I really don't know much about breeding rabbits, or raising meat rabbits, as my bunny is just a pet.
Rabbits actually do great in the winter. As long as they have shelter from wind and snow, and
somthing on the roof to keep rain out. Summers are what you should worry about. Rabbits cannot
sweat, and therefore need help staying cool in the summer. You could hook a fan up and put it
facing the cage, along with frozen water bottles with a blanket laying over them for the rabbit to lay
on.
Rabbits ARE expensive. You cannot just feed them pellets. It's not a healthy diet. They need fresh
leafy greens
<Daily> Along with UNLIMITED timothy hay
<Daily> And pellets. Which, in
all, gets expensive.
A rabbit's teeth are much like a rodents and never stop growing, so you need a
few toys for them to chew on to grind them down, or else you'll be making vet visits,
as their teeth can get so overgrown, & makes it impossible for them to eat, and they die of
starvation. Timothy hay not only keeps their sensitive digestive track clean and free of
blockages, but it also grinds down their back teeth. They do need grooming, because
of the fact they are like cats, and clean themselves, if they ingest enough hair, it can
cause blockages in the digestive system.
Bedding, as well gets expensive. Pine and cedar can cause problems. The glossy sales
paper you find in newspaper has toxic ink. I use the black and white newspaper, which from
what I've learned is OK. I'd also recommend aspen or carefresh for beddings. I'd imagine you
will have them on wire, which is OK, as long as they have a solid spot to get away from the wire.
Their feet need a break every now and then. You can get small carpet sqaures for this or a simple
peice of cardboard, which will be chewed, But is easily replacable. You need to predator proof
your cage. Locks on the doors work well, sturdy FiNE wire helps. Rabbits chew like all get out,
so if they can get their teeth around the wire - It will be chewed
into sooner or later.
Good luck With your Rabbits
ScissorChick
