DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT SHOW RABBITS??!!?

Question

if anyone could tell me all they know about show rabbit, i would really apprieciate it. thank you!!

:D

market rabbits preferably :)

Answer 1

Lol.  That's a lot to ask.  :)  Can you be a little more specific?

A few basics:

There are meat rabbits - especially bred for eating kinda like there are dairy cows and beef cows.  

There are many different breeds of meat rabbits but some of the most popular are New Zealand and Californian.  Many people say NZ/Cal crosses are best for growing out fastest but if don't believe you can show crosses.

A meat pen is a trio of rabbits.  Can be from the same litter or not.  The best meat pen will be in great condition, look as much alike as possible, and each will be the same weight or as close as possible to that.  They will be 10 weeks old or 70 days old at show time (?).

When auctioning off your meat pen, the seller is usually responsible for butchering.  Many counties have a tradition of the buyer not actually eating the rabbits but donating them back to the seller.  You'll have to check what your local traditions are.

I don't do meat rabbits but if you need more just ask or contact your local 4H club that does a rabbit project or your local city/state rabbit club.

Answer 2

The two commonly shown market rabbits are Californians (all white except for black/dark brown ears, noses, tails, and feet) and New Zealands (all white, red eyes). You typically show 4 bunnies, although you need to buy at least 5 or 6. Depending on the breeder and the competitiveness in your area, you can pay anywhere from $5-$50 per bunny. Average is probably around $25. In our county shows, the rabbits all must be uniform size and shape, between 3 1/2 and 5 lbs., and have no missing toenails or broken teeth. Sounds funny, but it happens (it can happen on the way to the show, so take all of your bunnies with you).

They will eat rabbit pellets, and need free access to alfalfa hay, water, and salt and mineral blocks. They also need wood to keep their teeth trimmed. They are rodents and their teeth never stop growing. You can also give them carrots and bunny treats, although be careful not to over treat or they will get fat and you will not do good in the shows.

It is important to hold them often so that they are used to being handled, as the judges will handle them (most that I've had experience with are not gentle either).

To make the best impression, always wear nice "western" type clothes. Think boots, nice jeans, a button-down long-sleeved shirt, nice belt and belt buckle, and do your hair. This can make the difference between borderline differences between your rabbits and someone elses.

For more information, contact your local county extension office/agent or a local 4-H club or FFA chapter.