{"id":1718,"date":"2024-12-20T16:00:17","date_gmt":"2024-12-21T00:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/king\/?page_id=1718"},"modified":"2025-03-12T16:49:43","modified_gmt":"2025-03-12T23:49:43","slug":"rabbits","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/king\/rabbits","title":{"rendered":"Rabbits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Raising rabbits can be a rewarding project, both for youth caring for companion animals and those who intend to market their rabbits.&nbsp; Rabbit project youth will learn how to care for their animals while also exploring the role of rabbits as pets, on the farm, and as pelt and meat animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Objectives:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Youth will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Learn how to select an animal for their rabbit project, including determining the right breed for their project goals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Determine the appropriate housing and care for a rabbit and ensuring proper care for the rabbit through proper nutrition and monitoring animal health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identify and practice showing and\/or marketing a rabbit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/2083\/2023\/12\/rabbit-913550_1280.jpg\" alt=\"A small brown rabbit held in cupped hands against a blurred outdoor background.\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4-H Rabbit Curriculum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Available through the Extension office or online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/shop4-h.org\/collections\/rabbit-curriculum-collection\/products\/rabbit-curriculum-1-whats-hoppening\">Level 1:&nbsp; What\u2019s Hoppening?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Youth will discover how to identify breeds, handle and show rabbits, identify rabbit parts and equipment, recognize a healthy rabbit, read a pedigree and kindle a litter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/shop4-h.org\/products\/rabbit-curriculum-2-making-tracks?variant=44026973838\">Level 2:&nbsp; Making Tracks<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Youth will recognize body types, judge and show rabbits, tattoo a rabbit, keep records, identify diseases, administer medication, record growth rates, and market products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/shop4-h.org\/products\/rabbit-curriculum-3-all-ears?variant=44026973966\">Level 3:&nbsp; All Ears!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Older youth will develop a breeding program, design a rabbitry, cull based on production, prevent diseases, develop sportsmanship and develop a marketing plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/shop4-h.org\/products\/rabbit-curriculum-helpers-guide?variant=44026974030\">Rabbit Helper\u2019s Guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Guide features group activities and answer keys. The Model Rabbit Pattern is an excellent tool for identifying parts, determining sex, practicing handling, trimming nails and other management practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For youth members<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubs.extension.wsu.edu\/rabbit-record\">C0832E \u2013 Rabbit Record<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubs.extension.wsu.edu\/rabbit-project-hutch-record?_gl=1*119zne8*_ga*MTU0NDgzMzc5MC4xNjk4MTYxOTQ4*_ga_4QMXCEN73L*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w*_ga_NTJ05XEX4W*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w*_ga_2V1N389LGK*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w*_ga_X79E113SVP*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNi43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w\">C0448E \u2013 Rabbit Project Hutch Record<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubs.extension.wsu.edu\/rabbit-record\">EB0975E \u2013 Raising Rabbits:&nbsp; Helpful Suggestions for Beginners<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For adult helpers and club leaders<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubs.extension.wsu.edu\/rabbit-chart?_gl=1*119zne8*_ga*MTU0NDgzMzc5MC4xNjk4MTYxOTQ4*_ga_4QMXCEN73L*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w*_ga_NTJ05XEX4W*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w*_ga_2V1N389LGK*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w*_ga_X79E113SVP*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNi43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w\">OR4H1602L \u2013 Rabbit Chart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubs.extension.wsu.edu\/4h-rabbit-project-leader-guide-introduction-glossary-and-references?_gl=1*119zne8*_ga*MTU0NDgzMzc5MC4xNjk4MTYxOTQ4*_ga_4QMXCEN73L*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w*_ga_NTJ05XEX4W*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w*_ga_2V1N389LGK*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w*_ga_X79E113SVP*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNi43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w\">EM075E \u2013 4-H Rabbit Project Leader Guide Introduction, Glossary and References<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubs.extension.wsu.edu\/4h-rabbit-project-leader-guide-level-1?_gl=1*119zne8*_ga*MTU0NDgzMzc5MC4xNjk4MTYxOTQ4*_ga_4QMXCEN73L*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w*_ga_NTJ05XEX4W*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w*_ga_2V1N389LGK*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w*_ga_X79E113SVP*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNi43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w\">EM076E \u2013 4-H Rabbit Project Leader Guide, Level 1<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubs.extension.wsu.edu\/4h-rabbit-project-leader-guide-level-2?_gl=1*119zne8*_ga*MTU0NDgzMzc5MC4xNjk4MTYxOTQ4*_ga_4QMXCEN73L*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w*_ga_NTJ05XEX4W*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w*_ga_2V1N389LGK*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w*_ga_X79E113SVP*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNi43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w\">EM077E \u2013 4-H Rabbit Project Leader Guide, Level 2<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubs.extension.wsu.edu\/4h-rabbit-project-leader-guide-level-3?_gl=1*119zne8*_ga*MTU0NDgzMzc5MC4xNjk4MTYxOTQ4*_ga_4QMXCEN73L*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w*_ga_NTJ05XEX4W*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w*_ga_2V1N389LGK*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w*_ga_X79E113SVP*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNi43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w\">EM078E \u2013 4-H Rabbit Project Leader Guide, Level 3<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubs.extension.wsu.edu\/rabbit-and-cavy-show-card-bundle-of-10?_gl=1*119zne8*_ga*MTU0NDgzMzc5MC4xNjk4MTYxOTQ4*_ga_4QMXCEN73L*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w*_ga_NTJ05XEX4W*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w*_ga_2V1N389LGK*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w*_ga_X79E113SVP*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNi43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkwNzEuNjAuMC4w\">C0236 \u2013 Rabbit and Cavy Show Cards (Pack of 10)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubs.extension.wsu.edu\/judging-rabbit-pelts?_gl=1*kxgrvx*_ga*MTU0NDgzMzc5MC4xNjk4MTYxOTQ4*_ga_4QMXCEN73L*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkxOTkuNTkuMC4w*_ga_NTJ05XEX4W*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkxOTkuNTkuMC4w*_ga_2V1N389LGK*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNS43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkxOTguNjAuMC4w*_ga_X79E113SVP*MTcwMjQ3NzkyNi43NC4xLjE3MDI0NzkxOTguNjAuMC4w\">EM4353E \u2013 Judging Rabbit Pelts<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The information in this publication is from the American Rabbit Breeders Association\u2019s \u201cStandard of Perfection\u201d and through correspondence with its members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubs.extension.wsu.edu\/judging-rabbits\">EM4502E \u2013 Judging Rabbits<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/4h\/projects\/animal-science\/rabbit\/\">State 4-H Rabbit Project Resources<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/2083\/2023\/12\/Rabbit.png\" alt=\"Light blue title &quot;Rabbit&quot; at left on a dark green background. Photo of a pair of rabbits outside on a log at right.\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Helpful Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Activity Ideas<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ohio4h.org\/sites\/ohio4h\/files\/imce\/animal_science\/Rabbit\/Learnng%20Activity%20Ideas%20Rabbits.pdf\">Rabbit Learning Activities \u2013 Ohio State University Extension (PDF)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>List of activity ideas for rabbit project youth from Ohio 4-H.&nbsp; The document does refer to Ohio-specific 4-H project requirements, however the list is a good starting point for youth in any state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Washington Specific Reference Material<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wsrba.net\/\">Washington State Rabbit Breeders Association<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Reference Material<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From 4-H Programs<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ohioline.osu.edu\/factsheet\/4h-31\">Rabbit Basics for the Beginner \u2013 Ohioline, Ohio State University Extension<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rabbits are a popular project for younger 4-H members or those members who do not have the facilities or space for a larger animal species. Basic background information about raising and caring for rabbits will assist in making your endeavor into rabbit ownership a success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ohio4h.org\/statewide-programs\/animal-sciences\/ohio-4-h-petpals\/understanding-animal-behavior-communication-0\">PetPALS Rabbit Behaviors \u2013 Ohio State University Extension, 4-H PetPALS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are some examples of different behaviors rabbits display when they communicate with people, other rabbits, and other animals. A rabbit does not express all of these behaviors in each situation. Remember to observe the complete picture within the rabbit\u2019s environment when interpreting these behaviors. Variations between individual rabbits, as well as between breeds, must be considered when interpreting behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ohio4h.org\/statewide-programs\/animal-sciences\/ohio-4-h-petpals\/understanding-animal-behavior-communication-1\">PetPALS Stress in Animals \u2013 Ohio State University Extension, 4-H PetPALS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each animal will react differently to changes in its environment, just as each person reacts differently to the stresses in his or her life. Some people deal better with stress than others, as do some animals. It is essential for 4-H\u2019ers to know their pets well enough to be aware of their stress signals to avoid any unhealthy levels of stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ohio4h.org\/sites\/ohio4h\/files\/imce\/Instructions%20for%20Tattooing%20Rabbits.pdf\">Instructions for Tattooing Rabbits \u2013 Ohio State University Extension (PDF)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tattooing is the only accepted and appropriate method to identify rabbits used for breeding and showing in the United States. A legible tattoo in a rabbit\u2019s ear provides permanent identification for that animal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From Higher Education Institutions<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=0y9owNC2wi8\">How to Care for Your Pet Rabbit \u2013 Iowa State University Extension (YouTube video)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you have a pet rabbit? Do you know how to take care of it properly? Dr. Bianca Zaffarano, with Iowa State University\u2019s Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center, discusses having a rabbit as your pet and how to properly care for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/videos\/rabbit-breeding\">Rabbit Breeding \u2013 Michigan State University Extension (video)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing what rabbit to breed for your 4-H rabbit project, as well as how to care for the kits through weaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/videos\/building-a-rabbit-cage\">Building a Rabbit Cage \u2013 Michigan State University Extension (video)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Construct your own rabbit cage. Youth could learn measuring as well as make this a business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/videos\/general-rabbit-care\">General Rabbit Care \u2013 Michigan State University Extension (video)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How to care for your rabbit from feeding to housing. Meeting all of your rabbit\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/videos\/rabbit-meat-pens-from-breeding-to-selection\">Rabbit Meat Pens:&nbsp; From Breeding to Selection \u2013 Michigan State University Extension (video)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How to successfully raise market rabbits from breeding, through kindling, kit care and then selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/videos\/rabbit-body-types\">Rabbit Body Types \u2013 Michigan State University Extension (video)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rabbits are divided into five different body types, based on their structure. Learn about the differences in those different body types as part of your 4-H rabbit project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/videos\/rabbit-health\">Rabbit Health \u2013 Michigan State University Extension (video)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What illnesses can your rabbit get? How do you diagnose and treat these illnesses? Is there preventive measures to take to keep your animal healthy? Learn about rabbit health as part of your 4-H rabbit project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/videos\/rabbit-nutrition\">Rabbit Nutrition \u2013 Michigan State University Extension (video)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learning about the nutritional requirements of your 4-H rabbit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n        <div id=\"cahnrs-back-to-top\" class=\"cahnrs-back-to-top\" hidden aria-hidden=\"true\">\n            <a id=\"cahnrs-back-to-top-btn\" class=\"cahnrs-back-to-top__btn\" href=\"#product-top\" aria-label=\"Back to top\">\n                <span class=\"cahnrs-back-to-top__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2191<\/span>\n                <span class=\"cahnrs-back-to-top__label\">Back to top<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Raising rabbits can be a rewarding project, both for youth caring for companion animals and those who intend to market their rabbits.&nbsp; Rabbit project youth will learn how to care [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_expiration_date":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/king\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1718"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/king\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/king\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/king\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/40"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/king\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1718"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/king\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1718\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2955,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/king\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1718\/revisions\/2955"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/king\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1718"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/king\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1718"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/king\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1718"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}