4-H Rabbit & Cavy Rules and Regulations

1. All 4-H youth project rabbits, cavy and small pets must have been owned or leased, and cared for by the exhibitor, and must be registered with a 4-H Project Animal Registration certificate at the CCE, TC  4-H office by July 1 of the current year.

2. Each exhibitor may show only one (1) entry per class per category.  Breeds listed in each category will be identical to those listed in the American Rabbit Breeders Standards of Perfection.

3. All youth rabbits and cavies must conform to the rules and regulations of the Livestock Health Requirements as determined by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and the Tioga County Board of Health Order.

4. The CCE, TC staff or the New York State Department of Agriculture & Market Veterinarian are authorized and empowered to cause the removal from the buildings and grounds of all animals failing to meet the health conditions specified.

5. All youth rabbits and cavies must pass a mandatory vet health check between 1 and 7 p.m. on Animal Arrival Day on the fairgrounds before they can be placed in cages.  None will be checked after this.

6. Animals not passing the health check will need to be housed in a specially designed area until it is possible to take them home.

7. Rabbits and cavies must be brought to the fair in a suitable carrying case/cage.

8. If enough are available, housing cages will be provided.

9. Only exhibitors will be allowed in the show arena during any event.Youth are expected to bring their own rabbits and cavies to the table for any contest/breed class.  If they are already at one table during the breed show when a second animal of theirs is needed at another table, another youth should be asked to bring the second animal to the appropriate table.  No rabbits or cavies are to be held while exhibitor is seated in the show area.Animals can be held only at the judging table.

10. Exhibitors must wear either a long sleeve show coat of any color OR a long sleeve collared white button shirt.  Clean and neat jeans, slacks or kaki type pants must be worn.

11. A collared shirt or show coat is required for Decathlon contests.

12. Exhibitors must furnish their own feed, water and dishes.  Exhibitors are responsible for feeding and watering their own animals.Cages must be cleaned on a regular basis.

13. On show days, all care, fitting, and grooming must be done by the 4-H youth.No parents, adults or professional groomsmen may help with project animals.

Last updated July 26, 2019