Anyone else raise Silver Martens?

[huntress86]

I was just wondering if anyone else raised Silver Martens on this forum, it's kind of a rare breed (at least around here) and I was just curious if there was any other enthusiasts on the site.

I raised black and blue Martens as a child and teenager and did well at the shows, although I only showed against 2-5 or so at a time. After I "grew up" and got a place of my own, I saved up and purchased a pair of awesome chocolates from a very reputable old timer who has been raising them for ages. I am doing AWESOME at the shows, Best of Breeds, 1st places, Best Opposites, yada yada... and seeing a few other Martens on the table. This year I saw and showed against (and beat) my first Sable Marten.

My goal is to better the breed and promote it in the utmost positive way. I hope to spread the word and get more youth and anyone else involved with Silver Martens. It is a wonderful breed that needs love and support in order to grow here in Ohio. I have my whole life ahead of me to help get this breed sanctioned around our area, and to help better the quality of what's available. Martens around here are prone to very low shoulders and pinched rear ends. Mine don't, thankfully.

Anywho, I was just curious to see if there is anyone as passionate about the breed on here as I am Sorry for the rambling, I'm just as proud as a peacock about my favorite breed

 

[SatinsRule]

There's a youth breeder about 45 minutes down the road who raises them. She's even won the national youth sweepstakes a couple of times.

 

[huntress86]

That's awesome, I had a youth contact me this week and she is coming down with her parents to breed her doe with my buck. They are driving down 3 hours, and I'll travel up when the babies are ready to go. Come to find out her rabbit is from the same breeder as mine and she's placed BOS in 2011 and this years' fair. We are splitting the litter so everyone wins.

I also have a family that wants to breed my doe to their buck anytime soon, same thing with splitting the litters. Everyone has only a rabbit or two, in both cases lol. Also, their buck is from the same breeder. Thankfully though, they are only 30 mins away in Springfield.

This way everyone is getting a few rabbits(hopefully).

Then tonight, Ron Riddle somehow hunted me down from Fort Wayne, Indiana. He's an ARBA judge and has some of the best Martens in the Tri-State. He had heard from my breeder that I was looking for some black Martens. It would be so awesome if he has some available, I can't wait to contact him tomorrow, he called while I was at work.

I also spoke with Tex Thomas as he is also a very reputable breeder and ARBA judge, but he will not ship from Missouri. Really funny guy though, we spoke for about a half hour.

My fingers are crossed for some positive Marten activity in the nearby future!