General Rules – Rabbit Show
- Number of Entries per Exhibitor – A 4-H member may enter a maximum of 4 rabbits, one per class.
- Identification and Pre-Entry All rabbit exhibits, including showmanship, must be pre-entered on a Livestock Pre-Fair Entry Sheet due at the Extension Office by June 15 to be eligible to show at the fair. List whether the rabbit is a doe or buck and its age on the Pre-Fair Entry Sheet. Include picture for markings or ID number.
- Health Requirements – ALL rabbits shall be free of and show no symptoms of disease during exhibition. Rabbits shall be free of all parasites and mites (i.e. ear mites, fleas, etc.) See General Animal Requirements.
- Showmanship – Judging showmanship is based on grooming and training of the rabbit and the appearance and behavior of the exhibitor. The exhibitor must vocally explain the steps of their judging routine and the merit of the rabbit. The maximum length for rabbit showmanship is 4 minutes. Primarily showmanship is the skill of the exhibitor in presenting and explaining the qualities of the rabbit before the judge. The excellence of the rabbit is not considered in the scoring of showmanship. The judge may or may not ask questions of the exhibitor at the close of the routine. Information on rabbit showmanship is available at the Extension Office. Refer to General Animal Showmanship Rules.
- Dress Code – Official 4-H attire, refer to General Livestock Rules and Regulations.
- Livestock Quality Assurance (YQCA) It is required that all exhibitors receive YQCA. See General Livestock Rules and Regulations.
- Care – all rabbits require food and water at all times. The 4-H member or a member of their club is responsible for their care. If this rule is neglected the superintendent has the right to release the 4-H member’s exhibits.
- Presence During Judging – Each 4-H member should be present at the exhibit area at that time. If participant or a substitute showman approved by superintendent is not present, animals will not be judged.
- Eligibility – See General Livestock Rules and Regulations.
Rabbit Showmanship (scoresheet SF291)
SF) G180910 Senior Division – 14 and over
SF) G180920 Intermediate Division – 11 to 13 years
SF) G180930 Junior Division – 8 to 10 years
Fancy Breed Rabbits (for Purebred rabbits only)
These rabbits will be divided into the following age divisions within each breed:
C) G082901 Junior Doe or Junior Buck (6 months old and younger)
C) G082902 Senior Doe or Senior Buck (over 6 months old)
Fancy Breed List: (For purebred rabbits only)
American Fuzzy Lop, American Sable, Belgian Hare, Britannia Petite, Dutch, Dwarf Hotot, English Angora, English Spot, Florida White, French Angora, Harlequin, Havana, Himalayan, Holland Lop, Jersey Woolie, Lilac, Lionhead, Mini Lop, Mini Rex, Mini Satin, Netherland Dwarf, Polish, Rhinelander, Satin Angora, Silver, Silver Marten, Standard Chinchilla, Tan, Thrianta, Rex, Blue Holicer, Czech
Commercial Breed Rabbits
These rabbits will be divided into the following age divisions within each breed. Division breakdown will be by the age of the rabbit and not by the weight of the rabbit.
C) G083901 Junior Doe or Junior Buck (6 months old and younger)
C) G083902 Intermediate Doe or Intermediate Buck (6-8 months old)
C) G083903 Senior Doe or Senior Buck (over 8 months old)
Commercial Breed List: Meat Breed - Any of the breeds or a cross
American, American Chinchilla, Beveren, Blanc d Hoot, Californian, Champagne D’Argent, Checkered Giant, Cinnamon, Crème D’Argent, English Lop, Flemish Giant, French Lop, Giant Angora, Giant Chinchilla, New Zealand, Palomino, Satin, Silver Fox