- Trim rabbit nails about a week before the show. This way, if you end up making a mistake and cutting too short on some squirrely babies (fortunately, this has happened to me only twice), there's time for nails to heal or grow a bit.
- Clean rabbit carriers and clip cups well in advance of the show. I recommend pulling out all the equipment you'll be taking to the show and looking everything over while cleaning, so you don't have any issues you may have missed.
- Label all your rabbit cages. You don't have to buy some fancy cage tags, or you can if you'd like. I just make my own cage tags. Usually, I take some border art that I like and put it on a similarly colored background (using Lunapic) shrink it to size and add my text (Name, Ear Number, Breed, Variety, Class).
- Fill out any paperwork you can in advance. If there is a show entry form you can fill out before the show, it definitely saves time writing. If there is a pre-entry option, I would definitely recommend pre-entering.
- Check, double check, and triple check sexes and tattoos!! This is very important. If you have a rabbit that isn't tattooed, or the tattoo isn't legible, or the tattoo doesn't match the tattoo written on the entry form, that rabbit will be disqualified. Same with sexes: a rabbit with a split penis or a rabbit whose gender does not match what is written on their entry form will also be disqualified.
- Groom your rabbits before the show as well. For short-haired rabbits, remove dead hair by wetting your hands and running them over their coats. For my Jersey Woolies, I use a dog comb. Try not to use a wire slicker brush, because those kinds of brushes can scratch a rabbit's sensitive skin. Some angora breeders use a blower for grooming.
- When tattooing rabbits, it's best to use a bunny wrap to restrain the rabbit. If you are using a pen, hold the ear with one hand and tattoo with the other. Make sure you press hard enough to accurately mark the rabbit.
That's all I can think of for now! Later I might post a more in-depth description of how to tattoo a rabbit, or a detailed show packing list, or I may review different types of rabbit equipment.
The most important thing to remember when showing rabbits, is have fun!
