New to Rabbits

[MissPrissy]

My breeding stock is show quality Californians. I use wire cages suspended from the ceiling in a 3 sided area of the barn for ventilation. My breeders have cages that are 48x 30. They do get some free time in a secure run to play and roam. For the most part the big does seem more happy stretched out in their pens dozing than being forced to play in a run. I use water bottles, crock and the standard feeders as well as hanging mineral/salt wheels. They also get things to play with.

 

[Swamp Roo]

Thanks everyone. Even just putting down a piece of wood and a small "cave" would make me feel better (rabbits too I hope). I have enough wild rabbits that are thriving year round, that I plan on having a friend come out and fly his red tailed hawk. The chickens are going to FREAK! Luckily I have netting over the run. Local predators aren't keeping up, and I'm afraid of a population crash in the next few years. With my luck whatever bug would be airborne, and take out my rabbits too. The point is, there is plenty of fodder out here year round, plenty of grass and weeds to cut and dry. Plenty of bushes. I'll play with the ratio of pellets so they aren't just "getting by" like the wild rabbits, although they breed like well... rabbits. Thanks for the antibiotic advice, it meshes with my thoughts. Sick animals get treated, but I don't just want to treat willy nilly. Didn't realize New Zealands came in other colors, cool.

Swamp