Base | Setareh Bunnies

Ethical Breeder vs Backyard Breeder

Why it matters for you — and for the bunnies.

Choosing where your bunny comes from is just as important as choosing which bunny comes home with you. This page is here to gently walk you through the difference between an ethical breeder and a backyard breeder, and to show you where Setareh Bunnies fits in that picture.

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What is an Ethical Breeder?

An ethical breeder’s first priority is health, temperament, and welfare, not “how many babies can I sell.”

Ethical breeders typically:
    •    ✅ Focus on a few select breeds/lines
They know their lines, colors, and pedigrees and are always working to improve them.
    •    ✅ Health- and temperament-test through screening & vet care
Regular vet checks, appropriate treatments, and careful monitoring of moms, dads, and babies.
    •    ✅ Limit litters
Does are given rest between litters, and not bred too young, too old, or too often.
    •    ✅ Keep clean, enriched housing
Fresh hay, clean water, safe flooring, enrichment toys, and enough space to move and stretch.
    •    ✅ Handle babies early & kindly
Kits are socialized so they grow into confident, people-friendly bunnies.
    •    ✅ Have a waitlist or interview process
They care where their bunnies go and want to know about your setup and experience.
    •    ✅ Use clear adoption guidelines & contracts
You’ll see expectations for both sides, including return policies if something doesn’t work out.
    •    ✅ Offer support after adoption
They’re happy to answer questions and help you through your bunny’s whole life.

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What is a Backyard Breeder?

“Backyard breeder” is a broad term, but generally means someone breeding without the knowledge, support, or intention to prioritize health and welfare.

Common backyard breeder red flags:
    •    ⚠️ Many litters available all the time
Always-someone-pregnant vibes, no breaks, no talk of recovery or long-term health.
    •    ⚠️ No questions for you
If money is taken with no interest in where the bunny goes, that’s a concern.
    •    ⚠️ Little or no information on parents
No photos, no ages, no mention of temperament, health, or lines.
    •    ⚠️ Unsanitary or cramped housing
Strong smells, stacked cages, wire-only floors, no enrichment or mental stimulation.
    •    ⚠️ Babies rehomed too young
Wanting babies gone before 8+ weeks “to make room” for the next litter.
    •    ⚠️ No education offered
No care info, no diet guidance, and comments like “they’re just rabbits, they’ll be fine.”
    •    ⚠️ No support after the sale
Once the bunny leaves, communication ends.

Backyard breeders aren’t always intentionally “bad,” but the result is often the same:
bunnies and adopters don’t get the care, support, or stability they deserve.

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How to Tell the Difference (Questions You Can Ask)

When you’re talking to any breeder (including me!), here are gentle, fair questions you can ask:
    1.    How often do you breed your does?
    2.    How old are the parents and how long have you had them?
    3.    What is your usual “go-home” age for babies?
    4.    What are your bunnies fed, and what do you recommend after adoption?
    5.    Can I see photos of your housing/enclosures?
    6.    What happens if I can’t keep my bunny in the future?
    7.    Do you offer a care sheet, contract, or any support after adoption?

Ethical breeders are usually happy to answer these and will tell you even more than you asked.

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Where Setareh Bunnies Stands 💜

At Setareh Bunnies, the heart of our program is:
    •    🌙 Small, intentional breeding program
We focus on a tiny number of carefully chosen Holland Lops in dilute colors (lilac chinchilla, etc.), not mass production.
    •    🐰 Health & temperament first
We work closely with rabbit-savvy veterinary care when needed and monitor every bunny daily.
    •    💛 Limited litters & lots of rest
Our does are part of our family, not “breeding machines.” They get time off, mental enrichment, and soft lives.
    •    🌸 Hands-on, gentle socialization
Babies are handled with care and respect from appropriate ages so they grow up confident and people-friendly.
    •    📖 Education & transparency
Our website, care guides, and “Dream Bunny Adoption Hub” exist to help you make informed, compassionate decisions.
    •    🏡 Adopter screening & support
We want to know about your setup, lifestyle, and goals so we can help you find the right match — and we’re here for you after adoption, too.

We’re not perfect and we’re always learning, but our commitment is simple:
soft, ethical, heart-led breeding with the bunny’s welfare at the center.

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Why This Matters

Choosing an ethical breeder:
    •    Reduces the risk of hidden health issues
    •    Supports kind, responsible breeding practices
    •    Helps discourage careless or profit-only breeding
    •    Gives you a built-in support person for your bunny’s entire life

Whether you adopt from Setareh Bunnies or another program, we truly want you to feel confident, informed, and empowered to choose a breeder who puts care over quantity and welfare over convenience.

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Ready to Start Your Dream Bunny Journey?

✨ Visit our [Dream Bunny Adoption Hub] (link) to learn:
    •    How our adoption process works
    •    Current and upcoming litters
    •    How to join our waitlist

Soft hearts, soft ears, soft ethics.
That’s the Setareh Bunnies promise. 🐰🌙💜