Ok folks, I'm a rookie looking for advice. I've read numerous posts and checked out the pics and all of the swamp coolers appear to be cooling 'rooms' (although not necessarily closed in rooms). I'm thinking of building a small hutch (e.g. 8'-10' long) that ducts the cool air from a swamp cooler straight into the bun pens. The thought was to duct into the back side at several places along the length of the hutch at the top of the pens. I was going to leave the bottom of the pens 'open' (wire floor) for ventalation and allow the cool air to just settle. The top and sides would be solid.
So my questions are:
1) is blowing cool, humid air straight into the bun pens bad for the rabbits?
I try not to have a direct air flow on the stock. Usually it's through the center of the room with additional fans down low to create air movement under the pens.
2) if the answer to #1 if 'No', would it hurt put a more solid bottom on the pen under the wire (like a slide out tray) that would help keep the cool air in the pens longer?
I don't know if the effort would be worth the end result. Try it and see.
3) would I still need to install ventalation fans (I'm thinking small 120mm fans at each end--remember this is a small hutch)?
In the real hot part of the day, I don't honestly feel air moving across the rabbits would be that detrimental. You're basically moving ambient air around them with no decrease in temperature.
4) would I be better off with a more open pen (maybe leave the back side with the duct work just wire)?
The more open the better. Unless you're trying to lower the room temps. Then, you'll still need adequate ventilation even at the cost of removing some of the cooled air.
5) or should I stick to reading about rabbits instead of trying to raise them?
I read daily about rabbit husbandry. I've had rabbits since the mid-70's and I still learn tid-bits pretty often. My Grandpa always told me....work smarter....not harder. I've tried to live by that axiom.
I live in north Texas and like everyone else, the last few years have been HOT. I'm just starting to get into this but don't want to buy some rabbits just to watch them bake in the back yard. My goal is just to breed 2 or 3 does a couple of times a year to supplement the meat in the freezer. I won't breed in the summer here but don't want them to die either.
I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks.
