Bunny Barn Ideas

[sparkygvfd]

Howdy!!

I'm trying to design a bunny barn and I'm having one heck of a time. I don't like changing trays, I like the poo dropping to the ground so I can shove and it. I've also looked at the Flushkeen systems in magazines and I like it, but where does the waste go at the end of the tube??? And how to build a barn around it with plenty of ventilation. It does get hot during July and August, and rains sometimes freezes in winter. If anyone has plans or suggestions, please, oh please I'd love to hear and see them.

Thanks so much!!!!

:bunnyhop:

 

[Kyle@theWintertime]

As I understand it, the flushkleen poop tube is meant to literally drop the poop into the sewage or septic system like a toilet without the flush. I suppose you could have 'em alter it so the poop just falls into a bin or something.

 

[SatinsRule]

The Flushkleen-style systems can be problematic as it pertains to the drain chutes/pipes if you feed alot of hay. Hay can create clogging in the event that hay becomes lodged in any pipes.

I know a few breeders who have built their own versions of it with a simple gutter system at the front of the cages, allowing them to deal quickly and effectively with waste by using little more than either a wheel barrow or muck bucket, and a few hand gardening tools. It's likely how I will set up my barn when I get my own place, because hey, with 50 years of age lingering in the immediate future, it's safe to say that my best years are already behind me now. :lol:

How you design the physical structure of your barn should be dictated by several factors, not the least of which is the ridiculous heat which we've endured the past few years during the summer. While we can always do some simple weatherproofing during winter months, we're very limited in the way of physical modifications which we can make for summer months. At any rate, think out the amount of ventilation you'll get out of the design before you sell yourself behind the wagon on it, and you'll develop an appreciation for why many breeders go with an open-air pole barn design. It's a good way of ensuring that air moves into and out of the building, something which is vital to preventing sicknesses and disease, while reducing energy costs in operating the facility and offering weatherproofing options prior to the onset of severe cold weather. That said, also plan to have electricity routed and run into the building in a safe way (i.e., NOT just relying on a large extension cord, which creates a major electrical hazard on a number of levels). Even the best ventilation systems benefit with the inclusion of large fans to keep air circulating.

 

[MaggieJ]

A lattice shed might work well for you. If you have the Storey Guide to Raising Rabbits (Bob Bennett) there is a nice picture of one in it. Or you can do a Google search for ideas and pictures.

Consider what predators are in your area when deciding how to build. Do people let their dogs roam? Are there raccoons? Your bunny barn needs to be strong enough to keep them out as well as airy enough to keep the bunnies comfortable.

 

[SatinsRule]

Maggie makes a really good point in regard to predators and stray animals, and what you would need to keep them out of the facility. Exterior heavy duty fencing is a must in certain areas, and if you have a problem with heavy insects (i.e., mosquitos, ticks, etc.), interior screening may also be in order.