Welcome to Willow Haven Rabbitry!
who we are and how We Started
Welcome to Willow Haven Rabbitry! We're so glad you're here! We are a family-owned rabbitry established in 2023 located in Barboursville, VA. I am the owner, Kelly, and run the rabbitry with the help of my 6 kids (although the 13 year old is definitely more help than the 1 year old!). I started this rabbitry for one simple reason: bunnies bring me joy and joy should be shared! I was inspired to form an open rabbitry where you can experience the serotonin boost of a bunny snuggle with or without purchasing a bunny! We understand that not everyone is ready for the 10 year commitment of a bunny, but that doesn't mean you don't deserve some bunny therapy. We will be adding scheduled bunny snuggle sessions beginning in spring of 2024!
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We breed holland lops. All of our rabbits are bred to improve the breed according to the standards of perfection (SOP) as defined by the American Rabbit Breeder's Association (ARBA) and we are members of both the Holland Lop Rabbit Specialty Club (HLRSC) and ARBA. However, we do have two lines: a show line and a vienna line, which is excluded from showing due to color disqualifications. All of our bunnies are raised inside as part of our family, handled daily, introduced to litter training, and exposed to kids, other animals, and lots of chaos! They are well rounded and we can help you find a bunny for show, 4H, or a family pet.
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How did you choose your name? (more than you ever wanted to know!)
I’ve always dreamed of a house with a willow tree. When we pulled up to our home after an exhaustive home shopping adventure, the willow tree in the yard felt like a sign. For me the willow tree represents peace and a safe place: a haven. When I was inspired to form this open rabbitry to share with the public, I woke up in the middle of the night and wrote the poem below. I'm not usually one to wax poetic so please excuse the amateur but inspired prose!
The day that the willow tree first peeked at the sky,
He stood tall, strong, and proud and never asked why.
Time passed by as it does when you are new and young.
He thought little of it as his song was unsung.
But the sun and the moon danced ‘round and ‘round,
And before he knew it his roots were deep in the ground.
He looked up to the oak as its branches grew out,
And he dreamed of the day he’d be just as stout.
But the burden of time grew heavy pulling his branches low.
He thought he was worthless, surely everyone would know?
The days turned to years and he succumbed to his fears,
His branches falling down softly like his tears.
He was resigned to his fate of weakness and grief,
When he felt a soft touch on his leaf.
His branches were parted by a young girl, tender hearted.
He sensed her soul was aligned with his own,
Burdened by doubt all alone.
She leaned on his trunk and let out a sigh,
And together they hid from the vast, bright sky.
Time passed by as it did like when he was young.
He thought little of it as his song was being sung.
As they sat in shared tranquility,
They both set aside their perceived inability.
Sensing a change from where they lived below,
The bunnies came out to sniff a hello.
A perfect moment in time, a union of three - a girl, the bunnies, and a willow tree.
The oak still stood tall and wouldn’t budge,
But for the first time Willow held no grudge.
For he realized as he sat in peace with his friends,
That although he wasn’t an oak, maple, or pine,
That was surely just fine.
Because he wasn’t weak, worthless, or craven.
He was simply made as a haven.