Rabbit & Cavy
Species-Chair:
Tristyn Klockziem * [email protected] * 231-640-0620
Tristyn Klockziem * [email protected] * 231-640-0620
Important Dates and Info
Registration Due: |
May 4, 2026 |
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Market Class |
Possession Date |
Age at Fair |
Minimum Weight |
Maximum Weight |
Fryer - Pen of 3 |
(Dam) May 1, 2026 |
Max 70 Days |
3.5 lbs |
5.5 lbs |
Fryer - Single |
(Dam) May 1, 2026 |
Max 70 days |
3.5 lbs |
5.5 lbs |
Roaster |
May 1, 2026 |
Max 6 months |
5.5 lbs |
9 lbs |
Record Book Due: |
September 14, 2026 |
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Thank You Notes Due: |
October 5, 2026 |
2026 Rabbit and Cavy Registration
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Rabbit and Cavy Program
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Showmanship Guides
Michigan 4-H Rabbit Fitting & Showing - Member Guide
Michigan 4-H Rabbit Fitting & Showing - Member Guide
Cavy Fitting & Showmanship - Member's Guide
About the Rabbit & Cavy Project
Are you interested in joining the 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Program? The program invites all youth,
ages 5 to 19, to participate in and raise rabbits and cavy!
Rabbits and cavy are a great animal for youth of any age to raise! They are economical, fun
to work with, take up little space, and an easy starter project for anyone new to 4-H.
Starting in the Rabbit & Cavy Project -
It’s important to know what your options are so you can make the best decision, your project
needs to be interesting to you. There are 53 breeds recognized by the ARBA to choose from,
ranging from 2-20 pounds, from low maintenance short coats, to high maintenance wool
coats.
Finding your Rabbit Project -
You will need to locate your project animal based on the required dates for different project
types. You can travel to find your project animal or look locally to get what you need.
Transport options are also available from many shows.
The Rabbit Market Project -
For a market project, youth have the opportunity to choose a rabbit. This is a short-term
market project that is raised through spring/summer months and then shown at the
Northwestern Michigan County Fair in August. You can purchase Roasters for your project, or
buy a doe to breed to raise a single Fryer or Pen of 3.
Rabbit meat is considered an excellent source of lean, high-quality protein that is low in fat
and cholesterol. It provides essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, and selenium, making
it a healthy choice for maintaining muscle strength, energy, and immune function. Because
it’s lower in calories and higher in easily digestible protein compared to many other meats,
rabbit meat suits a variety of diets. Additionally, rabbits tend to have a smaller environmental
footprint, making it a more sustainable option for meat consumption.
Start contacting breeders as soon as possible to get on their lists. Do not wait until
March/April.
Below is a List of Recommended Breeders -
Be sure to share your dates with them!
Are you interested in joining the 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Program? The program invites all youth,
ages 5 to 19, to participate in and raise rabbits and cavy!
Rabbits and cavy are a great animal for youth of any age to raise! They are economical, fun
to work with, take up little space, and an easy starter project for anyone new to 4-H.
Starting in the Rabbit & Cavy Project -
It’s important to know what your options are so you can make the best decision, your project
needs to be interesting to you. There are 53 breeds recognized by the ARBA to choose from,
ranging from 2-20 pounds, from low maintenance short coats, to high maintenance wool
coats.
Finding your Rabbit Project -
You will need to locate your project animal based on the required dates for different project
types. You can travel to find your project animal or look locally to get what you need.
Transport options are also available from many shows.
The Rabbit Market Project -
For a market project, youth have the opportunity to choose a rabbit. This is a short-term
market project that is raised through spring/summer months and then shown at the
Northwestern Michigan County Fair in August. You can purchase Roasters for your project, or
buy a doe to breed to raise a single Fryer or Pen of 3.
Rabbit meat is considered an excellent source of lean, high-quality protein that is low in fat
and cholesterol. It provides essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, and selenium, making
it a healthy choice for maintaining muscle strength, energy, and immune function. Because
it’s lower in calories and higher in easily digestible protein compared to many other meats,
rabbit meat suits a variety of diets. Additionally, rabbits tend to have a smaller environmental
footprint, making it a more sustainable option for meat consumption.
Start contacting breeders as soon as possible to get on their lists. Do not wait until
March/April.
Below is a List of Recommended Breeders -
Be sure to share your dates with them!
Summer Care
Summer can be a challenging time for rabbits, as they are very sensitive to heat and can
easily suffer from heatstroke. It’s important to keep them cool, comfortable, and hydrated
when temperatures rise. Provide plenty of shade, fresh water, and good ventilation, and avoid
handling them too much during the hottest parts of the day.
Summer care tips for rabbits:
● Keep their living area out of direct sunlight and well-ventilated.
● Provide frozen water bottles or ceramic tiles for them to lie against.
● Refresh their drinking water frequently and add ice cubes on very hot days.
● Groom regularly to remove excess fur, especially during shedding season.
● Avoid car travel or outdoor playtime during peak heat hours.
● Watch for signs of heatstroke (panting, lethargy, drooling) and act quickly if they
appear.
Additional Tips to Prepare for Fair:
● If your rabbits are housed indoors, I recommend putting them outside (24/7) once the
weather starts to get warmer. They can be housed in a hutch, barn or a garage,
keeping them out of the elements.
● Start Electrolytes 1–2 weeks before the fair. You can use Pedialyte or Gatorade.
○ 1/2 Cup (liquid zero sugar) to 1 Gallon of water is best. Roughly a 1/31 Ratio.
● Ensure housing is shaded and well-ventilated.
○ Refresh water often and add ice cubes on hot days.
● Play a radio so they get used to noise.
● Control flies with fly strips or small animal safe sprays (check labels first).
● Handle rabbits and cavies daily so they’re comfortable being positioned and turned
for showmanship.
easily suffer from heatstroke. It’s important to keep them cool, comfortable, and hydrated
when temperatures rise. Provide plenty of shade, fresh water, and good ventilation, and avoid
handling them too much during the hottest parts of the day.
Summer care tips for rabbits:
● Keep their living area out of direct sunlight and well-ventilated.
● Provide frozen water bottles or ceramic tiles for them to lie against.
● Refresh their drinking water frequently and add ice cubes on very hot days.
● Groom regularly to remove excess fur, especially during shedding season.
● Avoid car travel or outdoor playtime during peak heat hours.
● Watch for signs of heatstroke (panting, lethargy, drooling) and act quickly if they
appear.
Additional Tips to Prepare for Fair:
● If your rabbits are housed indoors, I recommend putting them outside (24/7) once the
weather starts to get warmer. They can be housed in a hutch, barn or a garage,
keeping them out of the elements.
● Start Electrolytes 1–2 weeks before the fair. You can use Pedialyte or Gatorade.
○ 1/2 Cup (liquid zero sugar) to 1 Gallon of water is best. Roughly a 1/31 Ratio.
● Ensure housing is shaded and well-ventilated.
○ Refresh water often and add ice cubes on hot days.
● Play a radio so they get used to noise.
● Control flies with fly strips or small animal safe sprays (check labels first).
● Handle rabbits and cavies daily so they’re comfortable being positioned and turned
for showmanship.
Winter Care
Rabbits do better in the cold than they do in the heat, but winter can still be a tough season
for rabbits. It’s important to keep them warm, dry, and comfortable when temperatures drop.
Provide plenty of insulated bedding, shelter from wind and rain, and ensure their water supply
doesn’t freeze. Regular checks and small adjustments can make a big difference in keeping
your rabbit healthy and happy throughout the colder months.
Winter care tips for rabbits:
● Keep their hutch or living area dry, draft-free, and raised off the ground.
● Provide extra straw or hay for insulation and nesting.
● Cover the hutch at night with a waterproof blanket or tarp, leaving ventilation space.
● Check water bottles or bowls several times a day to prevent freezing.
● Feed a balanced diet with plenty of hay to help them generate body heat.
● Watch for signs of illness or cold stress, such as shivering or lethargy, and move them
indoors if necessary.
for rabbits. It’s important to keep them warm, dry, and comfortable when temperatures drop.
Provide plenty of insulated bedding, shelter from wind and rain, and ensure their water supply
doesn’t freeze. Regular checks and small adjustments can make a big difference in keeping
your rabbit healthy and happy throughout the colder months.
Winter care tips for rabbits:
● Keep their hutch or living area dry, draft-free, and raised off the ground.
● Provide extra straw or hay for insulation and nesting.
● Cover the hutch at night with a waterproof blanket or tarp, leaving ventilation space.
● Check water bottles or bowls several times a day to prevent freezing.
● Feed a balanced diet with plenty of hay to help them generate body heat.
● Watch for signs of illness or cold stress, such as shivering or lethargy, and move them
indoors if necessary.
Breeding Time
Focus on the health and condition of all breeding bucks and does—they are the foundation of
your entire herd. Ensure they’re clean, healthy, nails trimmed, and housed in clean cages. For
market projects, have all breeding does in possession by May 1st with a breeding buck
available, and provide proper daylight. Market Fryers must be no older than 70 Days at the
fair. Show Only Kits must be at least 10 weeks old for Fair.
Prepare clean nest boxes in good condition and have plenty of straw or hay ready before
kindling. Check bred does regularly, especially first-time mothers. Ensure they pull enough fur
to cover their litter. Avoid extra treats or feed before or directly after kindling; increase feed
gradually as milk production rises. Always provide clean water.
Check nest boxes daily, remove any dead kits, and avoid handling healthy ones. Keep nest
boxes clean and let the doe care for her litter.
Start counting days. Are you ready?
your entire herd. Ensure they’re clean, healthy, nails trimmed, and housed in clean cages. For
market projects, have all breeding does in possession by May 1st with a breeding buck
available, and provide proper daylight. Market Fryers must be no older than 70 Days at the
fair. Show Only Kits must be at least 10 weeks old for Fair.
Prepare clean nest boxes in good condition and have plenty of straw or hay ready before
kindling. Check bred does regularly, especially first-time mothers. Ensure they pull enough fur
to cover their litter. Avoid extra treats or feed before or directly after kindling; increase feed
gradually as milk production rises. Always provide clean water.
Check nest boxes daily, remove any dead kits, and avoid handling healthy ones. Keep nest
boxes clean and let the doe care for her litter.
Start counting days. Are you ready?
Fair Week Expectations
Thursday & Friday
● Decorate and Prepare your Pens
● Verify that your rabbit or cavy are clean with nails clipped. Rabbits should have an
eligible tattoo. (They can not enter without it.)
Saturday
● Bring your animal(s) to the fairgrounds for check in. Once cleared, put them in their
cage with fresh water and food.
● No Rabbits or Cavy will be allowed into the barn before they are checked in.
● Rabbit Posters should be hung up by 2pm.
● Attend Mandatory Barn Meeting & Grandstand Meeting
● Sign Up for Barn Duty. All participants in the barn must sign up for a 2-hour time slot.
Sunday
● Green/White Market Card must be up in your Pen by 8am.
● Be in the barn and ready for showmanship by 8:30am.
● Tag Numbers will be available at the desk in the rabbit barn.
● Know your class and watch the board in the arena
● Showmanship is all about you and your knowledge of your project. Stay calm while
flipping your rabbit or cavy.
● Be sure your Rabbit and Cavy stay clean for breed judging on Monday
Monday
● Breed Classes! This show is judged purely on your rabbits & cavy.
● Rabbits (except the pet class) and cavy will be judged to the ARBA Standard Of
Perfection. The Pet Class is judged based on health, condition, and temperament.
● Show Attire is not required.
Tuesday
● This is a break in the schedule for the Rabbit & Cavy Program. Come hang out in the
barn & practice for Skillaton!
Wednesday - Skillathon & Agility!
● Open to all Rabbit and Cavy 4-Hers (Cloverbuds Included)
● Questions will revolve around the Rabbit Project.
Thursday - AUCTION DAY
● Remember to Thank Your Buyer after you put your rabbits away.
○ Small Gift and Thank You Card can be given to your buyer.
● Green/White Market Card - Add your buyer and price per lb.
● Sit in the arena and cheer to support your fellow 4-hers & friends.
Saturday
● Club Leaders - You may pick up your Market Papers at the desk in the barn.
Sunday
● Before you leave please remove all decorations, clean the cages.
○ Remove all hair, hay, and poop.
● Clean and sweep under the cages.
● Decorate and Prepare your Pens
● Verify that your rabbit or cavy are clean with nails clipped. Rabbits should have an
eligible tattoo. (They can not enter without it.)
Saturday
● Bring your animal(s) to the fairgrounds for check in. Once cleared, put them in their
cage with fresh water and food.
● No Rabbits or Cavy will be allowed into the barn before they are checked in.
● Rabbit Posters should be hung up by 2pm.
● Attend Mandatory Barn Meeting & Grandstand Meeting
● Sign Up for Barn Duty. All participants in the barn must sign up for a 2-hour time slot.
Sunday
● Green/White Market Card must be up in your Pen by 8am.
● Be in the barn and ready for showmanship by 8:30am.
● Tag Numbers will be available at the desk in the rabbit barn.
● Know your class and watch the board in the arena
● Showmanship is all about you and your knowledge of your project. Stay calm while
flipping your rabbit or cavy.
● Be sure your Rabbit and Cavy stay clean for breed judging on Monday
Monday
● Breed Classes! This show is judged purely on your rabbits & cavy.
● Rabbits (except the pet class) and cavy will be judged to the ARBA Standard Of
Perfection. The Pet Class is judged based on health, condition, and temperament.
● Show Attire is not required.
Tuesday
● This is a break in the schedule for the Rabbit & Cavy Program. Come hang out in the
barn & practice for Skillaton!
Wednesday - Skillathon & Agility!
● Open to all Rabbit and Cavy 4-Hers (Cloverbuds Included)
● Questions will revolve around the Rabbit Project.
Thursday - AUCTION DAY
● Remember to Thank Your Buyer after you put your rabbits away.
○ Small Gift and Thank You Card can be given to your buyer.
● Green/White Market Card - Add your buyer and price per lb.
● Sit in the arena and cheer to support your fellow 4-hers & friends.
Saturday
● Club Leaders - You may pick up your Market Papers at the desk in the barn.
Sunday
● Before you leave please remove all decorations, clean the cages.
○ Remove all hair, hay, and poop.
● Clean and sweep under the cages.
ARBA Shows & How to Enter
Various clubs host rabbit shows all around our state, all year long.
These shows are a great opportunity to get to know breeders, learn more about your breed,
show with other breeders and get comments from judges. You can shop for supplies from
vendors or even look around for new 4-H rabbits, or a cavy at select shows.
ARBA and 4-H Shows are also a great opportunity to add information, pictures, and
educational experience into your record books!
All of the ARBA shows in Michigan are pre-entry only online through easy2show.com but, you
do not have to have an ARBA or MSRBA membership to participate.
To enter a show, you’ll want to create a (free) basic account profile on easy2show.com.
When you do it will ask for an ARBA #, this is not required. Once you create your account you
can then scroll down until you see the show you want to enter. When you see the show, click
the green arrow to view more information. You’ll want to press manual entry. From there, it will
take you to a new page, select the exhibitor. If the exhibitor is under the age of 19 as of the
show's date, select the Youth class and input the information for the rabbits(s).
These shows are a great opportunity to get to know breeders, learn more about your breed,
show with other breeders and get comments from judges. You can shop for supplies from
vendors or even look around for new 4-H rabbits, or a cavy at select shows.
ARBA and 4-H Shows are also a great opportunity to add information, pictures, and
educational experience into your record books!
All of the ARBA shows in Michigan are pre-entry only online through easy2show.com but, you
do not have to have an ARBA or MSRBA membership to participate.
To enter a show, you’ll want to create a (free) basic account profile on easy2show.com.
When you do it will ask for an ARBA #, this is not required. Once you create your account you
can then scroll down until you see the show you want to enter. When you see the show, click
the green arrow to view more information. You’ll want to press manual entry. From there, it will
take you to a new page, select the exhibitor. If the exhibitor is under the age of 19 as of the
show's date, select the Youth class and input the information for the rabbits(s).
2026 ARBA Shows to Attend:
1/3/26 - The Town ‘N Country 4-H Club is hosting a Rabbit & Cavy Show at the Ingham Co
Fairgrounds in Mason, MI. Pre-Registation closes on 1/2/2026 at 6:00 PM. You can register for
Showmanship & Breed ID at the show. The doors open at 7am, payment for the entries is due
at 8am and the show starts at 9am. There is also a Silent Auction, Animal Auction, Coloring
Contests, Vendors, and a Food Truck!
1/24/26 - The 2026 Michigan 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Expo and Show will take place at the MSU
Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock at Michigan State University in Lansing, MI. Participants
must be enrolled in a Michigan 4-H Program (4hOnline.com). Rabbit and Cavy Showmanship
is Pre-Entry, but you can also enter breed classes, participate in Breed ID, Skillathon, or even
enter an educational display or photography.
2/28/2026 & 3/1/26 - Michigan State RBA (MSRBA State Convention)
4301 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI 48910
4/11/2026 - Osceola Rabbit & Cavy Breeders Association
101 RECREATION Ave , Evart, MI 49631
5/3/2026 - Just for Fun Rabbit & Cavy Breeders Association
262 S Sprague St, Coldwater, MI 49036
5/16/2026 - Blood Sweat and Tears Rabbit Club
13801 Cascade Rd SE, Lowell, MI 49331
5/23/2026 - Heart Of Michigan RC
8800 W Grand River Ave, Fowlerville, MI 48836
6/13/2026 - Saginaw Valley R&CBA
2900 Hibbard Rd, Corunna, MI 48817
07/11/2026 - Just for Fun Rabbit & Cavy Breeders Association
262 S Sprague St, Coldwater, MI 49036
08/15/2026 - Blood Sweat and Tears Rabbit Club
6621 Heights Ravenna Rd, Fruitport, MI 49415
08/22/2026 - Lapeer Area Rabbit Raisers
195 Midway St, Imlay City, MI 48444
09/12/2026 - Western Michigan RBA
13801 Cascade Rd SE, Lowell, MI 49331
9/19/2026 - Great Lakes Rabbit & Cavy Shows
13801 Cascade Rd SE, Lowell, MI 49331
9/26/2026 - Blood Sweat and Tears Rabbit Club
13801 Cascade Rd SE, Lowell, MI 49331
10/03/2026 - Just for Fun Rabbit & Cavy Breeders Association
262 S Sprague St, Coldwater, MI 49036
10/09/2026 & 10/10/2026 - MI OH State Line RBA
74280 Fair St, Armada, MI 48005
12/4/2026 & 12/5/2026 - MI OH State Line RBA (Christmas Show)
601 Weiss St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Fairgrounds in Mason, MI. Pre-Registation closes on 1/2/2026 at 6:00 PM. You can register for
Showmanship & Breed ID at the show. The doors open at 7am, payment for the entries is due
at 8am and the show starts at 9am. There is also a Silent Auction, Animal Auction, Coloring
Contests, Vendors, and a Food Truck!
1/24/26 - The 2026 Michigan 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Expo and Show will take place at the MSU
Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock at Michigan State University in Lansing, MI. Participants
must be enrolled in a Michigan 4-H Program (4hOnline.com). Rabbit and Cavy Showmanship
is Pre-Entry, but you can also enter breed classes, participate in Breed ID, Skillathon, or even
enter an educational display or photography.
2/28/2026 & 3/1/26 - Michigan State RBA (MSRBA State Convention)
4301 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI 48910
4/11/2026 - Osceola Rabbit & Cavy Breeders Association
101 RECREATION Ave , Evart, MI 49631
5/3/2026 - Just for Fun Rabbit & Cavy Breeders Association
262 S Sprague St, Coldwater, MI 49036
5/16/2026 - Blood Sweat and Tears Rabbit Club
13801 Cascade Rd SE, Lowell, MI 49331
5/23/2026 - Heart Of Michigan RC
8800 W Grand River Ave, Fowlerville, MI 48836
6/13/2026 - Saginaw Valley R&CBA
2900 Hibbard Rd, Corunna, MI 48817
07/11/2026 - Just for Fun Rabbit & Cavy Breeders Association
262 S Sprague St, Coldwater, MI 49036
08/15/2026 - Blood Sweat and Tears Rabbit Club
6621 Heights Ravenna Rd, Fruitport, MI 49415
08/22/2026 - Lapeer Area Rabbit Raisers
195 Midway St, Imlay City, MI 48444
09/12/2026 - Western Michigan RBA
13801 Cascade Rd SE, Lowell, MI 49331
9/19/2026 - Great Lakes Rabbit & Cavy Shows
13801 Cascade Rd SE, Lowell, MI 49331
9/26/2026 - Blood Sweat and Tears Rabbit Club
13801 Cascade Rd SE, Lowell, MI 49331
10/03/2026 - Just for Fun Rabbit & Cavy Breeders Association
262 S Sprague St, Coldwater, MI 49036
10/09/2026 & 10/10/2026 - MI OH State Line RBA
74280 Fair St, Armada, MI 48005
12/4/2026 & 12/5/2026 - MI OH State Line RBA (Christmas Show)
601 Weiss St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Find a Show
MSU Extension 4-H Rabbits & Cavy. Go to the “Events” tab to see any upcoming events for the Rabbit and Cavy Project.
www.canr.msu.edu/rabbits_cavies/index
www.canr.msu.edu/rabbits_cavies/index
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ARBA - Find A Show arba.net/show-search/
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MSRBA - Show Schedule msrba.net/show-schedule/
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Easy2Show time2enter.net/login
**If you do not already have an Easy2Show account, create one here: time2enter.net/register
Resources
**Resources and educational workshops offered by MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H.**
MSU Extension 4-H Rabbits & Cavy: www.canr.msu.edu/rabbits_cavies/index
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Rabbit Tutor’s Website: www.rabbittutor.com
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American Rabbit Breeder Association Website: www.arba.net
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| MI 4-H Rabbit Snapshot |