Rabbits


Below you will find resources for your rabbit project:

 HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR GETTING STARTED

Ask your 4-H leader if the following resources are available:
  • American Rabbit Breeder's Association Standard of Perfection
  • Better Guide to Raising Rabbits and Cavies

 BASIC NEEDS
  • Space
    • 0.75 sq. ft. of floor space (9 in. x 9 in.) per pound of body weight
    • Cage must be tall enough so that rabbit's ears do not rub the top of the cage 
    • Cage made from 14-16 gauge welded wire (1 in. x 1 in. or 1 in. x 2 in. squares of wire)
  • Nutrition
    • Commercially prepared, pelleted rabbit ration
    • Pelleted feeds with a smaller diameter are appropriate for young rabbits
    • Pelleted feeds should be firm and not broken into small particles (fines)
  • Health
    • Proper sanitation of feeding, watering, and cage equipment
    • Trim toenails if necessary

See for more information:
Rabbit Basics for the Beginner
Rabbit Hot Sheet
Rabbit Project Reference

 SELECTING A PROJECT ANIMAL

  • Purposes: meat or breed stock
  • 4 Categories
    • Small
    • Medium
    • Large
    • Giant
  • Other categories
    • Commercial 
      • ex: Californian, Satin
    • Fancy
      • ex: Himalayan, Rex
  • If possible find a reliable breeder with good records
  • For our show, rabbits must be less than 1 year old. 


See for more information:
American Rabbit Breeders Association
Rabbit Project Reference

 KEEPING RECORDS
  • Registration with the breed association
    • Registration may need to be transferred to the exhibitor's name
    • Eligible animals may need initial registration
  • If you don't own the animal:
    • You may need to complete a lease application through 4-H or the breed association
  • It may be a good idea to join the respective breed's junior association
  • Accurate Health Records
    • Vaccination dates, date of dehorning, application of parasite control
  • Keep a record of growth
    • Ensure the animal meets benchmarks for growth
  • Make a budget and document expenses

DAILY CARE
  • Feeding recommended and adjusted amount for animal
  • Keep access to clean water at all times
PRE-SHOW PREPARATIONS
  • Groom the rabbit
    • Improves luster, texture, and condition of your rabbit's coat
    • Gets the rabbit used to being handled
    • There should not be any visible stains on the rabbit
    • The ears, eyes, and vents of the rabbit should be clean
    • Nails should be clipped as short as possible and filed smooth
  • Practice posing your rabbit
  • Provide your own carpet at the show that your rabbit is used to

See for more information: 
4-H Rabbit Showmanship
Basic Rabbit Showmanship Resources
Rabbit Showmanship

 SHOWMANSHIP
  • Present your rabbit as well as yourself groomed and clean for the show 
  • You will be asked questions about your knowledge of the rabbit industry as well as your own project animal
  • It is your job to show the judge that you are knowledgeable about your animal 
  • You will train your rabbit to allow you to pose it and the judge may ask you to perform specific actions such as placing the rabbit in a carrier
  • After showmanship, always thank the judge 
  • Be polite even if you did not win
  • After the show, the judge should offer time to answer questions, tell you what he or she was looking for, and if you made any specific mistakes
  • Take constructive criticism and advice to be used for your benefit

See for more information and videos:
4-H Alumni Rabbit Project Advise
Showing Rabbits
Rabbit Showmanship

 HANDLING YOUR RABBIT AT THE SHOW
  • Always pose your rabbit frontwards on the show table
  • The judge may ask you to place you rabbit in a specific position
    • Always keep that position after examining your rabbit until otherwise instructed
  • Never drag your rabbit's toenails across the carpet
    • Always pick your rabbit up completely off the table
    • There should be space between the rabbit and the table when picking them up
  • Picking up your rabbit
    • Tuck the head and legs under your arm
    • Support the rump with the other hand
  • When asked to "pick up your rabbit, turn around and walk back" by the judge
    • Do not set your rabbit down unless instructed to do so
  • No the difference between being asked to "check" or "show" a part on the rabbit
    • Checking means looking at a part on the rabbit (showing it to yourself)
    • Showing means physically revealing a part on the rabbit to the judge
      • If asked to show a part on the rabbit- the judge wants to see it
    • Always look at the judge after you complete each step
  • When asked to check or show the teeth, nails, and sex, complete these steps in this order only
  • When the judge moves to the next person so that you can see the judge at all times
  • if your rabbit moves, calmly place it back on the rug, repose it, and put your hands behind your back
  • If your rabbit is too out of control to stay on the rug, place one hand on the head to keep it calm and in place

See for more information and videos:
Showing Rabbits
Rabbit Showmanship

 BASICS OF THE VET CHECK
  • Beginning and carry- control tuck and carry the rabbit to and from the table
  • Check ears- mites, cankers, rips or tears, and tattoos
  • Check eyes- check both eyes for proper color for the variety or breed and check for common diseases
  • Check nose for symptoms of disease
  • Check teeth- notice problems that affect teeth and examine for the proper bite
  • Check front feet and toenails- Count for the correct number of nails, look for proper nail and pad color, know what disqualifiers (DQs) to look for
  • Check front legs and bones- Lift and feel each bone to look for any DQs
  • Check back feet and toenails- Count correct number of toenails, check for proper nail and pad color, know the DQs and how to check for them
  • Check back legs and bones- Lift and feel each bone and know what DQs to look for
  • Know the sex- For a doe expose the vent, for a buck expose the penis and check for both testicles, and be identify any possible diseases
  • Tail- be able to identify any DQs and check for bones, breaks, straightness, and carriage
  • Pose- correct pose for breed with proper setting of feet, ears, and tail
  • Checking the body- (upper and under body) feel for abscesses, ruptures, and know how to palpate and check for DQs
  • Checking fur- Stroke the fur backwards and blow to check for mites and mange, then set the fur back down when done. Know any DQs, how to treat diseases involving the fur, and what type of fur your rabbit has

INFORMATION CHECKLIST FOR SHOWING
  • The rabbit's breed, variety, show room class, and sex
  • Your breed's colors, min/max weights, history, body type, and fur type
  • Breed specific dis-qualifiers and general dis-qualifiers
  • Try to learn as many breeds of rabbits as you can (try to know a bit of general information about them)
  • Learn about common diseases in rabbits and their causes, cures, and preventative measures
  • What you feed your rabbit and how much (protein, fiber, and fat %)
  • Be able to describe how you house your rabbit and keep this space clean
  • Know the body parts and temperatures of the rabbit
  • Learn about gestation and kindling
  • Know fryer, roaster, and stewer weights and ages
  • Learn the key terms from the ARBA Standard of Perfection
  • Have a general knowledge of 4-H 

 ADDITIONAL SHOWMANSHIP TIPS
  • Avoid wearing excessive jewelry or makeup
  • Avoid chewing gum during the show
  • Always speak loud and clear
  • Depending on your age level and the judge
    • The judge may ask you to switch rabbits with your neighbor
      • know the breed and how it should be posed
      • If your neighbor did not pose the rabbit correctly, feel free to fix it
      • Always keep one hand on your neighbor's rabbit while switching positions with them
      • Do not merely repeat what your neighbor said if asked a questions about the rabbit
    • The judge may ask you to place and remove the rabbit from a carrier
      • Ensure not to hook the rabbit's nails on the carrier
      • Close and latch the carrier back after removing the rabbit
See for more information and videos:
Showing Rabbits
Rabbit Showmanship

RECOMMENDED ITEMS TO BRING TO THE SHOW
  • Wipes/ Rags for cleaning
  • Nail clippers
  • Cage or crate (if requested)
  • Feed
  • Feed and water container/bucket
  • Health and registration papers
  • Extension cords
  • Various tools that may come in handy:
    • Duct tape, scissors, zip ties
  • Making a checklist can be a good idea

APPROPRIATE SHOWMAN ATTIRE
  • Long-sleeved button down shirt to be tucked into pants
  • Jeans or khakis
  • Closed toed shoes
  • Belt (Can match to shoes)
  • Hair neatly pulled back and out of the way
  • Keep jewelry and makeup to a minimum

TIPS FOR CREATING BUYER'S LETTERS WHEN SELLING PROJECT ANIMALS
  • A buyer's letter is prepared by a 4-H member to send out to potential buyers before a fair and livestock auction
  • A buyer's letter is written to introduce the 4-H member as well as the animal and to invite potential buyers
  • It is the responsibility of the 4-H members to get new and returning buyers to attend sales
  • In addition to previous buyers, letters can be sent to anyone who would potentially be willing to buy an animal
    • Potential buyer's could include: family friends, relatives, or local members of the community; places your family does business such as local feed stores, restaurants, etc. 
  • Elements to include in the letter:
    • Address the letter to the buyer's name
    • Name, age, and introductory information about the seller
    • Thank the buyer if they have made previous purchases
    • History/Story/Facts of the animal
    • A picture of the animal (the child may include themselves in the picture)
    • Sale date, time, and location
    • How the buyer can participate
    • Contact information for 4-Her, and fair
  • The buyer should be written personable and relative to the age of the 4-H member, with junior members telling the story of the animal and senior members continuing but adding more of a business edge

      See for more information and videos:


      AFTER THE SHOW
      • Thank the judge, superintendent, and show volunteers
      • Rinse your animal within 24 hours to remove products used for the show from the animal's skin
      • Clean equipment and put it away to stay organized between shows
      • Record your showing placing for your own records

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