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"Showing" Supplies
Topic Started: Jul 18 2013, 06:38 AM (248 Views)
ZRabbits
Love My Lions!
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I've read many articles of what's needed when "going to a rabbits show". I was wondering what your opinions are regarding what you take to a show.

I do have pet carriers but what do you take your rabbits to the show in? Also grooming articles? Food and water?

Just trying to find out as much as possible to be able to supply myself with "showing" supplies. Truly appreciate any input.

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sidd-says-gimme
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sidd says stay gold
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I think what you would bring depends on the show, what breed(s) you have, how many bunnies you're bringing and how long the show is. I know that some are two-day shows or you may travel far to go to a bigger show and have to be gone for a few days.

For carriers, I use standard show ones. The ones made of wire with a couple compartments. It's easier to carry and they are much less likely to get dirty. You can fit more rabbits and it's not as difficult to get them out of the carrier. I bring water but I don't worry about food. I feed them early so they get their breakfast and they get hay in the carrier. Some shows (at least around here) will require an ear tattoo but will go by "coop number". In this case you may need to bring a Sharpie to write that in the ear. Nail clippers if you need them and brushes if you have a breed that will need to be brushed/a molting bunny. You will probably need spending money. :P And a carpet/grooming table to put the rabbits on if you need to practice some posing or groom them. Not sure what else... I never really bring much and it's fine.
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ZRabbits
Love My Lions!
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sidd-says-gimme
Jul 18 2013, 09:28 AM
I think what you would bring depends on the show, what breed(s) you have, how many bunnies you're bringing and how long the show is. I know that some are two-day shows or you may travel far to go to a bigger show and have to be gone for a few days.

For carriers, I use standard show ones. The ones made of wire with a couple compartments. It's easier to carry and they are much less likely to get dirty. You can fit more rabbits and it's not as difficult to get them out of the carrier. I bring water but I don't worry about food. I feed them early so they get their breakfast and they get hay in the carrier. Some shows (at least around here) will require an ear tattoo but will go by "coop number". In this case you may need to bring a Sharpie to write that in the ear. Nail clippers if you need them and brushes if you have a breed that will need to be brushed/a molting bunny. You will probably need spending money. :P And a carpet/grooming table to put the rabbits on if you need to practice some posing or groom them. Not sure what else... I never really bring much and it's fine.
Thanks for the suggestions. Truly appreciate it.

BTW, nail clippers, do you clip before a show? I read a judge's suggestion in the "Mane Musing" that you should clip nails 3 days before the show so that the sharp edges will taper off from wear and won't be so sharp. I can see their point. I have to watch my Flemish after nail clippings. The Vet trimmed them for me while he was under, plus cleaned his ears. What a mess that was. Fawkes poor ears. Such scratches. Let's just say he felt very "violated". Cleaned himself for two days straight.

Plus I've seen those carriers. They are on my list of things. It will be a while before I get the supplies, but I just like to know what's needed.

Regarding spending money, lol. Even if I had, that spending money will stay where it's at. I will be seeing LOTS of rabbits in September and October and know I will be tempted. Got to stick to the plan. If not it will hurt the Z-Tribe. Can have both, just have to do is "stay the course."
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sidd-says-gimme
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sidd says stay gold
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Yeah, I do it a few days in advance but if for some reason you can't, then you gotta do it sometime. :)
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ZRabbits
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sidd-says-gimme
Jul 19 2013, 06:19 AM
Yeah, I do it a few days in advance but if for some reason you can't, then you gotta do it sometime. :)
I'll just put that down on my "show prepping" list for my rabbit. Making sure I start several days before showing to make sure all is prepared, my rabbits that is, and ready. Nail clipping is very important and making sure your rabbits don't have sharp nails is a courtsey to a judge IMHO.
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NeuBunny
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Carriers -- love the nice wire show carriers, but anything that keeps them contained (e.g., cat carrier, plastic tote with air holes) and clean 'works' when you are starting.

The only 'distant' show we've gone to was JW nationals -- we brought just two bunnies in their entire regular cage for that one (staying with family a few days before and after the show).

Water! better to bring a jug of the water they are used to - but at least an empty jug you can refill from a drinking fountain to carry water back to them. Definitely clip-on water cups (or water bottles if yours use those, mine don't seem to 'get it') -- spilled water in a small carrier is a mess.

Hay cubes or other small treats. I find mine generally don't each much away from home, so I don't bother with their regular pellets if it is just a day trip. I find hay too messy (and they generally aren't interested). But they seem to perk up for those 'special occasional' treats.

Grooming supplies - depends on breed of course. The angora folks seem to come to shows with whole carts full of blowers and such. Usually I bring nail clippers and a comb - maybe that will have to change now that I have show angoras, but hopefully I can do all the blowing at home before coming, and still just 'touch up' with a comb once we are there. If I think the show won't be too crowded and/or if we are selling bunnies, we bring a folding grooming stand (signboard that we list what's for sale attaches to it). Crowded shows I usually opt for the little grooming box (wire box with a carpet top) that sits on top of a carrier.

Cart -- if you are bringing more than a couple bunnies, the carts are awesome for getting everybody in. If crowded, I tend to leave the carriers stacked on the cart. If really crowded, I can take it back to the van once everybody is settled.

Folding chair. Shows have a lot of downtime. Nice to have somewhere to sit. Some shows are too crowded to set up chairs, but you can always leave it in the car if that's the case.

Winter shows here in Michigan -- dress in layers and bring a blanket. Amazes me how cold many of the showrooms are despite the crowded space. I think people leavethe doors open.

And speaking of downtime, something to do is nice -- ipod/books/games for kids, book/puzzlebook or small craft project (e.g., crochet) for me.

Don't write off spending money. Lots of good stuff (new and used) I seem able to only buy (or buy at reasonable prices) at shows -- rabbit books, dishes, nail clippers, the good combs, carriers, cages, cage repair stuff (like the plastic edging, new trays, latches, etc). And it's easier to buy concessions (usually supporting a local club) than go out to eat. And usually some nice items on the raffle table that I can't resist putting in for. But don't bring more than you can spend - and have a backup person you have to 'ask permission' before bringing home a new bunny (yes, they are horribly tempting - good to have someone to remind you of your specific goals and ask 'does this really fit those goals?').
Edited by NeuBunny, Jul 19 2013, 10:24 AM.
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fuzzypatch
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I made a post on my blog about what I take. Pretty standard stuff, basically what's written above. You'll probably over pack, and then slowly dwindle down to what you know you'll be using as you show more often. If it helps, invest in a container. I use a fish tackle box that I bought at walmart years ago. Keeps everything in one place, and that's all I have to take when I go.

Do brush and clip as much as you can. It saves sooooo much time. I can't tell you how nice it is to relax before showing, because then it gets hectic. Also, make sure your tattoos are legible.

Also, if you think you need it, bring an extra pair of pants. I had a rabbit pee on me early on in the morning once. That was unpleasant...

Don't forget about entertaining yourself. But, if you get bored you can always mingle. Rabbit people like to talk =)
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ZRabbits
Love My Lions!
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Thanks Neubunny and Fuzzypatch. Lots of great info. Truly appreciate it. Didn't think about supplies for myself either, lol.

Neubunny, thanks for the ideas about what to use my "spending" money on. Always look for good "reading" material, plus grooming supplies for the rabbits. Really not much around here except for the basics. Thankfully my husband asked a dog groomer regarding combs for my Lionheads. She was very informative and helped us get our grooming supplies. But will be interested to see what "show" people offer.

And will have my husband who will be my backup person regarding purchasing of rabbits. He's my "rock", always has been. So I know I'm safe from "spur of the moment" bunny buying. lol.

Fuzzypatch, already know how calming for me it is to groom my lion heads. Plus they love it too. Will be definitely something I will do before shows to help MY stress level. lol
Edited by ZRabbits, Jul 20 2013, 06:00 AM.
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sidd-says-gimme
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sidd says stay gold
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In one show where I only stayed for a short amount of time, a bunny peed on my shirt and another got messy poo all over me. Another time, a rabbit scratched my neck and made it bleed. None were my bunnies. I need to get a stain proof apron and a first aid kit. :lol:
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ZRabbits
Love My Lions!
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sidd-says-gimme
Jul 20 2013, 08:50 AM
In one show where I only stayed for a short amount of time, a bunny peed on my shirt and another got messy poo all over me. Another time, a rabbit scratched my neck and made it bleed. None were my bunnies. I need to get a stain proof apron and a first aid kit. :lol:
Definitely an excellent suggestions (apron & first aid kit) to any one who is a bunny runner at a show. Thanks!

BTW, hope your neck scratch is all better. Know how painful rabbit scratches are and the neck is very sensitive place to be scratched.
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sidd-says-gimme
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sidd says stay gold
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Oh yes, if you are handling random rabbits you will need to be careful! Long sleeved shirt and probably some wrist protectors... not sure what they are called, people wear them while playing sports.

The scratches on my neck are a bit better. It was only a little over a month ago. A scar will probably stay but it looks better right now than I thought it would... I scar really easily. Thanks. :)
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