The rabbit thread

[KFhunter]

I situated the hutch under a cottonwood tree and put cedar planks to block the evening sun.


They get to see the sunrise but by 8am they're in partial shade, and by 11 they're in full shade.

[Fishstiq]

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!!!

[grundy53]

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!!!

I froze gallon milk jugs full of water.

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[Widgeondeke]

perk of being in the trade, but frozen porcelain(not ceramic) tiles. They can lay on them and don't take up as much room in the freezer.

During fair we will use the frozen water bottles.

Good luck

[KFhunter]

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.

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.

[Mark Brenckle]

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.

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.

  How did this work out for you?  Bunnies all lounged out in their trpical oasis?

[KFhunter]

I'll post it up when I get it done..




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 

[KFhunter]

OK time to breed them. 
So do I toss the doe in with the buck and wait for it?

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[Widgeondeke]

To start. There are a few different ways, but never put the buck in does cage     
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 

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.

[KFhunter]

ok one doe ran circles around the cage and finally piled up in the corner all hunched up tail down scared to death.  I think he got her once as he fell off.  I'll try her again in the AM when it's cool out still.

[Special T]

Looking for luv in all the wrong places!

[Widgeondeke]

Thats typical.
Thats why I listed #3. Some does just dont cooperate 

[montana44mag]

I raised rabbits for 2 years and had many successful litters, here is what I used to do alot to get does to breed.

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!

[Machias]

Did your does ever take?

[KFhunter]

My does have taken twice now 

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.