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Hernando Today

Rabbits And Turkeys And Chickens, Oh My!

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By LINNEA BROWN

Hernando Today

Published: April 11, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - It was love at first sight.

A year ago, Spring Hill resident Megan Huckaby, 10, spotted a tiny, eight-week-old brown rabbit in the children's petting area of the Hernando County Fair and knew she had to buy him.

"He used to stick out his tongue like this," Megan said, sticking the tip of her tongue through pursed lips.

Monday, Megan and her 1-year-old brown Miniature Lop baby, Little Bit, won grand champion in the rabbit showcase at the fair.

It didn't come easy. Megan was one of dozens of young rabbit owners who took careful care of their animals, keeping record books of feed, cleaning cages and checking for mites.

Unlike older children - many of whom said tearful goodbyes to the steers they raised Thursday night when they were sold for beef - most of the younger children showcased the rabbits, turkeys and chickens they own as pets.

Other teens prefer showing smaller pets, such as Spring Hill resident Shawn Fincher, 16, who showcased his male Blue turkey through the Jolly Ranchers 4-H Club of Hernando County.

A Hernando High School student, Shawn said he began taking care of him in his family's yard last December after his sister purchased several turkeys.

"My mom calls him Blue, but I just call him Turkey," he said.

The blue turkey is primarily breed for its unusual color and showing, said David Ward, a former competitor whose children raised steers.

Other children also chose unusual breeds, from North American Lionhead and Jersey Wooley rabbits to Feather Footed and Light Brown Hutch roosters.

Brooksville resident Brianna Stringer, 7, a second-grader at Moton Elementary School, raised a Light Brahma chicken.

During the chicken judging session, judges actually take them out, hold them and check their eyes, toes, features and "other parts," she said.

While Brianna owns six chickens, she chose the one with the best temperament to showcase, she said.

Keeping track of all six was the hard part.

"You have to feed them, take care of them, pick up their eggs and check them for parasites," Brianna said.

Megan, Shawn and Brianna are all members of the Jolly Rancher 4-H Club of Hernando County.

Many children start in 4-H clubs and join FFA, formerly Future Farmers of America, when they reach high school. Both clubs are considered two of the oldest livestock organizations in the country and teach members about topics such as animal science and nutrition.

"Most of these kids go to college to study (veterinary or agricultural) sciences," Ward said. "This particularly helps them develop good record-keeping skills when they're young."

The fair features an exhibit hall featuring displays about local 4-H and FFA projects and accomplishments, though most of the judging has already taken place.

Local residents can also view all of the animals in their cages, including tiny baby rabbits.

Megan said she plans to showcase Little Bit again next year.

"You can keep entering the (same pet) until they die," she added.

And Brianna is already dreaming big.

"I think I might showcase a steer next year," she said.

Reporter Linnea Brown can be reached at 352-544-5289 orlbrown@hernandotoday.com.

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