AFL in VA

How would you guys go about getting good stock for a breed that isn't common or popular here (in VA)

There are very few AFL breeders around here and those who are, don't have very good stock. I'd rather not start out with bad stock but I would like to promote the breed here.

I was really lucky to get an awesome fuzzy holland from Lyle Creek Rabbitry but I had to sell her when my allergies acted up.

So my questions are, what do you suggest for starting fuzzies here in VA?
Thanks!
(and I'm sorry if this makes no sense, I am running on caffeine today )

You could always buy from farther away and ship in. It's more expensive, but would allow you to start with any lines you want in the nation

Yeah, I thought of that but the problem is I have no job (to get money from) and my parents aren't too keen on spending that kind of money.

What's your price range? Even nice animals locally probably won't be that cheap.

You could talk with people in your area that show and see if anyone can pick you something up from another state. Much cheaper and gives you a little farther reach too

SSRrabbits - I don't have a particular price range. Personally, I have $6,000 in my bank account but my parents don't like the idea of paying for shipping so they wouldn't let me use that.

Keepee - you're right, I should see if I can get people to bring some back from shows.

I was also considering begging my dad to take me to AFL nats . . . do you think that would be a good idea?

That's definitely something you could do. Prices tend to be higher at national shows though, so just be aware of that .

Meh
I dislike high prices but thanks for the input!

I think waiting for AFL Nationals is a GREAT idea. Generally rabbits can be higher priced at nationals, because of the quality and costs of shipping in. It's going to be harder to buy nicer stock in your area, breeders can be quite protective when it comes to their lines and competition. Sometimes paying an extra $25-50 can really be worth it if you want to start out right.

My friend Katie(Starlite/Kagee Rabbitry) have driven over 700 miles for a particular breeder more than once to buy stock from. We never regretted it. Some people may think it is "crazy" but no, when you start out right or know what you want, I don't think anybody should hold out on getting what they want.

Not to mention countless shipments shipped in.

Katie, Lisa(JerseyWoolyFreak) and I have sent out shipments a few times to the east coast(North Carolina) to Keepee before. Most cases have been collected rabbits from the West Coast and distributed to buyers all along the east coast, as low as Georgia and high as Maryland. It cuts down on shipping costs and allows many people to part-take, and get quality stock from the West Coast. Since we do have many top breeders in our state.

Hope this helps.

There are some very good AFL breeders around VA. There's M&M in NC, their stock is really nice. Don't discount fuzzy Hollands either and there are a LOT of top HL breeders in VA and NC that get fuzzies and sell them off.

Billie,
Very good point.

I love fuzzy hollands but I don't think I want my starter stock to be those, because those cannot be registered and although they can be shown as AFL, they really aren't.
But thanks for pointing out those breeders, and for future reference, I'll look for some HL breeders to improve points in my herd.