Michigan 4-H Cloverbud Snapshot Sheet: 4-H Rabbit Project (4H1730)
DOWNLOADFebruary 6, 2017 - Michigan State University Extension
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EmailWHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
The 4-H rabbit project can provide youth with the opportunity to learn about selection, management, health, marketing and careers in the rabbit industry.
- Learn the basic principles of animal science by owning and caring for one or more rabbits.
THE BIG PICTURE
Starting Out:
- Learn the different types of breeds and their characteristics.
- Locate and name rabbit body parts.
- Discover proper rabbit showmanship steps.
Learning More:
- Identify rabbit equipment and its uses.
- Learn proper grooming techniques.
- Learn proper rabbit terminology.
Expanding Horizons:
- Examine rabbit behavior.
- Build a nest box.
HOW CAN PARENTS SUPPORT CLOVERBUD PROJECTS?
Parents play an important role in helping their children find out what they like and don’t like. As a parent, you can be supportive and encourage your child to try new things. Be there to help them figure out the answer when they have questions. Don’t just answer the question for them, but help them know where to go to find the answer. The important part of a cloverbud project is not the outcome, but the experience children have while participating. It’s OK if your child ends up not liking their current project, but they should finish it and try something else. Remember, cloverbuds are at an age where they can explore lots of different topics to try and find the ones they really want to focus on in the future.
CURRICULA & RESOURCES
Michigan 4-H Curricula
Rabbit Fitting and Showing Member’s Guide (4H1268)
Michigan 4-H Animal Science Cloverbud Record Book: http://msue.anr.msu.edu/resources/cloverbud_animal_record_book
National 4-H Curricula
http://www.4-h.org/resource-library/curriculum/
Rabbits What’s Hoppening?: Level 1 (08080)
Making Tracks: Level 2 (08081)
All Ears!: Level 3 (08082)
Rabbit Helper’s Guide (08083)
Rabbits, Rabbits, Rabbits (4H 662) (Check your local MSU Extension office.)
Other Resources
American Rabbit Breeders Association: http://www.arba.net
American Satin Rabbit Breeders Association: http://www.asrba.org
Michigan State Rabbit Breeders Association: http://www.msrba.net/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/261393042780/
FOCUS ON RABBITS
Science
- Monitor the effects of environmental conditions on your rabbits.
- Learn about rabbit gestation.
Communication
- Design a poster on the parts of a rabbit.
- Explain using rabbits for fur and meat production.
Citizenship & Leadership
- Volunteer to help at a local rabbit show.
- Teach others how to handle rabbits safely.
Life Skills
- Keep records on your project.
- Explore careers working with rabbits.
- Learn responsibility through the daily care an animal needs.
- Discuss daily chores done on the farm.
QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:
- What was your favorite part of this activity/project?
- What do you know now that you did not know before?
- What do you want to explore more/next?
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
- Contact your local Michigan State University (MSU) Extension office for workshops, activities and events.
- Tour a rabbit producer’s farm.
- Participate in the State 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Show cloverbud classes.
- Attend a rabbit show and observe the judges and their techniques.
- Learn about the different uses of rabbits.
- Complete a rabbit project record book.
