Yesterday a fellow Silver Fox Breeder came over for a trade breeding. However, GC Leon was rather tired out quickly and there were no fall-offs with either of her two does. She opted for Starry Knight, which was his first time, and he had the energy and stamina that his grandfather no longer had.  I have noticed that Leon has been becoming weaker in his back legs, and it may be close to the time he has outlived his ability to breed, but I plan to try him with another doe in a few days. I have considered using carpet or a rubber mat to help him have the traction he needs. I have been noticing this weakness for some time, but he was able to breed about six weeks ago when he won BOB at the Southern Pride show. So, I think he still has some good days, but yesterday was a bad one. I truly have fallen in love with that old buck. Even though I have had him only since August, he is like the patriarch grandfather of my rabbitry. I am still hoping to get a few more breedings out...

Today I weighed XCY-3 and they seem to be showing that "wow" factor I was hoping to see with this kindle. If they grow out with show quality as I am expecting, I am planning to keep the buck and a doe. I might keep the other doe as well or do a swap with her. I have been handling each one every day and working on them to relax when picked up. The XCY3 doe is the smallest, but she is also the one who relaxes the best when being picked up, if not the first time, then the second. The others are better about it when they are a bit sleepy, but they are starting to get it. I am going for that ragdoll trait that I had in a SF x NZW that I sold months ago to a meat breeder, who just loved how she relaxed when being carried.  Being a ground animal whose only defense is running and powerful kicks, rabbits do not like being off a surface or without traction. Being carried is something they tolerate and some tolerate it better than others. I want my rabbits to tolerate being han...