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.
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.
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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