Nest Box Size?

[cnichols]

I know we are still a few months away from breeding, but I was curious, what size nest boxes do those of you with large meat rabbits use?

What type? With or without tops?

Thanks in advance!

 

[tnelsonfla]

Basically you want 2" on each side of the doe. I use 3/4" plywood. Wood doesn't sweet like metal. I use 1/4" wire (hardware cloth) on bottom. No lid but a 'ledge' on back edge of box.

 

[Dood]

I breed American Chinchillas and my does are around 10 pounds.

My nest boxes hang on the door and are 20 x 10 x 10 with a 5 x 5 opening on one of the long sides and a hinged lid.

 

[SuburbanHomesteader]

We raise New Zealands. Our boxes are 12" wide and 12" high and usually 18" to 20" long.

Here's a link to some plans that I've used...thanks to the University of Nebraska.

http://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/documents/r ... ingbox.pdf

I put in 1 x 1/2 wire bottoms then cut a piece of cardboard to put on top of the wire before I put in straw. As the kits open their eyes, I take out the cardboard and old straw and just put clean straw on the wire. After another week or two I remove the box completely.

In colder weather, I will leave (or sometimes put back) a nest box with a piece of carpet covering the bottom so the kits can stay a little warmer. Usually I don't do that unless the temps gonna be in the teens or lower.

I don't leave the nest boxes in any longer than necessary - I want those kits out hopping around, getting exercise, eatting momma's food, etc. Leave the box in and all they want to do is stay in bed and sleep!

Best of luck to you.

 

[mystang89]

I use the same plans as Suburban, tops and all. I generally leave the box in until they sleep outside of it on their own.

 

[3mina]

I use 3 gallon Rubbermaid totes for my Rex, tons of room, they fit inside my 12"x 12" doors and my does don't throw them around or chew on them other than the initial taste test. I use the lids as resting pads and I just cut a U out of the side with the bottom of the U about 3 or so inches from the bottom of the tote. I can't make nestboxes for what I buy totes for at Wally World.

 

[cnichols]

Thanks for the reply's! I've made notes in my rabbit book!

 

[MamaSheepdog]

I use the Sani-Nests from BASS equipment for my Rex. They are 10" wide, 18" long, and 9" high.

They are my favorite due to their versatility. They can be lined with cardboard, but I had my husband cut plastic wall board to fit since I got tired of having to cut cardboard. In the hot months you can line only the bottom and a couple inches of the sides to allow for better ventilation, and in winter you can fully line the box to retain more heat.

The front can also be opened when the kits are ready to leave the nest, as seen in this photo:



I also have a few metal nests that I bought used at a show, and recently purchased some very small metal nests for my Jersey Woolys.

This is Pride, my oversized Craigslist LionHead in a metal nest:

 

[AnnClaire]

I make wooden nest boxes similar to the link SurburbanHomesteader posted, except I use the plywood on the bottom too ... I just wipe it clean with vinegar water and let sit in the sun for a couple of hours to sterilize.

I would rather a bit longer nest box than a shorter/wider one ... the doe will make the nest in the back of the box and when she jumps in, she doesn't stomp on the kits. The does also appreciate having a shelf to lounge on and I will give the does the nest box after the kits are weaned so they have the shelf. Without the nest material or kits, they generally don't soil it even if they use it to get out of the wind.