
Show Rabbits
Fuzzy, fun and fiscally responsible
One interesting measure of the area economy is a brief look at the exhibitors registered for the 2025 Bi- County Stock Show. Of the 421 animals shown, only 40 were calves, while 108 were rabbits. Of the calves, nine were steers and 31 heifers. The show also included 18 goats, 53 lambs and 102 swine.
But why are so many kids showing rabbits? For starters, rabbits are obviously less expensive to purchase. They generally cost less than $200, depending on breed and pedigree, while show calves run a minimum of $5,000.
Rabbits also need much less space; they occupy a space about 6’ x 2’ x 2’, or about the size of an average show calf. The calf, on the other hand, needs significantly more shelter and roaming area. Rabbits also are less expensive and easier to feed than other show animals.
The main reason showmen are opting for rabbits, though – according to the two young “experts” we caught up with at the Stock Show – is simply the “fun” factor.
“Rabbits are just more fun than sheep or calves,” said Wesson Hass. It was the nine-year-old’s first year to enter the Bi-County Stock Show, and he was there with his rabbits, Storm and Spook. “They’re so cute, and I saw other people do it and thought, ‘I can do that, too!’ I didn’t have anything else to do because I have a dog but he doesn’t play with me, so I thought a rabbit would. So I joined 4-H and got two rabbits, and they do play with me!”
Wesson’s friend, Silas Hartman, also showed a rabbit for the first time this year, but he cut his stock show teeth by showing a lamb last year.
“My sister showed a rabbit when she was eight years old, and I wanted to try it, too,” Silas said. “I’m nine, but I had a lot of fun doing it. It’s a lot of work, like my sheep was – they were about the same amount.”
Silas also spent extra time working on showmanship with his rabbit, Oreo. “It’s hard,” he said. “You have to hold him a certain way to show his belly and toes, and I haven’t been able to do it, but I’m still trying. I believe in myself.”
“You can do whatever you believe,” Wesson agreed. “Just keep trying! But with rabbits, you have to do a lot. You have to take care of them: feed them, water them, play with them, love and care for them…”
Both boys agreed that the work was worth the effort, and that they learned a lot from the project, including responsibility and work ethic. They also agreed that they would definitely raise rabbits again and recommend it to other 4-H members.
“I think that’s why there are so many kids showing rabbits now,” Wesson said. “Because I told a lot, a lot, of people that it’s fun and they should do it! And I think that’s why they’re here!”
Wesson is a student at Dalhart Christian Academy and the son of Ashley and Corey Hass. Silas attends Dalhart Intermediate School and is the son of Lena and Aaron Hartman. The boys are neighbors as well as friends.
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