A Guide For Rabbit Buyers: Pet, Brood and Show Quality
"Why does that bunny cost so much more than the other one?"
Part One: Pet Quality.
What does "pet quality" mean? By my definition, pet quality is a rabbit that cannot be used in a breeding program, but would still make a great pet. A pet quality rabbit may have too many genetic undesirables, such as bad toenails, etc. Things a pet-owner won't notice. Or, a pet-quality bunny may be retired from the breeding world and ready to live the easy life. Sometimes, pet-only bunnies don't produce and are thereby useless as breeders. There are many reasons for a bunny to be considered pet-only quality, and this has nothing to do with how good a pet this rabbit will make! Pet quality bunnies are usually the least expensive ones and should not come with a pedigree, as they are not to be bred.
Part Two: Brood Quality.
"Brood quality" is a term that describes a rabbit who can be efficiently used in a breeding program, but is not showable because of a disqualification, such as too many scattered white hairs, ears over 2 in., etc. These bunnies can still produce show-worthy offspring, however, and could be sold to another breeder. I will also sell brood and show quality rabbits as pets, but I will not sell them at a pet-only price regardless! These bunnies are potentially or proven great producers. Though they often may still sell as pets and that's perfectly fine, the buyer should be aware of why this bunny is priced higher than the above "pet-only" bunnies. If the pet-buyer wanted, he could use this rabbit in the future in a breeding program.
Part Three: Show Quality.
The "show quality" rabbits are those that have been deemed worthy of being shown by the breeder. Show quality rabbits have the best type, fur, color, etc. These rabbits may still have faults and it is advised that, before buying a rabbit of show or brood quality, you research the breed's standard. It is preferred that these rabbits, if not kept, are sold to someone who will show them. However, in the event a show quality rabbit is bought by a pet-buyer, the price will remain the same.
Also...
~I do not discount show-quality rabbits if the buyer doesn't have the intention of showing them, nor do I discount brood-quality rabbits if the buyer doesn't have the intention of breeding them. Usually, someone else will come along who is willing to pay what I think that rabbit is worth.
~I only lower/raise the prices of my rabbits as I see fit, and will most likely never sell a bunny at a "snake food" price. I don't want my babies to be used as snake food and if this is your intention, I would suggest you visit your local feed store. I will refuse to sell a bunny if I find out it will be another animal's meal. I know snakes need to eat, but they don't need to eat MY rabbits. =P
~Pet, Brood and Show quality is determined by me. That means it's my opinion, and may or may not be the opinion of the judges at the rabbit shows or the opinion of other breeders. It is your responsibility to do your own research and look over the bunny yourself before buying. I will do my best to predict quality, but I'm a new breeder myself (started in 2010) and I'm nowhere near an expert at determining quality. If you disagree with my decision on price/quality do not purchase. Also, if you're a more experienced breeder and disagree with quality, feel free to send me a polite email about the bunny/ies in question but be prepared to provide the source of your information.
I hope this answers some of your questions more in-depth about how I price my bunnies and why.
~Ash <3