Butler Bunni Bunch teaches youths how to raise rabbits
Butler Bunni Bunch, a 4-H rabbit club in Butler County, is gearing up for another year at the Butler Farm Show.
The 4-H program is managed in Butler by the county’s Penn State Extension and serves youth aged 5 to 18. Its mission is teaching them life skills and community involvement through hands-on projects.
“4-H stands for head, heart, hands and health,” Amy Metrick, a 4-H educator for Butler County, said. “Our program covers a wide range of activities — from cooking and sewing to robotics and raising various animals including rabbits.”
Sarah Mitchell, 18, vice president of Bunni Bunch, has been an active member since she was 8.
“I breed and raise satin rabbits for meat and to show,” Mitchell said. “Right now, I have 14 rabbits and multiple litters. I hope to show two meat pens in the Butler Farm Show.”
A meat pen is three rabbits of the same breed that are eight to 10 weeks old and weigh between three-and-a-half to five-and-a-half pounds each.
“It’s a great way to learn how to properly handle and take care of your animals,” Mitchell said. “4-H also teaches its members how to be leaders and get involved in the community.”
Meat rabbits and show rabbits — though raised similarly — serve different purposes.
“Meat rabbits are judged on their body tone and meat quality, whereas show rabbits are judged on factors like fur type, health and muscle tone,” Rager said. “We follow the standards set by the American Rabbit Breeders Association for all competitions.”
According to Bryan Rager, Butler Bunni Bunch 4-H coordinator, there are 52 rabbit breeds. He said the standard cage size for a meat rabbit is 36-inches by 24-inches.
“Most people keep them in their garage, barn or a makeshift shed to ensure they are dry and out of the weather,” Rager said. “Some breeds cannot be kept outdoors as they can’t tolerate the cold.”
For show rabbits, Rager said the space requirements vary depending on their size.
“Show rabbits can range from 3 to 18 pounds, so their cage size needs to be appropriate, with some requiring 18-inches-by-24-inches and others needing up to a 36-inch-by-30-inch area,” he said.
Bunni Bunch not only prepares its members for competitions but also emphasizes education and community service, according to Rager.
“Our club meetings cover a range of topics — from how to raise and groom rabbits to understanding show guidelines,” he said. “We aim to teach youths life skills they can carry with them, such as responsibility and community involvement.”
Children who are interested in joining or learning about Butler Bunni Bunch and the 4-H program, Rager recommends attending a meeting, which are held on the second Thursday of every month (except for August due to the Butler Farm Show). More information is available online at extension.psu.edu/ or by calling 724-287-4761.
