I am thinking about getting some rabbits again. I found 2 rabbit clubs in the Northern part of AL in the Huntsville area. I live between Birmingham and Montgomery and was wondering if their were any rabbit clubs in that area. I attended one show in Harpersville, AL about 10 or 12 years ago and they had good attendance at the show. This show was in between Birmingham and Montgomery.
Any rabbit clubs in the Birmingham or Montgomery AL area?
- Thread starter steverino
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SatinsRule
Well-known member
The only 2 clubs I know of are the Rocket City Rabbit Club and Rabbit Producers of Alabama. Might want to keep an eye on the ARBA's website in their shows portal. Right now, there are all-breed open shows scheduled for late March in Hunstville, and early June in Tuscumbia.
https://www.arba.net/showsSearch.php#showsearch
Just select Alabama's state abbreviation then hit search and it will tell you every show which is sanctioned for the year so far in the state.
Would to God that I would have a legitimate show to attend in AR during the course of a year. As it is right now, I'm driving ridiculous mileage to attend shows ever year. I'm even considering coming to one in AL somewhere along the way. One thing is for sure, though. The trip there would be no farther than many of the ones I travel to right now.
https://www.arba.net/showsSearch.php#showsearch
Just select Alabama's state abbreviation then hit search and it will tell you every show which is sanctioned for the year so far in the state.
Would to God that I would have a legitimate show to attend in AR during the course of a year. As it is right now, I'm driving ridiculous mileage to attend shows ever year. I'm even considering coming to one in AL somewhere along the way. One thing is for sure, though. The trip there would be no farther than many of the ones I travel to right now.
Welcome to RT Steverino. You may want to look into the Georgia clubs also. There are 3 shows coming up, Perry on the 16th of Feb, Dalton on March 2 and Conyers (Atlanta) I think on March 16. It sounds like Perry will be a good show. Hearing a lot of people from Florida are making the trip and we usually see several Alabamians there.
Hi Bill & Satins
I appreciate you answering my question. I am surprised by the small number of clubs. I finally tried to count the number of local clubs listed under the ARBA and it was only about a hundred. So I guess most members in the ARBA do not belong to a local club? Are the number of clubs on the decline? It seems the midwest, PA and NY have more clubs. Does the warmer temperatures in the South hold down the number of people into rabbits in the South? I was reading the ARBA manual which was from around the year 2000, and it said that temperatures over 80 and high humidity are big negatives for raising rabbits. In my part of Alabama, we have at least 5 months of that weather. I finally found on the ARBA site how many entries they have at the national convention by each breed. They get a great showing on the number of entries. I find the ARBA site a little difficult to find some of the info like the number of entries in the conventions by breed.
I appreciate you answering my question. I am surprised by the small number of clubs. I finally tried to count the number of local clubs listed under the ARBA and it was only about a hundred. So I guess most members in the ARBA do not belong to a local club? Are the number of clubs on the decline? It seems the midwest, PA and NY have more clubs. Does the warmer temperatures in the South hold down the number of people into rabbits in the South? I was reading the ARBA manual which was from around the year 2000, and it said that temperatures over 80 and high humidity are big negatives for raising rabbits. In my part of Alabama, we have at least 5 months of that weather. I finally found on the ARBA site how many entries they have at the national convention by each breed. They get a great showing on the number of entries. I find the ARBA site a little difficult to find some of the info like the number of entries in the conventions by breed.
We are in South Georgia, 75 miles from the GA/Fl line. The heat and humidity can be a problem. There are no local clubs in our area either. We are considering trying to get enough interest here to start one. We keep our "show" rabbits under AC and always get comments on coat condition from judges.
There aren't a lot of breeders in the southern part of Georgia but there are several in Florida with 3 or 4 clubs.
Did you find the breed numbers? On the ARBA home page scroll down to the best in show, click the view all button, then scroll down for a link to the convention breed totals
There aren't a lot of breeders in the southern part of Georgia but there are several in Florida with 3 or 4 clubs.
Did you find the breed numbers? On the ARBA home page scroll down to the best in show, click the view all button, then scroll down for a link to the convention breed totals
SatinsRule
Well-known member
Steve, the number of local clubs in general have declined in most areas, at least as compared to 30 years ago. Back then, we had 4 local clubs here in AR. Today, we have one barely in existence, one which is trying to form, and nothing but a glorified 4-H o'rama known as the AR State Fair every October. It is sad to see, especially for someone who was in it when it was more popular and competitive.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that a growing (and alarming) number of breeders don't belong to a "local" club because in most cases there just aren't any to begin with. I belong to local all-breed clubs and state specialty clubs, all of which are located outside the state and more than 300 miles from where I live. Given the distance, I'm as active and supportive as I can be, but it's often more diffcult to contribute than it would be for the locals who run the club.
It's pretty much always been true that midwestern states and states like CA and NY have more breeders and clubs, but the momentum has also swung in a big way in the direction of the smaller breeds in the process. There just aren't the numbers of commercial breed exhibitors that once made up so much of the showroom scene. It's anyone's guess as to why so few breeders now exist in the south, but weather is one considerable factor. Another one which has caused a ripple in the proverbial wave pool are the media which goes out of its way to promote animals such as rabbits as being inherently "cute". People just don't think of rabbits as being a food source any longer.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that a growing (and alarming) number of breeders don't belong to a "local" club because in most cases there just aren't any to begin with. I belong to local all-breed clubs and state specialty clubs, all of which are located outside the state and more than 300 miles from where I live. Given the distance, I'm as active and supportive as I can be, but it's often more diffcult to contribute than it would be for the locals who run the club.
It's pretty much always been true that midwestern states and states like CA and NY have more breeders and clubs, but the momentum has also swung in a big way in the direction of the smaller breeds in the process. There just aren't the numbers of commercial breed exhibitors that once made up so much of the showroom scene. It's anyone's guess as to why so few breeders now exist in the south, but weather is one considerable factor. Another one which has caused a ripple in the proverbial wave pool are the media which goes out of its way to promote animals such as rabbits as being inherently "cute". People just don't think of rabbits as being a food source any longer.
steverino":2wmyhf6b said:
I'm not sure how many entries there will be in Perry. From the talk on here and the posts on the Florida and Georgia Facebook groups it looks like several from Florida will be making the trip up. I don't know about otheres as far as AC but a lot of people use fans and frozen water bottles during the hottest time. Are you coming over? If so let us know.
Hi SatinsRule & Bill
I actually attended the AR State Fair. I love fairs but this one was not my favorite. The KY, WI and IN State Fairs were real nice. I was looking forward to seeing some good food vendors at the AR fair and the only thing I found was the food vendors from the carnival. The IN and WI Fairs were great to have a meal. Bill, I did check the driving miles to the Perry show. It is about 4 hours each way. I will let you know if decide to go.
I actually attended the AR State Fair. I love fairs but this one was not my favorite. The KY, WI and IN State Fairs were real nice. I was looking forward to seeing some good food vendors at the AR fair and the only thing I found was the food vendors from the carnival. The IN and WI Fairs were great to have a meal. Bill, I did check the driving miles to the Perry show. It is about 4 hours each way. I will let you know if decide to go.
SatinsRule
Well-known member
Steve,
You're correct. The AR state fair is a joke, especially today. Nothing against 4-H and FFA programs, but the AR State Fair is just a glorified 4-H/FFA meet. The rabbit division has turned into the epitome of it. It used to not be like that, and I am convinced that Al Smith Jr. would be rolling over in his grave repeatedly if he knew what it has become.
I went to the Tulsa State Fair in 2011 and it was a completely different atmosphere. My favorite meals from the time I was there were the lunches I ate at the Cattleman's Association booth, where I repeatedly enjoyed a ribeye steak sandwich. The way it was run was decidedly different, too. Unlike the rabbit division at the AR State Fair, the Tulsa event was organized, planned and run like a real rabbit show.
You're correct. The AR state fair is a joke, especially today. Nothing against 4-H and FFA programs, but the AR State Fair is just a glorified 4-H/FFA meet. The rabbit division has turned into the epitome of it. It used to not be like that, and I am convinced that Al Smith Jr. would be rolling over in his grave repeatedly if he knew what it has become.
I went to the Tulsa State Fair in 2011 and it was a completely different atmosphere. My favorite meals from the time I was there were the lunches I ate at the Cattleman's Association booth, where I repeatedly enjoyed a ribeye steak sandwich. The way it was run was decidedly different, too. Unlike the rabbit division at the AR State Fair, the Tulsa event was organized, planned and run like a real rabbit show.
The rabbit show at the Georgia National Fair in October is ran by the Georgia Rabbit and Cavy folks. It is a "real" rabbit show and other than being held in the cow barn where all the fans and blowers make it impossible to hear, it's well ran. They hold it on the first Saturday of the year and then have an exhibit for the rest of the fair. I think I'd have a hard time leaving rabbits for several days in a fair situation. There would be no way to control people all the time and I'm sure people would want to feed/pet/etc the buns. We have enough trouble with pigs and goats. When we're feeding market wethers we don't feed hay as it can cause a belly. Do you know how many times I've heard "It's OK goats can eat anything....." Makes me want to slap people and tell them to buy a goat and then they can feed them whatever they want to!SatinsRule":271zrpd9 said:
randyhirst
New member
There is currently a club being put together in the greater Birmingham area. The officers of which having their first meeting yesterday, we hope to have our charter soon and be having our first show in the next 4 to 6 months, I can be contacted at [email protected] for further info.
SatinsRule
Well-known member
Randy, that is really good to hear. We're trying to form a club here in AR, but it's slow to develop right now.
The GA Decatur Rabbit Club would love to have you 
We have people out of state join the club and it's one of the oldest. It is very good at its finances and even helps some of the other clubs around it to stay afloat. It is sad that people just like to come to the show and leave. It takes a lot to put one on. If the club disappears, less shows. There is another one in GA trying to start up but I can't recall what it's named. I'm trying to find myself someone to join and take my raffle table position. At our last meeting we talked about adding showmanship and rabbit hopping to the Conyers show, but we need more help. We can't add more without more dedicated members. I really want to see the showmanship and stuff take off. I think it will help bring in some extra money for the club and it will give the kids something to do since we are usually there from 8 in the morning until 6 in the evening. It can really get boring for the kids when their rabbits aren't up.
If it interest you: http://www.mtnlaurelrabbitrynet.fatcow. ... ation.html
I'm trying to get more involved with more clubs because I really enjoy this hobby and would hate to see clubs fold along with their shows.
We have people out of state join the club and it's one of the oldest. It is very good at its finances and even helps some of the other clubs around it to stay afloat. It is sad that people just like to come to the show and leave. It takes a lot to put one on. If the club disappears, less shows. There is another one in GA trying to start up but I can't recall what it's named. I'm trying to find myself someone to join and take my raffle table position. At our last meeting we talked about adding showmanship and rabbit hopping to the Conyers show, but we need more help. We can't add more without more dedicated members. I really want to see the showmanship and stuff take off. I think it will help bring in some extra money for the club and it will give the kids something to do since we are usually there from 8 in the morning until 6 in the evening. It can really get boring for the kids when their rabbits aren't up.If it interest you: http://www.mtnlaurelrabbitrynet.fatcow. ... ation.html
I'm trying to get more involved with more clubs because I really enjoy this hobby and would hate to see clubs fold along with their shows.
SatinsRule
Well-known member
Bill":9mnpajsk said:
Sorry I missed this one earlier.
I know I say this a lot, but 30+ years ago the AR State Fair had breeders who stayed at the fairgrounds throughout the entire week that the rabbits were there and looked after/cared for the rabbits being shown. We all had each others' back on the deal, and it was a much bigger event than it is today.
And if the people who say that about goats really believe it, all they have to do is go to the next open air flea market and buy a couple.
SatinsRule,
can you tell me a little more about the AR club? To be honest, I've never shown an animal of any kind but last year when I got my meat rabbits I thought for sure there would be something in my area (Memphis) and I could get a feel for it, see if it was something I'd like or maybe my kids would enjoy. Well Memphis has Herp Shows, Bird shows, Cat Shows, Dog shows but no rabbit shows. Other than 4H (which is rather lacking in my county) about the closest place I've seen is Murfreesboro, TN and that's not really close.
can you tell me a little more about the AR club? To be honest, I've never shown an animal of any kind but last year when I got my meat rabbits I thought for sure there would be something in my area (Memphis) and I could get a feel for it, see if it was something I'd like or maybe my kids would enjoy. Well Memphis has Herp Shows, Bird shows, Cat Shows, Dog shows but no rabbit shows. Other than 4H (which is rather lacking in my county) about the closest place I've seen is Murfreesboro, TN and that's not really close.
