Arriving At The Rabbit Show

Congratulations!  You found the rabbit show!  Now what?

First....park your vehicle and go inside the building.  Most rabbit shows are arranged with the show judging tables (long narrow carpeted tables on legs, with an outer row of open boxes or small cages attached) either all in the center of the room, or all along the outside perimeter of the room.  Usually, there will also be separate areas for the club's raffle, entry taking, food stand and also a larger area set aside for a rabbit equipment vendor's use.

Finding A Good Spot.....

You will want to set up your area closest to the tables where your breeds will be judged - you can't always tell where this will be, but sometimes, each show table will already have a piece of paper taped to it, listing the judge and the first couple of breeds he or she will judge that day.

Where ever you decide to set up, stay away from building entrances, and keep at least 10 feet away from the front of the judging tables - these areas become extremely congested while the show is on!

Pull up or park your vehicle in an area convenient to your chosen location in the showroom and begin unloading all your stuff.  Wherever you choose to sit, remember to keep a path open to the main walkway and to others' rabbits - it can be easy to block other breeders in, without really paying attention! 

Some shows are so crowded that the club will post in the show catalog not to bring in chairs or grooming tables (or both) in the showroom.  Even at shows where this is not announced ahead of time in the catalog, the club may ask that everyone remove their grooming tables and maybe even their chairs, to make room for more incoming people. 

Whatever the case, try to be considerate of others - don't use more space than you really need, especially if others around you are struggling just to find space for their rabbits!

Time to Enter the Rabbit Show

After you set up your area and take care of your rabbits' feed/water needs, take your completed entry forms, money and remark cards to the show entry table.  If you do this right away, sometimes you can avoid the long lines that form close to the time entries close!  Usually, there will be a separate line for OPEN entrants and a separate line for YOUTH entrants.

I've Entered The Show, Now What?

Now you are just waiting for judging to begin.  Wander around and talk to the other breeders, visit the raffle table (did you bring an item to donate?), satisfy your hunger at the food booth and browse all the neat items at the rabbit vendor's booth!

Pay attention to announcements - some may come from a building public address system, but some are just yelled out at each judging table - walk around the judging tables often to find out when your breed is up!

Take your rabbits out and inspect each one - groom as needed before your breed is called.  Most rabbits tolerate showing well and have no immediate stress related problems.  Watch carefully for any signs of undue stress such as diarrhea.  If you notice anything amiss with one of your rabbits, ask another breeder for some help and advice as to what to do.