Rabbit Showmanship

Great Scott’s 4-H Rabbit & Cavy Club

Rabbit (and cavy) showmanship is a series of steps young handlers can use to evaluate the health and soundness of their own animals, animals at a show, or animals they may be thinking of purchasing. In Great Scott’s, we take pride in our ability to handle and evaluate our animals properly. Listed below are the steps we follow for rabbit showmanship. Please follow along in our demonstration to get an idea of what each step involves.

• Carry your rabbit to the table

• Pose the rabbit

• Ear canker (right ear)

• Ear canker (left ear)

• Tooth defects

• Sex and vent disease

• Toe nails

• Hocks and belly area

• Straightness of front legs

• Straightness of rear legs

• Straightness of tail

• Fly back (normal fur)

• Density (rex fur)

• Fur condition

• Front view

• Rear view

• Side view

• Carry your rabbit from the table

There are a few things you can do to make sure your experience with your rabbit is safe and fun:

• Always make sure your practice on a study table with a non slip rug

• Tie long hair back and never wear dangling jewelry

• Wear a show coat or long sleeve shirt to protect your arms

• No buttons, pins, etc on your practice outfit

• Keep your rabbit’s nails well trimmed

• Practice as much as you can—practice makes perfect

• Any rabbit can participate—regardless of age, breed, or DQ

If you have any questions, please contact either of the following:

Show Chairperson: Fred Gardner fcgardner@comcast.net 857-204-3501

Assistant show chair: Alison Turpel jaturpel@gmail.com 978-471-9517