By Morgan Watts
N.C. Cooperative Extension

The Piedmont 4-H Rabbit Project opened for registration on Jan. 15. Registration is set to close on Feb. 14. This project is open to 4-H members (ages 5-18 as of Jan. 1, 2025). Each participant must be a resident of one of the following counties: Cabarrus, Catawba, Mecklenburg, Iredell, Rowan or Stanly. The cost for borrowed rabbits is $30. Participants are responsible for providing housing, food bowls and water bowls, and caring for their borrowed rabbit from March 18 to May 3. Feed will be provided by the Extension office at pickup. Participants are permitted to purchase their rabbit at the conclusion of the project. The fee to purchase your rabbit will be an additional $15.

If you have your own rabbit to show and you will not be borrowing one, then the cost is $15 to enter the project. You must supply your own feed.

Online registration and a full set of rules can be found at the links below.

Registration: https://go.ncsu.edu/25rabbitproject

Rules: https://go.ncsu.edu/25piedmontrabbitproject

This is a great project for youth.

Showing a rabbit in 4-H can offer a wide range of benefits, both in terms of personal development and practical skills. Here are some key advantages:

1. Develops responsibility

• Caring for a rabbit requires regular feeding, grooming, cleaning and attention. This teaches responsibility, time management and the importance of commitment.

2. Improves communication skills

• Exhibitors will need to speak to the judges. This builds confidence and improves communication skills, as well as the ability to explain about their project.

3. Teaches animal care & husbandry

• Members learn about rabbit health, nutrition, genetics and breeding practices. This knowledge can be valuable for future endeavors, whether in agriculture or veterinary fields.

4. Encourages problem-solving

• From handling behavioral issues to managing health problems, showing a rabbit can present challenges that require creative problem-solving and critical thinking.

5. Promotes good work ethic

• The preparation for shows involves work, including grooming, training, and making sure the rabbit is in top condition. This teaches the importance of hard work, dedication, and attention to detail.

6. Builds sportsmanship

• Whether a participant wins or loses, showing animals encourages sportsmanship. Exhibitors learn how to handle both success and disappointment with grace.

7. Creates a sense of accomplishment

• Successfully preparing a rabbit and earning ribbons or awards at a show can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of pride and accomplishment.

8. Builds a connection with animals

• Caring for and showing a rabbit helps build empathy and a deeper understanding of animals and their needs. This connection can be fulfilling and inspire future involvement in animal-related activities.

9. Prepares for future challenges

• The skills learned through showing rabbits in 4-H — such as working under pressure, handling responsibilities and managing time effectively — are transferable to other areas of life, such as education and future careers.

For more details or if you have any questions, contact Rowan County 4-H agent Laura Allen (lahoffne@ncsu.edu), or Rowan County livestock agent Morgan Watts (amwatts@ncsu.edu) or by calling 704-216-8970.

Morgan Watts is livestock agent with the Rowan County Extension.