kacklingkelly
Member
My reason for raising back yard meat rabbits was to provide antibiotic and hormone free meat for my family. I got two does from a breeder who kept her rabbits in an air conditioned garage she had made specific for her rabbits. It was pristine. That was about 1 1/2 years ago. I got my buck from a craigslist add from a guy who kept his rabbits free roaming in his yard with cages they could go in and out of as they wanted. (colony?) That was last year. I need hardy rabbits because our summers are brutal here. I thought the combo of the two would provide great offspring.
All were checked over before coming to my home. Never had rabbits before. Did lots of research before getting any. Buck was quarantined for one month before first breedings. Both does have provided great offspring. All of which were rehomed. (only one litter each) I kept a couple back due to family members wanting to keep them. I have been taking the process slowly due to the learning curve.
Last week I noticed my buck had ear mites. When I took him out to check him over, both testicles were swollen. Closer exam revealed all the tell tale signs of vent disease (based on my research). He is in quarantine. Ear mites are almost completely gone. Got combo penicillin from feed store. Has had a first in the series of penicillin shots. Also has had some butt baths to clean him up. He is less swollen now but still has some scabbing.
I was going out to sanitize all cages today. I checked my other two bucks and they have small scabs (not as many) with no swelling. None of the does are exhibiting any obvious signs.
Now the dilemma. I was OK treating one buck and figured I could take him out of rotation. But the thought of all my rabbits either being exposed to or having signs of vent disease needing antibiotic treatment has me questioning whether to continue with this group. I have no idea if it's even safe to eat the meat of these or other offspring from this group. (I can't bring myself to even think about eating it even if it is safe) I am not doing any further breeding with this group. I may just give up on the whole experience. My family has been thinking I'm nuts for doing it anyway.
If you have read this far, thank you. Any feedback you can provide is greatly appreciated.
All were checked over before coming to my home. Never had rabbits before. Did lots of research before getting any. Buck was quarantined for one month before first breedings. Both does have provided great offspring. All of which were rehomed. (only one litter each) I kept a couple back due to family members wanting to keep them. I have been taking the process slowly due to the learning curve.
Last week I noticed my buck had ear mites. When I took him out to check him over, both testicles were swollen. Closer exam revealed all the tell tale signs of vent disease (based on my research). He is in quarantine. Ear mites are almost completely gone. Got combo penicillin from feed store. Has had a first in the series of penicillin shots. Also has had some butt baths to clean him up. He is less swollen now but still has some scabbing.
I was going out to sanitize all cages today. I checked my other two bucks and they have small scabs (not as many) with no swelling. None of the does are exhibiting any obvious signs.
Now the dilemma. I was OK treating one buck and figured I could take him out of rotation. But the thought of all my rabbits either being exposed to or having signs of vent disease needing antibiotic treatment has me questioning whether to continue with this group. I have no idea if it's even safe to eat the meat of these or other offspring from this group. (I can't bring myself to even think about eating it even if it is safe) I am not doing any further breeding with this group. I may just give up on the whole experience. My family has been thinking I'm nuts for doing it anyway.
If you have read this far, thank you. Any feedback you can provide is greatly appreciated.