Breeding in enclosure / colony question

P.O. in MO

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In a previous thread about a doe I was having trouble with breeding sawfish99 made this comment in a post:

"We generally allow the rabbits to breed in a temp fence in the grass. That way, neither doe nor buck get defensive."

I have a 11 x 40 shed for my rabbits and currently have about 15 feet at one end that isn't being used and was thinking about building a pen in this area for this and may try the colony method of raising some litters. I have a 4 foot wide door in this end so I was thinking about making this pen with wheels on one end so it could be rolled outside when the weather was good. Would probably build a tube frame out of galvanized chain link fence top rail.

So here are my questions:

Would it need to have a top on it if it always remained inside. Will rabbits climb fencing and how high would the sides have to be to keep them from jumping out. I can make a hinged top if necessary to allow access without having to crawl around on the ground.

What type of fencing would be best. Rabbit wire is expensive and I have a lot of 2 x 4 wire left over from my chicken enclosure as well as some chain link ( the 2 x 4 would be lighter). I know kits can get thru it but if this was inside until they were too big to fit thru the holes there is nothing in the shed that they can get hurts on. Would they stray far from momma until this time or stay close to the nest.

I would think that it would need wire on the floor to keep them from digging holes. Could I use 2 x 4 wire for this? What about moving it with this type of floor, would I have to worry about breaking legs when I was moving it. How about putting some plywood at one end with a removable divider where I could put them while moving.

Would also like to ask about pasturing on fescue which is mostly what I have. I have talked to a neighbor who raises cattle and he says that there is not a problem with the endophyte fungus around here which I have read can cause reproductive issues. I am planning on plowing up an acre and planting some better forage but that will probably not get done until this fall.

I am sure there will be more questions after some feedback on this. Feel free to shoot holes in this. Would like to have a pretty good idea if this is going to work before I waste any time on it..

As always, any input is greatly appreciated. P.O.
 

Bossroo

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Bad idea, bad advice, back to the drawing board !
 

P.O. in MO

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Many thanks for the warnings. In the previous thread about the breeding problem I turned the doe and buck loose in the shed for 8 hrs. and then put them both in the bucks cage for 16 hrs. with a successful outcome. Since this was the first litter for the doe I am hoping next time will go better. If not, I now have 2 does from another breeder that will be ready late July or early August so if she remains a problem she will be replaced. Again, thanks. PO
 
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