Post by: KFhunter on July 15, 2014, 09:37:36 PM
built a hutch out of scrap wood I had laying around, scrap hinges too. The tin and OSB are new though.
I got some water bottles on the front but there is a watering system I built behind the cages. There is nipples stuck in a 3/4 PVC pipe while I'll circulate low psi heated water with a pond pump in a heated water tank. Should keep ice free *cross fingers*
Anyone got NZW's around Spokane or north hit me up!
Post by: ghosthunter on July 15, 2014, 10:21:46 PM
They raise heck with small bunnies.
They will be attracted to the smell of the feed.
Post by: KFhunter on July 15, 2014, 10:35:14 PM
Fashion some metal skirts around the legs to. Keep rats from climbing up the legs.
They raise heck with small bunnies.
They will be attracted to the smell of the feed.
no rats here, lot's of field mice and gophers...no norway rats.
Post by: Widgeondeke on July 16, 2014, 11:34:19 AM
If on FB, try searching for rabbit groups in the area. Search for District 1 ARBA - hundreds of breeders on there ;)
Post by: KFhunter on July 19, 2014, 07:08:19 PM
I'm going to skirt the 4x4 legs with some cheap plywood or OSB and run an evaporative cooler from the bottom to blow up through the cages and out the top. Can breed all summer long that way by keeping them cool :tup:
I'll hinge the front so I can lift the skirt and still shovel out the fertilizer.
Post by: SniperDanWA on July 20, 2014, 09:09:12 AM
Post by: Fishstiq on July 20, 2014, 09:36:03 AM
I can't remember where I got this pic, but I like the design.
That's the one I built a couple years ago. It worked great! The thread...
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,132764.msg1769216.html#msg1769216 (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,132764.msg1769216.html#msg1769216)
Post by: KFhunter on July 20, 2014, 04:33:06 PM
You still raising rabbits?
Post by: Fishstiq on July 20, 2014, 05:07:30 PM
We have lots of cottontails around our place, so when I feel like rabbit it's not a problem to pick one off. :tup:
Post by: SniperDanWA on July 20, 2014, 06:11:38 PM
I can't remember where I got this pic, but I like the design.
That's the one I built a couple years ago. It worked great! The thread...
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,132764.msg1769216.html#msg1769216 (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,132764.msg1769216.html#msg1769216)
Yeah, I really liked that setup.
Post by: KFhunter on July 20, 2014, 07:41:33 PM
Nope, got out of it. It turned into to big of a PITA when my work picked up and I couldn't keep up with it. Also, those little buggers stink to high heaven!!! :chuckle:
We have lots of cottontails around our place, so when I feel like rabbit it's not a problem to pick one off. :tup:
I imagine the barrels without drains would stink pretty good. I don't remember the last rabbit hutch similar to the one I pictured above as stinking.
but of course that was a long time ago too
I don't think they stink too bad when you let all the poo fall to the ground and it's kept shoveled out pretty good. The hutch is right in the garden so I can just shovel it right onto the raised garden beds.
I STILL don't have any rabbits in it yet though lol
Hard to find this time of year people lay off the breeding in the heat.
Post by: Widgeondeke on July 22, 2014, 11:01:10 AM
Nope, got out of it. It turned into to big of a PITA when my work picked up and I couldn't keep up with it. Also, those little buggers stink to high heaven!!! :chuckle:
We have lots of cottontails around our place, so when I feel like rabbit it's not a problem to pick one off. :tup:
I imagine the barrels without drains would stink pretty good. I don't remember the last rabbit hutch similar to the one I pictured above as stinking.
but of course that was a long time ago too
I don't think they stink too bad when you let all the poo fall to the ground and it's kept shoveled out pretty good. The hutch is right in the garden so I can just shovel it right onto the raised garden beds.
I STILL don't have any rabbits in it yet though lol
Hard to find this time of year people lay off the breeding in the heat.
It must be an Eastside thing to lay off breeding. We breed all year long. I currently have 21 kits, ranging from 2 weeks to 10 weeks. 2 more leaving tonight to another breeder who wants our lines. :IBCOOL:
If I had larger meat breeds I'd hook ya up. 8)
If you use wood pellets for animal bedding, it really cuts down on the smell. Way better than shavings.
I kno a Rex breeder that always has rabbits to cull.
Post by: KFhunter on July 23, 2014, 08:23:38 PM
got a NZW tattooed buck coming hopefully here soon.
Also got dibs on a tattooed California buck.
guess that's what I get for posting a wanted ad on ARBA website :chuckle:
All these show rabbits! Well, as long as they eat good :tup:
Post by: KFhunter on July 29, 2014, 04:28:12 PM
Nope, got out of it. It turned into to big of a PITA when my work picked up and I couldn't keep up with it. Also, those little buggers stink to high heaven!!! :chuckle:
We have lots of cottontails around our place, so when I feel like rabbit it's not a problem to pick one off. :tup:
I imagine the barrels without drains would stink pretty good. I don't remember the last rabbit hutch similar to the one I pictured above as stinking.
but of course that was a long time ago too
I don't think they stink too bad when you let all the poo fall to the ground and it's kept shoveled out pretty good. The hutch is right in the garden so I can just shovel it right onto the raised garden beds.
I STILL don't have any rabbits in it yet though lol
Hard to find this time of year people lay off the breeding in the heat.
It must be an Eastside thing to lay off breeding. We breed all year long. I currently have 21 kits, ranging from 2 weeks to 10 weeks. 2 more leaving tonight to another breeder who wants our lines. :IBCOOL:
If I had larger meat breeds I'd hook ya up. 8)
If you use wood pellets for animal bedding, it really cuts down on the smell. Way better than shavings.
I kno a Rex breeder that always has rabbits to cull.
too hot
I just lost a little buck I had planned to use as a breeder. Was fine this AM been eating / drinking good but when the weather topped 100 today he kicked off.
3 does left in the hutch, all are panting pretty good but alive still. Need to get something in quick for cooling even if it's frozen 2 liter bottles.
Going to rig up copper coils they can lay on and pump cool water through.
Post by: Mark Brenckle on July 29, 2014, 05:15:50 PM
Post by: KFhunter on July 29, 2014, 05:44:38 PM
They get to see the sunrise but by 8am they're in partial shade, and by 11 they're in full shade.
Post by: Fishstiq on July 29, 2014, 06:27:11 PM
Post by: grundy53 on July 29, 2014, 07:13:23 PM
I did the frozen 2 liter bottle thing, they seemed to really like it. You have to have a bunch though, as I recall they like chewing holes in them once they thaw!!!:yeah: I froze gallon milk jugs full of water.
sent from my typewriter
Post by: Widgeondeke on July 30, 2014, 01:29:13 PM
During fair we will use the frozen water bottles.
Good luck
Post by: KFhunter on July 30, 2014, 04:54:45 PM
Then I'll run water from the copper coil to a mister and run cold ground water through it.
The mister would be setup so it wouldn't get the rabbits wet, just cool the hutch roof and general area.
Post by: Mark Brenckle on July 31, 2014, 02:14:38 PM
thinking about coiling up some 1/4 inch copper tubing and gluing it to the bottom of a 12"x12" porcelain tile, then gluing a pine backer board to insulate and protect the copper tubing. Like a sandwich with the copper coil in the center.How did this work out for you? Bunnies all lounged out in their trpical oasis?
Then I'll run water from the copper coil to a mister and run cold ground water through it.
The mister would be setup so it wouldn't get the rabbits wet, just cool the hutch roof and general area.
Post by: KFhunter on July 31, 2014, 04:28:57 PM
Using frozen 1/2 gallon mason jars and misters for the time being. Just can't fill the jar up past 3/4 full and lay it sideways to freeze and it works fine, nice thing is they can't chew holes in it :tup:
Post by: KFhunter on August 27, 2014, 04:54:03 PM
So do I toss the doe in with the buck and wait for it?
sent from the toilet seat
Post by: Widgeondeke on August 27, 2014, 08:47:36 PM
1. Place doe with buck. Leave in for 30-60 minutes
2. Use a neutral place like a table with carpet square
3. Actually put doe in position and place buck on her.
If not in a cage, be careful as the buck falls off when complete. Had one fall off our table :chuckle:
You want the buck to "finish" at least twice . First time may have been blanks. Clean out the pipes. he will grunt and fall over. We will sometimes repeat approximately 8 hours later.Usually results in larger litters as both horns of uterus are fertilized.
Approximately 24 days later put in the nest box. Give her some hay or wood chips to make the nest with. Around day 29 she will pull hair and kindle on day 30. Average is 28-31 days.
Ours are almost always 30-31 , except one time was 33 days.
Post by: KFhunter on August 28, 2014, 04:16:18 PM
Post by: Special T on August 28, 2014, 04:29:59 PM
Post by: Widgeondeke on August 28, 2014, 11:14:11 PM
Thats why I listed #3. Some does just dont cooperate :dunno:
Post by: montana44mag on August 28, 2014, 11:59:12 PM
If the doe has her tail tucked with her face in the corner it probably wont work, I found it helps alot to "wine and dine" them first.
Put a puppy pen out on grass or partition off a small grassy run, throw in some dandelions or veggie scraps as well. After a few minutes of sniffing it out she should start to hop around and do 180 degree spin jumps called "binkies", (look it up) next, the goal is to get the male in the run/cage while she is distracted.
Now be ready to separate them if necessary, as rabbits can have nasty fights, just pick them up like a big kitten if you need to separate.
Usually, if she was doing the binky jumps she will present and allow 1 or 2 breedings, after that she will not let him breed but will often tolerate hanging out for awhile, sometimes even cuddling post-coitus.
As said before, NEVER PUT HIM IN HER CAGE, except in the situation I described above, in NEW, neutral territory with lush grass or edible plants and room to jump around a bit, but small enough to catch them, 6'x8' would be about perfect.
Also I found rabbits are much happier and productive in larger cages then are typically used, and can do very well in a "tractor' setup.
I would give them bedding material at 27-28 days and would usually get a litter on day 31.
Make sure to handle your does and spoil them, so when they get broody and cranky they will still tolerate you and wont stomp any kits.
GOOD LUCK!
Post by: Machias on November 04, 2014, 12:22:48 PM
Post by: KFhunter on November 11, 2014, 07:26:31 PM
Problem is they're birthing on the wire, not sure what's going on with that yet. Thinking about changing out the nest boxes for something a little more bird house like. Sure would like to get to the bottom of that issue.
Post by: Machias on November 16, 2014, 05:39:25 PM
Post by: Widgeondeke on November 18, 2014, 08:52:43 AM
Young does? If I had a doe do it more than once I would change her out.:yeah:
Only had 1 litter born on the wire in the last 4 years. That doe was culled out.
We breed for both quality and temperment since our rabbits double for 4-H
KEEP THE BEST, GET RID OF THE REST :tup:
Post by: Fishstiq on December 06, 2014, 09:02:10 AM
The best mom I had laid her first litter on the wire, she figured it out the 2nd time though and was great after that. New mom jitters I guess...
If she did it twice.... Yeah, crock pot time.
Post by: KFhunter on December 15, 2014, 03:57:51 PM
none on the wire and all snug and warm in the nest box. I pulled a good wad of hair last night though and helped her out some, she gave birth and so I got a bunch of warm kits in the box this morning. She pulled more hair and did a good job. :tup:
Post by: Machias on December 15, 2014, 07:30:27 PM
Post by: Special T on December 16, 2014, 09:26:51 AM
Post by: KFhunter on December 16, 2014, 09:50:09 AM
:yike:
I thought it deserved it's own thread so I deleted it here and moved it to off topics
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,167053.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,167053.0.html)
Post by: jasnt on December 22, 2014, 11:08:27 AM
3rd times a charm.we've had some of our first and second time moms birth on the wire,I think its just in experience. One tip for keeping them cool is a concrete block. 8x16x1" patio paver. Helps them cool off and helps keep their claws short. They will lay on it when it gets hot
none on the wire and all snug and warm in the nest box. I pulled a good wad of hair last night though and helped her out some, she gave birth and so I got a bunch of warm kits in the box this morning. She pulled more hair and did a good job. :tup:
Post by: KFhunter on March 30, 2015, 07:47:17 PM
one doe that wouldn't breed made rabbit dumplings, awesome :EAT: I'm temped to let all the rabbits grow full size just for these dumplings they were that good. Chicken dumplings can't hold a candle to rabbit dumplings.
I let the fryers grow up a wee bit too much, I need to butcher sooner they got too big and too chewy for a fryer.
I'm saving all the front legs and freezing them together for a huge rabbit wing (think buffalo wings) feast this summer.
Post by: jasnt on March 30, 2015, 11:32:25 PM
The rabbitry is going in high gear now :tup:ive had prairie dog wings that were amazing. I'd bet those rabbit wings are too!!
one doe that wouldn't breed made rabbit dumplings, awesome :EAT: I'm temped to let all the rabbits grow full size just for these dumplings they were that good. Chicken dumplings can't hold a candle to rabbit dumplings.
I let the fryers grow up a wee bit too much, I need to butcher sooner they got too big and too chewy for a fryer.
I'm saving all the front legs and freezing them together for a huge rabbit wing (think buffalo wings) feast this summer.
Post by: Stickerbush on June 06, 2016, 08:50:54 AM
Post by: KFhunter on June 06, 2016, 10:21:57 AM
most of my does have been replaced except one, now I've got 4 young cali/nzw cross does and one nzw purebred left over from my original 3. I'll cull the young does after they show me if they can raise a litter or not.
I was holding on to doe's too long not anymore. On the first litter I expect losses but if they show signs of nesting I'll give them another try (pull hair, move hay to make nest etc)
2nd litter I expect some losses but not the whole litter
3rd litter I expect a few dead but most of the litter survive
4 and up I'll tolerate 1 maybe 2 dead but I want at least 10 alive and thriving
Also found I need to keep them bred more, any long pauses in litters it's almost like they forget what's up. A successful doe if left un-bred too long might loose litters again when you start back up. You have better success if you keep them pumping out kits, it's a commitment! I like to time the breeding so I'm butchering every 9 weeks roughly (1 month gestation, 5 weeks growth) I'd rather butcher a bunch all at once, make it a production.
Biggest difference with meat rabbits vs show rabbits is very high culling rates for meat breeds. Meat rabbit you're breading for food and dead kits don't make food, secondly you breed for carcass quality. It's difficult to achieve both high (successful) birth rates and carcass quality.
Show rabbits you breed for conformation almost exclusively and will tolerate low birth rates if the doe puts out fantastic looking kits.
Post by: jackelope on June 06, 2016, 11:31:30 AM
Still putting rabbit in the freezer :tup:A lot of the meat breeders I've talked to will tell you that a good meat animal is a good show animal. Good show animals = Good carcass and flesh quality, body structure, etc.
most of my does have been replaced except one, now I've got 4 young cali/nzw cross does and one nzw purebred left over from my original 3. I'll cull the young does after they show me if they can raise a litter or not.
I was holding on to doe's too long not anymore. On the first litter I expect losses but if they show signs of nesting I'll give them another try (pull hair, move hay to make nest etc)
2nd litter I expect some losses but not the whole litter
3rd litter I expect a few dead but most of the litter survive
4 and up I'll tolerate 1 maybe 2 dead but I want at least 10 alive and thriving
Also found I need to keep them bred more, any long pauses in litters it's almost like they forget what's up. A successful doe if left un-bred too long might loose litters again when you start back up. You have better success if you keep them pumping out kits, it's a commitment! I like to time the breeding so I'm butchering every 9 weeks roughly (1 month gestation, 5 weeks growth) I'd rather butcher a bunch all at once, make it a production.
Biggest difference with meat rabbits vs show rabbits is very high culling rates for meat breeds. Meat rabbit you're breading for food and dead kits don't make food, secondly you breed for carcass quality. It's difficult to achieve both high (successful) birth rates and carcass quality.
Show rabbits you breed for conformation almost exclusively and will tolerate low birth rates if the doe puts out fantastic looking kits.
:dunno:
I've also heard from a guy who was crossing NZ's with something else and quit doing that because the pure NZ's were nicer meat animals than the crosses. He's eliminated all his crosses and runs only pure NZ white's now.
As far as culling goes, show animals get culled too, as babies mostly. Or they become free pets for someone else. No sense in feeding animals that won't show. I'd venture to say more show animals get culled than meat animals do(except when it's time to process I guess).
Post by: KFhunter on June 06, 2016, 12:27:56 PM
All mine came from the same breeder who focused on showing them above all else as she was in the show circuit, I learned a lot on what makes a great meat rabbit carcass but have been plagued with lost litters.
I'm doing my part, I use an alarm calendar to make sure the nest boxes are prepped and in the hutches on time. I think drop in nest boxes would have saved a large number of kits. I want to rebuild my hutch.
Post by: jackelope on June 06, 2016, 12:45:10 PM
Those guys/gals are probably a little further along than I am and have been culling for many generations.
All mine came from the same breeder who focused on showing them above all else as she was in the show circuit, I learned a lot on what makes a great meat rabbit carcass but have been plagued with lost litters.
I'm doing my part, I use an alarm calendar to make sure the nest boxes are prepped and in the hutches on time. I think drop in nest boxes would have saved a large number of kits. I want to rebuild my hutch.
If you're not using the drop in nest boxes, I bet you that's your problem. I bought a couple of them made out of plywood. I understood they insulate better than the metal ones so I went with them. They look easy enough to make. I can post some pics later on if you want.
I've only bred one litter so far and it was a 8 month old dutch. She kindled 7, 3 were on the wire and didn't live. 4 in the box and they all lived. We only kept 1 that we thought was show quality but she's got a DQ. My kid shows them all with 4H and ARBA.