mini rex fur quality

Question
My son has several mini rexes(they are his 4-h project) but he also shows ARBA. He has 2 bucks(black otter) that one or the other usually always win variety but don't go any further. Have been told too much rustic in color of coat. They stay inside so they don't get exposure to the sun other people have told us that is what causes it. someone else told me too much fluorescent light causes it. I would like to know how to correct it. I know the rabbits molt out so I can get their right color back in but how. Also their fur is rough. I am not sure if weather plays a role in coat condition. The bucks always look and do better in the winter shows but there is little difference in winter and summer here. I need to learn so I can teach my son right. He wants to someday breed a nice show line a black otter mini rexes and help other 4-h'ers show rabbits. I have washed them and got scolded for by a judge but I thought the roughness was being caused by each other buck. I would like to know what tool to use to brush them I have been given many suggestions. This is his first year at ARBA.

Answer
hi diana for a better colour i would get another buck froma different strain so the colour can improve but it must be a very good buck.
light does play a part with the colours so its best to keep them in a shady cage.
i groom mine daily using my hands and a very small comb and I will not show them if i think the coats are not right.
dave.