Choosing A Rabbit
4H & Youth
Ideally choose the best animal in you budget, DQ free is more important than type.
There are three types of 4H rabbit projects:​
Showmanship:
If you are looking for JUST a showmanship animal, I recommend a buck but ANYTHING works. You don't even need a purebred or tattooed animal. It can have DQs. Anything can be wrong with this animal (that doesn't affect health) AS LONG AS YOU CALL IT OUT. If you call out the DQs, problems, ect in front of the judge, you will NOT be faulted. I judge showmanship and respect a kid who is confident enough to actually judge their animal like a real judge.
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Breeding/Show Table:
If you plan to breed, contact your local ARBA breeders and get mentorship. Always start with the nicest buck in your budget and work your way up. Feel free to check out The Beginners Guide for more info. If you plan to just set a rabbit on the show table that you did not breed, that buck is what you will use
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Hopping/Agility:
You can get whatever you want! Bucks tend to be faster but get distracted by scents. Does stay focused but often are grouches. Stick to calm breeds, anxious breeds will panic and require more work. THE BEST RABBIT will be the one worked with the most
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I WILL ALWAYS RECOMMEND BUCKS
Pet
Things to keep in mind:
How many?
For a child or you?
Other pets?
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How many:
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If you want a single baby, get a buck. They prefer to be alone. They want to be an only child and are much sweeter than does.
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If you want a pair, either get two bucks and plan to neuter or house separate or get a pair of bonded does. BUCKS AND DOES TOGETHER WILL NEVER WORK.
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Even if you neuter a buck, he will still smell like a buck and that will trigger territorial behaviors​
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I WILL ALWAYS RECOMEND BUCKS
ARBA
If you plan to start breeding for ARBA, contact me personally and we can go over your goals and budget. I can help you find your district, get your memberships in order, and explain anything you are confused on.
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Choose a breeder you trust and who is willing to help you learn; purchase a pair or trio from them.
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Bucks Vs Does
There are very noticeable personality differences and physical traits as hollands age.
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Does: Hormonal imbalances tend to start occurring at 6-8mo (when reaching sexual maturity) and will often turn aggressive if not bred. They are more shy as well but a veteran bunny owner should be good having a doe as a pet. I never would recommend a doe to a child or to someone starting their pet rabbit journey. Does do better in pairs but aggression is ALWAYS a risk. Does also tend to go "soft" after 6mo in terms of show condition. They often put on weight to prepare for a pregnancy and can easy go over show weight. It can also cause fertility issues.
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Bucks: Bucks are more smelly due to their scent glands. They are very gentle and curious in nature. Bucks age very well for the show table. Due to testosterone, their head grows with age and keeps their flesh firm and show table ready. You can't house bucks together, they will fight. Bucks can spray more but it is more genetic/trait based. It is not guaranteed because they are bucks. I recommend bucks to people who want a pet or a showmanship/youth animal that isn't part of a breeding project.
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MYTH: ONLY BUCKS SPRAY
Some bucks will never spray, does can spray. IT IS GENEITC. Nasty parents make nasty babies. The mean ones will try and hit you and it is NOT in my rabbitry. It is nasty and a NO GO in my barn. A clean rabbit, no matter the gender, will stay clean. Both bucks and does will get places, it's part of having rabbits. Prepare by lining your walls with plastic and have urine guards in the cages.