Rabbit & Cavy
Species-Chair:
Lisa Ralph * [email protected] * 231-633-4492
Lisa Ralph * [email protected] * 231-633-4492
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IMPORTANT DATES & INFO |
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Registration Due |
May 5, 2025 |
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MARKET CLASS |
POSSESSION DATE |
AGE AT FAIR |
MINIMUM WEIGHT |
MAXIMUM WEIGHT |
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Meat Pen (3) |
May 1st |
Bred: April 24th
Birth: May 26th Max Age: 70 days |
3.5 pounds (per
rabbit) |
5.5 pounds (per
rabbit) |
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Single Fryer |
May 1st |
Bred: April 24th
Birth: May 26th Max Age: 70 days |
3.5 pounds |
5.5 pounds |
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Single Roaster |
April 17th |
Bred: January 3rd
Birth: February 3rd |
5 pounds |
8 pounds |
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Record Book Due (Both Market and Show Only) |
September 8, 2025 |
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Thank You Note Due |
October 6, 2025 |
2025 Rabbit and Cavy Registration is now closed
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Rabbit and Cavy Program
WELCOME!!!
I am excited for another awesome year with everyone. We hope that if your planning a rabbit or a cavy project and you have any questions you don't hesitate to ask. I have 20 plus years raising rabbits and cavy, so I have probably been asked it before. I raise both meat and show rabbits and keep anywhere from 15-25 rabbits of all sizes and 8-10 cavy at any one time. I was active in ARBA shows, but some health issues had made me unable to travel to shows again this year.
If you are just starting out in rabbits or cavy, I highly encourage you to go to an ARBA show. There are many breeders that breed for quality and health versus the backyard breeder who "breeds to breed". At these shows you will be able to see a number of different breeds and varieties. You may also want to pick up the ARBA Standard book for reference information about your breed. At most shows, not only rabbits are shown; there may be cavy judging also. There are 13 breeds of cavy from the Smooth Coat American to the curly or wavy coat of the Textile. From the short Teddy hair to the dinner plate length of hair of the Coronet. It is a wonderful educational trip. There is usually food and a cage dealer at most shows. Go to MSRBA (Michigan State Rabbit Breeders Association) of the ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association) to find shows and dates.
WINTER CARE
Many of you keep your rabbits and cavy inside during the winter and that is great. Be sure they stay out of drafty areas and clean. Sore hocks are a year-round battle and during the winter they may not get out as much. Drafts can lead to an animal getting ill.
If your rabbits are outside, watch for sudden temperature changes, damp bedding build up, a cage that may need repair, and wild critters. Temperature changes and damp bedding can cause respiratory issues, sore hocks, and stained coats. Keep them out of drafts and their food and water clean. Alternating water dishes from frozen to liquid 2 to 3 times per day will ensure your rabbit stays hydrated. Adding black oil sunflower seeds and non-instant oatmeal (uncooked) will help your rabbit get the calories it needs to stay warm.
Winter does not end on just one date. I continue feeding oats and sunflower seeds till around mid to late April or when night temperatures don't drop below 35. Then I adjust my feeding program.
If you are planning to do a market pen of rabbits this year please see the chart for birthdates. There are 3 pens that you can choose from:
Roaster - 6 months old at fair
Fryer & Pen of 3 - No older than 70 days
I hope if you have any questions that you don't hesitate to call.
Lisa Ralph - Species Chair
231-633-4492
I am excited for another awesome year with everyone. We hope that if your planning a rabbit or a cavy project and you have any questions you don't hesitate to ask. I have 20 plus years raising rabbits and cavy, so I have probably been asked it before. I raise both meat and show rabbits and keep anywhere from 15-25 rabbits of all sizes and 8-10 cavy at any one time. I was active in ARBA shows, but some health issues had made me unable to travel to shows again this year.
If you are just starting out in rabbits or cavy, I highly encourage you to go to an ARBA show. There are many breeders that breed for quality and health versus the backyard breeder who "breeds to breed". At these shows you will be able to see a number of different breeds and varieties. You may also want to pick up the ARBA Standard book for reference information about your breed. At most shows, not only rabbits are shown; there may be cavy judging also. There are 13 breeds of cavy from the Smooth Coat American to the curly or wavy coat of the Textile. From the short Teddy hair to the dinner plate length of hair of the Coronet. It is a wonderful educational trip. There is usually food and a cage dealer at most shows. Go to MSRBA (Michigan State Rabbit Breeders Association) of the ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association) to find shows and dates.
WINTER CARE
Many of you keep your rabbits and cavy inside during the winter and that is great. Be sure they stay out of drafty areas and clean. Sore hocks are a year-round battle and during the winter they may not get out as much. Drafts can lead to an animal getting ill.
If your rabbits are outside, watch for sudden temperature changes, damp bedding build up, a cage that may need repair, and wild critters. Temperature changes and damp bedding can cause respiratory issues, sore hocks, and stained coats. Keep them out of drafts and their food and water clean. Alternating water dishes from frozen to liquid 2 to 3 times per day will ensure your rabbit stays hydrated. Adding black oil sunflower seeds and non-instant oatmeal (uncooked) will help your rabbit get the calories it needs to stay warm.
Winter does not end on just one date. I continue feeding oats and sunflower seeds till around mid to late April or when night temperatures don't drop below 35. Then I adjust my feeding program.
If you are planning to do a market pen of rabbits this year please see the chart for birthdates. There are 3 pens that you can choose from:
Roaster - 6 months old at fair
Fryer & Pen of 3 - No older than 70 days
I hope if you have any questions that you don't hesitate to call.
Lisa Ralph - Species Chair
231-633-4492
ARBA SHOW DATES
April 2nd - Evart
April 9th - Adrian
April 23rd - Lapeer
May 7th - Chesaning
May 14th - Jackson
May 21st - Alma
More information at ARBA.net
April 2nd - Evart
April 9th - Adrian
April 23rd - Lapeer
May 7th - Chesaning
May 14th - Jackson
May 21st - Alma
More information at ARBA.net
Fair Week Expectations
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY
Decorate and prepare pens with sawdust.
Give your rabbit or cavy a good bath before coming to the Fairgrounds.
SATURDAY
Bring your animal to the Fairgrounds.
Check in is in the Parking lot in front of the main entrance.
NO RABBIT OR CAVY PERMITTED TO ENTER THE GROUNDS WITHOUT BEING CHECKED FIRST
NO ANIMALS THAT ARE NOT TAGGED WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER
Attend mandatory Barn Meeting
Attend mandatory Meeting in Grandstands.
SUNDAY
Green/White Market Card must be up in your pen.
Be ready for showmanship at 8;30am
Back tags will be available in the DA tent
Know your class and watch the board in the arena
Sunday is all about you and your knowledge of your project.
Be sure your rabbit and cavy are clean for breed judging on Monday
MONDAY
It’s all about your rabbit and cavy breed day. This will be in the Rosa arena
WEDNESDAY
Rabbit quiz bowl. Come join us for fun and prizes
THURSDAY
AUCTION DAY
Remember to thank your buyer after you put your rabbits away.
A 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 on your friends.
SATURDAY
Leaders Only--You may pick up your market papers in the back of the barn.
SUNDAY
Before you can be checked out by me.
Clean all hair and food and poop off cages
Clean and sweep under the cages
Decorate and prepare pens with sawdust.
Give your rabbit or cavy a good bath before coming to the Fairgrounds.
SATURDAY
Bring your animal to the Fairgrounds.
Check in is in the Parking lot in front of the main entrance.
NO RABBIT OR CAVY PERMITTED TO ENTER THE GROUNDS WITHOUT BEING CHECKED FIRST
NO ANIMALS THAT ARE NOT TAGGED WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER
Attend mandatory Barn Meeting
Attend mandatory Meeting in Grandstands.
SUNDAY
Green/White Market Card must be up in your pen.
Be ready for showmanship at 8;30am
Back tags will be available in the DA tent
Know your class and watch the board in the arena
Sunday is all about you and your knowledge of your project.
Be sure your rabbit and cavy are clean for breed judging on Monday
MONDAY
It’s all about your rabbit and cavy breed day. This will be in the Rosa arena
WEDNESDAY
Rabbit quiz bowl. Come join us for fun and prizes
THURSDAY
AUCTION DAY
Remember to thank your buyer after you put your rabbits away.
A 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 on your friends.
SATURDAY
Leaders Only--You may pick up your market papers in the back of the barn.
SUNDAY
Before you can be checked out by me.
Clean all hair and food and poop off cages
Clean and sweep under the cages
Tips and Suggestions:
- About a week or two before fair start them all on electrolytes, just a very small amount at first, then increase it about every other day. They should be almost to a half & half mix by the time fair is here. This is only a suggestion but will help with stress.
- Use a fan to cool off the barn. You may want to try ice bottles if it gets really hot. They don’t have to lay on the bottles, if they are near them it will help cool them down.
- Play a radio. This will help them get use to noise.
- Flies & bugs can be kept at bay by using fly strips. They also have sprays available that can be used for small animals. Be sure to check the label before using them!
- Start handling your rabbits & cavies now. They need to get used to being put in different positions. The more you handle them the easier it will be to do showmanship later. Practice turning them over.
Things you may need to bring the fair:
Wheelbarrows
Rakes
Your Food for your critter
Shovels
Extra Feeders & Waters
Extra Feed (in case you spill some)
Scissors
Tape
Markers, Pens, & Pencils
Staple Guns & Staples
Hammers
(and anything else you can think of that you may need)
Be Prepared!!!
Breeding Time
Breeding time is right around the corner. It’s time to check over all your bucks and does that you plan on for breeding this summer. Are they healthy, are their nails all trimmed, are they clean? Are their cages clean? What you use for breeding stock is the foundation of your entire stock.
Make sure all feeders & waters are clean.
Start counting day. Are you ready?
Did you check & make sure all your next boxes are clean and in good repair? Do you have enough straw?
Make sure you check your does regularly, remove any & all dead kits, this is very important for the health of the entire litter & the does.
Make sure the doe pulled enough fur to cover her litter. Even if it’s hot the kits need this covering. As the kits get older they are more active.
MORE TIPS:
- The main focus should be on the health of your breeding stock, Bucks and Does.
- You will have problems with your breeding stock if they are unhealthy to begin with.
- Check them all over carefully They should all be in quality condition.
- For those with Market Projects your Does should all be in possession on May 1st, with a breeding Buck close at hand.
- Making sure that your Rabbits have the correct amount of daylight, either artificially or naturally.
- These precautions should be followed for those who wish to Breed for Fair. Remember that kits must be 8 weeks or older for Fair.
- Check all nest boxes, making sure they are clean and sanitary. Have a supply of clean. Hay for the boxes before the Does kindle.
- Keep your eyes on all your Does that are bred. If they are bred for the first time especially. Some does go by the book, others don't. Just be aware of any quirks. I feed mine a raw hot dog the day before they are to kindle. This is believed to keep them from eating the babies.
- Watch their diet, they should not be given extra treats or food because they may be expecting a litter. Either before or directly after. Gradually add extra food as the Does are producing milk. Clean water always.
- Check nest boxes each day for any dead kits and remove them. Leave the rest alone, they do not need to be handled after birth. Let the Does take care of them. Your job is to keep the nest box as clean as possible. Let the Mom raise the litter.
- You may need extra information check the ARBA or the Michigan branch. MSRBA. Check your local Library.
We are looking forward to seeing all of you at the fair this year, we plan on having all kinds of fun! Keep Smiling!!!
| MI 4-H Rabbit Snapshot |