You don’t have to make the nest, that’s what the mother does! Go ahead and add a thin layer of shavings (unless it’s summer; if it’s hot weather skip the shavings to lessen the warmth) in the nesting box, and give her access to large amount of hay. She will make the perfect nest for the size and amount of kits she has. And if she’s a really good mom she will even only pull the amount of fur needed, depending on the weather. I have a couple of doe’s that remove and add fur, hay, and even move the litter toward the front or back of the nesting box, all depending on the temperature. And with Texas weather we have all 4 seasons each week, so my mommas have to change the nesting box day to day 😂. Point is, a good Dam can make a perfect nest for her babies on her own. Building the nest is the most crucial part of labor! The rest of your info was awesome, I bet it helps out a lot of people to have a detailed guide! You’re rabbitry setup is quite amazing. Never seen anything like it, gonna check out your other content!
Due to the thumbs up responses to this comment I'll explain why that wouldn't work in our rabbitry. Our nestbox is a backup. In most cases it gets used as a litter box. Day 10 we make up a new nest for the 10 day old kits. We transfer them to a secure grow out cage. Momma can't make a nest after the kits are in the box. So that's what this video is showing. I realize Momma makes her nest before kindling but this is well after she's kindled. She won't make a nest after the fact she'll just use it as a bathroom. Rabbitries don't usually do it this way but I'm showing you how and when to make a nest when using the tote system. Thanks for watching.
I love those ramps to go out to their cooling boxes. I’m in the planning stages of a barn and I want my rabbits to have little tunnels like those to be able to go outside if they choose to their own fenced in exercise area. A note about one of my buns, she gets crazy about “digging a burrow” about day 3 of gestation. She digs in her litter box and make a huge mess. So I put her nesting box in, she is so much happier digging in there. She doesn’t use it for a litter box either. She just digs like a maniac. She’s the only one of my buns that “needs” this. They all have their personalities.
They're all wonderfully different that's for sure. It sounds like your rabbits will enjoy the setup your planning. Good luck with everything and thanks for watching.
Good morning! What do you have around the pipe? Is that foam insulation? Do they chew on it or do the babies chew on it? I’m planning on making the same kind of system for my own rabbits. Thank you in advance.
Hi Bobby My doe was pregnant and was expecting to give birth yesterday, she’s a first time mom and she didn’t set up a nest even though I supplied her with nest box and she didn’t even pull any fur, she gave birth on the wire overnight and unfortunately all the kittens didn’t make it. Should I rebreed her, is she gonna do the same thing again when she’s due, what can I expect and do ?
i made the box just like you said to my rabbit had 5 healthy babies we went on vacation someone was taking care of them when we came home two of them were squished dead was my box too small?
I'm sorry to hear that. It's hard to say. We use that nesting box design at 10 to 14 days old-when the kits are usually jumping in and out of the nesting box. This allows them to easily get into the cluster if needed. Baby rabbits can expire for several reasons and eventually get pushed to the back of a nesting box or to the side of a cage. I will try again and maybe an address that Nesting box design when the kits are a few days older. Best of luck.
Great info and very cool setup... however, I don't understand why the video is called "Stop using nesting boxes." I didn't hear why to stop using them...am I missing that somewhere?
That's a fair question. Nesting boxes are used traditionally for kindling and now we use a Tote for that. So I could've/should've called it Stop using nesting boxes for kindling.
Premium pine wood shavings will not cause any damage to your rabbits. We’ve used them for years - they’re a terrific absorbent -they go on the bottom of all our nesting boxes and kindling totes layered with straw
5:40 that rabbit going backwards is the most entertaining thing I've seen. Your boxes are a great idea, have you ever had a rabbit get stuck in a tube or on a ramp?
We don’t use nesting boxes. We have a 1200 square foot Rabbit colony and we allow the rabbits to burrow and build their own nest... in our colony we have quail, few special chickens, chukars and pheasants all live together in the colony... I love your cooling boxes.... great video....
Hi there, I found your channel a few months ago and have really loved all the info you've shared, thanks! I have a question about your cage setup. I've noticed you have water dishes for your rabbits. Could you do a video explaining why you choose to do the dishes instead of (or in addition to) some kind of automatic watering system? Just curious what your thoughts on it are before I go to the hassle of making a water system. Thanks!
I check daily for expired kits (take mama a few green leaves to munch on) we use totes for kindling but when using nest boxes we swap boxes with a clean one on day 6-7
I have NEVER used nesting boxes I built my hutches spacious with wire floors and a nesting area thats closed off and an access door for me I the back... I stuff it with hay and she does her thing.... works great everytime past 15 years....
@@TheRabbitryCenter thank you for sharing all your videos you are very informative and I do a many many of the same things you do so that's me no I'm not stuck in the old ways. I'm only 38 but I've been doing this since I was 10 years old or so, my grandmother taught me everything.
Have you ever had problems with predators getting at them in the totes? I’ve never bred rabbits but will be starting next very soon. I will be starting with a regular nest box but this tote system really is interesting. We just had a bobcat get a chicken so I’m concerned about predators coming and getting at the tote if I did that.
I have never put bottoms in my nesting boxes. They're just something else to clean. Plus, they allow urine to collect in the box. What I have done instead is to place 4 or 5 layers of cardboard cut to size in them. The cardboard is absorbent, insulative, and it prevents the kits from falling through the cage bottom. Once the box is no longer needed, throw out the cardboard and cut fresh ones for the next litter. The old ones can also be composted.
The Rabbitry Center -The wood chips aren’t necessary, neither is the paper. Cleaning the box every two days is all you need to do. Save some pulled fur to add to the fresh hay/straw. I use hay because I always have it. Remember straw is more insulating than hay, but has no nutritional value. Hay is more absorbent, so change often. I use hay because they will chew on it as they grow and it’s best to introduce them to it as early as possible.
Im breeding rabbits, and i have madr a simple DIY rabbit nest. Its a cat carrier that has all the holes taped shut. This keeps in warmth. My rabbit loves it, and has crammed tons of straw into the back and dug out a little. She ripped so much fur to line the nest and she is ready to be a mama! Its pretty warm down here in florida so hopefully no freezing.
@@TheRabbitryCenter they used to have hutches, but i wanted a different style. Now their cages are on the ground with about a foot of dirt surrounded by concrete. When they were in hutches though and it was hot, i just put a few ice cubes in their water or threw and ice pack in the cage
I can't imagine any freezing in Florida for more than a day but even if that was the case your rabbits are built for the cold and they'd most likely enjoy the change in weather. Our overnight low in Michigan last night was 7 deg F. When I was watering the rabbits this morning they were outside in the snow playing. They do surprisingly well in cold temperatures. It just doesn't effect them the same way it does us. thanks for commenting I enjoyed reading it.
No they just chew it never had a problem and some don’t even chew it for years after installing them. The insulation on the outside of the tote will always hold true
Hey Bobby's my name is Larry Patterson from the state of Washington and I'm having issues we've got two mating pairs and we can't seem to get them to mate we've tried for well over a month and I'm a big keeper also I have better luck with my bees then my rabbits she just Won't lift. Is there a time limit For rabbits getting older and not mate I've heard that if they don't mate young they won't mate at all. R rabbits are about 10 months old Thanks for your input I appreciate your very knowledgeable
I'm sorry to hear that. Can I ask how old the bucks Are? Sometimes when you use an older buck they can convince the doe to lift. Also have you tried swapping cages? here's a video on a few different things you can try. ruclips.net/video/qLD6rMsfC-8/видео.html
Bobby, just found this channel. I love your thinking outside the box. This gives people another option to raise their rabbits and thats always good. My only concern is do they ever try to hop out when u open that lower nesting box?
Pine shavings are an excellent choice for bedding. They're inexpensive, absorbent and odor controlling. Plus some rabbits like to chew and even snack on them. You can rest assured they're non toxic.
I use metal nesting boxes due to being easy upkeep. I place a fitted piece of corrugated box on the bottom 2" of shavings and pack in hay. Mom does the rest. When babies no longer need box. I dump out the old nesting and recycle in compost. Box is amazingly clean and ready to sanitize and for the next kindling time. Wood nest boxes are heavy and really hard to clean up. Plus the doe and babies love chewing the wood which over time destroys the nest box. I have had does chew to the nails holding the boxes together which can sometimes harm the doe or babies. Yes metal boxes are more expensive but last a lifetime...Happy kindling😊
seems like alot of work. My holland lop had babies and all i did was fill a nesting box with a mix of shredded paper, hay, staw, and pine shavings. She made the nest by her self and pulled fur. This is more work than necsassary.
I understand. It's a little different than what people are used to. If you're not losing kits then maybe it's not worth it. But it's not that demanding of a task and we've almost completely stopped having losses. We do this to save the kits lives. We live in Michigan and have very cold temps in the winter and very hot temps in the summer. This prevents frozen kits and heat stroke. This is to save lives period. We transport the kits to the grow out in the nest around day 10-11. We'd leave it to Momma to make the nest but she's already made her nest in the tote. We move the mom first. We make our nest and put the kits in the box. Then we place them in the grow out where mom's waiting. She won't build a nest after the fact. So this is why we do it. This take only 2-3 minutes. Just a few minutes and your preventing any losses. We're all strapped for time but I make it work. These rabbits are worth the few extra minutes in my opinion.
Hello from Bermuda ,my rabbit first litter were still born we have now bread her again after three month what are our chance that the litter will be still born to?
If it happens again that would be a really rough start. It's not that rare to have slow start with breeding. Here's a video with a little more info on that. ruclips.net/video/JhSehCrrkT0/видео.html
Normally no. We've had one rabbit chew the inner surrounding circle to the tile in the tote but they didn't eat it we just had to remove the chewed up foam when we cleaned the tote. The outside seal is still intact and weatherproof.
Yes you’re correct. This video was taken immediately after giving birth in most cases the mama rabbit will make a nest first, a couple days later give birth and then pull fur immediately after and cover. She just didn’t do it yet. Thanks for asking and watching!
@@TheRabbitryCenter Thank you for a quick reply. Can I ask you another question ? I live about an hour away from you and also raise rabbits. Last night one of my rabbits had 8 bunnies, but all of them are dead. Some of them were covered in fur, and some weren't. Do you think it's still too cold outside for them, or there's another reason for it ? It was the first time that rabbit had babies. And we've never lost bunnies before. Not like that. The whole litter. P.S. If that's not the place to ask the question, I'll delete it. Can I call you or something , please ?
This is amazing. I couldn’t help but think, how do you keep coyotes/dogs/foxes out? This is way better than the normal cubes/wire cages I see rabbits in.
@@TheRabbitryCenter I bred rabbits for a few months when I lived in Texas and when it came to the killing part I had a problem and I just finished watching your video about that and I really love your way the best! Hugs hugs hugs and thank you for making it easier for me to eat what I am going to Raise ... I am moving to Arizona soon and my friend that owns the property bought me some rabbits and I have been watching all the videos about saving the fur and skinning them and harvesting the meat! There is so many useful things that you can do with just one rabbit!
I disagree with the notion that they will use their nesting boxes as litter boxes if put in earlier. My does seem to all make their nests on or around day 14. Once I see them packing their mouths full of hay, that’s when I give them a box. And I have never had a doe pee or poop in it.
That's a good question. Does any one have any ideas? Not an emergency but get rabbit comb and nail clippers. Sooner or later some of your kits will get nestbox eye. It's always good to have some saline solution standing by maybe some terramycin or real honey and chamomile. You can decide which route to take. Remember to make sure you inspect your cages frequently and try your best to prevent any predators from getting in. Cages at least 40" in the air.
My first timer took all the hay out and kindled. The kits were all spread out (nesting box) and cold, dead. She had them lightly covered with her fur. Eleven good looking kits 😢😢
I’m sorry to hear that.the first few litters don’t go very smoothly in most cases. Rebreed her in a day or so she’ll lift immediately. Try again Here’s a video covering more ruclips.net/video/JhSehCrrkT0/видео.html
Whitetail I have found kits on cage floor in 40 degree weather looked dead. Put on my chest and after about 2 hours of warmth and me blowing on their face they come back. Have saved them.
@@vixxcottage I tried saving all of them. Put them back in box and she sat on them for over an hour. When I checked again, all but 2 had bloody nails. Fed the 2 and they died within 3 days. It was heartbreaking.
@@vixxcottage **Sorry, didn’t fully explain. I spent 2 hours warming them up. They were all wiggling and warm before I put them back in nest box with her.
I frequently receive this question. I've had a rabbit chew it before so it is possible but they don't consume it. I haven't experienced any health concerns or negative effects. Some just leave it alone.
Thanks for asking. Did you get to watch the whole video? We don't use nesting boxes in the traditional sense. Here's another video that will further explain our operation ruclips.net/video/Pz0tBDRlqR8/видео.html
While this looks very cool and neat, I know from experience that older or disabled breeders/showers are not going to be able to lift that lid, bend over, check the nest, count the kits, remove any dead ones and put it all back together without extreme discomfort or assistance. I've made many, many hundreds of cages over my lifetime and hung them on frames either built under & around trees or in barns. I've always made them just under shoulder height of the user so that reaching into the cages either to remove the doe, wean the kits or put in/remove boxes is as easy as possible. I've tried different types of boxes; shortened front lips (babies tended to get pulled out when the doe hopped out), to drop boxes (special next box sized drops build into the cage floors so if the does has the kits out on the wires they can crawl and fall into the box). I don't even use boxes with half tops for regular boxes anymore as they usually sit up on top and poop all over it. After all my years of experience, the typical nesting box is by far the easiest to use all around. Oh, and they make babysaver wire btw to save on that hardware cloth wrapping. Your set up is fine, and I would say ideal, for people with the ability to lift and move things around (and the yard space for the totes) with ease and only have maybe a half dozen or so rabbits, but those who breed and show their rabbits, especially professionally, having a system like that for 20-30 brood does is not.
Dyna I understand what you are saying. I would not be able to do things this way but it is sure a great alternative. I must do things differently but I have LGD that protect my rabbits and lay by the hutches when 1 kindles. Not everyone has the setup I do and most would not like it but it works for me.
i have for like 100 meat rabbit, new zealand type. i started from 1 male and 5 female. i dont hve issue for the birth. i usually put a box, and some of the old newspaper, magazine or anything paper like. the mother know to handle it very well. no issue so far. they like it.
Welcome to the channel. I'm glad you found us. Let me know it there's a topic you'd like a video on. I'm always looking for ideas. Thanks for subscribing.
I'd recommend breeding your Doe 4 weeks after the Kindling date-give or take a week- or give Momma a longer break, its up to you. Does can be bred a couple days after kindling. wild rabbits are bred hours after kindling. Rabbits are induced ovulators which means they release the eggs after mating. But I'd try to space out your breeding so you don't burn out your Does sooner than you'd like.
she doesn't. She makes it in the tote. We put the kits in the nesting box on day 10 so they can grow out in the grow out cage. Mama makes the nest in the tote before she kindles.
The rabbit runs and cages have buried 2"x 4" fencing so a critter can't get in and the rabbits can't dig out. So far we've never had one loss to a predator. But we've also had to make repairs and that's probably made the difference. Very important to monitor and inspect every few days at least.
A nesting box without an open bottom? Don’t think that’s a good idea- couldn’t the urine soak through and get stuck in there? Making the babies cold? I’m no bunny expert of course but just my two cents haha. Good work!
Good question. We've never used an open bottom. Wood shavings soak up the small amount of urine that the kits pee. Kits stay around 100 degrees as long as they stay clustered. Remove nesting box on week 3 or 4 at the latest. 1" of shavings and their heat keep them dry.
I have a 1.5 meter cage. When she’s preparing her nest, I let her use the cage like if she was in open field , leaving the doors open so that she feels comfortable. And boy she loves it! I think nesting boxes are cruel because they don’t actually do it that way in nature.
I can understand your frustration. Nature is pretty cruel too. Rabbit litter’s in the wild often get eaten and the survival rate is pretty low. A wild rabbits life expectancy is two years or less. After several losses with nesting boxes we finally incorporated our kindling totes to prevent losses and we never looked back. Livestock studies have been done to show that male rabbits will stay productive with .5 ft.² for every pound and .6 ft.² for every pound for nursing doe’s. But more space won’t hurt if you have the room. Thanks for commenting!
There’s a very good chance shell get pregnant and both male rabbits can possibly impregnate Her. Couple years ago I bred a white New Zealand with a red New Zealand and a Californian -half of them came out looking like one buck and the other half came out looking like the other carrying the Cali bucks genes. It was an eye-opening experiment. If you are going to use two bucks. Be sure to use them on the same day so all the embryos on each side of the uterus horns are developing at the same time -this well prevent Still borns.
predators are always conserving energy. It’s always a gamble for them to expel too much that could mean death for them so as long as it’s secure and not easy to open their little arms, can’t rip apart the cages or open up the tops we’ve been running these for over a decade now with zero losses, but I recommend burrowing down a bit to prevent rabbits from Burrowing out.
Our raccoons here are like circus performers. Had one climb (I saw claw marks) the corner of the chicken coop to get through the soffit opening. Drug a chicken back out that way too. I have added latches and chicken wire to absolutely every possibility of access. All my rabbits are inside a chain link enclosure that is electrified with additional hot wires around each hutch's legs. @@TheRabbitryCenter
People should be careful of what shavings they use- make sure they don't have a strong cedar scent because that could be toxic. I use shavings that have no scent at all.
Didn't mean to confuse you-when the Kits reach 10 to 14 days we move them into a grow-out cage this way we can inspect them regularly and have access to them when we need and most importantly we don't have to catch them. This video is a bit dated here’s an updated video showing the new nesting box Here's what we use now. It's a little different ruclips.net/video/Pz0tBDRlqR8/видео.html
Yea all that for the nesting box isn't needed...the bottom should open, the small square chicken wire, the pee and some poop will fall through...way less cleaning.... just straw, and the mom will pull fur....
This is a common curiosity. Not everybody has a Kindling tote so in the meantime here's how to use a nesting box. Thanks for watching! Here's what we use ruclips.net/video/Pz0tBDRlqR8/видео.html
Please allow me to explain. In this video, we share our system where we don’t use nesting boxes until day 10 which isn’t the traditional way to raise rabbits. And since we uploaded this video, we started using a different nesting box for day 10. That video is the link below. ruclips.net/video/Pz0tBDRlqR8/видео.htmlfeature=shared
Running a Rabbitry can keep you busy but your heart has to be in it. It can expand quickly and before you know it the chores are out of control. Wintertime is also rough on the person raising them. If you don’t mind me asking What was the hardest part for you? Thanks
@@TheRabbitryCenter I started this little farm in September 2020. I have 3 pigs, 27 chickens, 2 turkeys, 6 rabbits and 2 ducks. Looking to get a couple sheep this year. I’m 67, single and do everything myself. I make compost with a chicken tractor, and am building 2- 4x20 raised beds plus a 6’x 250’ food forest and also making two small ponds and a Hügelkultur mound. The rabbits are in cages and I have to tote water to them each day. If I can make a hutch to keep them nearer the house it would help a lot. For me it is the intricacies of the hutch, cooling, nesting, birthing boxes and wanting to get away from store bought feed. I’m not into the breeding complexities and simply want meat and rabbit pooh. Checking for ear lice and all of that is taking me away from doing other more important tasks, like a perimeter fence, earthworks to halt the erosion, finishing my house, having running water and hot water in the house, a flush toilet, shower and kitchen sink. I do t have a tractor but I also need to dig for a septic and drain field, grease trap for gray water, and a storm/root cellar, etc. Then comes heating. After that, rainwater catchment for the animals and gardens. Not to mention there are 5-8 acres behind me that need to be whipped into pasture. So fidgeting with rabbits is not something I want to take much of my time. If all these other tasks were finished, maybe. I still have chores and gardens to attend to.
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I love the burried houses as a place for the rabbit to go get cool in the heat or warm in winter! Thank you - I will be doing this for my rabbits!
I'm glad you found it helpful.
You don’t have to make the nest, that’s what the mother does! Go ahead and add a thin layer of shavings (unless it’s summer; if it’s hot weather skip the shavings to lessen the warmth) in the nesting box, and give her access to large amount of hay. She will make the perfect nest for the size and amount of kits she has. And if she’s a really good mom she will even only pull the amount of fur needed, depending on the weather. I have a couple of doe’s that remove and add fur, hay, and even move the litter toward the front or back of the nesting box, all depending on the temperature. And with Texas weather we have all 4 seasons each week, so my mommas have to change the nesting box day to day 😂. Point is, a good Dam can make a perfect nest for her babies on her own. Building the nest is the most crucial part of labor! The rest of your info was awesome, I bet it helps out a lot of people to have a detailed guide! You’re rabbitry setup is quite amazing. Never seen anything like it, gonna check out your other content!
Hey CHIoE748, thanks for watching and I appreciate the advice. I'll take that into consideration.
Due to the thumbs up responses to this comment I'll explain why that wouldn't work in our rabbitry.
Our nestbox is a backup. In most cases it gets used as a litter box. Day 10 we make up a new nest for the 10 day old kits. We transfer them to a secure grow out cage. Momma can't make a nest after the kits are in the box. So that's what this video is showing. I realize Momma makes her nest before kindling but this is well after she's kindled. She won't make a nest after the fact she'll just use it as a bathroom. Rabbitries don't usually do it this way but I'm showing you how and when to make a nest when using the tote system. Thanks for watching.
I love those ramps to go out to their cooling boxes. I’m in the planning stages of a barn and I want my rabbits to have little tunnels like those to be able to go outside if they choose to their own fenced in exercise area.
A note about one of my buns, she gets crazy about “digging a burrow” about day 3 of gestation. She digs in her litter box and make a huge mess. So I put her nesting box in, she is so much happier digging in there. She doesn’t use it for a litter box either. She just digs like a maniac. She’s the only one of my buns that “needs” this. They all have their personalities.
They're all wonderfully different that's for sure. It sounds like your rabbits will enjoy the setup your planning. Good luck with everything and thanks for watching.
That Robin is singing it's heart out
Good morning! What do you have around the pipe? Is that foam insulation? Do they chew on it or do the babies chew on it? I’m planning on making the same kind of system for my own rabbits. Thank you in advance.
Great stuff
Here’s a video sharing more
Also check our our playlist showing how to build them ruclips.net/video/XsugHQxiGRA/видео.html
Thanks for the info about the rabbits nest! You seem to care about your rabbits. They are beautiful.
You're very welcome. I recommend rabbits to everyone. They bring me a lot of joy. Thank you for watching.
@@TheRabbitryCenter Your welcome! Now that I have them so will I!
Hi Bobby
My doe was pregnant and was expecting to give birth yesterday, she’s a first time mom and she didn’t set up a nest even though I supplied her with nest box and she didn’t even pull any fur, she gave birth on the wire overnight and unfortunately all the kittens didn’t make it. Should I rebreed her, is she gonna do the same thing again when she’s due, what can I expect and do ?
i made the box just like you said to my rabbit had 5 healthy babies we went on vacation someone was taking care of them when we came home two of them were squished dead was my box too small?
I'm sorry to hear that. It's hard to say. We use that nesting box design at 10 to 14 days old-when the kits are usually jumping in and out of the nesting box. This allows them to easily get into the cluster if needed. Baby rabbits can expire for several reasons and eventually get pushed to the back of a nesting box or to the side of a cage. I will try again and maybe an address that Nesting box design when the kits are a few days older.
Best of luck.
Great info and very cool setup... however, I don't understand why the video is called "Stop using nesting boxes." I didn't hear why to stop using them...am I missing that somewhere?
That's a fair question. Nesting boxes are used traditionally for kindling and now we use a Tote for that. So I could've/should've called it Stop using nesting boxes for kindling.
Great video. I was curious how to make a nesting box. Thanks for videos very good job.
You may like this video ruclips.net/video/rZFwdw6Zu2I/видео.htmlfeature=shared
What if safari ants get in there and get my poor rabbit and kits? Looks like a good ides but I'm not sure if it will work in my area.
I read on google that pine is bad to use for rabbit bedding, and I am kinda new to owning rabbits and so is it actually ok to use pine as bedding?
Premium pine wood shavings will not cause any damage to your rabbits.
We’ve used them for years - they’re a terrific absorbent -they go on the bottom of all our nesting boxes and kindling totes layered with straw
do the rabbits not chew on the insulating foam that you spray on?
Some do and some don’t. Our bucks tend to chew a bit more. But it doesn’t bother them most likely because they don’t eat it.
U can use j clips to attach the hardware cloth . Get the best quality j clip pliers to make this and assembling cages actually fun !
Here's a video on how we do it
ruclips.net/video/hSdZb9Q4J9c/видео.html
5:40 that rabbit going backwards is the most entertaining thing I've seen.
Your boxes are a great idea, have you ever had a rabbit get stuck in a tube or on a ramp?
No but I have seen rabbits attempt to turn around on the ramp
Mine does it too. It’s so funny!
We don’t use nesting boxes. We have a 1200 square foot Rabbit colony and we allow the rabbits to burrow and build their own nest... in our colony we have quail, few special chickens, chukars and pheasants all live together in the colony... I love your cooling boxes.... great video....
Your colony sounds awesome. Thanks for commenting.
Mine dig holes and ascape. Vleas is a problem. When they dig they end up in water.
Hi there, I found your channel a few months ago and have really loved all the info you've shared, thanks! I have a question about your cage setup. I've noticed you have water dishes for your rabbits. Could you do a video explaining why you choose to do the dishes instead of (or in addition to) some kind of automatic watering system? Just curious what your thoughts on it are before I go to the hassle of making a water system. Thanks!
Yes, absolutely should be uploaded in a few days
thanks
hi. how long before you replace a wooden nestbox?
I check daily for expired kits (take mama a few green leaves to munch on) we use totes for kindling but when using nest boxes we swap boxes with a clean one on day 6-7
Have you ever had a issue with fleas or anything like that being in the ground
Yes we will. When we do we will give our rabbits a light dust bath of diatomaceous earth
I have NEVER used nesting boxes I built my hutches spacious with wire floors and a nesting area thats closed off and an access door for me I the back... I stuff it with hay and she does her thing.... works great everytime past 15 years....
Thanks for sharing!
@@TheRabbitryCenter thank you for sharing all your videos you are very informative and I do a many many of the same things you do so that's me no I'm not stuck in the old ways. I'm only 38 but I've been doing this since I was 10 years old or so, my grandmother taught me everything.
Have you ever had problems with predators getting at them in the totes? I’ve never bred rabbits but will be starting next very soon. I will be starting with a regular nest box but this tote system really is interesting. We just had a bobcat get a chicken so I’m concerned about predators coming and getting at the tote if I did that.
No predators have killed any rabbits in our totes and runs but they do get our chickens too from time to time. Mostly hawks during free range.
I have never put bottoms in my nesting boxes. They're just something else to clean. Plus, they allow urine to collect in the box. What I have done instead is to place 4 or 5 layers of cardboard cut to size in them. The cardboard is absorbent, insulative, and it prevents the kits from falling through the cage bottom. Once the box is no longer needed, throw out the cardboard and cut fresh ones for the next litter. The old ones can also be composted.
nice. So you don't need to buy wood chips?
thanks for sharing.
Oh damn, i never thought about that. Good idea
The Rabbitry Center -The wood chips aren’t necessary, neither is the paper. Cleaning the box every two days is all you need to do. Save some pulled fur to add to the fresh hay/straw. I use hay because I always have it. Remember straw is more insulating than hay, but has no nutritional value. Hay is more absorbent, so change often. I use hay because they will chew on it as they grow and it’s best to introduce them to it as early as possible.
Hi.... Thank you 🎥👍👍👍
Beautiful rabbits
Thank you very much!
Wow You have spent a lot of money on those rabbits.
Increíble sistem
I enjoy raising them. They’re a terrific addition to any property. Thanks for watching.
Im breeding rabbits, and i have madr a simple DIY rabbit nest. Its a cat carrier that has all the holes taped shut. This keeps in warmth. My rabbit loves it, and has crammed tons of straw into the back and dug out a little. She ripped so much fur to line the nest and she is ready to be a mama! Its pretty warm down here in florida so hopefully no freezing.
that's awesome. Thanks for sharing that. I bet they really benefit from burrowing down in florida. Do you lose many rabbits to heat stroke?
@@TheRabbitryCenter they used to have hutches, but i wanted a different style. Now their cages are on the ground with about a foot of dirt surrounded by concrete. When they were in hutches though and it was hot, i just put a few ice cubes in their water or threw and ice pack in the cage
I can't imagine any freezing in Florida for more than a day but even if that was the case your rabbits are built for the cold and they'd most likely enjoy the change in weather. Our overnight low in Michigan last night was 7 deg F. When I was watering the rabbits this morning they were outside in the snow playing. They do surprisingly well in cold temperatures. It just doesn't effect them the same way it does us. thanks for commenting I enjoyed reading it.
do they ever eat the spray foam insulation in the tote?
No they just chew it never had a problem and some don’t even chew it for years after installing them. The insulation on the outside of the tote will always hold true
my rabbits will eat anything i swear ,lol
With that setup do you risk predators pulling the tops off to get into the totes?
The tops are too heavy for predators to move. Unless the predator is a bear.
In 5-6 years we haven't had one move even a little
I love rabbits they're so cute and lovable
Thanks I enjoy caring for them.
Thanks for watching!
Hey Bobby's my name is Larry Patterson from the state of Washington and I'm having issues we've got two mating pairs and we can't seem to get them to mate we've tried for well over a month and I'm a big keeper also I have better luck with my bees then my rabbits she just Won't lift. Is there a time limit For rabbits getting older and not mate I've heard that if they don't mate young they won't mate at all.
R rabbits are about 10 months old
Thanks for your input I appreciate your very knowledgeable
I'm sorry to hear that. Can I ask how old the bucks Are? Sometimes when you use an older buck they can convince the doe to lift. Also have you tried swapping cages? here's a video on a few different things you can try. ruclips.net/video/qLD6rMsfC-8/видео.html
Bobby, just found this channel. I love your thinking outside the box. This gives people another option to raise their rabbits and thats always good. My only concern is do they ever try to hop out when u open that lower nesting box?
No. I haven't had one try they usually just bolt through if I see them.
What is the minimum size cage does a doe need with babies
36"x 30 x 18 will hold momma and a litter well. We use 30"x 30" x 18" for 1-2 rabbits. Many people use 24" cages for single rabbits as well.
2 by 3 foot and a nesting box
@@planetbunny5808 I'm not sure if this is a question or an answer
Glad I found you!! I subscribed.!!! Watching for more videos!!!
you're awesome thank you for that
I’ve herd not to use pine bedding for rabbits ?
Pine shavings are an excellent choice for bedding. They're inexpensive, absorbent and odor controlling. Plus some rabbits like to chew and even snack on them. You can rest assured they're non toxic.
Hello from Romania by Ferma Gradina Bio!
I use metal nesting boxes due to being easy upkeep. I place a fitted piece of corrugated box on the bottom 2" of shavings and pack in hay. Mom does the rest. When babies no longer need box. I dump out the old nesting and recycle in compost. Box is amazingly clean and ready to sanitize and for the next kindling time. Wood nest boxes are heavy and really hard to clean up. Plus the doe and babies love chewing the wood which over time destroys the nest box. I have had does chew to the nails holding the boxes together which can sometimes harm the doe or babies. Yes metal boxes are more expensive but last a lifetime...Happy kindling😊
Thank you for sharing!
seems like alot of work. My holland lop had babies and all i did was fill a nesting box with a mix of shredded paper, hay, staw, and pine shavings. She made the nest by her self and pulled fur.
This is more work than necsassary.
I understand. It's a little different than what people are used to. If you're not losing kits then maybe it's not worth it. But it's not that demanding of a task and we've almost completely stopped having losses.
We do this to save the kits lives. We live in Michigan and have very cold temps in the winter and very hot temps in the summer. This prevents frozen kits and heat stroke. This is to save lives period. We transport the kits to the grow out in the nest around day 10-11. We'd leave it to Momma to make the nest but she's already made her nest in the tote. We move the mom first. We make our nest and put the kits in the box. Then we place them in the grow out where mom's waiting. She won't build a nest after the fact. So this is why we do it. This take only 2-3 minutes. Just a few minutes and your preventing any losses. We're all strapped for time but I make it work. These rabbits are worth the few extra minutes in my opinion.
Hello from Bermuda ,my rabbit first litter were still born we have now bread her again after three month what are our chance that the litter will be still born to?
If it happens again that would be a really rough start. It's not that rare to have slow start with breeding. Here's a video with a little more info on that.
ruclips.net/video/JhSehCrrkT0/видео.html
How do you clean the tote?
check out our new video-we cover that
ruclips.net/video/CZXYG0gPTZk/видео.html
Thanks for the video! We are just getting into meat rabbits.
Do your rabbits eat the foam?
Normally no. We've had one rabbit chew the inner surrounding circle to the tile in the tote but they didn't eat it we just had to remove the chewed up foam when we cleaned the tote. The outside seal is still intact and weatherproof.
I've noticed there was no fur in the nest after the birth. Wasn't she supposed to pull some fur from her belly and cover the litter with it ?
Yes you’re correct. This video was taken immediately after giving birth in most cases the mama rabbit will make a nest first, a couple days later give birth and then pull fur immediately after and cover. She just didn’t do it yet.
Thanks for asking and watching!
@@TheRabbitryCenter Thank you for a quick reply. Can I ask you another question ? I live about an hour away from you and also raise rabbits. Last night one of my rabbits had 8 bunnies, but all of them are dead. Some of them were covered in fur, and some weren't. Do you think it's still too cold outside for them, or there's another reason for it ? It was the first time that rabbit had babies. And we've never lost bunnies before. Not like that. The whole litter. P.S. If that's not the place to ask the question, I'll delete it. Can I call you or something , please ?
Does straw keep anything cool? Does it work for winter?
straw helps insulate. So it will most definitely help.
Thanks
This is amazing.
I couldn’t help but think, how do you keep coyotes/dogs/foxes out?
This is way better than the normal cubes/wire cages I see rabbits in.
Its fenced in on the bottom and our dog Roxie does her routine patrols.
Thank you 💕
You are so welcome
@@TheRabbitryCenter I bred rabbits for a few months when I lived in Texas and when it came to the killing part I had a problem and I just finished watching your video about that and I really love your way the best! Hugs hugs hugs and thank you for making it easier for me to eat what I am going to Raise ... I am moving to Arizona soon and my friend that owns the property bought me some rabbits and I have been watching all the videos about saving the fur and skinning them and harvesting the meat! There is so many useful things that you can do with just one rabbit!
I disagree with the notion that they will use their nesting boxes as litter boxes if put in earlier. My does seem to all make their nests on or around day 14. Once I see them packing their mouths full of hay, that’s when I give them a box. And I have never had a doe pee or poop in it.
That’s surprising most rabbits do
My nesting box built into my rabbit house they never used it for litter the sleep in it and they make babies in it
wow this is a lot smarter than normal boxes!
I’m glad you like it we’ve used them for years you may June this video too
ruclips.net/video/XsugHQxiGRA/видео.html
@@TheRabbitryCenter I've been doing a lot of research cause I wanna have meat rabbits one year
KEEP IT UP YOU GREAT CONTENT APPRECIATED
Thanks for watching
Starting a meat rabbits what would you use for a rabbit emergency kit.
That's a good question. Does any one have any ideas?
Not an emergency but get rabbit comb and nail clippers.
Sooner or later some of your kits will get nestbox eye. It's always good to have some saline solution standing by maybe some terramycin or real honey and chamomile. You can decide which route to take.
Remember to make sure you inspect your cages frequently and try your best to prevent any predators from getting in. Cages at least 40" in the air.
Cool idea
It's working great and I really wanted to share it with rabbit breeders and farmers. Thanks for watching.
Good Day This vlogs is very informative and im glad that i learned so much
Thanks for watching
My first timer took all the hay out and kindled. The kits were all spread out (nesting box) and cold, dead. She had them lightly covered with her fur. Eleven good looking kits 😢😢
I’m sorry to hear that.the first few litters don’t go very smoothly in most cases. Rebreed her in a day or so she’ll lift immediately. Try again
Here’s a video covering more ruclips.net/video/JhSehCrrkT0/видео.html
Whitetail I have found kits on cage floor in 40 degree weather looked dead. Put on my chest and after about 2 hours of warmth and me blowing on their face they come back. Have saved them.
@@vixxcottage I tried saving all of them. Put them back in box and she sat on them for over an hour. When I checked again, all but 2 had bloody nails. Fed the 2 and they died within 3 days. It was heartbreaking.
@@vixxcottage **Sorry, didn’t fully explain. I spent 2 hours warming them up. They were all wiggling and warm before I put them back in nest box with her.
I just put a piece of 2 by 4 up and that works just fine
Thanks for sharing
Awsome rabbit habitat
I use old plastic shopping baskets so if they do end up using it as a potty it goes through
Thanks for sharing
All right but . . . is that spray foam safe for rabbits?
I frequently receive this question. I've had a rabbit chew it before so it is possible but they don't consume it. I haven't experienced any health concerns or negative effects. Some just leave it alone.
Pretty cool
thanks for watching and commenting.
Where do you get the cages ?
Tractor Supply Co. Good Price
That's fantastic!!
Thank you for sharing your experience.🇺🇸💘🇺🇸💘🇺🇸
You're very welcome. thanks for watching.
Your setting up a nesting box and yet the title of your video says stop using the nesting boxes. Which is it ?
Thanks for asking.
Did you get to watch the whole video?
We don't use nesting boxes in the traditional sense. Here's another video that will further explain our operation
ruclips.net/video/Pz0tBDRlqR8/видео.html
And here's another one because your a madfisherman ruclips.net/video/fuewgrtDpAo/видео.html
they don't eat the spray foam?
I tried using the foam in my chick coop...… they eat it and it does make them sick and killed a few.
That was something I thought also. Where I live the totes would be torn apart by predators and they would go on a killing spree!
While this looks very cool and neat, I know from experience that older or disabled breeders/showers are not going to be able to lift that lid, bend over, check the nest, count the kits, remove any dead ones and put it all back together without extreme discomfort or assistance. I've made many, many hundreds of cages over my lifetime and hung them on frames either built under & around trees or in barns. I've always made them just under shoulder height of the user so that reaching into the cages either to remove the doe, wean the kits or put in/remove boxes is as easy as possible. I've tried different types of boxes; shortened front lips (babies tended to get pulled out when the doe hopped out), to drop boxes (special next box sized drops build into the cage floors so if the does has the kits out on the wires they can crawl and fall into the box). I don't even use boxes with half tops for regular boxes anymore as they usually sit up on top and poop all over it. After all my years of experience, the typical nesting box is by far the easiest to use all around. Oh, and they make babysaver wire btw to save on that hardware cloth wrapping. Your set up is fine, and I would say ideal, for people with the ability to lift and move things around (and the yard space for the totes) with ease and only have maybe a half dozen or so rabbits, but those who breed and show their rabbits, especially professionally, having a system like that for 20-30 brood does is not.
This system wouldn't work for everyone everywhere that's for sure
Dyna I understand what you are saying. I would not be able to do things this way but it is sure a great alternative. I must do things differently but I have LGD that protect my rabbits and lay by the hutches when 1 kindles. Not everyone has the setup I do and most would not like it but it works for me.
What a great set up you have there!!!
Thanks for watching I appreciate you commenting.
How do you keep ants out of the kindling boxes? We live in Texas and are plagued with fire ants and they get into EVERYTHING!
D.E. and tangle trap
They cooling system is awesome. Nice setup and looks easy to clean out.
I'm glad you like it. It works great. Thanks for watching
nice video .. thank you for sharing your ideas....
You're very welcome. Thanks for watching.
Wow, very cool setup. And love Rachel and Monica. 😉
I love this idea! We live in AZ. We get bobcats etc. out here. Are the totes predator proof?
47 states have bobcats.
i have for like 100 meat rabbit, new zealand type. i started from 1 male and 5 female. i dont hve issue for the birth. i usually put a box, and some of the old newspaper, magazine or anything paper like. the mother know to handle it very well. no issue so far. they like it.
Thanks for sharing
How do you deal with the babies urine in the kendal tote?
I fill the tote with chips and straw before kindling and after removing the litter to the grow out cage at 10 days. It's just like a big nesting box.
Bro I love your set up!!!!! I’m totally subscribing.......bummed I just found your channel!!!!!
Welcome to the channel. I'm glad you found us. Let me know it there's a topic you'd like a video on. I'm always looking for ideas. Thanks for subscribing.
I hope we can communicate you personaly and help us to import your rabbit here in the Philippines
I'll keep the videos rolling but I won't be able to help with importing. Unfortunately you'd have to pick up your rabbits
How many rabbits you own
It goes up and down because we're always selling them. 20-30 on average.
@@TheRabbitryCenter I only have 8 and one of them has babies otw
that's awesome. good luck with your litter. @@ravenspets5242
Hi
Hi. New Sub here. Just learning about raising rabbits before we jump in. Enjoying your channel. Stop in...say hi 👍
great idea! happy rabbits taste better too
you're probably right. Thanks for watching
How long before the rabbit is able to breed again?
A rabbit is able to breed the next day after she give birth. But in a small rabbit shi is able to breed after 7 months
I'd recommend breeding your Doe 4 weeks after the Kindling date-give or take a week- or give Momma a longer break, its up to you. Does can be bred a couple days after kindling. wild rabbits are bred hours after kindling. Rabbits are induced ovulators which means they release the eggs after mating. But I'd try to space out your breeding so you don't burn out your Does sooner than you'd like.
Feel the roar
That's a very small nest for that big bunny to birth in how does she do it
she doesn't. She makes it in the tote. We put the kits in the nesting box on day 10 so they can grow out in the grow out cage. Mama makes the nest in the tote before she kindles.
@@TheRabbitryCenter how does she feed them when in the wooden neste
@@curiousgeorge6921 She hops in for 8-10 minutes and hops out. She'll only nurse her litter a couple times a day for a few minutes and that's it.
Rabbitey center what happenss if dogs get back in around or fox arent worried they'll get your rabbit cooling boxs, kill rabbits and bunnies ????
The rabbit runs and cages have buried 2"x 4" fencing so a critter can't get in and the rabbits can't dig out. So far we've never had one loss to a predator. But we've also had to make repairs and that's probably made the difference. Very important to monitor and inspect every few days at least.
I don't understand what your saying, but if i do, i would like it
A nesting box without an open bottom? Don’t think that’s a good idea- couldn’t the urine soak through and get stuck in there? Making the babies cold?
I’m no bunny expert of course but just my two cents haha. Good work!
Good question. We've never used an open bottom. Wood shavings soak up the small amount of urine that the kits pee. Kits stay around 100 degrees as long as they stay clustered. Remove nesting box on week 3 or 4 at the latest. 1" of shavings and their heat keep them dry.
I have a 1.5 meter cage. When she’s preparing her nest, I let her use the cage like if she was in open field , leaving the doors open so that she feels comfortable. And boy she loves it! I think nesting boxes are cruel because they don’t actually do it that way in nature.
I can understand your frustration. Nature is pretty cruel too. Rabbit litter’s in the wild often get eaten and the survival rate is pretty low. A wild rabbits life expectancy is two years or less. After several losses with nesting boxes we finally incorporated our kindling totes to prevent losses and we never looked back.
Livestock studies have been done to show that male rabbits will stay productive with .5 ft.² for every pound and .6 ft.² for every pound for nursing doe’s.
But more space won’t hurt if you have the room. Thanks for commenting!
What happens if you use two man rabbit to breed a female rabbit on the same day
There’s a very good chance shell get pregnant and both male rabbits can possibly impregnate
Her. Couple years ago I bred a white New Zealand with a red New Zealand and a Californian -half of them came out looking like one buck and the other half came out looking like the other carrying the Cali bucks genes.
It was an eye-opening experiment.
If you are going to use two bucks. Be sure to use them on the same day so all the embryos on each side of the uterus horns are developing at the same time -this well prevent
Still borns.
If I have questions about my bun bun can u help me the best u can?
Sure how can I help
@@TheRabbitryCenter 👍
what keeps the raccoons from just opening those things up for a free buffet?
predators are always conserving energy. It’s always a gamble for them to expel too much that could mean death for them so as long as it’s secure and not easy to open their little arms, can’t rip apart the cages or open up the tops we’ve been running these for over a decade now with zero losses, but I recommend burrowing down a bit to prevent rabbits from Burrowing out.
Our raccoons here are like circus performers. Had one climb (I saw claw marks) the corner of the chicken coop to get through the soffit opening. Drug a chicken back out that way too. I have added latches and chicken wire to absolutely every possibility of access. All my rabbits are inside a chain link enclosure that is electrified with additional hot wires around each hutch's legs. @@TheRabbitryCenter
People should be careful of what shavings they use- make sure they don't have a strong cedar scent because that could be toxic. I use shavings that have no scent at all.
we use pine
I'm confused. The title says 'stop using nesting boxes' then you went on to describe using a nesting box 🤷🏻♀️?!?!?!?!
Didn't mean to confuse you-when the
Kits reach 10 to 14 days we move them into a grow-out cage this way we can inspect them regularly and have access to them when we need and most importantly we don't have to catch them. This video is a bit dated here’s an updated video showing the new nesting box
Here's what we use now. It's a little different ruclips.net/video/Pz0tBDRlqR8/видео.html
Rabbits will build their own nest, all u have to do is throw the material in the cage.
Joe They've already kindled in the tote.
I transfer them in that nesting box to the grow out
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏👍
Hello to you, thank you for watching.
Go Lions
Lets at least make the playoffs LIons
I miss having pets rabbit again ...
I agree. Rabbits are a terrific addition to any family.
These are not pets, that's obvious.
😍😍😍
Yea all that for the nesting box isn't needed...the bottom should open, the small square chicken wire, the pee and some poop will fall through...way less cleaning.... just straw, and the mom will pull fur....
Rats and preditors cans get them
That would be bad. We don't have rats in this part of Michigan. No losses to predators. We keep them fenced in.
Dude where's your hay it's gone
I should know I have rabbit's and I give the unlimited amount's of hay
Bobby you like that Facebook guy
What Facebook guy are you referring to?
Title: Stop using nesting boxes. Video: how to use nesting boxes.
This is a common curiosity.
Not everybody has a Kindling tote so in the meantime here's how to use a nesting box. Thanks for watching!
Here's what we use ruclips.net/video/Pz0tBDRlqR8/видео.html
DON'T USE NESTING BOXES!
Here's how we use nesting boxes.
that’s correct!
@@TheRabbitryCenter So it made sense to you, or was it just clickbait?
Please allow me to explain. In this video, we share our system where we don’t use nesting boxes until day 10 which isn’t the traditional way to raise rabbits. And since we uploaded this video, we started using a different nesting box for day 10. That video is the link below.
ruclips.net/video/Pz0tBDRlqR8/видео.htmlfeature=shared
I’ve decided that rabbits are way too much work for me.
Running a Rabbitry can keep you busy but your heart has to be in it. It can expand quickly and before you know it the chores are out of control. Wintertime is also rough on the person raising them.
If you don’t mind me asking What was the hardest part for you? Thanks
@@TheRabbitryCenter I started this little farm in September 2020. I have 3 pigs, 27 chickens, 2 turkeys, 6 rabbits and 2 ducks. Looking to get a couple sheep this year. I’m 67, single and do everything myself. I make compost with a chicken tractor, and am building 2- 4x20 raised beds plus a 6’x 250’ food forest and also making two small ponds and a Hügelkultur mound. The rabbits are in cages and I have to tote water to them each day. If I can make a hutch to keep them nearer the house it would help a lot.
For me it is the intricacies of the hutch, cooling, nesting, birthing boxes and wanting to get away from store bought feed.
I’m not into the breeding complexities and simply want meat and rabbit pooh. Checking for ear lice and all of that is taking me away from doing other more important tasks, like a perimeter fence, earthworks to halt the erosion, finishing my house, having running water and hot water in the house, a flush toilet, shower and kitchen sink. I do t have a tractor but I also need to dig for a septic and drain field, grease trap for gray water, and a storm/root cellar, etc. Then comes heating. After that, rainwater catchment for the animals and gardens. Not to mention there are 5-8 acres behind me that need to be whipped into pasture.
So fidgeting with rabbits is not something I want to take much of my time. If all these other tasks were finished, maybe. I still have chores and gardens to attend to.