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Our directory is a listing service for all rabbit and
cavy breeders. We hope that all the breeders in our directory
represent our rabbit breeding community proudly and practice ethical
breeding and business transactions, but, since we do not personally know
most of the breeders we add to our directory, we cannot guarantee this.
It is up to the buyer to determine if a breeder is someone they will want
to buy from or deal with.
A few suggestions for finding a reputable
breeder and ensuring a successful sales transaction:
Word of Mouth
Most breeders I've talked to
told me that word-of-mouth is the best way to find a reputable breeder.
Most are found through the rabbit or cavy show circuit - if you can attend
shows in your area, ask others which breeders they recommend for buying
stock from. You can easily find shows in your area by visiting
The American Rabbit Breeders Association website
Show Dates page
If you are unable to attend
shows in your area in order to 'check out' a breeder you may be buying
stock from, you can always ask that person for several references...names,
addresses or email addresses of people who've bought that person's stock.
Talk to these 'references' and find out as much as you can.
You can always gather info
from other breeders in that person's area too, plus try checking with the
breed clubs - they may have a way for you to verify info about that person
or direct you to others who can.
Breeders In Our Directory
Now that I just said that the
best way to find a reputable breeder is by word-of-mouth, you are
wondering why should you contact any breeders in this directory?
Many of the breeders in our
directory are established, long-time breeders with a lot of experience,
and who have been developing their lines of stock for a long time.
Even the newer breeders generally have quality stock that they bought to
breed and develop their own lines with-and may have some quality stock for
sale.
New in late 2006- I've added a
new line to breeder listings: Breeder Since: so others may
tell at a glance how long a breeder has been in operation. This info
may assist you when choosing a breeder to contact.
When you contact one of these
breeders, you will be setting up a time to either visit their rabbitry or
more likely, meet them at a local rabbit show to look at their stock.
Either way your goal will be to meet in person and look at the breeder's
sale stock. If you are meeting at a show, it should be quite easy to
find more info about the particular breeder, from others right at the
show, or if you have doubts - ask the breeder for references!
Purchasing rabbits or cavies
sight unseen (as when they are purchased and shipped) can be risky - we
suggest you take every precaution to verify the breeder's reputation
before you buy this way!
Should you have an adverse
encounter with any breeders in our directory, please
email and let us know!
Successful Sales Transactions
Open and thorough discussion
of the sales transaction from both parties is a must! Both parties
should clearly discuss and agree upon the following:
-
The actual sale animal; it's
quality, faults, DQ's, pedigree and other pertinent info
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The price of the sale animal
-
Payment method
-
Any hold policy or deposit
policy
-
Date and means of delivery or
pick up of the sale animal
-
Any return or refund policy
-
Any guarantees (breeding,
showing, health etc.)
Know The Law In Your Area
Check your state's statutes to
find out if there are restrictions on selling or buying rabbits or cavies
before you delve in! On each of our new
State/Country pages, you'll find Legislative links that may
help you find out more about the laws in your area.
Most or many U.S. states prohibit sales of
rabbits under 8 weeks of age.
I will be adding a lot more to this
page as I gather information. I used to ponder the idea of offering
an 'ethics agreement' for breeders to follow and sign - thus earning some
type of mark or sign by their listing - but - this truly falls outside of
the scope of this website and there are too many issues involved to
facilitate such an idea.
Feel free to
email me with your suggestions and thoughts on choosing a good
breeder- I'll gladly list your ideas on this page! |
