I would really like to show Leo and I thought that maybe I should try for the ARBA convention since that would give me some time. But I am not sure what I need to do? Anyone know? I have his pedigree but he is not registered. I am a member... (Actuallly I need to renew membership). Do you think I should start with a smaller show? And what am I going to need to do? His coat is almost always clean. His nails need to be clipped but that can happen by then? He exercises daily. I don't know if there is something I should be doing other than what i already am.!!

Convention is an AWFULLY big show for a starter. I had to 'think' about things with convention and I've been showing for a good 6 years!

Is Leo neutured?

I wasnt sure if I should do the convention but I knew that is was only about an hr from me and most shows are 5-6 hrs from me. Leo is not neutered though we are planning to get him neutered when I move (to Arizona which could be months!!)
So should i not show him since it is a big show. I didn't think it would be such a problem since I wouldn't have to plan to stay anywhere (my cousin lives in Dallas) and stuff like that!

even though i dont rasie rabbits and show em.. i'd say start off small and work your way up.

I think the best thing to do would be to find a small local show to start at and just figure things out. Ive beening shoing rabbits for over 12 years and we are going ot our first big show tgis year. Were going to Lop Rabbit CLub Nationals. ARBA has a list of local shows. He does not have to be registered to show him, he doesnt evern have to be pedigreed. But if you neuter him, he cannot be shown. Hope this helps,
Chelsea

I think Da means that it may be a bit overwhelming to show him at such a large show. All the top breeders all over the coutry attend this show so compettion will be very stiff. If you want to show him though, I say go for it.

Try to pair up with someone who is experienced with showing...there should be someone there willing to help you out if you tell them this is your first show and you need help.

As far as preparing for the show...sounds like you've got everything covered. I'm pretty sure it will be a carrying cage only show so you'll need to invest in a carrier with a drop pan. Make sure to bring feed, plenty of hay and, if possible, water from his normal water source: Home.

I'm not positive but for convention you may actually have to leave him overnight. Be prepared for that.

Yes, competition is VERY stiff at ARBA Nationals. The rabbits are to stay in the convention hall the whole time. They've even got 'guards' at the doors to make sure no rabbits come in or leave the convention center. Normally the rabbits have to stay for 4 nights and 3 days which is a big stress on a rabbit that isn't used to the 'show' world.

ARBA Nationals is awsome but I wouldn't recommend it being the first show for someone to exhibit at. You can't take YOUR rabbit to the table like normal shows unless your a "runner". Even then you are given cage numbers of rabbits.

If you wish to show, start with a 'day' show that Leo doesn't have to stay overnight. But by all means, since ARBA Nationals is close to you, go see it! It's an AWSOME experience to see 23,000 rabbits in one room! To meet new people is great too and getting to put 'names' with faces. ;)

I don't know the name of the guy, but I had a guy come up to me from Great Britian and asked about Dwarf Hotots. Apparently they aren't common there and he's only seen them in pictures. We talked for hours on the differences in our showing verses their's and THAT was a big 'memory' I have from nationals. Besides for the fact of meeting "Someone" and being welcome in Indy like we lived there! The waitresses at the resturants were EXCITED to get to see us 'rabbit' people walk in. It was also nifty walking into a resturant and hearing all the 'rabbit' talk at other tables. Then you'd start talking to them asking their breeds and rabbit talk just swarmed over all the resturants near the hotels and fairgrounds.

It's an awsome experience, but I highly recommend having a few shows under your belt before showing at ARBA nationals. :D

I guess I am going to have to wait for a LONG time before I show a rabbit then. Dallas is the closest show. The only others shows are in Cornwall and other places which are about 4-6 hrs away and with a parent who already thinks bunnies are a big :thud: :no: :raar: :wall: :doubleraar: :grrr: I guess the word I am looking for would be pain? She (refering to mother) would never drive that far just for a rabbit <_< Well, I would really like to show Leo but it doesn't look like it is going to happen. I dont even know what a carrying cage with drop pan is... God I feel really stupid :(

Could you show him in 4-H?

Here they can be neutered in 4-H shows. You could also learn a lot doing that project :)

He's such a beautiful boy!

We were going to show Bo and then thought just in 4-H but we don't want him to have to be outside in the heat during the fair. :ph43r:

Bo your bunny had a kit also!! I dont really know how to get started in 4-H though I would really like to... I also dont know what the age limit is for 4-H. I am 14 and Leo will be 3 this yr. He has fathered one litter and never been in a show though his dad won a BOB. Dont remember what that stands for right now. I am in Liberty Hill and not sure if there is a 4-H program here because of the size but I could look! Thanks for the suggestions, intill I get a car it looks like I will still be stuck at home.
We are currently moving to Hutto which is bigger than Liberty Hill and maybe there will be a 4-H program there!

4-H is a thing that goes through High School.

Check out where you are going to be this summer. First check locally now because our clubs have to be signed up soon to participate.

Look in your phone books or on anywho.com or just search for 4H in your county online.

I looked at the 4-H and I have the "enroll" form it tell you to fill out but I looked at the projects and I could never afford them. Rabbits is 120$ and the horses is over $1000!! I can't pay that! I would really like show him but it looks like there are to many obsticles in my way!! I guess I am just going to get him neutered with Luke and keep him as my baby.

$120 for 4-H :thud: my son only paid $4.50 for the summer for rabbits and his sisters until they are 8yrs is only $1.50 each. Maybe that is because he is junior and they are cloverbud. maybe when you are reg 4-H it is more money but I can't fathom $120.

the 4-H here has a small open show for everyone and that isn't as much as doing the 4-H itself. Check into doing that. It would be at the end of summer. Who knows when you move you may be closer to more shows. I think if you want to you should show him. He is a georgous rabbit. :pinkbun:

I think if you were to put Leo into the ARBA nationals for his first show both of you would be overwhelmed. You should however go and take pictures for those of us who can't go :innocent: :D

Believe me nothing will keep me from going to ARBA Convention! And I will take plenty of pictures (if you dont believe me check out my home page section!!) (I posted more pics today!!).
I heard fo the end of the year open for 4-H. I have a friend in 4-H that I really should talk to. $120 is the price to do rabbit projects according to the website.

$120 thats ridiculous!! In Ohio all you have do is buy the book with is about $5, your rabbit and club dues.
Can you show us the address of the site you are looking at with this information?

OMG! We don't pay ANYTHING for 4H. It's free to join and show - we just have to buy what we are working on/with.

I recently found this site and as I was reading through your post, bunnylover, I saw where you are moving to Hutto. I grew up in Austin and my parents still live in Round Rock. We were there a few weekends ago for a show in Belton. I just wanted to let you know that there are several shows in your area that are coming up. There is one on 4/8 in Belton (about 40 minutes north of you off of I-35), 4/22 in Brenham, 5/6 in Taylor (only about 10 minutes from Hutto), and one on 5/20 in Navasota. You probably already know this, but if you go to the ARBA website, go to the show dates section and put in your state and month you want to go, it will give you a list of shows and the info you need. I hope that you can make it to one of these shows. They are a lot of fun and the people are really great.

cajun rabbit

Your wrong!! I DONT KNOW ANY OF THIS!! Thanks for the show dates!! I will mark them on my calendar and see if I can go!! I used to look but most of the shows are farther away so I quit trying to find some around!

I am not sure if doing a project is the same thing as showing and breeding but if you look on the National 4-H website thats what is said was the cost of a "Rabbit" project.

So you think that maybe I could show at one of these? Or is there restrictions? I am just wondering right now and still looking into it. Where could I go to find more info about the shows (mainly where they are going to be held)

If you go to ARBA like CJ said and put the state and month it will give you a little info on when and what citi the show is in. then it has show more, click on that and it gives you # and name of the secratary. I would give her a call to find out the specifics of the show.

I would bet the cost for 4-H is not that expensive. Our 4-H office is in our Court House, I would check there and see if you can find the 4-H office and talk to them about doing rabbits. It would be neat if you could do it. I think you would really enjoy it.

Oh I see now. The costs werent to join 4H, I think what the cost is is for an actual project. In my county there is a project form you fill out for records. It has the cost of the animals, care, supplies, food ect. Im pretty sure that is what the cost was referring to. 4H would never charge 1000 dollars for 4h.

Chelsea

I wasen't sure what it was referring to.. The $1000 cost is for a Horse Project though.

Here are the shows I found that I may be able to attend if I beg!!
3/18 Seguin
4/8 Belton
4/22 Brenham
5/6 Taylor
9/16 Brenham
12/9 Killeen

It didn't even have the ARBA convention on the list which I thought was strange but I will go to that if I can ever figure out what the exact dates are.

Here are the cities I am not allowed to go show in
Navasota
Crosby
Mickeny
Houston
Lubbock
Floydada
Yoakum
San Angelo
Lufkin
Brownwood
Cleburne
Conroe

Which is to bad but they are more than an 1 1/2 hrs away!

ARBA Nationals will be held Oct 29 - Nov 2, 2006 in Fort Worth.

The 'website' for ARBA Nationals is....

www.scootyourboots.com

Thanks...
On my siggy do you see horses or Xs? Because all I see is Xs!!

I see the horses and what not.......

http://texas4h-ctr.tamu.edu/

There's the Texas 4-H Center website.
Try to located your 4-H Extension office. Just about every county has one, well at least in Ohio we do. They can give you information about the projects and what not. I've taken MANY projects through 4-H and as of April 1 I will be a 4-H advisor. :dance: I've NEVER heard of it costing so much to take a 4-H project!

Can you please post the actual link that you found this information? I'm curious to find out what it's all about. ;)

I'll see if I can find it because the way I found it the first time was through just a websearch over 4-H in TX

Found it
Rabbits

Description: Participants learn proper methods of caring for raising, breeding and marketing rabbits. There are three project options: Market Rabbit Project (breeding and raising rabbits for meat); Rabbit Breeding Project (breeding and raising rabbits for desired or unique characteristics); and Pet Project (maintaining rabbits for companionship)
Cost Range $100 - $250
Term Long
Contest(s) Texas 4-H Rabbit Extravaganza
Texas 4-H Roundup
Major stock shows
County stock shows
Texas 4-H Roundup Companion Animal Method Demonstration
Texas 4-H Roundup Open Class Method Demonstration
Educational Activities Texas 4-H Rabbit Extravaganza, exhibits, demonstrations
Recordbook Category(s) Rabbit
Rabbit Extravaganza Info Rabbit Extravaganza Catalog
T-Shirt Order Form
Art Contest - Guidelines
Art Contest - Scoresheet
Best Dressed Contest - Guidelines
Best Dressed Contest - Scoresheet
Breed Identification Contest - Guidelines
Breed Identification Contest - Scoresheet
Hands-on Judging Contest - Guidelines
Hands-on Judging Contest - Scoresheet
Photography Contest - Guidelines
Photography Contest - Scoresheet
Educational Poster/Display Contest - Guidelines
Educational Poster/Display Contest - Scoresheet
Quiz Bowl Guidelines
Showmanship Contest - Guidelines
Showmanship Contest - Scoresheet
Powerpoint Extravaganza 2005 - for leaders and CEA's to use in training
Frenquently Asked Questions



Results
2005 Rabbit Extravaganza
(Listing of every kid that entered with all rabbit results including disqualifications, scratches, etc... The kids themselves will know which breed/variety belongs to their eartag for info for county newsletters if needed.)

Overall show winners (rabbits) and the Best of Breed and Best Opposite Sex for each breed

Top 5 placings in each of the special event contests
http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/ This is the link!!

you know I bet they are averaging how much it costs to buy the rabbit, cage and the feed for the season.

Oh well if it is that price then that would be great considering I already have the rabbit, cage, and feed!! Though we are running a little low on seed and I need new containers for the feed, shavings, and hay (when it rained everything got ruined because aparently the containers we are using right now (tidy cat litter boxes) are not water proof!!)

I'm not sure how your county will work but my county doesn't 'promote' the Pet Rabbit project. They don't allow the children to bring their rabbits to fair but this year they might change that a tad bit. Instead we have the children take the Rabbit Breeding Project and they don't actually have to 'breed' the rabbits.
I know its weird but our county only promotes purebred rabbits and taking 'out' the Pet Rabbit project helps the promotion.

So you might want to talk to your extension agent to get more details. :)

Thanks... I will call about. My friend is in 4-H doing the Horse Project. I will talk to her also about it. I am going to be staying with her for a while intill school is out (YAY!!)