Winter is a difficult time for many animals, including rabbits. Rabbits are more able to cope with cold weather conditions than hot conditions, but given the wrong conditions, rabbits can suffer from exposure, frostbite, and decreased body temperature. Smaller breeds of rabbits may be more susceptible to cold temperatures than larger breeds of rabbits because their small body … [Read more...]
Run an Animal Science Trivia Bowl
Ocean County 4-H runs a Jeopardy-style trivia competition, Animalology, once a year. There are several goals guiding this event: to challenge 4-Hers in reading comprehension, to make learning fun, and to build teamwork skills. We hope this event makes learning about animal science—and other areas of STEM—interactive and enjoyable. Interested in running (or collaborating on) … [Read more...]
State 4-H Small Animal Educational Symposium Set for February 23
The State 4-H Small Animal Educational Symposium will be held on Saturday, February 23, 9:15 am-3:45 pm at the Office of Government Services building located at 1200 North Delsea Drive in Clayton (Gloucester County). The Symposium will provide an opportunity for 4-H members, leaders, and parents to participate in a variety of educational events. Workshops and activities … [Read more...]
4-Hers to Learn from Rutgers Professors at Cook Campus Farm Event, March 30
Several Rutgers professors and farm staff will lead hands-on sessions about horses, cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, and rabbits at this year’s Junior Breeder Livestock Symposium, Saturday, March 30. 4-H families and clubs are encouraged to make the trip to their state university in New Brunswick to visit Rutgers, learn from the experts, and see the animals at the Cook Campus … [Read more...]
Rabies – Protecting Your Rabbits and Small Animals
What is Rabies? Rabies is a deadly disease of animals and humans. It is endemic in New Jersey and there are over 300 cases in the state every year. Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system in mammals (warm-blooded animals). The virus is present primarily in the saliva, brain tissue, and spinal fluid of a rabid animal and is transmitted by a bite, … [Read more...]
Expanded 4-H Animal Science Video Contest! – Entries Due March 11
Good news - the 4-H Sheep and Goat Video Contest has been expanded! It has been renamed the New Jersey 4-H Animal Science Video Contest and will now accept entries about several other animal project areas, in addition to sheep and goats. Youth may work individually or as a team to create 3-minute educational videos about horses, poultry, rabbits, dairy/beef cattle, swine, … [Read more...]
Animal Science in 4-H Public Presentations: Start Planning Now!
The school year, and a new 4-H year, are just beginning! But it is never too early for 4-H’ers to start thinking about club, county, state or national public presentation opportunities. How can you explore and showcase knowledge of animal science topics in a 4-H public presentation? Here are some ideas: Demonstration: This is already common practice in many counties. If … [Read more...]
No Animals, No Problem! Engaging urban and suburban youth in Animal Science projects
Last month we shared information about curriculum and resources available to lead urban livestock projects in urban and suburban areas. One reader came back to us with a great question: "If we don’t have bees, rabbits or chickens, can our youth still get involved with animal projects?" The answer is yes! If your family or club cannot commit to raising your own animals, there … [Read more...]
Opportunities for Urban and Suburban Livestock Experiences
Many of our urban and suburban youth have limited interaction with livestock. 4-H livestock projects, although not typical to urban or suburban areas, are possible and are becoming quite popular. In addition to learning about animal science, there is a great opportunity to teach young people about entrepreneurship. Does this mean 4-Hers bring cows to the into city? … [Read more...]
Hop to It – Rabbit Hopping and Agility
What is Rabbit Hopping? Rabbit hopping originated in Sweden in the early 1970’s. It was patterned after miniature horse jumping. The first national rabbit hopping championship was held in 1987 in Sweden. The popularity of hopping has spread throughout Europe, and now there are rabbit hopping clubs in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany, and the UK. Rabbit hopping … [Read more...]