Bunnies 4-H Club hops into the winners circle

Ashley Scalzi hopped into the world of rabbits four years ago, when she was involved in her school’s agriculture program at Carlos E. Haile Middle School. The program teacher told her that raising rabbits was an easy project — so she got her first rabbit, Q-tip. She now has Ace, a Netherland dwarf, and has shown him for three years.

She’s immersed herself in the bunny world, learning about breed standards and bunny care, rare breeds and show preparation.

The Bradenton Bunnies 4-H Club launched last year to help East County members branch into the realm of rabbits.

Ashley’s mom, Sara Sasada, is the adult in charge, but 4-H’ers lead the group, conduct meetings and help organize community service projects. The group has about 10 members.

Matthew Banta, another member, became hooked on the project after his brother got a pet rabbit. Banta showed the rabbit at the county fair and is now registered in the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), which means he can now breed rabbits under his own name.

His mom, Beverly, said getting involved in the 4-H club really sparked his interest and allowed him to learn more after his first show.

“He didn’t have any hands-on experience,” Beverly Banta said. “We saw people from this club (at the fair), and they knew what to do.”

Show bunnies don’t get a blue ribbon just for being cute. Each breed has a standard upon which it is judged, such as size, color and ear length. The level of breed standard that a bunny meets raises its worth so that its offspring can be sold for a profit.

Mini-rexes, a common breed, sell for $50 to $60 as babies but can be more expensive depending on color rarity. In showmanship shows, 4-H participants are also judged on their knowledge of their breed of rabbit and its care.

Ashley said one of the most expensive breeds is a dwarf hotot, which sells for $100 to $150 as a kit — the term for a baby rabbit.

Bradenton 4-H Club members all agree that their bunnies are also their pets. They can be trained to use the litter box, so they don’t always have to be caged.

“I love bunnies because they are so mellow and have such a great personality,” Ashley said.

Trey Osborne, the club treasurer, said his bunny, Buttons, could be used as a therapy animal because of her calm temperament. When she’s held, she sits still instead of trying to hop away.

Ashley’s bunny, Ace, likes to sit on her shoulder and sleep with her, she said. When she first got him, he was not

fond of people, but he warmed up to Ashley. Now, he has his own unique personality — he likes to follow her around, and he licks her when he has to go to the bathroom.

Nathan Inverso, the club reporter, just joined the club this year, but had shown rabbits previously through his school’s Future Farmers of America program. His favorite part of the project is going before the judges on show day.

“Getting to go in front of the judges and show off a rabbit that I raised... you feel like you have accomplished something,” he said. “That  usually gives people a good feeling,” he said.