Show Time

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Let’s pack our bags & hit the road, it’s showtime! 

Whether you show rabbits or cavy, prepping for show is always a chore.

From cleaning out the car to prepping your carriers there is always something to do and normally something to forget. I’ve compiled a list of things to bring for show and even chatted with a fellow breeder to see if there was anything I missed. 

Photo: Urban Chicks sporting their custom aprons, grooming a silver fox, & awards table from show

I try to gather a list of animals I'm interested in showing & separate them by class. I verify ear numbers/tags with the corresponding animal. Weigh the animal to make sure they are entered in the proper class. (You don't want the animal underweight or overweight for that class as that's considered a DQ). After weights are in check I groom the animal, verify they don't have any disqualifications per Standard. Once the animals are gone over its time to make my final decisions on who comes along for the ride. To enter your rabbit in the show, follow the show catalogs instructions (sometimes this is by email and other times its by easy2show.com).

Here is my show list. Feel free to save this list and reference it come show day!

I’ve chatted with my friend Natalie down at Grazing Guineas Caviary to see what a typical show preparation is like for her, she says;

“I prep by clipping nails, and grooming them. Trying to get rid of loose hair, staining, whatever it may be. I know some people bathe them before every show- I don’t”

In Natalie’s show bag:

• Food - pigs and for herself

• Water 

• Wagon to haul everything around

• Camping chair

• Extra set of bottles and bowls

• Wallet

• Bag of shavings

• Blankets to cover them and old fleece to use as a carrier liner if needed

• Pen & paper

• Comb & spray bottle

• Paper towel

• Ear tag pliers and tags

• Extra carrier or at least extra holes

• Pedigrees if selling pigs

Photo: Grazing Guineas Caviary prepping carriers

Showing doesn’t have to be a scary thing, in fact it has been some of the most fun times I have had! 

I recommend finding a mentor or a buddy that has been to a show before so they can show you the ropes. If you’re a complete newbie, there is ALWAYS someone at the show within your breed willing to help. If you catch me at a show stop me! I'm willing to help or down for a conversation.