Otter Delight Rabbitry

Latest update: 7-15-09

Otter Delight's Eeyore - blue otter buck takes BOSV in Youth at Fort Worth Nationals 2009!

Otter Delight's Reeses - chocolate otter buck takes BOV in Youth Day After Show Fort Worth Nationals 2009!

Congratulations ya'll!!!

Otter Delight's Ziggy with his Open BOSB 1/3/09.

Update:  Ziggy's very next show yielded an Open BOB 1-10-09!!!!!  What an otter! Ziggy's GC is pending!!

He was shown only 3 times.  1st was a BOV as a JR, 2nd was BOSB as a SR and 3rd was BOB!  Way to go Ziggy!

(photo courtesy of Andrea Fisher)

Otter Delight's Lore at the 2007 TMRRC Hillsboro show right after his Best Opposite of Breed win in the Show A Open!  First time out of the barn. :) Oh and at 3 1/2 months old to boot!!  Great job Lore!

Hi there.  My name is Lana.  I would love to tell you a bit about myself so, pull up a chair and get comfy. 

I began raising rabbits when I was 13 years old.  Yep, way back in the early 1980's.  That's nearly 30 years ago! 

I began with about 50 or so New Zealand Whites.   It was quite an experience!  I learned alot about what a rabbit needed to be successful and happy.  I could always be found in the rabbit area talking to my furry friends and handing out lots of TLC.  Rabbits were so facinating to me.  They were so efficient yet relied on me for their complete care.  I was soley responsible for their health and well being.  It was a great experience for me to have had being so young.   Learning how to care for others and be responsible in that care was a beautiful life lesson.  One I have taken into the rest of my life.

As a newlywed I moved away from raising rabbits for a few years until it was feasible again.  It was in my 30's I decided to get back into raising rabbits again.  But, this time maybe a different breed.  I also wanted to experience showing animals.  It felt like the next natural step. 

By chance I felt my first mini rex.  I was instantly head over heels.  The fur was exquisit and breathtaking.  Unlike anything I had ever felt!  After researching this breed and discovering they have such  a gentle disposition on top of being so absolutely beautiful and so intelligent, this was a perfect match.

Next I had to choose the color.  So many to choose from!   I had heard that the otter color was being worked on.  Since there was 4 otter colors that seemed very do-able.

I saw my first in a photograph online.  That was it...Otter!  Gosh, my poor husband!  He was very supportive but I'm sure would have enjoyed me taking a breath once in a while and talking about something else.....ANYTHING else!  lol  Seriously, I am VERY grateful to have a amazing family that truly supports my obsession with rabbits and animals in general.  They are all such beautiful people and I count myself privledged they are a part of my life.  Their sacrifice, love and support is what makes all of this possible.

In 2005 all 4 colors of otter were accepted by the ARBA and in February 2005 they began gracing the tables.  They would all be shown as a variety together.  Black, lilac, blue, and chocolate.   I always thought it was unique as it provided a rainbow of colors under one umbrella "Otter".

Over these years I have built and COMPLETELY re-built my herd of otters.  I was on a mission to seek out and populate my barn with only the best quality otters.  This became a fun challenge that would allow me to meet some outstanding people in the US and make some wonderful friends.   It is nice to hear others speak with such excitement about this wonderful color variety.   

One of the things I have learned thru the years is that nothing replaces great genetics, clean environment and a steady supply of fresh water and high quality feed.   Sounds pretty simple.  Both the rabbits and their environment are kept clean both for good husbandry and health and also out of respect for them as living things. 

One of my many philosophys is if you're going to do something, do it to the very best of your ability.  The day I can't provide superior care for my friends is the day I will no longer have them in my charge.  The moment I put a win over the wellbeing of my animal is the day I quit. 

The other is blaze your own trail.  Don't let your view be the back of someone elses head.  Have your own thoughts and ideas.   Use your own judgement.  Trust yourself and your own decision making.  That will make you that much more proud of your accomplishments.  You will learn so much more about yourself and grow as a person and in this hobby.

I have a small rabbitry (25). I do firmly believe in having top quality not a huge quantity.  I keep my herd at or under my self imposed limit so I can continue to accomplish this.  This also allows me to care for each and every animal. 

My goal is to make the Otter compete equally with the top quality REWs, Brokens, Castors, and Blacks. 

I am excited to report another BOSB in Open with an Otter buck followed a week later by a BOB in Open with an Otter!  A BOB!  I'm pretty sure I floated up to receive the award quietly and thank the judge.  I had tears in my eyes and my hands were shaking.  An otter in the top spot.  Wow, how neat.   It is nice to hear "otter" instead of the "usual" colors that normally win the "top spot".   Recently a lilac, torte, and a red won.  That is always so exciting to me.   We have such great breeders doing a wonderful job!

Learning and understanding rabbit behavior is key to understanding what they need to be successful.  I watch "rabbit TV".  Now all I have to do is literally watch my monitor.  I have a security system in place now that allows me to both see and hear my rabbits even when I am not in their house. Not only is it fun, it is then I can understand when to tweek things this way or that and solve a problem.   I also love detective work and problem solving.  Keeps me on my toes.  :)   I have been a student of animal behavior for some time and absolutely enjoy it.

When "Momma" walks into the room everyone wants to be petted first.  They are too cute!  I am honored that they accept me and trust me so.  They are all so very unique and special.  This is indicitive to our chosen breed.  They are intelligent and fun loving.

Remembering their intelligence is important however.  They need mental stimulation and a large enough environment to habitate in.  24x24 cage is sufficient.  It allows them bucking and horse play room.  lol  Keeping them happy and healthy.  It is a win/win situation.

They each get pinecones and nibble to their hearts content.  They love throwing them up into the air.  It is so fun to watch.  Of course, pinecones also help their teeth and the oil is believed to help their coat. ;)

I have spoken at schools educating our children about animals and respecting Nature.  I feel by starting these kiddos out young, perhaps this will have a lasting impression upon them.  I tell them all about rabbits, their young, and how to properly treat and care for these wonderful creatures.  Kids ask such great questions and keep me on my toes.  I love that.  

This is one of my bunnies just about to fall asleep while I hold her.  She completely trusts me and needs that closeness.   Each bunny is special and has a unique personality just like any other animal including people.  :)

One of the other things I truly enjoy is helping others with their animals.   Whether new to rabbits or not,  we all can have questions from time to time.  That is a great part of so many folks coming together.  The knowledge that is shared and paid forward is priceless.  This is how we all learn and both the rabbits and people benefit.   

Our hobby is two-fold in that we are able to be around both rabbits and people.  Being with friends that come from literally all parts of the USA is so wonderful.  I enjoy visiting with them and sharing our experiences.

Animals I have shown and/or sold have won BIS, BOB, BOSB, and BOV's in Open and Youth classes here in and Texas and across the US.  It is always fun to get updates and to hear that excitement.  I don't show much due to my schedule so it makes it very nice that when I do my animals make it so worth it and fun!  :)  

Update: An Otter Delight rabbit took BOSV at 2009 Nationals.  Another a BOV "Day After Show" at Fort Worth Nationals!!

I have been very fortunate to have so many wonderful individuals and families purchase my animals.  Folks that are very responsible in the care of the animals. 

Please know, I do take my right for a sale refusal very seriously and have had a small handful of occasions to excercise it in the years I have been in rabbits.  Saying no isn't fun by any means to either party.  I truly hate hurting people's feelings.  However, my animals and their well being will always come first.  I am responsible for doing my best to ensure that my animals aren't treated with neglect or cruelty whether intentional on the part of the "would-be" owners or unintentional.  

I no longer show as of 2009.  My husband needs surgery and I am therefor selling my herd to help pay for it.  I am keeping 4 rabbits just for my own "therapy".  lol  I will breed them from time to time and sell the offspring to folks who want to have a blast showing the otter.

Please feel free to look around.   I keep  my site updated.   I hope you are able to see the passion I have for my animals.   Please feel free to ask any questions.  I am here to educate others about rabbits and get them excited about these wonderful creatures.   I strive to make a difference and hope I have in my small way.

These treasures are my OTTER DELIGHT!

Please email me anytime.  I love them and do my best to respond quickly.

kittenplatecrazy@aol.com

I am located in Joshua, TX  near Fort Worth.  I am a registered Rabbitry and a member of the ARBA, TRBA, NMRRC.

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