A member of Homesteading Today Rabbits forum was talking about starting out with 12 cages for 2 bucks and 10 does. Here is my reply.
Sorry to be late to the discussion.
Yes, I agree that all wire cage is more sanitary. An all wire cage can then be hung in a structure for shade and wind protection. If you use wood for the structure be sure to paint it with exterior grade paint. Two coats is better than one.
When I add up the cost of building my own cages, I find only a small savings over buying ready built. Because the cage companies buy their wire in the truckload and get a discount. So do the math. 24 x 36 inch for working does and growing litters is a good size.
If you decide to build your own, think about putting floor wire on top and bottom. That way when the bottom wire gets rusted out, you can turn the cage over and have a new floor.
2 bucks and 10 does is a lot to start with. Good plan to have 2 bucks. Nothing stops a breeding program faster than having a single buck drop dead for no apparent reason. Do you really need to have up to 80 or 90 baby rabbits you could get from 10 does?
It can be difficult to find breeding stock, so locating 12 rabbits can be a challenge. It can be expensive. Especially if the rabbits you buy are not good breeders. Then it is wasted money.
Get your 12 cages ready and start with 2 bucks and 3 does. It won't take long to fill up your cages.
You will find out which bucks and does are good producers. Save replacements from those first litters. Then you can replace any rabbits that are not producing as well as the others.
With 12 cages you could have 2 breeding bucks with one replacement growing, That takes 3 cages. Leaves 9 cages. You could have 4 or 5 working does. That leaves 4 or 5 cages for growing litters, don't forget to use one cage to grow replacement does. Two sisters in a cage will usually tolerate each other for at least 12 weeks.
The goal is to have a group of bucks and does selected for production. You can create your own production herd!
Best of luck to you.
Have a good day!
*You can see Homesteading Today Rabbits forum by going to:
http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/rabbits/
Sorry to be late to the discussion.
Yes, I agree that all wire cage is more sanitary. An all wire cage can then be hung in a structure for shade and wind protection. If you use wood for the structure be sure to paint it with exterior grade paint. Two coats is better than one.
When I add up the cost of building my own cages, I find only a small savings over buying ready built. Because the cage companies buy their wire in the truckload and get a discount. So do the math. 24 x 36 inch for working does and growing litters is a good size.
If you decide to build your own, think about putting floor wire on top and bottom. That way when the bottom wire gets rusted out, you can turn the cage over and have a new floor.
2 bucks and 10 does is a lot to start with. Good plan to have 2 bucks. Nothing stops a breeding program faster than having a single buck drop dead for no apparent reason. Do you really need to have up to 80 or 90 baby rabbits you could get from 10 does?
It can be difficult to find breeding stock, so locating 12 rabbits can be a challenge. It can be expensive. Especially if the rabbits you buy are not good breeders. Then it is wasted money.
Get your 12 cages ready and start with 2 bucks and 3 does. It won't take long to fill up your cages.
You will find out which bucks and does are good producers. Save replacements from those first litters. Then you can replace any rabbits that are not producing as well as the others.
With 12 cages you could have 2 breeding bucks with one replacement growing, That takes 3 cages. Leaves 9 cages. You could have 4 or 5 working does. That leaves 4 or 5 cages for growing litters, don't forget to use one cage to grow replacement does. Two sisters in a cage will usually tolerate each other for at least 12 weeks.
The goal is to have a group of bucks and does selected for production. You can create your own production herd!
Best of luck to you.
Have a good day!
*You can see Homesteading Today Rabbits forum by going to:
http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/rabbits/
