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The raising of domestic rabbits lends itself nicely to 4-H Club, Boy and Girl Scout, and FFA projects (Fig. 1.8). The fact that in many cases rabbits can be raised where larger farm animals or even poultry cannot be handled makes them especially useful animals for these groups. In this connection, rabbit breeders can be of material aid to these younger people by providing desirable breeding stock at nominal prices and by counseling with leaders and members of the youth groups with respect to methods for raising or caring for their animals. In many areas where the youthful rabbit raisers may need capital for developing their projects, local bankers cooperate with them and arrange to make loans for that purpose. A boy or girl signs a note and is expected to repay the principal plus interest out of the profits from the endeavor. This cooperation by business executives is helpful and gives the young rabbit raiser an insight into business procedure. Many youth projects have resulted in prizes and trophies being awarded at fairs and other exhibitions. Youth programs are an excellent way of teaching the concept of responsibility to young people.

Fig. 1.8. Youth members showing their rabbits. (Courtesy of the Webb Family)

To teach young persons the fundamentals of animal husbandry, youth groups may begin with young rabbits at weaning age. When the young members of a family group want to raise rabbits, it may be best to purchase an adult doe so that their interest may be kept keen by the chronological events, such as the doe making a nest and kindling and then the young people taking care of the litter, selling the products, etc. Many of these small beginnings on the part of young people have developed into sizeable undertakings.