Rabbits and Cavies
If you are interested in joining 4-H, but you have limited space, the Rabbit and Cavy Project might be your best option. Rabbits and cavies make excellent 4-H project animals due to their reduced space requirements, ease of care and management, their ability to be litter-box trained, and their size; they are ideal urban pets.
4-H Rabbit and Cavy members have several shows throughout the summer in which to show their animals. The state also sponsors several seminars and clinics throughout the year. A youth involved in this project area will learn:
- To manage and and care for his or her rabbit/cavy.
- To select and exhibit quality rabbits/cavies.
- To participate in group activities and develop leadership skills.
- To develop responsibility and patience.
- To gain satisfaction from completing a project to the best of his or her ability.
Owning a rabbit or cavy is not a requirement for joining a 4-H club. The only time a youth must own/lease a rabbit or cavy is if he or she is planning on showing the animal at a 4-H fair. For further details on the Rabbit & Cavy Project, please contact the staff person listed below.
Rabbit & Cavy Resources
Glossary of Terms
| Term | description |
|---|---|
|
ARBA |
American Rabbit Breeders Association |
|
Boar |
A male cavy |
|
Cavy |
Correct term for Guinea Pig |
|
Cavy – Intermediate |
A cavy up to 6 months old and weighing between 22 ounces through 32 ounces |
|
Cavy – Junior |
A cavy up to 4 months old and between 12 and 22 ounces |
|
Cavy – Senior |
A cavy 6 months of age or over 32 ounces |
|
Class |
A category for show based upon the age and sex |
|
Cloverbud |
Exhibitors ag 5 to 7 |
|
Guinea Pig |
The common name for Cavia porcellus or cavy |
|
Intermediate Buck or Doe |
Term used in breeds have 6 showroom classes. A rabbit 6 months of age and under 8 months of age, or meeting weight requirements of the breed standard for that age group. Note, only breeds with a minimum ideal senior wight of 9 pounds and over will have an intermediate class. |
|
Junior Showmanship |
Exhibitors age 10 to 13 |
|
Kit |
Baby rabbit |
|
Novice Showmanship |
1st year showing animals, including an 8 year old moving up from Cloverbud |
|
Rabbit – Junior Bucks |
A male rabbit less than 6 months of age. |
|
Rabbit – Junior Does |
A female rabbit less than 6 months of age. |
|
Rabbit – Senior Bucks |
A male rabbit 6 months of age or over in those breeds having 4 showroom classes. A rabbit over 8 months of age or over in those breeds having 6 showroom classes. An Animal having reached minimum senior breed weight, if allowed in the breed standard. |
|
Rabbit – Senior Does |
A female rabbit 6 months of age or over in those breeds having 4 showroom classes. A rabbit over 8 months of age or over in those breeds having 6 showroom classes. An Animal having reached minimum senior breed weight, if allowed in the breed standard. |
|
Senior Showmanship |
Exhibitors age 14 to 18 |
|
Showmanship |
Must show in a long sleeve shirt or lab coat. |
|
Tag – Cavy |
Must be tagged in the left ear with a cavy tag |
|
Tattoo - Rabbit |
All rabbits MUST be tattooed in the left ear with black ink. All tattoos should be visible and easy to read. Illegible or unclear tattoos are subject to refusal. |
MASSACHUSETTS 4-H RABBIT WORKSHOP - Postponed to a later date. Please check back for further information.
For further information, please contact:
State 4-H Animal Specialist
University of Massachusetts Amherst
100 Venture Way, Suite 334
Hadley, MA 01035-9462
413-545-5302
