4-H Animal Science Resource Blog

STEM Connections, know-how & Inspiration

Rutgers NJAES logo
  • Alpaca/Llama
  • Dairy Cattle
  • Dog
  • Goat
  • Herpetology
  • Horse and Pony
  • Poultry
  • Rabbit/Cavy/Small Animal
  • Sheep
  • Swine

Multiplying Learning, Rabbit Style…4-H Rabbit Project Curriculum

January 31, 2018

In the 4-H Rabbit Project youth learn about selection and raising their animals, but they also explore science, technology, health issues, management practices, careers, and much more! It is important for 4-H members to learn how science and technology are a vital part of many aspects of the 4-H Rabbit Project.

The overall learning objectives of the 4-H Rabbit Project are:

  • to learn and practice the basic principles of animal science by owning, caring for, and keeping records on one or more rabbits;
  • to explore and develop knowledge of sound breeding, feeding, and management practices; and
  • to investigate marketing, project expansion and how you can start a career in the rabbit business.

Specific learning objectives vary according to the project level – Beginner (Level 1), Intermediate (Level 2) or Advanced (Level 3).

Level 1 – Beginner

Youth will:

  • Learn the different breeds, varieties, characteristics, and ideal weights.
  • Locate and name parts of a rabbit.
  • Develop a rabbit care management plan.
  • Identify rabbit equipment and its uses and learn proper feeding techniques.

Level 2 – Intermediate

photo 4-H member with a rabbit

New Jersey 4-H Rabbit Project

Youth will:

  • Learn to judge rabbits and give oral reasons.
  • Explore the different rabbit body types and their function.
  • Learn proper grooming techniques.
  • Learn how to condition your rabbits for show.
  • Develop a plan for preparing rabbits for show.
  • Learn about diseases and environment concerns.

Level 3 – Advanced

Youth will:

  • Identify bones on a rabbit skeleton.
  • Evaluate rabbit health.
  • Develop and maintain a rabbit pedigree system
  • Learn about rabbit breeding programs and genetics.
  • Learn how to design and manage a rabbitry.
  • Analyze and plan proper facilities for rabbits.
  • Learn the science behind rabbit nutrition, growth and development, genetics, and the multiple aspects of the rabbit industry

Project materials to assist 4-H members in learning may be available through your county 4-H office or you can order the 4-H Skills for Life Animal Science Series Rabbit Curriculum directly from National 4-H Council 4-H Mall (www.4-hmall.org) via the following link:  https://shop4-h.org/collections/curriculum

The 4-H Rabbit Curriculum includes Rabbit Member Books (Level 1-3) and a Helper’s Guide to assist 4-H volunteer leaders in facilitating educational activities and learning opportunities.  Below is a description of the books and the suggested grade level.

Rabbit Level 1 – What’s Hoppening?: Youth will discover how to identify breeds, handle and show rabbits, identify rabbit parts and equipment, recognize a healthy rabbit, read a pedigree and kindle a litter. (40 pages) Grades 3-5

Rabbit Level 2 – Making Tracks: Youth will recognize body types, judge and show rabbits, tattoo a rabbit, keep records, identify diseases, administer medication, record growth rates and market products. (40 pages) Grades 6-8

Rabbit Level 3 – All Ears: Older youth will develop a breeding program, design a rabbitry, cull based on production, prevent diseases, develop sportsmanship and develop a marketing plan. (40 pages) Grades 9-12

Adapted from: University of Florida/IFAS Extension 4-H Rabbit Project Handout

By Jeannette Rea Keywood, State 4-H Agent, Department of 4-H Youth Development, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

Filed Under: Featured Resource, Rabbit/Cavy/Small Animal

Content Type

  • STEM Learning
  • Career Profile
  • Field Trip
  • Ask the Expert
  • Club Programming Idea
  • Current Issue
  • Featured Resource
  • Focus on STEM

Statewide NJAES Events

Visit the NJAES Calendar »

sign up for monthly updates

Subscribe by Email or RSS

A Project of New Jersey 4-H Youth Development

New Jersey 4-H provides educational outreach programming for youth in grades K-13 (one year out of high school) through 4-H clubs, special interest programs, school enrichment, afterschool programs, and overnight camping.

Regardless of the subject matter – whether it be science, healthy living or citizenship, 4-H uses a learn-by-doing approach to help youth learn responsibility, community awareness and character development.

New Jersey 4-H Youth Development is a department of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.

Copyright © 2023 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers web sites to: accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier or Provide Feedback Form. | Webmaster | Log in