Rabbit hutch questions

[Duke6017]

I am thinking about getting some rabbits this spring and I would like to get some suggestions in regards to rabbit hutches. My plan is to get 1 buck and 2 does. So obviously I will need at least 3 pens in the hutch. However, I would imagine I will need at least 1 extra pen for babies once they are separated from momma until its time to process them. My question is 2 parts I guess. If I keep 1 buck and 2 does will I need 2 extra pens (5 total) to keep potentially 2 litters, or will 1 extra pen work as long as I schedule my breeding's accordingly so that 1 litter is in the pen while the other litter is being raised in the doe's pen. Also, as long as the pen is large enough is it ok to keep all of the young ones in one pen after separating from the doe? Any advice yall can provide for a newbie would be great.

PS. I just started keeping chickens last spring and received great advice from everyone here! It has helped me become very successful and we are getting tons of eggs even through these winter months so far! I knew this would be the place to seek help when I decided to raise rabbits as well.

 

[SA Farm]

I am thinking about getting some rabbits this spring and I would like to get some suggestions in regards to rabbit hutches. My plan is to get 1 buck and 2 does. So obviously I will need at least 3 pens in the hutch. However, I would imagine I will need at least 1 extra pen for babies once they are separated from momma until its time to process them. My question is 2 parts I guess. If I keep 1 buck and 2 does will I need 2 extra pens (5 total) to keep potentially 2 litters, or will 1 extra pen work as long as I schedule my breeding's accordingly so that 1 litter is in the pen while the other litter is being raised in the doe's pen. Also, as long as the pen is large enough is it ok to keep all of the young ones in one pen after separating from the doe? Any advice yall can provide for a newbie would be great.

PS. I just started keeping chickens last spring and received great advice from everyone here! It has helped me become very successful and we are getting tons of eggs even through these winter months so far! I knew this would be the place to seek help when I decided to raise rabbits as well.

I would definitely recommend having at least the 2 extra cages/pens even if you stagger your breedings. It's always good to have an extra or two in case your grow-outs start fighting or you have an ill or injured baby that needs to be separated. It's also wise to separate based on gender to prevent fighting and/or early breeding.
Many breeders keep their young rabbits together with no worries, but I won't take the risk personally. I separate genders at 8 weeks. Either split them into two cages, or leave the does with their mother and pull out the boys. I've left the doe daughters with their mother until about a week before she's due again quite often without a problem.

 

[Duke6017]

Does anyone know if it is ok to paint a hutch? I am going to build my own, and was wondering if there is anything to worry about when it comes to the rabbits possibly chewing on the lumber/plywood.

 

[Lloydc]

I recommend painting the outside but not the inside unless there is no edges that can be chewed. Use Oil Based Paint for the outside.