This document printed from the University of Illinois Extension Marshall-Putnam at http://www.extension.uiuc.edu/marshallputnam/
Rabbit Department
Department R - RABBITS
SUPERINTENDENT - Gary Schoepke (2008), Lacon, IL 309/246-4045
State Fair - Any 4-H'er, 10 years of age by September 1 of current 4-H year or over may enter.
GENERAL RABBIT RULES
1. Rabbits must be in place by 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.
2. All rabbits should be free from all evidence of disease. Sick or diseased animals will be disqualified with no award and judged no further and should be removed from the premises.
3. An exhibitor may take one entry in each class.
4. All exhibitors must be present to show rabbits.
5. Exhibitor should bring rabbit to judging table. The Rabbit Jr. Superintendent is available if help is needed.
6. All tattooed rabbits must be shown in a purebred class.
7. All rabbit entries will be judged on their meat carrying qualities and firmness of flesh. In close decisions, finish of fur will determine winners.
8. Market pens shall consist of three rabbits, 7 to 10 weeks of age, 3 to 5 pounds in weight. They will be judged on meat carrying qualities, firmness of flesh, uniformity and finish of fur, in that order of importance. Animals under 3 pounds will be cut in score and award.
9. Male and female species of rabbits must be caged separately at all times.
10. Some cages are available from the M-P Fair. Exhibitors may also bring their own.
11. Champion Buck, Champion Doe, and Best Market Pen will be chosen. Sale Committee will concur with Rabbit Superintendent to determine sale entries.
12. Rabbits are released at 2 p.m. on Thursday.
13. Exhibitors must clean their pens.
Age Classifications
Senior Buck - Six (6) months and older
Junior Buck - Less than six (6) months old
Senior Doe - Six (6) months and older
Junior Doe - Less than six (6) months old
Market Pen - Three (3) fryers seven to ten (7-10) weeks old and three to five (3-5) pounds in weight
RABBITS (Purebred)
*Pedigree papers and tattoos will be checked at judging table.
801
Purebred Senior Buck
802
Purebred Junior Buck
803
Purebred Senior Doe
804
Purebred Junior Doe
805
Purebred Market Pen
RABBITS (Mixed)
806 Mixed Senior Buck
807
Mixed Junior Buck
808
Mixed Senior Doe
809
Mixed Junior Doe
810
Mixed Market Pen
811
Rabbit Care
1. Exhibit one rabbit
2. Rabbit cannot be entered in any other rabbit classes.
3. Rabbit will be judged on the condition and care given plus the knowledge of 4-Her on project; NOT on conformation.
