K-State Research and Extension

Rabbits

The rabbit project will help you learn how to raise and care for your rabbits. It is suggested that you start with a doe and extend the project each year. It is best to enroll in the fall to prepare for receiving your first rabbit.

Project Leader 

Things to Learn/Do in the Project

Ages 7-9

• Identify main breeds of rabbits
• Identify the parts of a rabbit
• Describe good feeding and watering practices
• Learn to groom and show a rabbit

Ages 10-13

• Gain skills to manage and care for rabbits
• Learn to care for newborn rabbits (kits)
• Judge best rabbits for show

Ages 14 and Older

• Learn breeding, genetics, culling and determining pregnancy
• Anatomy of rabbits
• Learn best marketing practices

Kansas Rabbit Breeds and Varieties

Kansas 4-H Youth Development recognizes the authorized rabbit breeds and varieties of the American Rabbit Breeders Association for show purposes. The Kansas Rabbit Breeders Association is a strong supporter and partner in this high quality project. The following list is officially recognized by the ARBA and may be showed, if animals qualify, at this year's State 4-H Rabbit Show at the Kansas State Fair. The State 4-H Rabbit Show is not an official ARBA show; however, includes opportunities to exhibit for conformation, fur, rabbit showmanship and rabbit judging. 

Project Materials

Reasonably priced materials are available for every project in Kansas 4-H. You can order the materials for your project online or contact your local Extension Office.

Rabbits (RA100)

• What's Hoppening? (ages 7-10)
• Making Tracks (ages 11-13)
• All Ears (ages 14+)

General Rabbit Resources

• Kansas 4-H Rabbit Project Promotional Brochure
• Kansas 4-H Generic Record Form

Project Leader Resources

• Kansas 4-H Rabbit Project Leader Notebook
  - Level I (ages 7-8)
  - Level II (ages 9-11)
  - Level III (ages 12-14)
  - Level IV (ages 15+)
• Rabbit Helper's Guide

Additional Resources - Veterinary Science

• From Airdales to Zebras (ages 7-10)
• All Systems Go (ages 11-13)
• On the Cutting Edge (ages 14+)
• Veterinary Science Helper's Guide
• Nebraska 4-H Veterinary Science

Awards and Recognition

County Level
Award: Medal presented at you 4-H Achievement Banquet
Donor: Kansas 4-H Foundation Patron Sponsor Fund

State Level
Award: Medallion
Donor: Kansas 4-H Foundation Patron Sponsor Fund

National Level
Award: $400 National 4-H Congress Scholarship
Donor: Kansas 4-H Foundation Patron Sponsor Fund