Question about temperatures, acclimation and aquiring stock

[Joe n TN]

Would you say it is a correct statement if I said, "Rabbits raised in a climate controlled building, multi-generational, over several years, might not be the best stock for raising in North Texas. Considering their multiple 100+ degree summer days."

Conversely if I said, "Rabbits raised outdoors in a proper hutch, from your same area, multi-generational, over several years, would be better stock to aquire if you intend to raise your rabbits outdoors as well."

I ask because I almost said this exact statment on another forum and someone jumped on me, basically accusing me of saying their rabbits were not suited for outdoor breeders, bad mouthing them. This person has an indoor, climate controlled building for their rabbits. I would do the same, and hope to one day, but since I knew heat is an issue with rabbits I bought my new stock from a local breeder, whose animals have been bred to handle the local weather.

Was I wrong to tell someone they should consider getting their stock from someone other than the indoor breeder since they would be raising their rabbits in North Texas?

Joe

 

[OneAcreFarm]

I think it is a perfectly true and acceptable way to phrase it....I tell people this ALL THE TIME....rabbits raised for generations in A/C buildings or even outdoors in regions that are much colder in the winter and more temperate in the summer will do poorly outdoors in opposite climates, no matter the state or location. Of course, it is really never a good thing to tell someone else NOT to buy from another breeder, unless there are REALLY good reasons, especially in a public forum.

 

[akane]

If it's been generations most likely their stock isn't suited to breeding in the heat and would not make good outdoor breeders. They can call it what they want but if you don't breed for something the trait is lost. I would never ac below 90F. Now this 97F crap and the 100s we had last year I would go for some climate control because if they can survive 90 they can probably survive 100 but why make them... Plus I suffered heat stroke twice last year.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

I am in agreement as well. Elevation changes, humidity, and sharp drops in temperature can also be problematic for ALL livestock.