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The Nature Trail Rabbit Info Newsletter

September 2012

signs at arba convention

I always think more about bunnies during one season than any other.  And no, it's not Easter time.  It's fall.   Autumn just makes me happy.  I love it when the weather turns cooler and I can get out the scarf that will be my close companion for the next six months.  (I live in northern Michigan.)  I love the beautiful colors on the trees, and all the birds grouping up to migrate, and I've always enjoyed end-of-summer routines picking up again.  And for me, fall means Convention.  No, I don't get to go every year, but just thinking about it makes me more interested in the bunny world in general.

In case you don't know, the ARBA Convention is the largest rabbit show in the world, showcasing as many as twenty thousand rabbits all in one building.  This year, it begins the last week in October in Whichita, Kansas.  Here's the convention website for more information: www.heartland2012.com

To kick off the convention season, we published a bunch of new articles to the Nature Trail about this big event.  Links to those articles are here in this issue. 

If you ever get a chance to go, please do, for a day or the whole week.  It's an unforgettable experience.  And if you are planning to enter the youth contests this year, be sure to check out my www.RabbitSmarties.com website, which includes lots of printable tips and activity sheets from my days as a youth contest participant.  If you have any questions, feel free to  send me an email:  ellyn@thenaturetrail.com


ARBA convention judging

ARBA Convention Articles

~~Why go to Convention?

Is the chance to see 20,000 rabbits not enough reason to make the trip?  Even if you don't have anybunny to show, you should definitely make an ARBA Convention if you can.  It's an unforgettable experience, and here are a few reasons why.

~~ Creative Convention Coops.
Walk through the aisles at Convention and you'll notice rabbit cages decked out in many different styles.  The decor serves a purpose: how will you easily find your bunnies in the long rows? 

~~Packing for Convention

It's no fun to be unprepared!  Here's an extensive coverage of the things you'll need and some things you might want for a great convention experience

~~ Rabbit Sales -- Buyer Beware
One of the most exciting things about convention is the chance to bring home new stock--but there are risks, too.  This is a must-read.

~~Realistic Expectations when Buying Rabbits

A top breeder isn't going to sell you his best show animals.  Keep this in mind, and you can still pick up some genes that will greatly benefit your herd.

~~Pre-order Convention Supplies for Pickup.

Just a helpful reminder that you can save on shipping costs by pre-ordering the supplies you need for your rabbitry, then picking them up from the dealers at convention.

~~All About the Hugs

Convention is filled with emotion.  Excitement, anxiety, surprises, new sights, new friends, opportunities to help someone in need.   It adds up to a lot of hugs.

~~Convention Courtesy

A long week filled with travel, excitement, bunnies, people... it can be stressful, but proper courtesy makes things go a lot more smoothly.

Click to see photos and results from 2011 ARBA Convention in Indianapolis!



Below: booths at ARBA convention 2005.
Booths at ARBA convention

Click to learn more

© Copyright 2012 Rabbit Smarties Publishers. PO Box 247, Manton, Mi 49651 and 5229 Edwards, Lake City, Mi 49651.  You received this email because you signed up for our newsletter at www.thenaturetrail.com.   This email may contain affiliate links.