4H and FFA rabbit/cavy workshop in Colfax

The 4H and FFA rabbit and cavy workshop about raising rabbits and cavies will be from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 9 at the Jasper County Fairgrounds in Colfax. This workshop is sponsored by Iowa State University Extension & Outreach 4H, Iowa State Rabbit Breeders, South Central Iowa Rabbit Breeders and Eldon C Stutsman Inc and Heinold Feeds.

There is no need to preregister and no cost (except for those youth who are purchasing rabbits or cavies and/or building a carrier and/or purchasing rabbit and cavy equipment). Youth from Iowa and other states are encouraged to attend. Speakers will discuss rabbit breeds, cavy breeds, health, equipment, grooming, showing and fair information. Each family will receive a free packet of 4H and FFA rabbit and cavy information. Youth will receive free tickets for a huge drawing.

Youth are encouraged to bring their rabbits and cavies (purebred guinea pigs) and consult with speakers. Examples of rabbits and cavies will be presented and discussed. Purebred rabbits and cavies may be for sale with cash the preferred payment.

A “build your rabbit or cavy carrier” session will be held with Wolfe’s Animal Supply. Call to preorder for the correct carrier size by contacting Bill at 515-556-5123 or Wolferabbit3@mediacombb.net. Rabbits can be tattooed. Cavies can be tagged. Youth need to decide on a short name or numbers for each rabbit tattoo. Youth may show their rabbits or cavies in a free “practice” rabbit and cavy show. All rabbits and cavies showing in the “practice” show are required to be earmarked with a tattoo for a rabbit or an ear tag for a cavy.

Youth may want to attend, participate and/or watch the 2024 ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association) open and youth-sanctioned rabbit and cavy shows April 20 at Amana or June 8 in Colfax. More information about these and other ARBA shows will be available at this workshop.

Questions can be directed to Lynne Rechterman at 563-260-5295 or Bill Wolfe at 515-556-5123.

This workshop began in 2002 and has been held in the spring in central Iowa with 1086 youth attending since 2002.