Buzz
Participating in a rabbit exhibition can be a thrilling and enjoyable experience. Various organizations host rabbit exhibitions, such as the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), 4-H, or Future Farmers of America (FFA). By ensuring your rabbit is in good health and appearance, you enhance its chances of success. Keeping your rabbit healthy and providing it with proper nutrition is essential. On the day of the exhibition, dedicate time to groom your rabbit meticulously to prepare it for judging.
Procedures
Enrolling in an Exhibition
Locate a rabbit exhibition organized by ARBA, 4-H, or FFA. Exhibitions endorsed by 4-H or FFA commonly occur at state or regional fairs. ARBA arranges exhibitions across the United States. You can search online for 'rabbit exhibitions near me' to find nearby events you can participate in.
- The ARBA website maintains an updated list of exhibitions weekly.
Request a show catalog from the show secretary. The catalog provides information on how and when to register your rabbit for the show, whether it's in advance or on the day of the event. Contact the show secretary, whose details are typically listed, to request a catalog.
- The catalog can be sent to you via email or mail.
- Ensure your entry form is completed accurately and submitted on time, regardless of whether it's for pre-registration or same-day registration.
Register your rabbit in the appropriate class based on age, weight, or breed. Classes may vary depending on the organizing body, but rabbits are typically judged by breed (such as Angoras or Lops), color or pattern, gender, or age category (junior or senior). Ensure your rabbit is entered into the correct class.
- Many shows offer separate categories for youth or all ages, so ensure you register for the appropriate one.
- Entry fees are payable either in advance or on the day of the show.
Familiarize yourself with the show's judging criteria. Judging criteria vary based on the rabbit's breed and the specific show. Generally, judges assess factors like weight, fur quality, tail and ear condition, eye color, overall health, and more. Some breeds may require specific posing on the judging table.
Preparing Your Rabbit
Conduct a health check on your rabbit to ensure its well-being. Before applying any conditioners or grooming products, verify that your rabbit is in good health. Look for signs of illness such as pinworms, diarrhea, nasal discharge, or mites. If any symptoms are present, consult your veterinarian for appropriate treatment.
- If your rabbit is unwell, prioritize its recovery before exposing it to public spaces. Bringing an ill rabbit to a show can pose health risks to other rabbits.
Commence a supplementary conditioning regimen 90 days before the show. Conditioning enhances the appearance of your rabbit's fur and physique. Opt for a commercial conditioner or concoct your own using oatmeal or barley. Alternatively, sprinkle a pinch of salt or molasses onto your rabbit's regular diet.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the dosage, frequency, and start date if using a commercial conditioner.
Ensure your rabbit has access to abundant, fresh water. Maintaining a steady supply of clean, fresh water promotes proper hydration and digestion in your rabbit. Adequate water intake contributes to a healthy and well-nourished appearance at the show.
- Whether utilizing a water bowl or a bottle-style water dispenser, ensure it is cleaned and replenished daily.
Continue providing your rabbit with regular servings of hay, pellets, and vegetables. A balanced diet consisting of fresh hay, leafy greens, and pellets sustains your rabbit's overall health. Opt for timothy or oxbow hay and include celery, carrot tops, and collard greens in their vegetable intake. Provide approximately 1 oz (28 g) of pellets per 1 lb (0.45 kg) of body weight.
- Ensure your rabbit has access to fresh hay at all times as it aids in digestion and helps maintain dental health.
Familiarize your rabbit with being handled by different individuals. Gradually acclimate your rabbit to handling by cradling it in your arm and gently touching its ears, feet, and eye area. Once comfortable with you, allow a friend to repeat the process. This preparation facilitates the rabbit's ease during the judge's examination.
Practice positioning your rabbit in preparation for judging. Judges may require your rabbit to maintain specific poses during evaluation. If specific posing guidelines for your rabbit's breed are unavailable, utilize the following common pose: align the front feet with the eyes and the hind feet with the hip bones, ensuring the tail is visible.
- Train your rabbit to remain still, rewarding with treats for compliance. Prior to the show, practice this technique consistently.
Preparing Your Rabbit for the Show
Trim your rabbit's nails at home using pet nail clippers. Hold your rabbit securely on its back while gently clipping the tips of its nails. Only trim the white portion of the nails, avoiding the pink quick to prevent bleeding.
- If you're unsure about clipping, enlist the help of a friend.
- Failure to trim nails may result in snagging or accidental injury to judges. Trim the nails the night before or morning of the show.
Clean any discharge or buildup using a damp cloth or towel. Gently wipe away any light discharge or debris around your rabbit's eyes. For urine stains or fecal buildup, use a separate damp cloth to clean the affected area.
Brush your rabbit to maintain its fur's appearance. Long-haired rabbits require daily or bi-daily brushing, while short-haired breeds can be brushed weekly. After brushing, gently wipe your rabbit's fur with a damp cloth to remove loose fur.
- Avoid brushing certain rex fur breeds like castor rabbits, as it can damage their fur.
Presenting Your Rabbit at the Show
Ensure your rabbit stays cool and comfortable during transportation. To alleviate stress while traveling in its carrier, provide some hay and a water bottle. Since rabbits are sensitive to heat, maintain a cool environment in your car to prevent overheating.
- Watch for signs of overheating such as hot ears, rapid breathing, and wetness around the nose. If your rabbit overheats, move it to a cooler area and moisten its ears with cool water.
Bring essential grooming tools, a show coop, and personal items to the event. Don't forget grooming supplies like a brush, scissors, and wet wipes for a last-minute touch-up before judging. A show coop facilitates handling by judges and ensures your rabbit's comfort.
- Remember to pack personal belongings such as your phone, wallet, snacks, water, and any necessary paperwork.
Attend your rabbit's judging session to receive feedback. During judging, place your rabbit in a show coop for evaluation. Listen to the judge's comments, but refrain from identifying your rabbit to maintain fairness.
- Observe proper etiquette by not disclosing your rabbit's identity to others; judges identify rabbits by their ear numbers.
Promptly retrieve your rabbit after judging concludes. Once judging is complete, remove rabbits that didn't place in the class. Leaving your rabbit on the table too long can cause confusion and delay the process. Ensure you collect your rabbit and not another participant's.
- Judging typically progresses from all rabbits in a class to the top 5 remaining. The judge will announce ear numbers of rabbits to be removed from the table.
Place your rabbit back in its carrier after judging. Despite being well-trained, exposure to strangers and other rabbits can stress your rabbit. Immediately return it to its carrier to maintain comfort and relaxation.
- Before departing, verify that you have all your belongings, including your rabbit!
Helpful Hints
Essential Supplies
- Rabbit
- Show brochure
- Fur conditioner
- Water bowl or bottle waterer
- Hay
- Rabbit pellets
- Vegetables
- Nail clippers for pets
- Cloth or towel
- Grooming brush
- Rabbit carrier
- Show coop
