LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The Rabbit Barn at the Allen County Fair is filled with activity as 4-H competitors work each day to make sure their rabbits are ready for the judges.
Jenna Snyder has been showing rabbits for five years and said she has the routine down pat.
“So we have to give our rabbits special medicine that we put in their water and then we also clean their cages daily, feed and water them, and if they're molting, which is like shedding, you have to brush them,” says Jenna Snyder, 5th year showing rabbits.
Snyder said showing rabbits at the fair is a rewarding experience.
“Oh, it's a ton of fun. You learn a lot of new things, meet a lot of new people. My favorite thing to do at the fair would be probably showmanship. Well, it builds skills that I'll need later in life, and it gives me a chance to learn things I didn't know,” adds Snyder.
Abigail Morton has 26 rabbits at home, but only eight made the cut to compete at the fair. Four are competing in breed categories, while four are competing as market rabbits.
Morton said she knows what judges are looking for when they award their banners.
“For markets, they go out for meat and they're in a pen of four, but they get separate between the fryer and the three pen. And then the breeding, if their fur is good, and if they don't have any like sickness,” says Abigail Morton, 3rd year showing rabbits.
Morton said she also enjoys showing her rabbits to younger visitors at the fair.
“It's really fun because you get to interact with all the visitors and you also get to interact with all the other 4-H members,” adds Morton.
The competitors are hoping to take home a Grand Champion banner when they face the judges this week.
