Beech Tree News Network

Angela and Mike Smith are owners of Angelwolf Rabbits in Morgantown, Kentucky.  The couple has specialized in breeding rabbits since 2003 and began showing them in 2012.  They specialize in Dutch, Californian, Black, Broken, and White New Zealand’s. With over 70 rabbits in their care, 44 were taken to the state fair this year, 12 of them being in the Meat Pen Class. Last week the couple took home an outstanding 34 ribbons from the 2016 Kentucky State Fair.  The ribbons were for the following:
Grand Champion Meat Pen
Reserve Champion Meat Pen
Best of Breed Californian
2 --Best of Variety
3 -- Best Opposite of Variety
6 -- First Place
9 -- Second Place
5 -- Third Place
4 -- Fourth Place
2 -- Fifth Place

Within minutes of visiting with the Smiths, it was very evident that their rabbits are given a great deal of love and care.  The rabbit yard is monitored closely to insure that they are not too hot or too cold. An automated water system leads into every kennel, so there is a continuous supply of fresh water, and they are on a feeding schedule according to their needs.  You will also find a toy in each kennel and lighted pathways overhead to see at night.  Even though they are cared for extremely well, Angela has a motto, “If they don’t make it to the show table, they will end up on the dinner table.”  It is understood that these are still meat rabbits; however, they do have favorites that will live out their years as strictly pets.

 
The black rabbits are Black New Zealand and they were the winners of the Grand Champion Meat Pen.  Even though they are quite large, they are only ten weeks old.  In order to be shown in the Meat Pen Class, rabbits cannot be older than 69 days old. Angela begins working with the rabbits at birth to train them how to pose in the show ring so that the judges can evaluate their quality.

The set of black and white rabbits are classified as Broken New Zealand and were the Reserve Champion Meat Pen. 
If you are interested in buying or simply have questions about how to participate in showing rabbits, you can contact Angela and Mike at [email protected].