Rabbits and Cavies
Rabbit projects are suitable for youth of all ages from urban, suburban and rural communities. Lessons include all aspects of rabbit management and the science behind it. Young people learn about animal care, health, nutrition, physiology, breeding, genetics, housing, behavior, record keeping and presenting themselves and their animals to the public. Some participants may choose to enter their rabbits in shows and fairs or to produce meat and fur, but neither activity is required. Students may be challenged by the many-faceted Rabbit Science Decathlon, held each year at the State Fair and similar exercises held in many counties.
Cavy projects are a rapidly growing program that is appropriate for all 4-H members from age 5 to 19 and from the inner city to the most remote rural areas.
Project Record Books
Rabbit Projects and Information
Youth learn and compete using their knowledge of rabbit anatomy, nutrition, health, breeds, handling, and other subjects.
The Rabbit Basics Manual is the perfect place for 4-Hers interested in a rabbit project to get started.
Cavy Resources
- Washington State University 4-H Cavy Project Leader Guide
- OSU Cavy Resource Handbook: A 4-H Guide to Guinea Pigs
- Your Guinea Pig. A Kid’s Guide to Raising and Showing
- Diseases of Domestic Guinea Pigs
- The Guinea Pig Handbook
- Cavy Health Care
- American Cavy Breeders Association
- NY Rabbit & Cavy Breeder’s Association
- Seagull’s Guinea Pig Compendium
Rabbit Resources
These are great study resources and sources for questions for Rabbit Science Decathalon.
- National 4-H Rabbit Curriculum
- Kansas State University 4-H Rabbit Curriculum
- Your Rabbit: A Kid's Guide to raising and Showing Rabbits
- Rabbit Production
- American Rabbit Breeders Standard of Perfection 2021 - 2025
- OSU Official Guide Book to Raising Better Rabbits & Cavies
- OSU Rabbit Resource Handbook for Breeding, Market, and Pet Rabbit Projects
- Ohio State University Rabbit Learning Lab Kits
- Rabbit References
For more information
Contact Brian Aukema at bja14 [at] cornell.edu (bja14[at]cornell[dot]edu).