People raise rabbits for a number of reasons, including for fur, show and food. Less expensive than raising chickens, raising bunnies can turn into a profitable business or side business. If interested in this idea, check out a few tips for raising bun-buns the right way:
Getting Started
Before doing anything else, ensure it’s legal to raise rabbits in your community. This means checking with the local zoning commission and board of health. A license may be required to raise rabbits in your area, or at least a specified amount of land. It’s also a good idea to check with your local veterinarian about whether he or she treats these cute lil’ furballs.
Related Article: How to Raise Chickens in Your Backyard
Hutches/Cages
Because rabbits tend to fight with one another, it’s important that each rabbit have its own cage. All cages should be raised to the point where you can easily access them–usually 3 or 4 feet off the ground. Keep the cages clean and dry. If opting for shelving on a wall to house the cages, each cage pan must be waterproof. This prevents water and urine from leaking into the lower cages.
Protect cages from the elements, and remember that each cage must be at least four times the size of an adult rabbit. If keeping the hutches outside, heat them during the winter, as bunnies have a low tolerance for cold. As with any other animal, rabbits need exercise, so use exercise pens made for dogs so they may run around and stretch their bunny legs. If leaving the rabbits unattended during playtime, use mesh wiring or other applicable cover to prevent hawks and other predatory birds from swooping in and making one of your rabbits its next meal.
For best results, clean cages every day to keep rabbits healthy and avoid the spread of disease.
Food
Tie hay to an upper part of the cage to prevent it from getting wet and moldy. This hay is an essential part of a rabbit’s diet, as it contains many nutrients. Rabbit pellets and fresh veggies may also be feed to your cottontails, such as carrots, broccoli, lettuce and apples. Avoid iceberg lettuce, which is low in nutrients, and only feed bunnies alfalfa as a treat, as it is also low in the nutrient department.
Water
Gravity-fed water bottles are better for rabbits than bowls of the liquid, as they won’t get dirty. Rabbits should always have access to clean, fresh water.
Breeding
For breeding, place a male rabbit in a cage with a female rabbit for a few minutes. Do not choose aggressive rabbits, and remove the male if the female begins acting violent. The mating process only takes a few minutes.
Use these tips to raise healthy, happy bunnies! What are you best tips for raising rabbits? Share them in the comments section!