Cages for meaties.

[Pip Logan]

I do not have any rabbits at this time. (I am looking for New Zealand) It wont be a very large operation. I would like to do one buck with three does. My question is what is the best way to going about building a cage for them? How big do their individual cages need to be? I live in Indiana so How do they need to be weather proofed? Any help preferable with pictures Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Hi Pip!

:welcomewagon:

How big do their individual cages need to be?

I raise Rex, which are a bit smaller than NZ's. I believe the minimum recommended size is 24" x 30" for bucks, and 24" x 36" or better yet 24" x 48" for does. Standard cage height is 18". Most people prefer a cage depth of no more than 24" so it is easier to reach a reluctant rabbit.

Due to the space constraints of my "BunnyBarn", my doe cages are 30" deep. I am 5'4" and the doe cages are on the top tier of my setup, so I need to use a step stool and sometimes put my head and shoulders through the door to get a rabbit out of the cage. It is a good thing I am petite, because it is quite a squeeze! :lol:

You will also need a couple of growout pens for the kits, so you can separate the boys and girls. 24" x 36" would be a good size.

I live in Indiana so How do they need to be weather proofed?

They need protection from direct sunlight, wind, and rain or snow. To see some pictures of our member's various setups, go here for inspiration:

gallery/album.php?album_id=8&sk=t&sd=d&st=0

I would like to do one buck with three does.

If you can find a breeder locally, having only one buck is okay. Rabbits tend to die unexpectedly, so most people keep two bucks. This also gives you two "buck lines" to work with so you can breed the offspring from one pairing to the offspring from another, or the daughter of one buck back to the other buck.

If you can squeeze another doe into the mix so you have an even number of does that would be ideal. Does sometimes have trouble raising their kits (too large of litter, lack of milk or mothering instincts, etc.), so it is always best to breed at least two does at once. This gives you the option to foster kits from one doe to another.

 

[Pip Logan]

Thanks for the reply! Good info and stuff I didn't think of!

 

[ckcs]

Most seem to use 1"x2" on the sides and tops and 1/2"x1" for the bottoms. 14 gauge is preferred over 16 gauge and galvanized after weld over before weld. Of course those 2 options will add to the costs. With my Lionheads I had a 1 buck/3 does setup and it worked out fine. What I liked to do was hold one buck back until another buck was born. Since I breed every 2-4 weeks this didn't change anything for me. This will give you a back up buck but will require months before it would be ready. Eventually I kept a 2nd buck back and let it get to breeding age.

 

[michaels4gardens]

my cages--

 

[Pip Logan]

Thanks gardens for the visual!