The Larimer County Rabbit Project is a great way to learn about animal husbandry and overall care.

Youth in the Rabbit project interact with research-based information that encourages confidence, character-building, industry knowledge, and sportsmanship. Youth will can learn how to properly care for an animal and how to keep accurate records.

Projects Available:

  • Breeding Rabbit
  • Market Rabbit
  • Companion Rabbit
A young child brushes their rabbit

MQA Training

  • Friday, May 17, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall, McKee 4-H Building, The Ranch.
  • The training will take between an hour to one and half hours to complete. You do not have to be there the entire time. Please arrive by 6:30 p.m. in order to complete the training in a timely manner.
  • If this is your first year in 4-H or your first year in a livestock project you must attend. You must  attend once as a Junior member, ages 8 to 13 and once as a Senior member, ages 14 - 18 as of December 31, 2023. All eight year olds and all 14 year olds must attend this year. 

Youth enrolled in the rabbit project should:

  • Establish your project goals.
    • These goals can involve internal growth as a 4-H member, community connections, or even competition goals. 
  • Determine what you have for a budget for the upcoming year.
    • Things to consider when setting a budget:
      • Facility/ housing
      • Purchasing an animal
      • Vet expenses
      • Feed cost
      • Travel
      • Equipment Expenses
  • Complete their e-Record/ Record Book

Requirements to Participate in the County Fair:

  • You must attend MQA (meat quality assurance) training at minimum:
    • Your first year as a junior
    • Your first year as a senior
  • Submit your animal ID/photos

Starting Out - Beginner

Inspiring youth to:

  • Learn about rabbits
  • Identify the parts of a rabbit
  • Identify breeds of rabbits
  • Purchase, feed and care for rabbits
  • Learn how to evaluate different rabbit breeds
  • Do a demonstration about rabbits
  • Learn how to keep records
  • Learn how to assume responsibility

Learning More - Intermediate

Inspiring youth to:

  • Learn about nutritional requirements for rabbits
  • Investigate different rabbit breeds
  • Learn how to select the type or rabbit project
  • Learn about goal setting
  • Identify common rabbit diseases
  • Exhibit your rabbit at the county fair
  • Develop sportsmanship and public speaking skills

Exploring Depth - Advanced

Inspiring youth to:

  • Learn how to deal with current issues related to raising rabbits
  • Gain leadership skills by helping other learn about rabbits
  • Explore career opportunities in the rabbit industry
  • Build lifelong friendships

All project manuals are received through the Larimer County 4-H Extension office. These will be distributed to 4-H members through their organizational leaders (club leaders) after enrollment is complete. For more information on enrollment visit Join 4-H.

4-H Record Books are also called e-Records. Each project has its own record book that members are required to complete each year. Depending on which Rabbit Project you're completing, you may need a Livestock or Companion Animal record book.

4-H Record Books are also called e-Records. Each project has its own record book that members are required to complete each year.

Record Book Check-In Sheet

Junior:

Intermediate:

Senior:

Junior Companion Animal Record Books

Intermediate Companion Animal Record Books

Senior Companion Animal Record Books

Project Letters

2024 Rabbit Project Letter

Thinking about signing up for the Rabbit Project? Already enrolled but have questions? Contact:

 

Bailey Schilling
4-H Livestock Agent
970-498-6022
schillbw@co.larimer.co.us

To print all upcoming events, select "Agenda" and then "Print"