To complete Activity 7 for the
Show Rabbit Project, simply click
on one of the activities below.

	Option 1. Grooming various show rabbits
	Option 2. Looking at factors that affect show potential
	Option 3. Volunteer at a local animal shelter that cares for rabbits

Reference Literature

The Domestic Rabbit
(Book: pg. 55)

The Rabbit
(Book: Chapter 8)

Domestic Rabbit Guide
(ARBA Manual: pg. 20-21)

Texas Rabbit Manual
(Manual: pg. 14)

Raising better rabbits & cavies
(ARBA Book: pg. 131-138)

 

 

Introduction
In most cases, grooming a rabbit prior to the show can be beneficial.
Rabbits will lose portions of their hair periodically in a process
called molting. The amount of grooming that a rabbit requires is
directly proportional to the molting process. The more they molt, the
more the rabbit will need to be groomed.

Grooming can be very easily done by slightly dampening the hands
and rubbing the entire surface of the rabbit's body from head to tail to remove the dead hair. It is important that the dead hair be removed
from the rabbit's body regularly.

Since rabbits naturally use their rough tongues to clean themselves,
they will accidentally ingest some loose hair. The rabbit's digestive
system does not contain any digestive enzymes that will break down
the hair. So, if they ingest an excessive amount of fur it may
accumulate in the stomach and cause a fur blockage (commonly
called a fur ball) that needs immediate attention.

Much of the grooming is naturally carried out by the rabbit. However,
the breeding time, type of feed, environment, and other factors all
have an impact on how the animal will look on any given day. You
should plan your breeding program around the shows you are
wanting to attend. A good prime junior coat will normally appear
around 4 1/2 to 5 months of age. Using feed supplements to enhance
the rabbit’s appetite and growth can also help. Be sure, however, not
to overfeed the animals since that would make them loose and sloppy in flesh condition.