Some questions for ARBA rabbit breeders/exhibitors?

We raise Himalayans. We had them 30+ years ago and got back in recently because we love the temperament and there are some shown in or area so that we are not showing against ourselves.

We usually use 12"x18"x 14" high carriers for weekend shows. If you have car space, it can never hurt to have a carrier that is "too big"

ARBA Convention is a blast. I go at least every 2 or 3 years (more frequently lately since I am on several ARBA committees). Convention is the one ARBA sanctioned show that you must be an ARBA member to enter. Go to the ARBA web site ( http://www.arba.net/ ) and you will always find a link to information on the Convention show. The entry is mailed in several weeks before the show and the entry fee is usually rather high (~$10) compared to a normal local show ($3-4)

This year it is in Minneapolis Nov. 7-11, 2010. Judges conferences (open to breeders as well except for the closed session at the end which is judges only) are on Sunday 11/7 and the judging is on Monday and Tuesday 11/8&9. New cavy breeds and varieties are usually reviewed by the cavy subcommittee of the Standards Committee on Tuesday and new rabbit breeds and varieties on Wed. The ARBA general meeting, Specialty club meetings, banquets etc are usually on Tues. and Wed. with release of animals on Thu.

All animals are cooped. In Minneapolis they will all be in one big show room and ~15,000 rabbits in one place is quite a sight to see. It is the one show at which you will see all 40+ breeds. Each breed committee is responsible for providing runners to bring the animals to the judging table but, depending on the breed chair person, you can usually carry your own if you want.

The convention show is really the show case of the fancy and is a great event. Go even if you don't show. It is well worth it!!!

HI

I raise Standard rex rabbits. I choose this breed because they are good sized and can be breed for meat and fur. I don't really have a least favorite breed. I have gotten all my cages from http://clover.forest.net/kwcages/index.html. They have many different sizes of cages and traveling cages. For my Rex's I don't use big traveling cages. My main cages are about 24x24x18. I have larger cages for then I litters. ( http://www.bassequipment.com/default.aspx for more cages and supplies)

Im sorry I can't help you with the last one question. I haven't been to one of the larger shows but most of the smaller shows in my area. I hope I help a little bit.