Featured Rabbitry #10: Pinewind Farm Rabbitry. An interview with the owner of Pinewind Farm Rabbitry- Karen Williams
They are Silver Rabbit Breeders located in New York.
You can check out their website at: pinewind.rabbitryonline.com
1: Tell us about your rabbitry…
Pinewind Farm is located in the southern tier of western New York State. We maintain a small rabbitry along with our other interests of raising Alpine and Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats for milk for our personal and family use, cheesmaking and so on.
2: What rabbit breeds do you raise and why?
I raise Silvers, with a focus on the Black variety. Although I am not new to rabbits, I am relatively new to Silvers, I have been raising and showing them for only a little more than a year but really enjoy them. I was just drawn to them when I came upon them at a show…..it’s kind of funny because I was actually looking for Polish and was meeting a Polish breeder at the show. This breeder also had a Silver with her at that time, I had never seen a Silver before or given them any thought actually, I was just “struck” by the Silvers! My first impression that day was that they were an old fashioned type of rabbit that reminded me of a Rennaissance painting, I even told that to the woman who had them! When I came home and started doing some research on them and learned that they are actually a very old breed of rabbit dating back to the 1500’s, well, I guess without even realizing it, that is where my impression must have come from! They are bright and curious, and to me just seem to have sparkling personalities! I was lucky enough to have a couple of great Silver breeders not far from me in Tom Schubert and Kelsey Ferguson who have helped to get me going. I am excited about the Silvers, and though new to showing Silvers, I am learning a lot, really enjoying them, and so far my rabbits have even done very well at the shows……frosting on the cake!
3: About how long have you been raising rabbits?
I have kept rabbits as pets for many years, but have not been involved in breeding until about 5 years ago.
4. Who has helped you the most with your rabbit project?
My friend Sherri of Secret Garden Rabbits who really got me started in breeding and showing rabbits, along with Kelsey Ferguson who got me started with my Silvers, and Tom Schubert, who with his “decades” of experience in raising Silvers is always helpful and willing to answer my questions. When I decided to add a website, Ellyn Eddy of Rabbit Smarties Publishers (an ex Silver breeder herself!) really helped build and put it all together when I was hopelessly lost in the world of computers and website building and ready to give up on the whole idea!
5. What is your favorite rabbit memory or experience?
I have always just really enjoyed the peaceful quiet time I spend just tending my rabbits every night, I find it soothing and calming after a busy day at the hospital! It makes me feel calmer just thinking about it! That is what I think of first when I think of my rabbits, and if I ever don’t have rabbits anymore that is what I will remember and miss the most. My most exciting rabbit memory…..winning BOB for my first GC leg at my very first show!
6. Do you currently have any rabbit stock for sale? If so please provide details…
I currently have two litters in the nest box right now, a total of 9 kits, 4 born on 3/31 and 5 on 4/04! I have another litter due mid May so will have Silvers available from all three litters! I will also be selling one of my Senior Bucks and possibly a senior Doe. Hey, and lets not forget those Reg Alpine goat kids if anyone is interested! LOL!
