All does bred to kindle.

[grumpy]

Before the last day of this month. It took a couple of days, but 28 does are bred to start kindling the 16th, 23rd, 30th, and 31st of June. I was worried over keeping them on schedule and some having to deliver in the Mid-July heat.

I had one doe kindle just a few days ago(had 11/saved 11). So she'll not be re-bred till about the 20th of June. That leaves 6 replacement does that will be ready by Mid-June to be bred if the temps aren't too high.

I've got another 7,500 BTU A/C unit that I can install in the rabbitry if the temps get out of control. With the one I have in there now, it can be near 100 outside but it will only be in the mid-80's at cage-level inside.

Did a quick count and realized I'm gonna be short about 4 nest boxes!! Oh well, that's okay. I got an order to build 20 nestboxes for another commercial breeder yesterday. It won't be that much more trouble cutting out the pieces for four more. June is going to be a busy month. I bought 16 more holes that need to be re-worked and repaired in anticipation of the upcoming population increase of young fryers.

Grumpy.

 

[ollitos]

If we were closer, I'd love to come see your operation. It sounds like you're where we want to be with our rabbit production.

Greg makes our nest boxes as well. It seems we're always coming up short on boxes and pens.

 

[grumpy]

If we were closer, I'd love to come see your operation. It sounds like you're where we want to be with our rabbit production.

Greg makes our nest boxes as well. It seems we're always coming up short on boxes and pens.

Thanks of the compliment. If you're ever up this way, you'd be more than welcome to stop by and visit. I'd be glad to show you the rabbitry.

Grumpy.

 

[toastedoat37]

Grumpy, can you tell details on your nest boxes,size and design, maybe a pic. IM gonna be building a couple soon. Trying to get everything together before i start getting some rabbits. Thanks

 

[skysthelimit]

Wish you were closer too. For the first time ever, I got more than one doe bred. I've got three Rex, and three Hollands scheduled to kindle between the 6th and the 14th. I have two more I'd like to breed so they can kindle before the real heat starts in August. I only have 3 nest boxes, so I had to use some scrap wire to make a fourth one a few weeks ago. I liked it, so I might make some more this summer. Finally I have some does, after having litters of all boys. I will probably never get anywhere near you and ollitos, but I'd like to get at least 10-15 working does.

 

[grumpy]

Grumpy, can you tell details on your nest boxes,size and design, maybe a pic. IM gonna be building a couple soon. Trying to get everything together before i start getting some rabbits. Thanks

I'll do my best 37. I'm not real good at that sort of stuff. I will tell you this, though.

When I built all of my 42 original cages, I made the door openings on the doe cages all the same. 11" wide and 12" tall. I made all of my nestboxes 1/4" smaller than those dimensions and 19" long. When I go to check on a new litter, I can pull the box about 3/4 of the way out of the door and it will hang-there, wedged in the opening. This leaves both of my hands free to take care of any "business" that needs to be done with the kits.

Another little "tip" that will help is using two small nails (4 penny box) driven in the bottom of the nestbox about one inch back from the front on both sides. Leave them about 1/2" out from being driven completely into the wood. Take a pair of wire cutters and cut the heads off both nails. When you slide your nestbox into position in the cage, keep the front edge of the box elevated until you get it where you want it to be placed. Then, lower the box into position. Those two little studs on the bottom of the box will "LOCK" your nest box on the floor. The doe will not/can not move the box! It works real slick!

Grumpy.

 

[skysthelimit]

The doe will not/can not move the box! It works real slick!

Grumpy.

Thanks!!!

 

[toastedoat37]

Thanks for the information on the nest box grumpy, i never would have thought about the nails in the bottom like that. Are your nest boxes open on top,,,or half top and angle down to the front?

 

[grumpy]

Thanks for the information on the nest box grumpy, i never would have thought about the nails in the bottom like that. Are your nest boxes open on top,,,or half top and angle down to the front?

37 & Sky: Glad you could use the information. It's those little "Ah-Hah!" moments that make life a lot easier. I've had does move boxes all over the pen. I just got fed-up one day thinkin' "I wish I could "nail" that sucker to the floor!" Then it dawned on me about the nails. The first one, I didn't cut the heads off. I had a "smug" look on my face as the doe tried moving the box. Then, I tried moving it! The darned heads kept getting hung-up in the floor wire. "You big DUMMY! Cut the heads off!"

Half-top angled down to the front. I just finished building 20 of them for another rabbit-fella.

I'm gettin' ready to lose my patience with my better half!!!

She bought me this "FANCY" new digital camera, along with the software to download pics to my computer. BUT, she hasn't taken the time to teach my "dumb-butt" how to use it. Guess I'd better not say too much yet, huh?

Grumpy