Californians
ADULT WEIGHT: 4.7kg WEIGHT AT 12 WEEKS: 2.4kg LITTER SIZE: large, 6-10 kits
These look quite similar to the NZ White, but are a bit shorter in the body, with coloured nose, ears, tail and feet. Again, the white coat means there’s not a great value to it. They tend to be more laid-back than the NZ White, and the does
are not as aggressive.
http://www.istockphoto.com/photo/rex-bunny-rabbit19227146?st=d7de3e4 Standard Rex Adult weight: 3.6kg Weight at 12 weeks: 1.8kg Litter size: medium, 5-8 kits This is one of the more specialised breeds because of their short, thick coats which feel very much velvet. They come in even more colours than the Satin and have a very nice meat cover, although on the smaller side.
The does tend to be very laid-back but can also be a bit moody, while bucks tend to be very placid.
1What have they been fed?
They should be raised on a good quality rabbit pellet with a protein level of 16%-18%. If they have been raised on lesser quality pellet or grass-only they will not grow to their full potential. As a result they will not be able to produce the best possible young.
2How have they been housed?
If they have been brought up on the ground they have more chance of picking up parasites, and are more likely to carry diseases harboured in the grass.
3How many were in the litter?
If their mother had only 4 kits or less, that trait can be passed on to the young, both male and female.
Why you never let rabbits near fresh hay
The hay you put into your hutch must be over three months old as RCD can remain live on fresh hay for that long. Don’t be tempted to feed fresh hay as RCD can kill rabbits within 24 hours.
Need more help?
If you have any questions about breeding your rabbits, you can join up with a local
club and its members can help you. Rabbit Council of New Zealand (RCNZ)
http://rabbitcouncil.co.nz/info/clubs
It’s called Ingleside, named after an ancestral home in England, and coincidentally – some might say uncannily – it is also the title of the 18th hole at the nearby Martinborough Golf Course.
It is the lifestyle adventure and new home for 30-year Devonport residents Rick and Carolyn Thompson. Their decision to ‘go country’ wasn’t so much a bucket list-type of life event, rather an epiphany.
“We love Devonport but it got to the point that, because of traffic, it became a major logistical exercise when you wanted to do anything or go anywhere,” says Carolyn. “The project sort of evolved but we figured we were still at an age when a new journey was both possible and exciting.”
The only blip in realising their Green Acres-esque lifestyle makeover was one daughter’s reaction. She suggested they seek psychological counselling before selling up.
Somewhere along the planning line the Thompsons spent a night at Taupo’s worldfamous Huka Lodge. It describes itself as a place that invites you to “enter a world where elegant and generous hospitality meets sophistication and style, creating a welcoming haven.”
That proposition, along with the high ceilings and open spaces, convinced the couple this was the type of place they wanted to create.
The Thompsons had friends in Northland who had built with Customkit, so they knew exactly who to contact to create their stunning wooden home.
“Our main reason for going with Customkit – along with the overall great product and service – was the unique ability, through LVL portals, to create open spaces with plenty of height. The portals are an integral design feature of the house and we just love them.”
By any standard the home was a big undertaking. The 483m² structure has a centralised, open plan living area with high cathedral ceilings and feature wooden beams. This room, and a toilet featuring wine bottle wallpaper, are Carolyn’s favourites.
The living area includes their ‘dream’ kitchen with a spacious scullery and substantial dining and lounge areas.
“We really like the connection with the French doors to the outside living area,” says Rick. “We had a great summer, and even on a cold winter’s day the sun pours in. I also have to say I particularly like my ‘sports’ lounge where I can watch my sport and relax. Rather like the ultimate man cave.”
A 22-metre-long entry pavilion links the various wings of the house. Its polished concrete floors and skillion tongue-andgroove-style ceiling provides an extensive blank canvas for the Thompson’s artworks.
The master bedroom wing features a
spacious sleeping area, ensuite and study. Another wing has been designed for family and guests, with three double bedrooms, and internal access to the garage for all-weather protection.
“People told me that building a house is very stressful, but I loved every minute of it and would do it again with Customkit,” says Carolyn. “They were involved with the whole project – it wasn’t just a case of ‘here’s your plans and off you go.’ They took interest and pride throughout.”
As for any family misgivings, the children spent Christmas staying in their parent’s new haunt and the whole family is now on board, enjoying Ingleside down under.