Posted: 4/17/2015 7:38:43 PM EDT
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Requirements for feeding and housing I've done my research on, but when it comes to suggestions on breeds and cage manufacturers I'm drawing blanks in my research. Wife and I were forced to get rid of our chickens and after some discussion we've decided to try rabbits.
We live on the coast of VA and the heat and humidity here can be downright oppressive and rabbit fatality. is a real concern. So we're planning on raising them in an unused enclosed sun porch that stays in the shade most of the day and has good airflow. We're looking for a commercial wire cage setup and suggestions on breeds. I'm pretty set on Heritage breeds, and have my eye on Champagne D' Argent, but I'm open to suggestions. |
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For cage supplies, check out:
Klubertanz Equipment Co. You might consider buying wire, ring pliers, etc. to build your own cages, to your specs. They've also got some pretty nice pre-built cages. One thing that's helped us during the hottest, muggiest summer days is to keep the freezer stocked with a bunch of 1 liter soda bottles filled with water. They love having one of those to snuggle up to when it's really hot. A cheapie ceiling fan installed in the sun porch would probably help a lot too. |
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Quoted:
For cage supplies, check out: Klubertanz Equipment Co. You might consider buying wire, ring pliers, etc. to build your own cages, to your specs. They've also got some pretty nice pre-built cages. One thing that's helped us during the hottest, muggiest summer days is to keep the freezer stocked with a bunch of 1 liter soda bottles filled with water. They love having one of those to snuggle up to when it's really hot. A cheapie ceiling fan installed in the sun porch would probably help a lot too. Ceiling fan and box fans to move the air across the room already out there from raising our chicks. I'll start saving water bottles though, that's a great idea. |
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Been at it a longtime, heat is WAY harder on them than cold.
Shade and air is key, we use a few fans on our outside rabbits, actually swapped tin roof (rusted out ) for composite a few years back. Also use frozen 2L bottles, esp with males, heat can cause temp sterility Bulk are housed in an old block barn and no issues. Older/heavier breeds have more trouble with heat, and usually, smaller, slower growing litters. Have ChampagneD's, Silver Fox, etc, and heat is harder on them than Silver Martins, NZs and Calis. As far as cages, Klubertanz wire is buy once, cry once. HEAVY gauge. That said, I have picked up dozens of cages cheap, or even free. Local shelters, humane societies, etc: folks drop off rabbits and equip, lose interest, rabbits die, etc. Small donation may get you a truckload. Had a commercial grower fold up and I gave him $10 per 6 unit row, WITH feeders and water bottles! Saves wire that way, common front, top, back and bottom, with dividers between. Suspend the whole unit. Buy your breeders at county fair, you'll see plenty, can talk to JUDGES, and prices are cheaper than from breeder. or at rabbit shows. Buy a buck and 2 does to get started. ETA: OP. see you at the next RRBA show at the Mangohick FD. 
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