Recent content by SuburbanHomesteader

I've heard it called that, too. And I know that BARF requires supplements of some sort. I guess the big taboo is on grains and cereals. There are enough sites online that whenever I've had an inquiry, I've just suggested that they look online for more information since I'm not really a...

I sell to several folks with large guard dogs. Whole, frozen, unprocessed rabbits - 3 to 5 pounds. Around here it's known as BARF - biologically appropriate raw food. I used to sell to a guy that processed the rabbits himself and made dog treats. He went out of business - couldn't afford the...

When one starts, it doesn't take long for the others to learn. Then the only solution is to get rid of all of them (since it's nearly impossible to figure out which one(s) is/are doing the deed). I had to replace my entire flock a couple of years ago - had two dozen chickens and was down to...

I have 40 production animals. I weigh and clip brood does just before they go on a "date". That means toe nails are trimmed about four times a year. Bucks get weighed and trimmed 2 or 3 times a year. Usually when I take down their pens and torch and then power-wash them. (The pens, not the...

I strongly echo what Grumpy had to say...and will add a few more items: Leave your kids under 12 at home. I can't remember the last time I saw small children that were well-behaved. Leave your kids over 12 at home unless they will be caring for the rabbit. (Or else leave them in the car where...

A customer of mine has moved to Kentucky. He has a couple of reptiles and feeds them about once a month. He's looking for feeder rabbits in the Lexington, KY area. If you're interested, let me know and I'll PM you what I charged him along with his email address.

There are several different subjects here. And since they are all related, it makes sense to address them together. So here's what I do: Bio Security Like everyone else's, our rabbitry has evolved over time. What began as outside wooden hutches up against the south side of the workshop has...

I recommend New Zealands. Been raising them for decades. I've recently acquired some American Chinchillas. I'm anxious to see if their dress-out ratios match those of the New Zealands. As Rainey said, since you are culling for a purpose and keeping only the very best, improvement of your...

I'm so glad that things went well. I'd suggest you be patient with your recovery but I know better. Good to see you're already plottin' and plannin' your next project. Take care and keep us all updated!

Best of luck to you, Grumpy! Looking forward to reading about your rapid recovery. May God bless and keep you.

I raise New Zealands - about half of my customers are just starting out raising meat rabbits and buy pairs or trios. If you plan to just start out with a trio and then keep offspring to expand your rabbitry, then try to get does that are not sisters (same dam and sire). Next best is if they...

Had a litter this morning and found this underdeveloped fetus in the nestbox. (35th litter / 288 kits so far this year) Doe is a New Zealand - a year and three months old - fourth litter - had 8, 6, 8, and then 9 this time. Three stillborn but normal size this litter. She had two stillborn...

Take care, Grumpy. Know that many of us here will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Do you have the surgery scheduled yet?

I've kept does five years or more if they have been good producers and good mothers and produce daughters that are the same. Often, they'll have smaller litters, but I'm less concerned about litter size - I'm looking for replacement stock. (Obviously, that only works if you've got extra space...

Try searching on Bing for "rabbitry supplies" Three suppliers that came up that I've used before are Klubertanz KW Cages Bass Equipment You should be able to get stacked cages with pans from any of those three. Get ready to get out your checkbook! Best of luck to you!