And I have questions!! I would like to get together a county wide fund raiser with all of the rabbit kids to help raise money for these new cages. First of all, the old ones are hanging. Is this the usual cage system at most fairs, or shows where the animals are cages for the duration of the show? I was wondering about stacking cages? Any ideas and information would be wonderful.
The problem with stacking cages as far as fair would be concerned, would be the extra labor involved in cleaning them. As a former fair rabbit show superintendent, I have seen hanging cages and cages that sit on frames similar to saw horses. Those work well.
Charlcie Gill
Zodiac Rabbitry
Astoria, OR
http://www.zodiacsatins.com
Aww, the (past) fair superintendent. You are so brave!!! They have approched me, but I\'m still to chicken!! Maybe when absolutely no one else will do it then I\'ll step in.....How do you clean the cages that sit on the frames with saw horses? Oh wait, are the bottom the cages open to the floor below, or are they sitting on a plywood base? These questions seem so silly, sorry.
No, it\'s not silly. The cage bottoms are all-wire open to the floor/ground. We usually have shavings on the floor underneath to help absorb urine. These are swept up daily or twice daily depending on the facilities.
I have seen cages sitting on solid bases, but, like the stackers, they are labor intensive.
Charlcie
Thank you Charlcie....
everyone is just outraged this year because they are required to supply their own shavings.....but if they put down enough on the floor under their cages to soak up the urine...then clean it every day, I bet they don\'t go through one bag for the week of fair. That is for the majority of them anyways. That\'s why stacking cages came to mind....but I do agree with you, the open bottom cages would be easier.
I would suggest that the folks pool their resources and buy bales of shavings they can share. They\'re fairly inexpensive and will most likely last 3, 4, or more exhibitors the duration of the show. (That would amount to less than $2.00 each for most folks.)
Give some more thought about taking the Superintendent job. It\'s hard work, but I had fun.
Charlcie Gill
Zodiac Rabbitry
Astoria, OR
http://www.zodiacsatins.com
This will be my second year as the Poultry Barn super at our fair, and I have to agree with Charlcie...it\'s a lot of work, but I had sooo much fun! I\'m really looking forward to it this year. Anyway, the poultry shares a barn with the rabbits and right now, we have solid bottoms under movable wire cages (for both rabbits and poultry). It\'s not ideal, and it is labor intensive. We have an \"endless\" supply of shavings that are donated and literally brought in by the dumptruck load. The exhibitors are expected to clean their cages every morning! Are there any businesses that might be inclined to donate money for new cages, or supply the shavings? YOu might look into that.
I have thought of being superintendent...I know how much work it is. I was the still exhibit super for 2 years. Who knew old ladies could get so vicious!!! Anyways, I would also be the super for the poultry, that show is the same day as the sheep show. So I would miss my daughter show her sheep....lol, it\'s hard enough jogging between the poultry/rabbit barn and the show pavilion to be able to watch both shows. My son aslo shows poultry!! I know it can be done, I don\'t have to be in the small animal barn every second of the show...Anyways, sorry seem to be rambling this morning!! At this point I have not approched any businesses. This is still in the brain storm process...I just need all of the ideas in can get. So, keep them coming please.