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Shaw/Free Press Media Group, Inc. 1983 Fair Guide--Page 45 Fair features Hare care means family togetherness By Angela Burden Shaw/Free Press WONDER LAKE -- Raising rabbits on a small scale doesn't make money, but it ap­ pears to be a lot of fun and keeps the Steinmetz family happy. Wayne and Kit Steinmetz and their fami­ ly operate the "6-S Rabbitry" in Wonder Lake, and all the family is involved in the project, which started out as a 4-H activity for the family some years ago. Kit is the 4-H leader of a club that her husband belonged to as a child, the Ringwood Busy Three. Their 18-year-old daughter, Terri, is in her last year as a 4-Her. And, although the two older children, Torn and Tina, are out of 4-H, (19 years is the age limit) Kit will stay on as a leader until the youngest member of the family, 6tt-year-old Tobi, enters the group when she's age 9. "We started with two rabbits as a 4-H project/' says Kit. Now the rabbitry con­ sists of 21 cages and averages about 35 rab­ bits. The rabbits are bred for showing. "6-S Rabbitry" consists of all pedigreed Rex rabbits, a mutant breed, with fur like velvet, that originated in France. Members of the American Rabbit Breeders Association, the Steinmetzes show their livestock year around. "It's great showing rabbits. It isn't cut­ throat, it's lots of fun and the other rabbit breeders all seem to be nico people," she says. The champion bucks owned by the Steinmetzes are used for breeding with other breeders' does at no fee but usually for the choice of the litter. Kit says the rabbits are primarily raised for show and breeding stock, not for the fur or the meat. "However, those that dont work out end up in the freezer ... and eventually in the pot," she says.. Each member of the family has their own personal rabbits. "Everybody shares taking care of them. feeding, watering and cleaning, plus each person handles their own rabbits. A rabbit is easier to show when it is regularly handled by the person showing it," says Kit. Terri will be showing her rabbits in the 4-H contest at McHenry County Fair for the last time this year, while her mother and sister, Tobi, will be showing in the open class section of the fair. A Steinmetz buck took the "Best Op­ posite of Show" award at the fair last year opposite the "Best of Show" doe. "We always look forward to the county fair here," says Kit. The breeding plans at "6-S Rabbitry" are worked around certain shows. "We're kind of proud of what we do with our rabbits. The fan is in the competition," says Kit. She says the family has learned a lot from raising rabbits. "I've learned more about genetics for breeding lines. I never knew much about livestock, and now I know about feed and weight conversion," she adds. Although Rex rabbit fur is the most ex­ pensive on the market, with the exception of Angora, which according to Kit, "isn't considered fur ... it's wool," the family is not interested in the fur side of the rabbit business. Kit says the children have always been busy in 4-H and other hobbies. Says she, "They've been so busy, they've stayed out of trouble." Rabbits are not the only interest the Steinmetz family has in common. They are all involved in Karate together. "It's healthy and good. We are all very much involved," Kit says of Karate. In addition to being a full-time welder, Wayne has shared in the rabbit breeding with the family for nine years, and he also teaches Karate. For three years, he has operated his own Karate school in McHenry, "The McHenry Flying Dragons." "We're all busy all the time," says Kit, INDULGE YOURSELF Have a Fresh All-Butter Croissant and Brighten Your Day! 35c each "No Additives, No Preservatives" Swiss Maid Bakery On Hie Square, Woodstock -- 338-0414 104 E. Brainard, Harvard -- 943-7282 who besides raising four children, having a courage to steal food from the dog's dish full-time job, breeding rabbits and leading while "Angel" waits with patience. 4-Her's, also finds time for Karate. "They all get along fine together," says The family has indoor pets too, including Kit of the pets. a large dog, a Doberman named "Angel," a grey Tabby cat named " Jarmiesch" and As do the family Steinmetz, who all do "Ginsu," a pet ferret, which has the things together. FINNY FARM PET STORE SPECIALIZING IN... • AQUARIUM SET UP • BIRDS & BIRD SUPPLIES •DOG a CAT SUPPLIES SMALL ANIMAL & SMALL ANIMAL SUPPLIES 119 N. MAIN ST., DOWNTOWN CRYSTAL LAKE PHONE (8151459-1770 5>f I I I j 'Regular or Spicy | (Offer Good at Beef Villa thru 8/31 /$3 (LIMIT ONE COUPON PER VISIT), Broasted® Chicken® SPECIAL 16 Pieces r r ; INTRODUCING! FABULOUS FAIR PRICES ON FUN FOOD WHH FANTASTIC FLAVOR BY VILLA' •McWNRV 344-1103 •WOMSTOCK 334-9704