4-H Rabbit Fitting and Showing Member Guide MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION • 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT 4H1268 Thanks to the photo models (from left to right in photo left): Lydia Chamberlain, Sierra Jezuit, Tyler J. Jezuit, Kenna Gebissa, Stasa Wade, Carlos F. Ríos. Acknowledgments Special thanks to the 2009–10 Michigan State 4-H Alissa Coldwell Rabbit and Cavy Events Planning Committee for Angie Coldwell their leadership and support. This publication was Sherry Garrett, State 4-H Rabbit and Cavy developed by the Michigan State 4-H Rabbit Fitting Events Committee Member and Showing Curriculum sub-committee: Bonnie Gustafson Jane Burt, Michigan 4-H Rabbit Judge, former Kathy Gustafson 4-H Volunteer Leader, MSRBA President Kelly Hansen Edward J. Carpenter II, Michigan 4-H Rabbit Jeff Harthy, State 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Events Leader Committee Member Mike George, Michigan 4-H Judge Ed Mercer Darrell Howe, Michigan 4-H Youth Advisor Dr. Randy Showerman, Associate Professor, Neil Kentner, 4-H Youth Development, Michigan Community, Agriculture, Recreation and State University Extension Resource Studies, Michigan State University David C. Moll, Michigan 4-H Rabbit Judge and ARBA Registrar Project Coordinator Angelina M. Taylor, Student Employee, 4-H Dr. Jacob DeDecker, Program Leader, 4-H Youth Youth Development, Michigan State University Development, Michigan State University Extension Extension Mary M. Taylor, 4-H Volunteer Curriculum Coordinator Pam Travis, Michigan 4-H Judge, Michigan 4-H Katherine Raphael, Curriculum Coordinator, Leader Michigan State University Extension Larry Walthorn, Michigan 4-H Rabbit Judge Editor Many thanks to those who provided peer review: Rebecca McKee, Editor, ANR Communications and Dr. Carl A. Broady, Extension Specialist, 4-H Marketing, Michigan State University Youth, Purdue University Dr. Amanda Chrzanowski Bolyard, Michigan Designer Veterinarian Marian Reiter, Graphic Artist, ANR Communications and Marketing, Michigan State University MSU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, fam- ily status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Jeffrey W. Dwyer, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. The name “4H” and the emblem consisting of a four-leaf clover with stem and the “H” on each leaflet are protected under Title 18 U.S.C. 707. Printed on recycled paper. 4H1268 WEB-12-18-BH/RM Produced by ANR Communications and Marketing. 4-H Rabbit Fitting and Showing Rabbit fitting and showing gives 4-H’ers the chance to compete with other members in their county or from other parts of the state and to be Objectives recognized for their accomplishments. The objectives of 4-H rabbit fitting and showing contests are to help In most rabbit shows, the rabbits are judged, not young people develop: the 4-H’ers. In a fitting and showing contest, how- Knowledge and skills to conduct ever, the judge evaluates exhibitors on the skills an accurate examination of rabbit they demonstrate and their general knowledge of health and quality. rabbits. This may include the participant’s knowl- Responsibility, communication skills edge of rabbit breeds, the care and fitting of his and decision-making. or her animal, and its condition, health and nutri- Leadership qualities. tional status. The judge also considers each par- Competition and sportsmanship ticipant’s presentation, attitude and behavior. skills. An interest and positive attitude Fitting about raising and working with rabbits. “Fitting” refers to choosing a rabbit for show and caring for it to enhance its condition and appearance. Fitting also includes An appreciation for rabbits and any preparation of the rabbit before the contest, such as knowledge of how to handle them checking its general health, trimming the toenails and remov- in a humane way. ing dead fur. Practicing good management techniques (such as To learn and grow from challenges proper animal care and cage or hutch care) will improve the and accomplishments. health and appearance of the rabbit for show. Choosing a Rabbit When you start a rabbit project, choosing a rabbit breed is a very important decision. There are many rabbit breeds to choose from, all of which have different temperaments and other characteristics. A 4-H volunteer leader or an experienced rabbit breeder can help you decide which breed is best for you. Consider both your size and the size of the rabbit when choosing a rabbit breed. Hav- ing an appropriate match is less frustrating for both the exhibitor and the judge (see figs. 1 and 2 at right). It is best if you don’t pick a running breed because they don’t pose well and will cost you points. No matter which rab- bit breed you choose, remember that what’s most important is how well you work with the Figure 1. Figure 2. animal to demonstrate your knowledge of rab- Choosing a rabbit that is Choose a rabbit that is a size bits and your handling skills. too large for you will make you can comfortably handle. handling difficult. (The rabbit (The rabbit above is a better When choosing an animal, it’s a good idea above is likely too large for choice for this exhibitor.) to choose a rabbit that’s older than three this exhibitor.) 4-H Rabbit Fitting and Showing • Michigan State University Extension • 4-H Youth Development 1 months. In general, younger rabbits tend to get excited more easily than older ones. Either sex can be used in a 4-H contest. It’s impor- tant that the rabbit you choose for the contest doesn’t have any disqualifications. Please refer to the American Rabbit Breeders Association book, Standard of Perfection, for your rabbit’s breed standard. If possible, choose your rabbit at least 4 to 6 weeks before the contest so you have enough time to work with it and to familiarize the rab- bit with the showmanship process. Caring for Your Rabbit To prepare for the fitting and showing contest, handle your rabbit often and expose it to other Figure 3. Trimming the rabbit’s toenails distractions such as unfamiliar sounds (for with a nail clipper. example, music and conversation), and dif- ferent lighting and movements (such as other animals and humans moving nearby). Give it Participant quality feed and fresh, clean water daily. Appearance If your rabbit has a minor disease problem Your appearance during a 4-H rabbit show- (such as ear mites) treat the condition imme- manship contest is a significant part of your diately so that the problem is completely gone presentation. The guidelines on exhibitor by the time of the contest. appearance that follow apply to state-level 4-H rabbit events. The superintendent or show In some breeds, it is helpful to remove loose committee at a county 4-H rabbit fitting and fur by wetting your hands and running the showing contest may specify a dress code. palm of your hands back and forth over the Failure to meet these guidelines will cost you rabbit from head to tail. appearance points. All rabbits need regular toenail trimming, es- Clothing – Different events may have pecially before a show. Use a heavy-duty nail different requirements, but your clothing clipper and be careful that you don’t cut too should always be neat and clean and close or into the pink (or quick) or the nail will should include long pants, slacks or a bleed (see fig. 3). knee-length or longer skirt. Your shoes should have closed toes and be tidy. Shirts, blouses and lab coats should have long sleeves. Female exhibitors should avoid low-cut shirts. If you wear a tie, secure it Your Rabbit’s Condition (see fig. 4 on page 3). Hair, Skin and Nails – Your hair should Condition is defined by ARBA as “The overall physical be neatly combed. If you have long hair, state of a rabbit in relation to healthy cleanliness, fur, and tie it back to keep it from falling into your grooming.” (Page 6, 2011–15 Standard of face when you’re standing over the table Perfection, ARBA.) The rabbit’s condition is handling your rabbit. Your face and hands a sign of its health, meat and fur qualities. should be clean. Your fingernails should be Its breed characteristics will also be consid- clean, neatly trimmed and unpolished. ered. The judge will examine each rabbit on the table in a general way. 2 4-H Rabbit Fitting and Showing • Michigan State University Extension • 4-H Youth Development Jewelry – It is recommended that exhibitors not wear jewelry (with the exception of medical identification bracelets and tags.). Your show clothing should be free of names, patches, pins and other distractions. Dealing With Rabbit Showing Misbehavior Showing is presenting an animal in a manner Since you are dealing with a live animal during the con- that highlights the positive attributes of the ani- test, almost anything can happen. It’s important to keep a mal and demonstrates the person’s husbandry cool head. Don’t overreact if your rabbit does something (animal care), knowledge and skills. Rabbit that embarrasses you (such as leaving feces or urine on showmanship doesn’t start the week of the the table or on your show clothes). contest; you should begin practicing showing techniques weeks before the show. The judge Just remember these are natural activities for a rabbit and will be evaluating your care, knowledge, skills treat them discreetly.