Raising rabbits can be a rewarding project, both for youth caring for companion animals and those who intend to market their rabbits. 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.
Objectives:
Youth will:
- Learn how to select an animal for their rabbit project, including determining the right breed for their project goals
- Determine the appropriate housing and care for a rabbit and ensuring proper care for the rabbit through proper nutrition and monitoring animal health
- Identify and practice showing and/or marketing a rabbit
4-H Rabbit Curriculum
Available through the Extension office or online.
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.
Youth will recognize body types, judge and show rabbits, tattoo a rabbit, keep records, identify diseases, administer medication, record growth rates, and market products.
Older youth will develop a breeding program, design a rabbitry, cull based on production, prevent diseases, develop sportsmanship and develop a marketing plan.
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.
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
C0448E – Rabbit Project Hutch Record
EB0975E – Raising Rabbits: Helpful Suggestions for Beginners
For adult helpers and club leaders
EM075E – 4-H Rabbit Project Leader Guide Introduction, Glossary and References
EM076E – 4-H Rabbit Project Leader Guide, Level 1
EM077E – 4-H Rabbit Project Leader Guide, Level 2
EM078E – 4-H Rabbit Project Leader Guide, Level 3
C0236 – Rabbit and Cavy Show Cards (Pack of 10)
EM4353E – Judging Rabbit Pelts
The information in this publication is from the American Rabbit Breeders Association’s “Standard of Perfection” and through correspondence with its members.
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
Rabbit Learning Activities – Ohio State University Extension (PDF)
List of activity ideas for rabbit project youth from Ohio 4-H. The document does refer to Ohio-specific 4-H project requirements, however the list is a good starting point for youth in any state.
Washington Specific Reference Material
Washington State Rabbit Breeders Association
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
Rabbit Basics for the Beginner – Ohioline, Ohio State University Extension
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.
PetPALS Rabbit Behaviors – Ohio State University Extension, 4-H PetPALS
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’s environment when interpreting these behaviors. Variations between individual rabbits, as well as between breeds, must be considered when interpreting behaviors.
PetPALS Stress in Animals – Ohio State University Extension, 4-H PetPALS
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’ers to know their pets well enough to be aware of their stress signals to avoid any unhealthy levels of stress.
Instructions for Tattooing Rabbits – Ohio State University Extension (PDF)
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’s ear provides permanent identification for that animal.
From Higher Education Institutions
How to Care for Your Pet Rabbit – Iowa State University Extension (YouTube video)
Do you have a pet rabbit? Do you know how to take care of it properly? Dr. Bianca Zaffarano, with Iowa State University’s Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center, discusses having a rabbit as your pet and how to properly care for it.
Rabbit Breeding – Michigan State University Extension (video)
Choosing what rabbit to breed for your 4-H rabbit project, as well as how to care for the kits through weaning.
Building a Rabbit Cage – Michigan State University Extension (video)
Construct your own rabbit cage. Youth could learn measuring as well as make this a business.
General Rabbit Care – Michigan State University Extension (video)
How to care for your rabbit from feeding to housing. Meeting all of your rabbit’s needs.
Rabbit Meat Pens: From Breeding to Selection – Michigan State University Extension (video)
How to successfully raise market rabbits from breeding, through kindling, kit care and then selection.
Rabbit Body Types – Michigan State University Extension (video)
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.
Rabbit Health – Michigan State University Extension (video)
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.
Rabbit Nutrition – Michigan State University Extension (video)
Learning about the nutritional requirements of your 4-H rabbit.
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
- Kits, Projects, and Activities from National 4-H
Veterinary Science Curriculum Collection