in another book, a pink-eyed magpie. We know the harlequin gene can do funny things with other genes, like usurp agouti markings. Even as a single recessive it can 'harlequinize' other color patterns. Could this be what the harlequin e(j)...

Have you attended any rabbit shows? I find just standing there during the judging, watching what the judges are looking for, and listening to their comments, to be invaluable. It also lets you see a variety of rabbits, give you an idea of what to look for. It also puts you in contact with a...

Yes, I've paid that much for pedigreed rabbits, and like everyone else, I'm much more likely to purchase stock (and more of it) when it is much more within my budget. BUT, I'd rather spend the bigger bucks on quality stock that is the breed I want with the characteristics I want. If you buy...

I agree. When you choose total outcrosses, you have no idea what recessives you are bringing in. Were there issues with poor teeth, or poor mothering, bad temperament, poor conformation, stray white hairs, Vienna mismarks. . .so many things can be hiding, not all of them visible even when...

I'm trying to finish up some last details on the Angora color section, and I've found that some of my photos weren't suitable, or I just didn't have a good photo to illustrate the text. American Fuzzy Lop, English, French, German, Giant, Jersey Wooly or Satin Angora all will work. Does anyone...

I've heard of people using pine and spruce, the only one I know I would avoid is yew (Taxus sp.) as it is toxic. Toxicity of Yew Wood and Roots

Like mint, sage can reduce milk production. My mother-in-law made special stuffing for me without sage for years, not realizing that I only needed to skip the sage while nursing. I've found that the local rodents don't care for spilled rabbit pellets, so feeding just pellets didn't seem to grow...

Yes, it can be done. Pellets are a relatively new invention. However, it is time-consuming, you need to research to make sure you are providing complete nutrition, and providing enough forage in the winter can be a challenge in cold climates, especially if space is an issue. Many people use...

To decide which breed to raise, I have several suggestions: Do you have any angora breeders in your area? There's no substitute for having some hands-on experience, someone who can show you how to groom and harvest the fiber sure makes things easier. Also, it's much easier to purchase stock...

That's why I personally spin worsted weight angora. Yes, it's thicker than the store stuff, but it holds up well to heavy use, and it sure knits faster.

One reason to start spinning with wool, is that wool has microscopic scales that hook into each other, pulling the fibers along, which makes spinning easier. Angora scales tend to be closed, making for a silkier, smoother feel, but it doesn't pull itself as easily. Once you've mastered the feel...

Actually, it's amazingly easy. . .just sounds hard when you try to plug in all the little 'tricks' that make it flow better. You can simply take the fiber the rabbit is molting, or what you've snipped off with a pair of scissors, and wrap it around a pencil, pulling it as thin as you want the...