Things you wish you knew before breeding rabbits

[EverythingDucks]

Not too long at all! Very valuable information. Can you litter train intact rabbits? I've read that they might scent mark a lot if not fixed. The set up I got is wire bottoms, but I plan to only use them for night time safety. I'll cover the bottoms and back so they have full coverage from the elements and predators. I'll also be adding a roof. I have a ton of little rabbit triangles, like little tractors, so I can put them out on the grass until we build a run. I am of the mindset of kindness when raising food and feel like a happy life is important even if it's a short one.

You can definitely litter train intact buns. It won't be quite as easy, but most rabbits poop and pee in one corner anyways, so it shouldn't be too difficult.

And once the babies are old enough that they can hop around the cage it'll be easy since they'll be starting young. Though there will be lots of coco puffs..

Sounds like you're going to have a great setup! Be sure to share some pictures, I'm sure other members could get some inspiration from you.

And I completely agree with you on being sure your animals have a happy life before being used for food. I plan on raising quail and chickens for meat in the future, and the most important thing to me is that they have a happy life.

 

[MegInTexas]

They don't always breed like bunnies. My does typically get a 3 strikes and you're out policy. I find that letting them run around in the grass together tends to put my does in the mood better than being in the cage.

 

[MadamContrary]

They don't always breed like bunnies. My does typically get a 3 strikes and you're out policy. I find that letting them run around in the grass together tends to put my does in the mood better than being in the cage.

I saw an interesting set up that put all the pens in a circle around a breeding pen on the ground, they would put the male in a few hours before the female so he could scent mark everything and then add the doe when he finished up and calmed down. All the other rabbits could see them in action and they claimed it seemed to help untried rabbits figure it out faster. I like the idea of them getting as much out of cage time as is safe to do.

 

[Kiki]

I just scored a free 7 cage breeder set up for rabbits and I have had the idea of breeding on the back burner for the past year because I've been very focused on breeding quail. So now that housing is covered, and I have the feed on hand already from other uses, I see no reason to wait on learning the proper husbandry techniques. Hit me with your wisdom!

I am so jealous!
Pics of set up?

 

[MadamContrary]

I am so jealous!
Pics of set up?

It's nothing fancy yet, but it's a good foundation. Have to replace the doors and repair one corner. As soon as I get the platform framed out I'll snap some pictures

Keep an eye on your local craigslist free section!

 

[bruceha2000]

They don't always breed like bunnies.

That is what my Dad and Stepmother found out.

All the other rabbits could see them in action

Bunch of voyeurs!!!!

 

[HillGuy]

If you have a wire floor, put in a tile or 2 so they have a place to get their feet off the wire. The tile is really easy to clean if it get soiled. If meat rabbits, owning a copy of Storey's Guide to Raising Rabbits is a worthwhile investment.