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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.
› Forum › HOUSE RABBIT Q & A › Need help with a Short and Sweet way to tell someone, “No. I will not breed my bunny with yours and here’s why.”
What’s the nicest way to tell someone you don’t know that you don’t approve of bunny breeding?
I put up the “Rabbits Are Not Easter Toys. Spread the Word.” cause on my facebook page. One of my friends commented and asked how our new bunny was doing. I told her how much we love him and how sweet he is.
Today I got a private message from her mom, who is not on my friend list because I don’t know her (although I’ve probably met her briefly), and she said, in effect, ‘we have a female dutch that would like to visit with your male dutch for a few minutes,’ and ‘let me know if yours is the right kind.’
I want to tell her that not only is he ‘not the right kind’ because he’s been neutered, but also that I don’t think she should be breeding her rabbits. However, I’m not the sort of person who feels like they can tell other people what they should or shouldn’t do (kids and husband excluded – lol), but I have another part of me that wants to stop everyone from breeding their rabbits.
So…is there a short and sweet reply that I can give to her assuming that she probably won’t change her ways anyway? I’m pretty sure my friend asked me when I first got Sir Scooter Beans if we were going to show him and I told her no, so I doubt that anything I can say will sway her ways.
I think you should send her this link:
http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/breeding.html
Kindly tell her that you do not believe in breeding your rabbit and suggest she read the above article. Kudo’s to you for trying too!
Before you tell her that your bun is neutered, you could ask what kind of housing she keeps the babies in, etc. General care questions! I think most people that breed their bunnies keep them in small spaces and sometimes outside or in a shed out back. If she seems like she really doesn’t know what she is doing, you can point out the proper ways to take care of them and house them and what not. Sometimes this alone can deter people from breeding any animal. At that point, you could just say that you wouldn’t feel comfortable contributing to those situations. I guess it’s kind of misleading? But also may be a good way to explain the care required of them- that they aren’t property. Everyone loves babies and some people genuinely have good intentions when breeding their buns. But pointing out costs and everything can help them see that it isn’t easy.
Lol… the “witch” in me would say, “Sure!” And then when no babies come and she gets concerned say, “Oh, I thought you just wanted them to play! My bun is neutered.”
(Of course knowing introductions between strange rabbits, chances are they’d fight immediately… but you know, assuming they got along… Teach her a lesson that way.)
It is a teaching opportunity that’s hard to resist, but she clearly is not asking to be taught the perils (to rabbits) of breeding, so I would be short and polite in my response. However, it is important to you to raise her awareness, so it’s possible.
Maybe this:
“Thank you for thinking of my lovely guy as a possible sire for your bunny, but I’m afraid he is neutered. We had him fixed asap after I learned how many rabbits are dumped at shelters or live dreadful lives as abandoned bunnies. Knowing this, we felt it important not to add to the bunny overpopulation. Pure bred bunnies for sale are very rare these days, so finding a delightful pet like mine is easy at a local shelter. I am amazed at how much I’ve learned since I’ve had my bunny, and if you want to know more about them also, you can visit two excellent websites that’s full of information on how to have a happy life with your pet – for the next 10 years! They are BinkyBunny.com, and the House Rabbit Society – http://www.rabbit.org. Thank you so much for thinking of us.”
Thanks everyone, I appreciate your suggestions. As much as I liked Beka’s reply, ”Sure!” And then when no babies come and she gets concerned say, “Oh, I thought you just wanted them to play! My bun is neutered.” I just couldn’t! LOL! I actually thought the same thing since she was so vague in her question. I also thought about some snarky replies to her statement, “If he’s that kind of rabbit.” (I should say NOT, he has the highest morals a bunny could have!)
Anyway, after sleeping on it I came up with something very similar to what RabbitPam suggested. I’ll take parts of hers and mine and I think I’ll have a decent reply. I’m pretty sure they do the 4-H rabbit raising thing so I’m not sure how much of an influence I’d have, however, I don’t know what kind of conditions they live in, so hopefully they are better than my first experience with a 4-H rabbit lady. Maybe I could ask to see her rabbits some day and start a conversation at that point. Hmmm…I actually like that idea.
I also appreciate the link from Sarita; I know I’ve seen it before but I can’t remember where. Anyway, that has some great discussion points that I could talk to her about if I did go visit her rabbits.
“If he’s that kind of rabbit.”
That is an odd thing to say. I’d be tempted to tell her, “No sorry, he’s gay.”
In seriousness though, her request seemed very to the point. It’s likely she’s been on the hunt for a “candidate” and that probably won’t change. If me, I’d like to make it known that the breeding world is not my scene. So I’d probably reply that he’s a Rescue and they neuter rabbits so as not to contribute to the over population problem. Maybe not short and sweet but to the point like she was.
Hahahaha Jerseygirl!
I like Jerseygirl’s approach. Keep it short but also provide the links to breeding/neutering information. Obviously she isn’t looking for anything other than a breeding buck so I wouldn’t spend a lot of time on your reply. I would write something like……I am an advocate of House Rabbits and, as such, Sir Scooter Beans is neutered. As with dogs and cats, the rabbit population is burdened with over-breeding and there are thousands in shelters. If you would like more information on this, you can visit rabbit.org, binkybunny.com (any other sites you want to add). I would be more than happy to discuss house rabbits with you or answer any questions you have.
Or something similar. You’re getting your point across in a nice way and offering help should she take it. Then you can forget about it and go snuggle/pet Sir Scooter Beans and tell him what a handsome boy he is and how lucky he is!
Posted By jerseygirl on 04/22/2011 12:53 PM
“If he’s that kind of rabbit.”
That is an odd thing to say. I’d be tempted to tell her, “No sorry, he’s gay.”
In seriousness though, her request seemed very to the point. It’s likely she’s been on the hunt for a “candidate” and that probably won’t change. If me, I’d like to make it known that the breeding world is not my scene. So I’d probably reply that he’s a Rescue and they neuter rabbits so as not to contribute to the over population problem. Maybe not short and sweet but to the point like she was.
Jersey, you crack me up!
Posted By jerseygirl on 04/22/2011 12:53 PM
“If he’s that kind of rabbit.”
That is an odd thing to say. I’d be tempted to tell her, “No sorry, he’s gay.”
You never know.. me and my hubby swear Moose is, he hates the girls, and prefers my hubby over me >.>
lol Monkey!!!!!
Monkey and Jersey. LOL
If Moosie does binkies to Barbara Streisand show tunes, you may be right. (I know, old stereotype – forgive me.)
This thread has taken an odd turn, but I’ll play along…
Come and knock on our door…
We’ve been waiting for you…
Where the kisses are hers and hers and his,
Three’s company too.
But Beka, John Ritter LIKED girls (was married – his son was on Joan of Arcadia) and loved his two roomies. Moosie is acting more like Sherlock Holmes in a Big Hare Beauty Salon.
(Sorry, Knabbel. Sometimes the FL’s get a bit goofy and hijack a thread.)
Posted By jerseygirl on 04/22/2011 12:53 PM
“If he’s that kind of rabbit.”
That is an odd thing to say. I’d be tempted to tell her, “No sorry, he’s gay.”
Posted By Knabbel Did It on 04/22/2011 08:00 AM
…….
Anyway, after sleeping on it I came up with something very similar to what RabbitPam suggested. I’ll take parts of hers and mine and I think I’ll have a decent reply. I’m pretty sure they do the 4-H rabbit raising thing so I’m not sure how much of an influence
……..
I agree with the responding in a way tht points out your choices without condemning hers. By just explaining your own reasons, people are less likely to feel as defensive and may be more open to learning if they so choose.
Regarding the 4-H, one of the local rabbit rescues (it could be SaveABunny, I can’t fully remember now) actually works with them, and instead 4-H learning about breeding, they learn about rescue. I know that may not be typical but looks like at least some groups are more open to the option.
You guys are hilarious! It’s been a crazy week and I haven’t had time to get back to the lady in question, but I have been reading the replies through my email, and it’s kept me giggling all week!
Anyway, I did respond to her and this is what I said:
Hi “Name of Lady,” it’s been a very busy week, I’m sorry it’s taken so long to get back to you.
Great response! Let us know if you get a reply from her.
Great response!!
Perfect!!!
I did get a reply, and even though I know it’s probably wrong to do the copy and paste thing with a PM, I’m going to do it anyway because I really can’t paraphrase the line that took me by surprise. Here’s her reply:
I think that is what she is implying but I think she gave you a very nice response and it’s nice she doesn’t want to breed her bunny.
Cute as long as they don’t chew an electric cord?
My Chacha has chewed my phone charger, my expensive bag handles, numerous books, hoodies, and even her condo bars.
And she is still cute
I don’t understand the part with killing them either.. o_O Uhm
Posted By Knabbel Did It on 04/28/2011 02:27 PM
I did get a reply, and even though I know it’s probably wrong to do the copy and paste thing with a PM, I’m going to do it anyway because I really can’t paraphrase the line that took me by surprise. Here’s her reply:
Of course, you are right about not breeding more bunnies. Our grandson shows his at the fair, and that’s why he wanted junior bunnies under a certain age. However, he will take his adult ones and that will work out. We cannot kill them – just show off their markings.
Thanks for the reply. I’m glad to hear your bunnie is litter trained, etc. So cute as long as they don’t chew an electric cord, I understand.What?! “We cannot kill them – just show off their markings.” What in the world kind of weird remark is that? Did I infer that she, or other breeders, kill the ones they don’t want?
it is unforunately true that, yes, some breeders do that. NOT all though, as many will just sell them at a lower price if they are not show quality. But again, not all do that — a breeder I know will help bunnies who are born with disabilities find a good caring home and has “santuary” options as well for those bunnies and for bunnies that are elderly. (as I have also heard of that some breeders will euthanize bunnies that are no longer breeding). So i think that if anyone does decide to go through a breeder, that they really research first what the breeders practices are..
I don’t want to break my own rules here and nurture a discussion on breeders and breeding practices as it is very controversial. I am just responding to your question.
So back to the original subject. I think you did an excellent job and I think she responded well as well. She is in a different mindset but she was still respectful and ya never know….maybe something you said will stick with her. Either way, the interaction went well I think.
Great response!
She probably mentioned that because unfortunately, some breeders kill their extra, sick or “imperfect” rabbits. Since you mentioned that your bunny was considered “imperfect” by another breeder, she probably thought she’d mention her view on it.
I don’t want to break my own rules here and nurture a discussion on breeders and breeding practices as it is very controversial. I am just responding to your question.
So sorry BB, I didn’t realize that’s where this was headed. I agree, let’s not go there. I guess I really am naive about these things because the thought never even occured to me that they would do that. To be honest, I really don’t want to know any more on the subject of breeders. I’m just so in love with our Prince Scooter Beans I can hardly contain myself! A warm bunny to love is pure bliss…
› Forum › HOUSE RABBIT Q & A › Need help with a Short and Sweet way to tell someone, “No. I will not breed my bunny with yours and here’s why.”