Sara Ranch
Overrun with beasties
I am working on next year's Ranch Plan. Adding rabbits is part of that plan.
I've watched and listened to others in the area have many failures with their rabbits, breeding, and eating endeavors. I have definitely learned a few things that I will NOT be doing. (Thanks guys!)
My goal is to have hardy meat rabbits that I can breed. I'd like to sell the rabbits and well as process the rabbits for eating. This past summer, there were a few days when the heat was 120-128. UGH. The majority of the time, there is a gentle breeze blowing. And at times, there is a high wind. So far, this winter, temps have dropped down to 15.
In reading this forum, I read about "colonizing" the rabbits. I love the idea, but not sure I could do it here. I am on top of a mountain. Lots of rocks in the ground.
I have seen wire cages set out in the open with a tarp over the tops.
I have seen wire cages set out in the open with 3 sides solid, with only the door as wire mesh.
I have seen wire cages (all sides) out in the open.
I have seen wire cages in a barn, no access to direct sunlight.
I have seen mobile tractors with a small bowl of pellets attached with a single rabbit in it.
What breed of rabbits would you recommend?
What type of housing would you recommend?
What type of feed would you recommend? (I currently have all my other animals on pasture, supplemented with feed.)
Where would you recommend I get the rabbits?
What to look for on the rabbit to ensure it's healthy? (Or what are the red flags with the rabbit to look for?)
Thanks!
I've watched and listened to others in the area have many failures with their rabbits, breeding, and eating endeavors. I have definitely learned a few things that I will NOT be doing. (Thanks guys!)
My goal is to have hardy meat rabbits that I can breed. I'd like to sell the rabbits and well as process the rabbits for eating. This past summer, there were a few days when the heat was 120-128. UGH. The majority of the time, there is a gentle breeze blowing. And at times, there is a high wind. So far, this winter, temps have dropped down to 15.
In reading this forum, I read about "colonizing" the rabbits. I love the idea, but not sure I could do it here. I am on top of a mountain. Lots of rocks in the ground.
I have seen wire cages set out in the open with a tarp over the tops.
I have seen wire cages set out in the open with 3 sides solid, with only the door as wire mesh.
I have seen wire cages (all sides) out in the open.
I have seen wire cages in a barn, no access to direct sunlight.
I have seen mobile tractors with a small bowl of pellets attached with a single rabbit in it.
What breed of rabbits would you recommend?
What type of housing would you recommend?
What type of feed would you recommend? (I currently have all my other animals on pasture, supplemented with feed.)
Where would you recommend I get the rabbits?
What to look for on the rabbit to ensure it's healthy? (Or what are the red flags with the rabbit to look for?)
Thanks!