Just an insight from someone who raises colony style. Our meat rabbit colony is basically predator proof. There is hardware cloth across the bottom and up the sides about 3 feet. We move our grow outs to a rabbit tractor at 6-7 weeks. I love the colony set up. We have a mix. A few rex, new Zealand, a white California and then mutts. Meat mutt rabbits eat just as well as nice breeds. My kids also like to be part of our production, and often come into the rabbit pen to feed, love on and learn about the rabbits. Homeschooling at its best. I will say, I also like the less maintenance aspect of colony raising. I have one large pen (about to set up a second) to maintain instead of multiple cages. With three little kids, less maintenance is great! 😅
Your channel is the main reason we recently got into developing a small rabbitry. We mainly want it for the manure for gardening. Everything starts with stuff you grow, and rabbit manure is pure gold.
I put cardboard on part of the wire cage to get them off the wire, then toss it if nasty. I give wood to chew with liquid vitamins soaked in. Been raising rabbits since the 70's, had as many as 300.
Thank you for your content! My husband used to have rabbits for meat when he was younger. He wanted to set that up again. As we did research and follow some rabbitry channels he realised that there was a lot of thing he didn't know when he had rabbits and saw what he would like to do different. We just got Californians and are starting off..thank you for sharing your experiences, it saves us a lot of headaches😊
I have 2 does in enclosure together. It has cement paver floor. I've removed the paver where they poop and covered it with hardware cloth. works, but has to be swept daily. They also have a wire "tunnel " leading to enclosed outside area about 150 sq ft. My buck is separated and doesn't get to use the outside area very much. I do like it, and sit inside watching them with their babies, though it is more work this way. We have them for meat. Yours was the channel I watched before getting our rabbits 3 years ago. Thank you for all the good info. God bless.
Coming back to watch this video again. Raised meat rabbits in a colony for 3 years never a problem. Moved to a new property on the opposite side of town, redid my same colony and it’s been one train wreck after the other 😔 location will say a lot on if a colony is ever a good option.
@@TheRabbitryCenter illness… we moved here in winter, now spring and we have more cotton tails then I can count. I’ve now had a snuffles outbreak I think they got from wild buns. I may have to start over with all my breeders since I hear it isn’t curable. I also learned this area is RHVD2 positive so colony overall is not a good idea.
We just had our first litter. First time mom had 10 kits. But we lost 1 to the cold. It is great watching them grow from day one. I also want to thank you for inspiring me and my family to start raising rabbits. Keep the videos coming we watch all of them. God bless.
Thanks you for all good advice on your channel. I get a lot of push back from my co- workers for raising rabbits for meat. But I enjoy raising them so much is the real reason I do it. I love rabbits and I can tell how much they love their life when they are pregnant or kindling litters and my bucks are sweet hearts and give me rabbits cuddles and kisses. My biggest struggle is finding a pace to keep my rabbits happy by breeding them but without over whelming myself with offspring. It is crazy how fast you can have way too many- Even though I try to sell them and I put them in my freezer.
People need to understand each other’s needs. On an elimination diet I discovered that I’m allergic to chicken. I’ve been eating only beef, fish and pork for years, so now it’s good to have the rabbit meat.
I had sisters that shared a cage. Eventually I got them their own cages and just so happened we moved one all the way on other side of our hutches. She wasn't happy there one bit. We finally moved her next to her sister and she's finally calmed down. She missed her sister!
We usually put all the doe's on one side and all the bucks on the other. It seems to work well that way and they don't get marked by the bucks thanks for taking the time to comment.
I've been learning and researching about raising rabbits. I plan on making some 36" x36" cage runners that will span my property along side the chicken runs. The rabbit run will lead back to the main garden area where their main home will be.
I've raised rabbits for about a year now mostly as pets and fertilizer, I'm in the process of building cages for more rabbits for food and sale thanks for the info
My family has raised in cages for the last 15 years. After reading about behavior and talking to others I hope to have a controlled “colony” when I move out (I’m 18 so it will be a while.) My goal is to have an indoor (like in a garage) space that is about 20’x10’ split in half, grow-outs will be split bucks on one side, does on the other. On the doe side there will be 1-2 separate cages (4’x4’) for the breeding does and the buck side will have the same for the adult breeding bucks. This all makes a lot more sense when looking at the blue prints I have lol.
Thank you. I enjoy your videos. I started my set up last year and needed help w/ processing. I found your videos informative and give me the courage to do my first processing. I would love to see more of your runs and the different breeds.
I love raising in cages, I thought about doing a colony setup but really the cons turn me away from it to much of a headache, at least using cages you know when and who is bred, you know dates they should kindle, like you stated you rarely have to deal with disease. I have raised lots of rabbits in cages, a few years ago I had over 100 grow outs and 15 does and 3 bucks. Really backed off on it now, only 2 does and a buck might take it up to 6 does and two bucks. But no more lol.
It’s easy to go big with rabbits. I think we’ve all been there at least once. Pretty soon the chores are out of control. Even just 2 doe’s can fill a freezer! Thanks for watching!
@@TheRabbitryCenter yeah two can fill a freezer but I am giving some to more of my family. I only had so many because somebody offered me 2.25lb for fryers then when I could produce what they wanted per week they decided to tell me somebody else offered them cheaper. Gonna have to also get at it and join your nee channel I am also a beekeeper
We have only cages. We’ve made them 7’x2’x2’ with a divider in the middle that creates two cages when needed. I use the whole cage at times for a large grow out cage giving them lots of hopping and running room. Then I’ll put the divider in and separate the does and bucks at 10 weeks. This cage size (separated) has worked well for all of our breeders as well. Cages set on a rack that keeps them off the ground but still low enough I can open the “lids” and reach into the cages from the top. We attach tarps from the bottom back up over the top and hang down over the front. These can be lifted up and thrown back to access the feeders, etc. In warmer weather the tarps are folded on top. This year we added a solid wood roof that is attached and easily lifts with the lid. All of this has a low enough profile to align with our chain link fence and look tidy. I wasn’t sure my husband’s design was going to work but I must say I have grown to really appreciate the setup for our needs.
I have something similar my husband made. With wooden boxes on the ends.and a divider in the middle. The wood boxes open up from the sides not the top. And the whole thing has a tin roof on it. And its only 1.5 feets from the ground so my little kids can reach in and pet the rabbits. Im hoping my husband can make me something similar but with 2 dividers to make 3 cages that sits on top. And the poop rolls off the tin roof. To the back.
We just made our own version of Turkey burger with rabbits!!! Its not the most efficient way to use rabbits for meat but its a lot more versatile for cooking different recipes, its ground bunny
I'm raising my breeding stock in cages, then my grow outs I'm still trying to figure out, this far I've decided to put them in an enclosed part of the yard so they have room and fresh grass. I came up with this after I seen the rabbits that got loose from the tractor was about twice the size as the ones that stayed in the tractor (they eventually all escaped and I'm still trying to catch) I have to enclose more of the yard ASAP, then I have to separate male and female. I'm hoping the grow outs are grown 100% on grass, thus free to raise after the initial cost of wire.
I appreciate your video, Bobby. As someone who is still fairly new to rabbit keeping, this video made me think and consider why I am doing what I'm doing. The rabbits I have now are all mixed breeds and I decided to try and sell them but if that doesn't work, maybe I'll just fill the freezer.
For new years I combined my Tamuk doe and his mums cages as I was having problems getting her rebred due to him being overweight. Combining the cages made it so they have enough room and the motivation to move around and be social and get back down to a healthy, fit weight. At the same time, the cages keep them safe from our neighborhood owls which have killed a few of my stock in the past and I don’t have to worry about them digging out. Now I’m just monitoring my doe for a hopeful pregnancy. She is a great queen and mother and has surprisingly bonded well to her new cage mate, I am curious to see how her attitude towards him will change as her pregnancy goes along and when I will have to separate them again.
He may try to breed her before her pregnancy even between kits being born so you may need to separate him from her on day 28-29 when she prepares her nest
I'm really enjoying learning from you....I am just starting out in my 'raising rabbits' journey. We currently live in the suburbs...looking for property.....so at the moment we have 2 rabbits (caged). I have positioned my rabbits horizontally alongside each other in own cages. I have noticed with 'Hunni & Arlo' lay next to each other, in their own cages and they seem quite happy....this way they see quite a bit of each other, but in their own space.....looking forward to expanding (eventually).
That's a great way to do it. and you can tell what makes each rabbit happy. Some prefer to be completely alone. with the exception of breeding. Some Like to see others. Sometimes siblings can be bonded I have two sisters that love eachother and cah share a cage as long as neither is nursing. and some like physical contact even as adults. I have one unique adult male, my main breeder who greets me every day when I water him and will even jump into my arms. He likes to see female rabbits but doesn't like to be close to males.
I just found your channel, I've been raising rabbits on and off for years. Can't agree more about the wore bottom comments, they are perfectly safe, but I get plenty of negative comments about them too. Keep up the good work!
If I were to guess the The Fall Off. Purpose. I try to keep my rabbits busy working towards something which always beats not working towards anything. Thanks for watching!
I believe my rabbits are pretty content in their cages. I do hope one day to have at least one colony set up just for the fun of it. I would have to live somewhere else though, too many predators and too many wild rabbits where I am currently located.
After our rabbits have made their contribution and their breeding career is concluded you can build them a safe enclosure. Bury the fencing and enclose the top. This way you can enjoy your rabbits and maintain a healthy production
I didn't realize how far one burrow went and stepped through the dirt roof collapsing it. Luckily no one got hurt. It had rained a bunch so that may have caused the collapse.
Just built a few cages. All 30x30. Should I make a few bigger for nursing rabbits? I have time to do it. Don't even have any rabbits yet. Just starting out. Planning on starting with 2 bucks and 2 does not related and breeding sparingly until I get in the groove.
30x30 will work. Cage space is very limited when mama is raising a big litter the extra 6” will be very much appreciated. In many cases folks build too big it just isn’t necessary when you’re not growing out rabbits. They tend to cuddle until weaned. So everyone has there preference based on their own operation.
Thanks so much for the information on the cages. I live in northern Canada where the temperature drops -50c some days and usually always windy. I have a wooden box attached to my cages that id like to move away from. Besides cover one the top and sides. Do they not need a space where they are completely away from the elements? I felt bad for them and made simple makeshift cages in my green house when the weather was -30- -50c for over a couple weeks
I had raised rabbits in the past in cages and plan on doing it again in the spring. I have 6 total cages, what amount of rabbits would you start with. My plan is meat rabbits for ourselves.
I can't help but disagree. They should have a safe, caged in run. You could still keep them separated for tracking lines and just have separate runs. Saying it's not cruel just because they've never experienced freedom and may be injured doesn't fly for me, its like excusing locking up a kid because they can bruise themselves if they play rough outside. Depriving life enjoyments because of a "what if?" Being able to express their base instincts like digging and moving through grass is deep in their DNA. I've had rabbits growing up and we had an enclosure outside just for them (pets though and outside with supervision, not out all time) and there was an absolute difference of behaviors being displayed compared to their cage. I raise quail for meat and they are another animal abused by being forced into very small quarters bc it's more convenient for the person. I have a quail run for them and being able to see natural behaviors displayed is a gift and a sign they are happy.
We used a tractor. It seemed to work well. If we ever saw a burrow, or the grass was low we would just move the tractor and we never had anyone escape.
I’ve never kept rabbits before, but about a year and a half ago I bought 3 young New Zealand - California cross (2 does and a buck) with the intent of breeding for meat production. The seller told me it’s perfectly fine to breed the brother to his 2 sisters, but as an experienced horse and dog breeder, I have my doubts. So, I haven’t done any breeding yet and have been looking for an unrelated buck, or doe, to get things going. Then last spring, my barn cat caught a baby wild bunny, which she hadn’t harmed, so I took it from her and put it in my “rabbit hotel”. The youngster did fine for a few days until it was eaten by a 5 ft “Black/Rat snake”. It was around dusk when I discovered the snake trying to leave the cage after its meal-its head and first third of its length outside the cage, but the other 2/3 STUCK in the mesh of the cage door, due to the bunny-bolus in its gut. Not knowing (at the time) whether or not it would try to get my other rabbits, I sawed the snake in half with a bone saw and removed it from the cage. It was a horrible and shocking experience for me. I never cared for snakes before and like them even less now! With no previous rabbit experience, I had no idea that the expensive Rabbittech cage system I bought from KW was in any way inadequate. They use 1x2 inch hardware cloth as their “standard” to construct the system and I added the optional “babysaver” for the bottom edge of the cages-but a lot of good THAT did. So now I’m in limbo, just feeding my rabbits-not breeding them at all. HELPFUL commentary appreciated.
Liked your video. You made a comment on not touching the kits is a myth. I came home one night and it was extremely cold. We had two does, one had already kindled the other one had just finished birthing. as they were outside, i was concerned about the cold. So i quickly made a pen in the shop, filled it with hay and then moved each mom and their litter individually. I came back the next day and three were dead. I removed dead ones and gathered the litters together. Two days later another 4 were found under the hay dead. at the end of the week we had only 3 kits still alive. Very disappointing. feel like i let them down. So my question is. Should we not touch the kits for a certain time. can I move them or not. Should i have left them out doors in the cold. They were in a large cage with a good hay filled nest. Thank you
Hi Do you think rolled oats makes a good alternative to rabbit pellets / ie oats and ad lib hay. The cost of pellets in the UK has more or less doubled and I am trying to cut down on their use.
It just keeps going up and up. Oats are a terrific supplement for some extra calories but I wouldn’t consider it a replacement. Pellet is a balanced diet and is an expensive convenience. You can offer up more hay or dry more beneficial greens and store in garage by or shed for winter.
Hi! Very interesting video. You don't speak about rabbit tractors. Do you think it can be a good way of decreasing the food quantity to give the rabbits ? Do you use some ? Thanks for all your tips. I already used some of them.
Is there a way to have something in between a regular cage and a colony? Like, cage-like enclosures on the ground next to each other but they keep each rabbit separated. I ask because I'm kind of worried that regular cages might not work for me. I have short arms so if a cage is even a little too deep, I might not be able to reach the rabbit. That and I personally want to be able to give my future rabbits plenty of space. For context, the rabbits would be breeders for meat buns but the breeders would also be similar to pets.
I know what you mean. The rabbit I'm grabbing is always in the back of the cage. You can always build or have some one build a cage that's 24" deep and 54"wide and 18" tall or try and find one online.
Raise your rabbits in cages. Keep your cages as clean as possible. Feed your rabbits good food which provides good nutrition. Clean water. Stress free environment. Quarantine any new rabbits introduced to the Rabbitry. You can treat with Corrid. amzn.to/34WMd8E
@@TheRabbitryCenter another question about the same topic: if you butcher a rabbit and discover that it had slight coccidiosis, can you still eat it safely or do you have to get rid of it like burning it or something like that?
I want to breed for meat for my family. I want to have buried cooling/warming totes connected to cages but based on the slope of my yard it's just easier to have the cage nearly on the ground and sort of hidden in our plants to keep them out of sight from neighbors. Is having the cage at ground level a good, bad, or neutral idea? They won't be on bare ground but probably an inch or two above, will they still need to be dewormed?
I have a question concerning my rabbit who might be going into birth, she expelled a bloody mass that seems to look like a liver almost and it’s her first time, I can’t feel anything in her belly so I’m not sure but she’s acting fine other than aggressive and losing fur around her behind, poop looks fine and everything. But I’m concerned that maybe it was a false pregnancy or if you had any experience with the bloody mass thing. Please help
@@TheRabbitryCenter ok I’ll try that out. It makes me think it was a false pregnancy or like an abortion but it’s day 32 today. And her teats are profound as if she’s ready to nurse.
I have a hygiene question. I have one doe that always stomps her poop in areas of her cage floor. I have a stiff bristle brush and try to keep it brushed off but it is not perfect; now she has two kits; i don't want to spray any cleaner in there while she or the kits are in there. is there a better way? floor is 14 gauge wire over tray
@@TheRabbitryCenter I am in N TX and it was 54 today; not many days with below freezing temps. will a scraper take off the galvanization and cause the cage floor to rust?
I have helped my children raise show rabbits several years back. Most competitors raised their rabbits communaly, but their results were very inconsistent as some rabbits dominate others at the feed trough, and they get bigger than their siblings, making for an inconsistent litter. We utilized a rabbit, "Condominium methothd whereby all of the rabbits were housed in very close proximity to each other (only being separated by a wire panel) but where each rabbit had it's own food and water sources and didn't share these. This made for a more consistent outcome of results and higher placing litters. Now, my wife and I are considering raising meat rabbits for sale and personal consumption. Does the individullized rabbit condominium (cage) still make sense or is it overkill since.we aren't competing with other litters? We are considering a communal environment until they are eight weeks old and then finishing them out in separate, individualized, 24"x24"x18"(h) until the rabbits are slaughter wieght. Does that sound reasonable for semi-commercial production? Thanks.
People put human emotions onto animals when they shouldn't. We have rabbits in tractors to help maintain the land. We are having to down size in the next couple of years and we will then go onto use cages. I also advise anyone who buys our rabbits to use wire bottom hutches for their health. Xxx
I watch almost every video u upload lately and search for the older ones u have inspired me to get into rabbits agian . I only have 3 right now a one year old new Zeeland blue doe was first I bought 3 months ago and just recently I went to our county fair here in southwestern Michigan and brought home a white Zeeland buck and a black Zeeland doe . Cuz rabbits Are so hard to find like u said in this video it's getting to be lost art . Thanks for all the hard work and ur post you are greatly appreciated. And I'd love to meet up with u one day .
So glad you find the video is helpful. Be sure to let me know if there's anything you need or a video you're looking for if I don't have it I'll make one for you.
I had a weird experience recently with my Rabbit. It kindled 1kit and after 24hrs it kindled 7 more kits. Any ideas why and has anyone experienced same ?
My problem is I started raising rabbits for meat, but it's really hard to not handle baby bunnies and get attached to the point where killing them is an ordeal. It doesn't help that the neighbor kids took an interest in my last litter, so now I have an extra "pet" I can't kill or breed because he's the product of inbreeding and my only does are from his line. Plus side is the family across from us bought a pair of does; I'm antisocial so I don't have much interest in selling them in general.
We all have rabbits for different reasons. Involving the kids isn’t a bad idea though. When raising your animals for food you will still enjoy watching them grow and get to enjoy them before harvesting. 4-H programs include children Raising rabbits breeding processing. Growing meat and vegetables is a terrific skill to teach. It’s very educational and important to learn how to produce and grow your own. Thanks for commenting! Best of luck with your rabbits.
Why cant they be put in cages that are like the size of a tiny green house. Why is the other option Free Range? Snakes and Iguanas might eat them. Some places in Asia have no such thing as wild rabbits.
They can be. There's actually several ways. Cage, colony, indoor, outdoor tractors. The tiny houses are setup for a pet rabbit. Those are built with a very light wood looking composite for indoor use.
No responsible and ethical person who is raising an animal for meat production, where a breeding cycle is involved, would let the animal free range and procreate at will. This is a recipe for disaster. Any competent, thoughtful person engaged in rabbit husbandry, will recognize this immediately. And just because an animal's feet touch the mud, grass or ground, does not mean the operation or the animal is "superior".
Ask yourself a very simple question: "Would I keep a dog or a cat in a tiny cage with a metal wire Bottom?" If your answer is "no", then why would you do it to a rabbit? Rabbits are just as intelligent and smart as any dog or cat.
Thanks for commenting. First let me say, I think you should raise your pet rabbit however you see fit. Most folks free ranging they’re pet rabbit just aren’t familiar with the history of Rabbit farming. But at the end of the day, a rabbit isn’t a dog so it’s comparing apples to oranges. To truly understand why the biggest and best productions raise rabbits in cages, this video will shed some light on why cages are the popular choice. ruclips.net/video/MikAVg3cccE/видео.htmlfeature=shared
@@TheRabbitryCenter No a rabbit isn't a dog. Thank you for stating the obvious. But rabbits are just as smart and has just as much personality as any cat or dog. They can be taught tricks and litter trained. They show show love, affection and loyalty to their owner and other pets. You probably don't know this because you haven't made the effort to get to know one. What you are doing with these rabbits you might as well be doing to a cat or a dog. I understand that you are a farmer and it can be an uncomfortable truth to hear this. It's easier to just ignore it and keep mistreating your rabbits for profit. In the end that is your problem. God have mercy on your soul.
![Why We Broke Up Our Rabbit Colony [Lessons Learned and New Strategy]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hBRF12-dCGs/mqdefault.jpg)
Just an insight from someone who raises colony style.
Our meat rabbit colony is basically predator proof. There is hardware cloth across the bottom and up the sides about 3 feet.
We move our grow outs to a rabbit tractor at 6-7 weeks.
I love the colony set up.
We have a mix. A few rex, new Zealand, a white California and then mutts.
Meat mutt rabbits eat just as well as nice breeds.
My kids also like to be part of our production, and often come into the rabbit pen to feed, love on and learn about the rabbits. Homeschooling at its best.
I will say, I also like the less maintenance aspect of colony raising. I have one large pen (about to set up a second) to maintain instead of multiple cages. With three little kids, less maintenance is great! 😅
Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences
Your channel is the main reason we recently got into developing a small rabbitry. We mainly want it for the manure for gardening. Everything starts with stuff you grow, and rabbit manure is pure gold.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Best of luck with your Rabbitry!
I put cardboard on part of the wire cage to get them off the wire, then toss it if nasty. I give wood to chew with liquid vitamins soaked in.
Been raising rabbits since the 70's, had as many as 300.
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your content! My husband used to have rabbits for meat when he was younger. He wanted to set that up again. As we did research and follow some rabbitry channels he realised that there was a lot of thing he didn't know when he had rabbits and saw what he would like to do different.
We just got Californians and are starting off..thank you for sharing your experiences, it saves us a lot of headaches😊
You’re very welcome thank you for taking the time to write your comment. Best of luck with your Rabbitry!
I have 2 does in enclosure together. It has cement paver floor. I've removed the paver where they poop and covered it with hardware cloth. works, but has to be swept daily. They also have a wire "tunnel " leading to enclosed outside area about 150 sq ft. My buck is separated and doesn't get to use the outside area very much.
I do like it, and sit inside watching them with their babies, though it is more work this way. We have them for meat.
Yours was the channel I watched before getting our rabbits 3 years ago. Thank you for all the good info.
God bless.
That sounds pretty sweet! I bet it's nice to watch them use your set up. Thanks for watching and sharing!
Coming back to watch this video again. Raised meat rabbits in a colony for 3 years never a problem. Moved to a new property on the opposite side of town, redid my same colony and it’s been one train wreck after the other 😔 location will say a lot on if a colony is ever a good option.
Thank you for taking the time to comment . What problems did you have at your new location? Thanks
@@TheRabbitryCenter illness… we moved here in winter, now spring and we have more cotton tails then I can count. I’ve now had a snuffles outbreak I think they got from wild buns. I may have to start over with all my breeders since I hear it isn’t curable. I also learned this area is RHVD2 positive so colony overall is not a good idea.
@@riahsrabbitry9268 thank you for sharing!best of luck with your Rabbitry.
Thanks Bobby. I like cages because it makes poop collection easy!
Best fertilizer production ever!
We just had our first litter. First time mom had 10 kits. But we lost 1 to the cold. It is great watching them grow from day one. I also want to thank you for inspiring me and my family to start raising rabbits. Keep the videos coming we watch all of them. God bless.
That's great! Thank you so much for sharing. I'll be sure to do that.
Thanks you for all good advice on your channel. I get a lot of push back from my co- workers for raising rabbits for meat. But I enjoy raising them so much is the real reason I do it. I love rabbits and I can tell how much they love their life when they are pregnant or kindling litters and my bucks are sweet hearts and give me rabbits cuddles and kisses. My biggest struggle is finding a pace to keep my rabbits happy by breeding them but without over whelming myself with offspring. It is crazy how fast you can have way too many- Even though I try to sell them and I put them in my freezer.
I get push back from my own family. But my house, my rules. I just can't ask for help when I need it.
Thank you for sharing. Philida, I know what you mean.
@@hermithag Same here Janet
People need to understand each other’s needs. On an elimination diet I discovered that I’m allergic to chicken. I’ve been eating only beef, fish and pork for years, so now it’s good to have the rabbit meat.
I had sisters that shared a cage. Eventually I got them their own cages and just so happened we moved one all the way on other side of our hutches. She wasn't happy there one bit. We finally moved her next to her sister and she's finally calmed down. She missed her sister!
We usually put all the doe's on one side and all the bucks on the other. It seems to work well that way and they don't get marked by the bucks thanks for taking the time to comment.
I've been learning and researching about raising rabbits. I plan on making some 36" x36" cage runners that will span my property along side the chicken runs. The rabbit run will lead back to the main garden area where their main home will be.
Best of luck with your cage build and your future rabbitry!
I've raised rabbits for about a year now mostly as pets and fertilizer, I'm in the process of building cages for more rabbits for food and sale thanks for the info
You bet thanks for sharing!
My family has raised in cages for the last 15 years. After reading about behavior and talking to others I hope to have a controlled “colony” when I move out (I’m 18 so it will be a while.) My goal is to have an indoor (like in a garage) space that is about 20’x10’ split in half, grow-outs will be split bucks on one side, does on the other. On the doe side there will be 1-2 separate cages (4’x4’) for the breeding does and the buck side will have the same for the adult breeding bucks.
This all makes a lot more sense when looking at the blue prints I have lol.
Thanks for watching and sharing!
Your vodeo is Great instrument for a starter like myself. Thanks a lot.
Thank you. I enjoy your videos. I started my set up last year and needed help w/ processing. I found your videos informative and give me the courage to do my first processing. I would love to see more of your runs and the different breeds.
Thanks for watching I’ll be sure to add those video ideas to the list
I love raising in cages, I thought about doing a colony setup but really the cons turn me away from it to much of a headache, at least using cages you know when and who is bred, you know dates they should kindle, like you stated you rarely have to deal with disease. I have raised lots of rabbits in cages, a few years ago I had over 100 grow outs and 15 does and 3 bucks. Really backed off on it now, only 2 does and a buck might take it up to 6 does and two bucks. But no more lol.
It’s easy to go big with rabbits. I think we’ve all been there at least once.
Pretty soon the chores are out of control.
Even just 2 doe’s can fill a freezer! Thanks for watching!
@@TheRabbitryCenter yeah two can fill a freezer but I am giving some to more of my family. I only had so many because somebody offered me 2.25lb for fryers then when I could produce what they wanted per week they decided to tell me somebody else offered them cheaper. Gonna have to also get at it and join your nee channel I am also a beekeeper
We have only cages. We’ve made them 7’x2’x2’ with a divider in the middle that creates two cages when needed. I use the whole cage at times for a large grow out cage giving them lots of hopping and running room. Then I’ll put the divider in and separate the does and bucks at 10 weeks. This cage size (separated) has worked well for all of our breeders as well. Cages set on a rack that keeps them off the ground but still low enough I can open the “lids” and reach into the cages from the top. We attach tarps from the bottom back up over the top and hang down over the front. These can be lifted up and thrown back to access the feeders, etc.
In warmer weather the tarps are folded on top. This year we added a solid wood roof that is attached and easily lifts with the lid. All of this has a low enough profile to align with our chain link fence and look tidy.
I wasn’t sure my husband’s design was going to work but I must say I have grown to really appreciate the setup for our needs.
Sounds like a nice cage. Thanks for sharing!
I have something similar my husband made. With wooden boxes on the ends.and a divider in the middle. The wood boxes open up from the sides not the top. And the whole thing has a tin roof on it. And its only 1.5 feets from the ground so my little kids can reach in and pet the rabbits. Im hoping my husband can make me something similar but with 2 dividers to make 3 cages that sits on top. And the poop rolls off the tin roof. To the back.
Your videos have been super helpful for us. We just got rabbits this summer. We have two does that should kindle in a few weeks. Nervous and excited.
That's great. Good luck with your litters!
Very helpful video. In the process of deciding what our setup will be.
I'm so glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching!
We just made our own version of Turkey burger with rabbits!!! Its not the most efficient way to use rabbits for meat but its a lot more versatile for cooking different recipes, its ground bunny
Added some beef fat about an 80/20, it added a lot of flavor.
Thanks for sharing sounds tasty
I'm raising my breeding stock in cages, then my grow outs I'm still trying to figure out, this far I've decided to put them in an enclosed part of the yard so they have room and fresh grass. I came up with this after I seen the rabbits that got loose from the tractor was about twice the size as the ones that stayed in the tractor (they eventually all escaped and I'm still trying to catch) I have to enclose more of the yard ASAP, then I have to separate male and female. I'm hoping the grow outs are grown 100% on grass, thus free to raise after the initial cost of wire.
Thanks for sharing and best of luck with your rabbits!
I appreciate your video, Bobby. As someone who is still fairly new to rabbit keeping, this video made me think and consider why I am doing what I'm doing. The rabbits I have now are all mixed breeds and I decided to try and sell them but if that doesn't work, maybe I'll just fill the freezer.
Im so glad you liked the video. Thanks for commenting! Best of luck with your sales
For new years I combined my Tamuk doe and his mums cages as I was having problems getting her rebred due to him being overweight. Combining the cages made it so they have enough room and the motivation to move around and be social and get back down to a healthy, fit weight. At the same time, the cages keep them safe from our neighborhood owls which have killed a few of my stock in the past and I don’t have to worry about them digging out. Now I’m just monitoring my doe for a hopeful pregnancy. She is a great queen and mother and has surprisingly bonded well to her new cage mate, I am curious to see how her attitude towards him will change as her pregnancy goes along and when I will have to separate them again.
Thank you so much for sharing good luck with your litter!
He may try to breed her before her pregnancy even between kits being born so you may need to separate him from her on day 28-29 when she prepares her nest
I'm really enjoying learning from you....I am just starting out in my 'raising rabbits' journey.
We currently live in the suburbs...looking for property.....so at the moment we have 2 rabbits (caged).
I have positioned my rabbits horizontally alongside each other in own cages. I have noticed with 'Hunni & Arlo' lay next to each other, in their own cages and they seem quite happy....this way they see quite a bit of each other, but in their own space.....looking forward to expanding (eventually).
I am so glad you like the channel thank you for watching! Good luck finding property
That's a great way to do it. and you can tell what makes each rabbit happy. Some prefer to be completely alone. with the exception of breeding. Some Like to see others. Sometimes siblings can be bonded I have two sisters that love eachother and cah share a cage as long as neither is nursing. and some like physical contact even as adults. I have one unique adult male, my main breeder who greets me every day when I water him and will even jump into my arms. He likes to see female rabbits but doesn't like to be close to males.
I just found your channel, I've been raising rabbits on and off for years. Can't agree more about the wore bottom comments, they are perfectly safe, but I get plenty of negative comments about them too.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
I’ll keep them coming
I use larger cages with access to ground and bigger area. And a place to be able to be let out to run sometimes
Thanks for sharing!
Nice video, wondering what makes a rabbit happy, besides basic food & safety?
If I were to guess the The Fall Off. Purpose. I try to keep my rabbits busy working towards something which always beats not working towards anything. Thanks for watching!
my rabbits are my extended family 😁🐇🐇
They make terrific pets!
I believe my rabbits are pretty content in their cages. I do hope one day to have at least one colony set up just for the fun of it. I would have to live somewhere else though, too many predators and too many wild rabbits where I am currently located.
After our rabbits have made their contribution and their breeding career is concluded you can build them a safe enclosure. Bury the fencing and enclose the top. This way you can enjoy your rabbits and maintain a healthy production
Get a Great Pyrenees. No predators even come close.
I didn't realize how far one burrow went and stepped through the dirt roof collapsing it. Luckily no one got hurt. It had rained a bunch so that may have caused the collapse.
They're tough to see sometimes
Just built a few cages. All 30x30. Should I make a few bigger for nursing rabbits? I have time to do it. Don't even have any rabbits yet. Just starting out. Planning on starting with 2 bucks and 2 does not related and breeding sparingly until I get in the groove.
30x30 will work.
Cage space is very limited when mama is raising a big litter the extra 6” will be very much appreciated. In many cases folks build too big it just isn’t necessary when you’re not growing out rabbits. They tend to cuddle until weaned. So everyone has there preference based on their own operation.
How do you control small predators like weasels. Thanks
Try using hardware cloth
The comments are great too.
They are great you’re right
Thanks so much for the information on the cages. I live in northern Canada where the temperature drops -50c some days and usually always windy. I have a wooden box attached to my cages that id like to move away from. Besides cover one the top and sides. Do they not need a space where they are completely away from the elements? I felt bad for them and made simple makeshift cages in my green house when the weather was -30- -50c for over a couple weeks
Thanks for sharing and watching!
@@TheRabbitryCenter I'm curious why you didn't answer her question? Do they not need a space where they are completely away from the elements?
I had raised rabbits in the past in cages and plan on doing it again in the spring. I have 6 total cages, what amount of rabbits would you start with. My plan is meat rabbits for ourselves.
One or two bucks and two doe’s
I’d crossbreed for faster grow rates
I agree, 2 does and a bucks, Leave yourself room to let them grow out in the empty cages so you re- breed the does.
Nice job. God bless y’all
Thank you very much for watching
What about wet tail
I can't help but disagree. They should have a safe, caged in run. You could still keep them separated for tracking lines and just have separate runs. Saying it's not cruel just because they've never experienced freedom and may be injured doesn't fly for me, its like excusing locking up a kid because they can bruise themselves if they play rough outside. Depriving life enjoyments because of a "what if?"
Being able to express their base instincts like digging and moving through grass is deep in their DNA. I've had rabbits growing up and we had an enclosure outside just for them (pets though and outside with supervision, not out all time) and there was an absolute difference of behaviors being displayed compared to their cage.
I raise quail for meat and they are another animal abused by being forced into very small quarters bc it's more convenient for the person. I have a quail run for them and being able to see natural behaviors displayed is a gift and a sign they are happy.
Thanks for sharing!
Great videos, a question if I may. Is there ANY reason why one cannot do a small scale rabbitry indoors?. Thank you.
You can. It's just gonna be more work. They poo and pee alot
The smell isn't pleasant
We used a tractor. It seemed to work well. If we ever saw a burrow, or the grass was low we would just move the tractor and we never had anyone escape.
Thank you for sharing!
I’ve never kept rabbits before, but about a year and a half ago I bought 3 young New Zealand - California cross (2 does and a buck) with the intent of breeding for meat production. The seller told me it’s perfectly fine to breed the brother to his 2 sisters, but as an experienced horse and dog breeder, I have my doubts. So, I haven’t done any breeding yet and have been looking for an unrelated buck, or doe, to get things going.
Then last spring, my barn cat caught a baby wild bunny, which she hadn’t harmed, so I took it from her and put it in my “rabbit hotel”. The youngster did fine for a few days until it was eaten by a 5 ft “Black/Rat snake”. It was around dusk when I discovered the snake trying to leave the cage after its meal-its head and first third of its length outside the cage, but the other 2/3 STUCK in the mesh of the cage door, due to the bunny-bolus in its gut. Not knowing (at the time) whether or not it would try to get my other rabbits, I sawed the snake in half with a bone saw and removed it from the cage. It was a horrible and shocking experience for me. I never cared for snakes before and like them even less now!
With no previous rabbit experience, I had no idea that the expensive Rabbittech cage system I bought from KW was in any way inadequate. They use 1x2 inch hardware cloth as their “standard” to construct the system and I added the optional “babysaver” for the bottom edge of the cages-but a lot of good THAT did.
So now I’m in limbo, just feeding my rabbits-not breeding them at all. HELPFUL commentary appreciated.
Can you be more specific in what I can help you with? Thanks for taking f the time to write your comment.
Liked your video. You made a comment on not touching the kits is a myth. I came home one night and it was extremely cold. We had two does, one had already kindled the other one had just finished birthing. as they were outside, i was concerned about the cold. So i quickly made a pen in the shop, filled it with hay and then moved each mom and their litter individually. I came back the next day and three were dead. I removed dead ones and gathered the litters together. Two days later another 4 were found under the hay dead. at the end of the week we had only 3 kits still alive.
Very disappointing. feel like i let them down. So my question is. Should we not touch the kits for a certain time. can I move them or not. Should i have left them out doors in the cold. They were in a large cage with a good hay filled nest. Thank you
Here's a few videos that you may find helpful youtu.be/CJEBWKSvS
ruclips.net/video/GN-0CCZ9VWs/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/6f4VWg9CS0A/видео.html
Hi..... Bobby love watching your videos, thank you for showing your video 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 👕🐔🐓🐥🐇🌱🎥👍👍👍
Thanks for watching!
Hi
Do you think rolled oats makes a good alternative to rabbit pellets / ie oats and ad lib hay. The cost of pellets in the UK has more or less doubled and I am trying to cut down on their use.
It just keeps going up and up. Oats are a terrific supplement for some extra calories but I wouldn’t consider it a replacement. Pellet is a balanced diet and is an expensive convenience. You can offer up more hay or dry more beneficial greens and store in garage by or shed for winter.
@@TheRabbitryCenter Many thanks for answering my question.
Hi!
Very interesting video.
You don't speak about rabbit tractors. Do you think it can be a good way of decreasing the food quantity to give the rabbits ? Do you use some ?
Thanks for all your tips. I already used some of them.
There was some text regarding that towards the end of the video talking about tractors and Morants they’re excellent hybrid choices
Is there a way to have something in between a regular cage and a colony? Like, cage-like enclosures on the ground next to each other but they keep each rabbit separated.
I ask because I'm kind of worried that regular cages might not work for me. I have short arms so if a cage is even a little too deep, I might not be able to reach the rabbit. That and I personally want to be able to give my future rabbits plenty of space. For context, the rabbits would be breeders for meat buns but the breeders would also be similar to pets.
I know what you mean. The rabbit I'm grabbing is always in the back of the cage. You can always build or have some one build a cage that's 24" deep and 54"wide and 18" tall or try and find one online.
One important question: How do you prevent/ deal with coccidiosis?
Raise your rabbits in cages. Keep your cages as clean as possible. Feed your rabbits good food which provides good nutrition. Clean water. Stress free environment. Quarantine any new rabbits introduced to the Rabbitry. You can treat with Corrid. amzn.to/34WMd8E
@@TheRabbitryCenter thank you! 👍🏼👏🏼
@@TheRabbitryCenter another question about the same topic: if you butcher a rabbit and discover that it had slight coccidiosis, can you still eat it safely or do you have to get rid of it like burning it or something like that?
I want to breed for meat for my family. I want to have buried cooling/warming totes connected to cages but based on the slope of my yard it's just easier to have the cage nearly on the ground and sort of hidden in our plants to keep them out of sight from neighbors. Is having the cage at ground level a good, bad, or neutral idea? They won't be on bare ground but probably an inch or two above, will they still need to be dewormed?
this video will explain why we set our hutches at40" High
ruclips.net/video/gDSpNeRozBw/видео.html
Tell me if I can do rabbitry as the introduction of alternative meat with in community
You can run a rabbitry however you like.
You are a very good inspiration
I appreciate that!
You also don’t know when the does are pregnant in a colony. It makes processing them harder because you never know which are almost ready to kindle
Absolutely. Thanks for commenting!
Thank you
Thanks for watching!
I have a question concerning my rabbit who might be going into birth, she expelled a bloody mass that seems to look like a liver almost and it’s her first time, I can’t feel anything in her belly so I’m not sure but she’s acting fine other than aggressive and losing fur around her behind, poop looks fine and everything. But I’m concerned that maybe it was a false pregnancy or if you had any experience with the bloody mass thing. Please help
I haven't experienced a bloody mass
If your date of birth comes and goes I would re-breed on day 36
@@TheRabbitryCenter ok I’ll try that out. It makes me think it was a false pregnancy or like an abortion but it’s day 32 today. And her teats are profound as if she’s ready to nurse.
I have a hygiene question. I have one doe that always stomps her poop in areas of her cage floor. I have a stiff bristle brush and try to keep it brushed off but it is not perfect; now she has two kits; i don't want to spray any cleaner in there while she or the kits are in there. is there a better way? floor is 14 gauge wire over tray
You can only do so much when temps are freezing. I use a putty knife to scrape and clean the cage floor
@@TheRabbitryCenter I am in N TX and it was 54 today; not many days with below freezing temps. will a scraper take off the galvanization and cause the cage floor to rust?
@@tracybruring7560 no but salt blocks in the cage can cause rust
@@TheRabbitryCenter ok i don't give salt blocks so i will pull out the paint scraper and see if that works; thanks
@@tracybruring7560 I use a plastic putty knife. Works good.
PASSION.......
Thanks for watching!
You can tattoo the ears of rabbits to keep track of them.
thanks for sharing we discuss this in our tattoo video linked below ruclips.net/video/23g7pWHaA8c/видео.htmlfeature=shared
I prefer wire cages👍🥰
Thanks for commenting!
How does the breeding work if they are all siblings in a colony? Does it matter if they interbreed if using for a meet source?
The grow out would be butchered before they reach sexual maturity
Doesn’t effect the meat
@@TheRabbitryCenter ok thank you!
I have helped my children raise show rabbits several years back. Most competitors raised their rabbits communaly, but their results were very inconsistent as some rabbits dominate others at the feed trough, and they get bigger than their siblings, making for an inconsistent litter. We utilized a rabbit, "Condominium methothd whereby all of the rabbits were housed in very close proximity to each other (only being separated by a wire panel) but where each rabbit had it's own food and water sources and didn't share these. This made for a more consistent outcome of results and higher placing litters.
Now, my wife and I are considering raising meat rabbits for sale and personal consumption.
Does the individullized rabbit condominium (cage) still make sense or is it overkill since.we aren't competing with other litters?
We are considering a communal environment until they are eight weeks old and then finishing them out in separate, individualized, 24"x24"x18"(h) until the rabbits are slaughter wieght.
Does that sound reasonable for semi-commercial production?
Thanks.
Thank you for taking the time to comment and I very much appreciate it
Big commercial productions often use 24” x 24” x 16” cages - Rabbit don’t require a lot of room to stay productive.
People put human emotions onto animals when they shouldn't. We have rabbits in tractors to help maintain the land. We are having to down size in the next couple of years and we will then go onto use cages. I also advise anyone who buys our rabbits to use wire bottom hutches for their health. Xxx
Thanks for sharing l!
Great video
Thanks for watching!
I watch almost every video u upload lately and search for the older ones u have inspired me to get into rabbits agian . I only have 3 right now a one year old new Zeeland blue doe was first I bought 3 months ago and just recently I went to our county fair here in southwestern Michigan and brought home a white Zeeland buck and a black Zeeland doe . Cuz rabbits Are so hard to find like u said in this video it's getting to be lost art . Thanks for all the hard work and ur post you are greatly appreciated. And I'd love to meet up with u one day .
So glad you find the video is helpful. Be sure to let me know if there's anything you need or a video you're looking for if I don't have it I'll make one for you.
I had a weird experience recently with my Rabbit. It kindled 1kit and after 24hrs it kindled 7 more kits. Any ideas why and has anyone experienced same ?
Are they all living?
@@TheRabbitryCenter Yes. had just 1still birth from the second batch of kits
Colony all day here.
Thank you for sharing and watching!
My problem is I started raising rabbits for meat, but it's really hard to not handle baby bunnies and get attached to the point where killing them is an ordeal. It doesn't help that the neighbor kids took an interest in my last litter, so now I have an extra "pet" I can't kill or breed because he's the product of inbreeding and my only does are from his line. Plus side is the family across from us bought a pair of does; I'm antisocial so I don't have much interest in selling them in general.
We all have rabbits for different reasons. Involving the kids isn’t a bad idea though. When raising your animals for food you will still enjoy watching them grow and get to enjoy them before harvesting. 4-H programs include children Raising rabbits breeding processing. Growing meat and vegetables is a terrific skill to teach. It’s very educational and important to learn how to produce and grow your own. Thanks for commenting! Best of luck with your rabbits.
@Erika Parks sounds like a terrific setup. Thanks for watching and sharing!
@Erika ParksSounds like your rabbit setup is a good one! Thanks for sharing!
Make a 3 foot wide throw net and or use a large fish net on a pole to catch them.
Why cant they be put in cages that are like the size of a tiny green house. Why is the other option Free Range? Snakes and Iguanas might eat them. Some places in Asia have no such thing as wild rabbits.
They can be. There's actually several ways. Cage, colony, indoor, outdoor tractors. The tiny houses are setup for a pet rabbit. Those are built with a very light wood looking composite for indoor use.
Colony does not work long term, ever.
Lots of challenges when it comes to colony raising
It is challenging to raise rabbits in a colony, their litters were always eaten by my cats and other predators 😔
That sounds aggravating. Thanks for sharing!
What is a Morant? The internet isn’t telling me.
They're rabbit Tractors
Thanks for another great video!
Thanks for watching!
I'm raising rabbits for meat and possibly at some point to sell
Thanks for Watching. Let me know if you need anything
Thank you I just might do that it seems like there's a lot more to it than it seems
But I've learned a lot from watching your videos
No responsible and ethical person who is raising an animal for meat production, where a breeding cycle is involved, would let the animal free range and procreate at will.
This is a recipe for disaster. Any competent, thoughtful person engaged in rabbit husbandry, will recognize this immediately.
And just because an animal's feet touch the mud, grass or ground, does not mean the operation or the animal is "superior".
Thanks for taking the time to share
Ask yourself a very simple question: "Would I keep a dog or a cat in a tiny cage with a metal wire Bottom?" If your answer is "no", then why would you do it to a rabbit? Rabbits are just as intelligent and smart as any dog or cat.
Thanks for commenting. First let me say, I think you should raise your pet rabbit however you see fit. Most folks free ranging they’re pet rabbit just aren’t familiar with the history of Rabbit farming. But at the end of the day, a rabbit isn’t a dog so it’s comparing apples to oranges.
To truly understand why the biggest and best productions raise rabbits in cages, this video will shed some light on why cages are the popular choice. ruclips.net/video/MikAVg3cccE/видео.htmlfeature=shared
@@TheRabbitryCenter No a rabbit isn't a dog. Thank you for stating the obvious. But rabbits are just as smart and has just as much personality as any cat or dog. They can be taught tricks and litter trained. They show show love, affection and loyalty to their owner and other pets.
You probably don't know this because you haven't made the effort to get to know one.
What you are doing with these rabbits you might as well be doing to a cat or a dog. I understand that you are a farmer and it can be an uncomfortable truth to hear this. It's easier to just ignore it and keep mistreating your rabbits for profit. In the end that is your problem. God have mercy on your soul.