To prepare for a rabbit show, begins when the rabbit is weaned. At this time, I will decided to
either keep the rabbit to show or sell. I do keep litters together as long as possible to save
cage space, but as soon as the rabbit starts to develop mats, then is the time to separate into
single cages. This is also the time for the first grooming. This is usually at 8-10 weeks. Then I
will groom as little as possible until show day. I usually check my show rabbits every week for
mats. The cleaner the cage, the less grooming there needs to be. My cages are cleaned (where
the rabbit sits) every day. also the cooler the area for the rabbit, the cleaner the rabbit will
stay. In summer, I try hard to keep the area as cool as possible and find little matting takes
place.
I have hear breeders say "I went out day before or the day of the show and my rabbit was too
matted to show." This will happen if you do not check the rabbit often. I have seen breeders
comb and brush and blow at shows all the time they are there. All this should be done at home.
If I traveled a great distance I will check for that last mat, but I never do my grooming at shows.
I do all my grooming at home. there is too much stress on that rabbit at the show without
grooming him, too. The less the rabbit is combed the more [wool] that rabbit will have for the
judge to admire. Be careful of those toenails changing when the hot weather hits. [Keep them
short, judges will appreciate this, too.]It is much easier on you and [the] rabbit if you groom
short periods of time over a period of weeks.
either keep the rabbit to show or sell. I do keep litters together as long as possible to save
cage space, but as soon as the rabbit starts to develop mats, then is the time to separate into
single cages. This is also the time for the first grooming. This is usually at 8-10 weeks. Then I
will groom as little as possible until show day. I usually check my show rabbits every week for
mats. The cleaner the cage, the less grooming there needs to be. My cages are cleaned (where
the rabbit sits) every day. also the cooler the area for the rabbit, the cleaner the rabbit will
stay. In summer, I try hard to keep the area as cool as possible and find little matting takes
place.
I have hear breeders say "I went out day before or the day of the show and my rabbit was too
matted to show." This will happen if you do not check the rabbit often. I have seen breeders
comb and brush and blow at shows all the time they are there. All this should be done at home.
If I traveled a great distance I will check for that last mat, but I never do my grooming at shows.
I do all my grooming at home. there is too much stress on that rabbit at the show without
grooming him, too. The less the rabbit is combed the more [wool] that rabbit will have for the
judge to admire. Be careful of those toenails changing when the hot weather hits. [Keep them
short, judges will appreciate this, too.]It is much easier on you and [the] rabbit if you groom
short periods of time over a period of weeks.
By Nancy List
| Preparing For A Show By Nancy List |
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