My Dream Rabbit Barn design

[Frosted Rabbits]

I envision a dream barn--a Raised Center Aisle barn-- much like the big barns in Kentucky horse country, yet on a smaller scale. The center aisle wide enough to pull a lawn tractor through, hanging cages where the horse stalls would be. The center aisle is concrete, while under the cages-- a packed limestone screening floor to permit drainage, yet allow for easy cleanup of the droppings. The raised part of the barn has plenty of windows for natural overhead light and ventilation. A "tack room in part of one wing for feed and equipment storage, a wash basin, etc, and room for a 'hospital' area. oh-- solar panels on the roof, to supply the electricity for lights in the winter and the water pumps all year.

What does your dream barn look like?

 

[Hillbilly Hares]

I have made mine, I only wish the window were larger so we could fit in the larger air cond. unit.
It's a 10x16 lofted barn with a home made system much like flush kleen or rabbitech with tarps and gutters. Even hooked up a flex tube gravity feed water to them. I love cleaning the rabbitry, it's as easy as can possibly be and only takes me 15 minutes to clean up after 25 adult rabbits. I have 27 lionhead rabbits in this building and it's clean and fresh every morning and I haven't had any trouble breeding. I love my mini barn! I now want to sell this one and build a larger system in a larger building so we can keep our meat rabbits in the same building where they can benefit from the cool air. We still use the old outdoor hutches for them and the heat has been brutal this year. We haven't had any babies there all summer.

 

[Brody]

PICTURE$ plea$e!!

 

[LilFish_JWQueen(:]

Me and parker(aka runnin) have thought up a dream barn but it would be a lot to type up lol

 

[ottersatin]

I am working on it,
but it is slow going.
Actually I am just trying to make everything as comfortable
and easy to work with/handle as I possibly can.
I keep getting new ideas and changing things around.
At least I think/believe things are getting better.
Ottersatin. ldtimer:

 

[ladysown]

my dream barn would actually be built much like an open air cattle barn. Rounded roof. Side panels that open up completely.

If I did cages, I would like racks much like I have now. I like having the drop trays so I know who is pooping and who isn't. Daily clean up would remain a must. Water lines, automatic feeders, a similar set up to what I have now just "more".

If I did colonies, I would have two or three does per 10 x 12 enclosure. I would bring the does out to the buck for services so that I could maintain control. The buck would have a 4 x 6 run that I could make smaller for breeding purposes. everything would be on concrete to prevent digging out, litter training as much as possible. Built up hay areas that are over a poop area since rabbits often poop/pee where they eat. Tunnels and runs for each colony area and what not.

that's what I have in my head. how it would all work out in real life terms I have no idea. I would like to be able to move things from one to another to ease of cleaning.

 

[SterlingSatin]

my dream barn would be similar to what i have now. currently my rabbit barn is a large 2 car detached garage. brick, with an attic. rabbits are on the far wall away from the garage door. I have windows on two sides, and the third wall has a staircase to the attic. however, if i could change something, i would want exhaust fans/vents, an automatic watering system (i'm on bottles, ugh), a floor that is easier to clean than my current ridged concrete. oh, and something better and more cleanable than drywall. all the cages would have urine guards, and all my cages would be the same size and stackable (used cages off craigslist aren't worth it). I also want MUCH better lighting. 2 60 watt bulbs are NOT enough for a whole garage. and AC for the summer. Indy summers are too hot for bunnies. and i also want storage space for all my rabbit gear.

 

[Frosted Rabbits]

Sterlingsatin-- have you thought about concrete board? very washable, smooth, and of course, fire resistant!

 

[Jack]

sterling
hang 6mil plastic, cheap, and easy to replace,
OVER, either epoxypaint or OLD oilbased paint

Use EPOXY garrage/workshop paint, not the stuff with sand, but the stuff that can be sanded.
they are very durable and smooth and easy to clean.

 

[OneAcreFarm]

I don't raise Flemish, but I really like this barn.

http://bloomingrabbitry.webs.com/apps/p ... d=10110466

I could see having something similar...

 

[Frosted Rabbits]

Cool!! Indoor/outdoor 'runs'!1 I Like! *droooool*

 

[SatinsRule]

I don't raise Flemish, but I really like this barn.

http://bloomingrabbitry.webs.com/apps/p ... d=10110466

I could see having something similar...

The 3rd picture in that series is likely where I'd stop at. The rest is way too elaborate for what I'll be looking to do.

There is a portable garage sales business in North Little Rock which has one unit on display that I've really been eyeballing. I've been meaning to go by and price it, and when I finally do so, I will take a couple of pics and post it. For this region, it would be what I'd consider ideal for the purpose.

 

[hoodat]

I feel fortunate that here in San Diego we don't need anything but some cover from rain. Except for an occasional Santa Ana that never lasts more than a couple of days it never gets too hot for the bunrabs and our Winters are ideal for them. They do fine in the open so long as they have a roof and some shade.

 

[fuzzy9]

I'm happy with what we have now, it's fine for what we need, I would just love some extra room. What used to look big, now looks so small once you start adding walls, stalls, and cages. :lol:

 

[SatinsRule]

 

[PulpFaction]

OMG, Satins. I love that. I can see making that work great for me! Even in AK I like having open sides in the summer, but this would be easy to attach walls to come winter.

 

[Jack]

Rachel come by my place, cause, um, that idea is basically what I have.
I like the posted link, only complaint I have is PRESSURE TREATED lumber inside the cages, they seem to have wrapped them with something, (and the current stuff actually isn't nearly as dangerous (or as good) as the Copper complexes stuff)

I like the outside shedding board, I guess you can hose it off from outside

I went with stacked cages and trays because I try not to heat my barn in the winter and that calls for a tight structure and a critical mass of rabbits to keep it above freezing.

 

[OneAcreFarm]

I have seen these here in Texas too. I love that they have the little storage area off the back. That would make it so convenient for feed, supplies, etc. Hmm.....may have to put a little "add-on" to the new rabbit area! LOL

 

[sommrluv]

Do you think the metal would get too hot in summer? That's an awesome idea.

Shame no one in my area sells them anywhere near that reasonable.

 

[PulpFaction]

Rachel come by my place, cause, um, that idea is basically what I have.
I like the posted link, only complaint I have is PRESSURE TREATED lumber inside the cages, they seem to have wrapped them with something, (and the current stuff actually isn't nearly as dangerous (or as good) as the Copper complexes stuff)

I like the outside shedding board, I guess you can hose it off from outside

I went with stacked cages and trays because I try not to heat my barn in the winter and that calls for a tight structure and a critical mass of rabbits to keep it above freezing.

Oh, no, I was talking about the metal garage that was posted. I LIKE that! I am not a fan of wood. I didn't like the Flemish set-up at all, frankly.