Holland Lops + Breeding

[ZachsRabbits]

I always liked them but with my dutch project postponed for the moment I have to decide what I want to do. :? I have been studying the Holland Lop SOP and I want to get an idea where to begin. I would like to get a nice herd buck and proven brood doe. I think I would like a mentor because I want to know I getting off to the right start. I feel like my dutch are over the place. My biggest problem with hollands is they are expensive. Any Advice or Opinions?

 

[Cedar Point Rabbitry]

Don't get super expensive Holland Lops right off the start I know that sounds backwards, but it gives you a little leeway to learn without potentially making some fatal mistake and losing a expensive rabbit.
I have found that there is different "styles" of Hollands....some are super short bodied, with huge heads and crowns. Some have lovely ears, good bone and a bit of a longer body. Different breeders, different rabbits. I would suggest getting does from one breeder and a buck from another breeder; since in one herd there are generally some main faults that run throughout the whole herd ( no offense intended it happens with me! )
And...COLOR is great! I would say don't get all black, black tort, etc. You just might get bored of those colors, and just want to get rid of them! ( that happened to me, and I sold some great Hollands just cause I got sick of getting the same colors with every litter! )So pick, say a doe, that is a orange, tri-color, whatever even if she isn't a top of the line Holland. You can always breed up
Give yourself some space when picking does. Keep color & temperament in mind. Remember, you're improving on them Have fun picking them! If getting a proven brood doe, MAKE SURE she's not a old doe. Ask when she had her last litter, why are they selling her?
Spend more money on a GREAT buck then on great does. He's half your herd, and if you get a good one, you won't have to change bucks often to keep improving.

And most of all, ENJOY them! Holland Lop kits are some of the most adorable ones you can get

 

[Fireclaws bunnbutts]

Depending on who you buy from and whether or not you can talk them down, HL's aren't that expensive, they can be pricey but not horrible. I got my pair for 60$ (or 30$ each) without pedigrees but mine are both Harlequin, a very rare color around here, as well as Hollands aren't that common, most people have mini rex (I also asked the girl to meet me half way). I'm getting another doe from the same breeder in September (unless I decide to get another breed and mess around with mutts) for 20$, because she knows me. A lot of people (again, you gotta find the right person) will go down in price once they know you. Don't buy from someone who refuses to budge or just thinks about the money making side of things, try to find someone that enjoys the rabbits and wants you to enjoy them too.

Mine aren't typy at all, they have really long heads and are really too big (about 6lbs) but they produce some nice looking kits and since I'm only selling pets, that's all I care about lol. I'm too old to show anyway.


I heard and read that Hollands were very hard to breed and that does were really hard to get to take, especially young ones, but my doe is a fertile myrtle apparently, and has taken on the first breeding all three times.

 

[macksmom98]

We were gifted a doe, and bought a proven buck for $50. They aren't pedigreed but are two different colors and came from different homes. They have worked out great! You may put the news out and even list a wanted ad on craigslist, depending on how that is in your area (I have had a lot of positive experiences with craigslist in our area, I know that can be unusual and it doesn't always work well). There are often people moving out of state or going thru a divorce that need to rehome their rabbit quickly, and want a good home