How many cages?

[lereg15]

Ok, I'm still not quite sure where I'm actually putting the cages, but I do have another question. I plan on starting out with a buck and two does, and plan on breeding them at the same time. As I know that I'd need three cages for the three that I get, How many will I need to build for the grow out cages? I'm building them 2x4x2, so would I need two more, or possibly three? For the grow out cage, could I just build a 2x8x2?

The buns I will be getting will be Cali x NZW purebreds if that matters at all.

I built my first cage today, 2x4x2, and will build one more tomorrow. After that, I will probably need more wire and will have to wait to get some more money to get it. I think next time I get wire, I will get the rabbit guard wire. I built the first one and folded up the 1/2x1/2 and I didn't like it much, lol.

Also, why haven't I seen any pens with the 'chicken wire mesh'? I have some chicken wire, but dont know if I could use it for a cage or not.

Once again, thank you in advance for your response.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

As I know that I'd need three cages for the three that I get, How many will I need to build for the grow out cages? I'm building them 2x4x2

Your buck really only needs a 24" x 30". 2' x 4' is great for your does.

would I need two more, or possibly three? For the grow out cage, could I just build a 2x8x2?

An 8' span will sag terribly unless you have floor supports, and rabbits will inevitably poop on the supports which creates a sanitation problem.

I personally would go with 3or 4 smaller growout pens. That way you can separate litters by sex as well as have a pen for your possible "keepers" or sale rabbits- i.e. the best rabbits from your current crop.

The buns I will be getting will be Cali x NZW purebreds if that matters at all.

I saw your other post stating that you can get either purebred Cals, New Zealands, or a cross of the two.

People cross the breeds in the hope of having the faster growth of "hybrid vigor" so that their rabbits reach market weight faster... but you lose that in the second generation, so the cross bred babies are intended to be butchered, not bred.

It would be better for you to either breed Cal to Cal or NZ to NZ if you intend to sell breeding or show stock. If you just want meat for your table that will grow out a bit faster, buy a buck of one breed and does of another. Or benefit both ways with a m/f pair of one breed and a doe of another, so you have "purebred" and "crossbred" rabbits. Eat the crosses and offer some of the purebreds for sale.

Also, why haven't I seen any pens with the 'chicken wire mesh'?

There is a saying the the only thing that chicken wire is good for is keeping chickens in, not for keeping anything out. Not only can predators easily tear through chicken wire to get into your rabbits, some rabbits will tear through it to get out. The larger chicken wire also allows rats easy entry and rabbit kits an easy way out.

 

[SuburbanHomesteader]

Just STRONGLY endorsing everything MSD just said.

The more grow-out pens you have, the more flexibility you'll have.

Good luck!

 

[michaels4gardens]

I might add another negative remark about using chicken wire, - young rabbits can get their hock/ heel through the wire when the leg is bent, but when they try to straighten the leg again it gets caught in the wire , often cutting them severely , It is much worse problem when people try to use it for cage bottoms, but it can still happen if used for the sides.

 

[ottersatin]

I agree with all of the above posters.
I just want to add that I raise Satins,
another Meat/Show breed about the same size as Newzealands/Californians.
I house my Bucks in cages 24 X 30 X 18 and my Does in 24 X 36 X 18
thay have plenty enough room to raise their kits to weaning.
I then separate the sexes to another cage 24 X 38 X 18.
Should I decide to hold back a Doe or two, they can remain for awhile
in the cage together till they require their own cage/territory.
I had way back in the past housed some youngsters in a Chicken wire cage.
BADD idea! They kept escaping through the holes they chewed through the side
of the Chicken Wire. That cage soon was trashed!
You have gotten some GREAT insight on the subject.
Have you read any good books on the subject "care and raising of Rabbits"?
Check out your local library: Rabbit Production By McNitt, Cheek Lukfahr, Patton.
Or any of the books written by Bob Bennett. They will be a great help to you in your venture.
Ottersatin. ldtimer:

 

[lereg15]

Thanks guys!! For the chicken wire, I was planning on getting some chickens, so I made a brooder cage out of it.Now I found out that I'm not allowed to have them, so I had extra wire for it. I didn't think I could use it, but I was thinking possibly just for the roof of the cage. Btw, they didn't recommend it for chickens either.

Regarding the breed, what would you suggest I should get, Calis or NZ? I don't plan on showing them, just some for meat and possibly selling some. I didn't realize that they could lose their properties after just one generation. So I guess I'll just start out with one breed, for now. I have to get my wife used to the fact of having them before I get too crazy on them.

I haven't read any books on raising them yet. I have received all my info from you all and a couple other sites as well. Mostly from you guys though, you all are awesome!!

I guess I can shorten up my cages when I make some more of them. Maybe I could use the 4' for a grow out cage.

Thank you all again for your advice and wisdom!!

 

[Susie570]

This is a great group

 

[lereg15]

Yes it is!!

 

[wamplercathy]

I fell in love with this site back in December. It is a wealth of information, and everyone is so polite. Even meet a couple members in person and was granted a visit to their rabbitries. Great first hand info. :up: I'll be getting my first trio in April and can't wait .

Here's a picture of how I'm setting up my racks and cages.


I have several on this site showing the whole setup, and will be adding some new ones in just a couple of days. Check out the books by Bob Bennett, they should be found at your local library. And drink :beer2: from the fountain of wisdom that is RT. :lol: :lol: Welcome by the way.

 

[lereg15]

I fell in love with this site back in December. It is a wealth of information, and everyone is so polite. Even meet a couple members in person and was granted a visit to their rabbitries. Great first hand info. :up: I'll be getting my first trio in April and can't wait .

Here's a picture of how I'm setting up my racks and cages.


I have several on this site showing the whole setup, and will be adding some new ones in just a couple of days. Check out the books by Bob Bennett, they should be found at your local library. And drink :beer2: from the fountain of wisdom that is RT. :lol: :lol: Welcome by the way.

I dont know if there is anybody even around me that is on here. I would love to visit a place to be able to see first hand how the place is set up!! Good luck on your journey with the buns!!

What do you use for your braces for the flooring? It kind of looks like pvc, or possibly even galvanized pipe. Btw, I need a beer hopper like yours!!

 

[wamplercathy]

It just hold the empties my friend. It is pvc they are removable for easly cleaning.

Here are a couple links to try:
visitations-tours-t23843.html#p254397
I started it for the purpose of being able to connect to other RT-ers. and to get first hand info. :mrgreen:

to-hang-or-to-shelve-t24210.html
Just for a visual. There are a ton of other set ups that others have done. The search bar is a wonderful tool. :lol: :lol:

 

[lereg15]

Thank you for the links!! I have looked at the 'to hang or shelve' post and got a lot of info from it!