Rabbits

Whether you see rabbits as soft and cuddly pets or a business opportunity, the rabbit project is flexible for your interest.  Beginning level rabbits activities include selection, handling, breeds, parts, management, equipment, feeding, health, breeding and kindling. At the intermediate level through hands-on activities, you will learn how to select, judge, give oral reasons, show rabbits, tattoo, keep records and detect diseases. In the advanced level of the rabbits project, you will learn more about breeding, genetics, culling, determining pregnancy, designing a rabbitry, anatomy, teaching others, registering a rabbit and marketing your product.

Grow in Your Project

Starting Out

  • Learn the different breeds, varieties and ideal weights
  • Determine the use of your rabbit projects
  • Develop a rabbit care management plan
  • Identify rabbit equipment and its uses
  • Locate and name parts of a rabbit

Learning More

  • Learn to judge rabbits and give oral reasons
  • Discover the difference between 4 class and 6 class
  • Explore the different rabbit body types and their function
  • Design a plan for preparing rabbits for show
  • Learn proper grooming techniques

Going Further

  • Learn about rabbit breeding programs and genetics
  • Manage your rabbitry
  • Determine pregnancy and palpation techniques
  • Design a rabbitry
  • Identify bones on a skeleton
  • Evaluate rabbit health
  • Develop and maintain a rabbit pedigree system

Take Your Project Further!

  • Tour a rabbit producer’s farm
  • Attend a rabbit show and observe the judge and their techniques
  • Design a business card or marketing brochure for your farm
  • Host a rabbit skill-a-thon for your club or county
  • Organize a rabbit showmanship contest
  • Attend a national rabbit conference
  • Learn about the different uses for rabbits; meat vs. non-meat production

Resources