Records

[R Buns]

How do y'all keep track of your rabbits, breedings etc. I see cage cards on KW's website but holy moly the shipping costs are silly for shipping a couple packages of cage cards and a couple card holders for the cages. Got me wondering how y'all keep track of breedings etc.

 

[tambayo]

I write stuff in my paper agenda that has a page per day, so room enough for the numbers i have. Although i do want to condense that data better into a form per bunny. Plenty of those can be found for free online, just needs a printer and some dedicated time to start.
On the cage i have no data right now, no need with my numbers, although the cages are numbered. I do need to tattoo a few more bunnies though. The tattoo tells me what i need to know on the who can i breed to who side of things.

 

[Sagebrush]

I use a program called Kintraks. I only have 10 holes right now so not too difficult but I do make cage cards from index cards in holders that keep them waterproof. Between that and tattoos it is fairly easy for me to keep things straight. But, I also use the program for my reptiles as well.

 

[Beth42]

I use this, purchased on Etsy:

Rabbitry Record

I keep a binder with printed pages in the rabbitry so it’s handy for jotting things down as they happen. Periodically I take the binder inside and update my electronic records.

 

[Alaska Satin]

How do y'all keep track of your rabbits, breedings etc. I see cage cards on KW's website but holy moly the shipping costs are silly for shipping a couple packages of cage cards and a couple card holders for the cages. Got me wondering how y'all keep track of breedings etc.

It's pretty easy to make your own cage cards. Write or type them out and print them 4-6 on a page on cardstock, from a home printer or at a copy shop; you can get fancy and laminate them so you can use dry-erase pens if you don't want permanent records. An advantage to this approach is that you can customize the cards with the info you want. I have always found that pre-printed cage cards either have spaces I don't use, or don't have spaces for things I want to record. Card-holders you can affix to the cages are spendy so I use clips to hold the cards, like this:

These clip to the wire and hold the tag out away from the cage so the rabbits can't chew on them. I use them to keep temporary info about who's in the cage.

Alternatively, I use a piece of wide paper tape on the feeder and write the info with a Sharpie.

For permanent records, I use a similar approach to @Beth42 - I have a wall calendar in the barn where I record breedings (buck and doe), kindlings (who and how many) and mileposts (e.g. "Stardust's bunnies 8 wks").

I do use an electronic record-keeping program as well, but I can't urge you enough to keep records on paper, for the inevitable day when you can't access electronic ones for one reason or another. I keep the old calendars in my files, along with paper copies of all pedigrees, Grand Champion legs, and show reports. Over time this has prevented much heartache.

For electronic records I use Evans Software Rabbit Registry Deluxe version. I absolutely love this program, the fact that it's really user-friendly, and that the technical help has been fabulous (I work well with living things, computers not so much). I've been using it since 2011, so that comes out to pretty cheap in the long run. I also like that it's mine and on my hard drive, so I can use it offline, and my personal information and records are not floating around the ethosphere.

The bad news is that I just heard that Mr. Evans is retiring so at some point in the near future, there won't be any more updates. But the good news is that I will still be able to keep using this program until I or my computer screws it up. (That's another reason to keep copies of all important data as hard copy!) I'm an old dog and don't like to learn new computer tricks, but if I was just starting, I'd probably look around for another program... although they'll all reach this point at some future date.

 

[ladysown]

I have a list I keep out in the rabbitry and I use Kintracks to keep things organized long term.

 

[R Buns]

I write stuff in my paper agenda that has a page per day, so room enough for the numbers i have. Although i do want to condense that data better into a form per bunny. Plenty of those can be found for free online, just needs a printer and some dedicated time to start.
On the cage i have no data right now, no need with my numbers, although the cages are numbered. I do need to tattoo a few more bunnies though. The tattoo tells me what i need to know on the who can i breed to who side of things.

I currently only have a trio and intend to keep numbers under 6 for breeders. Preferably a trio only but you probably know how that goes. I've been struggling with the trio as they pretty much all look the same. I'll do an online search. Thanks!

 

[R Buns]

I use a program called Kintraks. I only have 10 holes right now so not too difficult but I do make cage cards from index cards in holders that keep them waterproof. Between that and tattoos it is fairly easy for me to keep things straight. But, I also use the program for my reptiles as well.

I'll look into that program. Index cards are a good idea. Thanks!

 

[R Buns]

I use this, purchased on Etsy:

Rabbitry Record

I keep a binder with printed pages in the rabbitry so it’s handy for jotting things down as they happen. Periodically I take the binder inside and update my electronic records.

I saw that one last night. Good to know it's worth it. Thank you!

 

[R Buns]

It's pretty easy to make your own cage cards. Write or type them out and print them 4-6 on a page on cardstock, from a home printer or at a copy shop; you can get fancy and laminate them so you can use dry-erase pens if you don't want permanent records. An advantage to this approach is that you can customize the cards with the info you want. I have always found that pre-printed cage cards either have spaces I don't use, or don't have spaces for things I want to record. Card-holders you can affix to the cages are spendy so I use clips to hold the cards, like this:
View attachment 42316
These clip to the wire and hold the tag out away from the cage so the rabbits can't chew on them. I use them to keep temporary info about who's in the cage.

Alternatively, I use a piece of wide paper tape on the feeder and write the info with a Sharpie.

For permanent records, I use a similar approach to @Beth42 - I have a wall calendar in the barn where I record breedings (buck and doe), kindlings (who and how many) and mileposts (e.g. "Stardust's bunnies 8 wks").

I do use an electronic record-keeping program as well, but I can't urge you enough to keep records on paper, for the inevitable day when you can't access electronic ones for one reason or another. I keep the old calendars in my files, along with paper copies of all pedigrees, Grand Champion legs, and show reports. Over time this has prevented much heartache.

For electronic records I use Evans Software Rabbit Registry Deluxe version. I absolutely love this program, the fact that it's really user-friendly, and that the technical help has been fabulous (I work well with living things, computers not so much). I've been using it since 2011, so that comes out to pretty cheap in the long run. I also like that it's mine and on my hard drive, so I can use it offline, and my personal information and records are not floating around the ethosphere.

The bad news is that I just heard that Mr. Evans is retiring so at some point in the near future, there won't be any more updates. But the good news is that I will still be able to keep using this program until I or my computer screws it up. (That's another reason to keep copies of all important data as hard copy!) I'm an old dog and don't like to learn new computer tricks, but if I was just starting, I'd probably look around for another program... although they'll all reach this point at some future date.

Those clips are genius. That would be perfect for marking the cages.
I have quite a collection of calendars that just keeps expanding. Each species has their own. Just not enough room for everyone on one.
I wasn't sure on digital either. I actually hadn't found a digital one yet. But I am also not into learning new computer tricks. The less technology the better for me.
Thanks for the info!

 

[R Buns]

I have a list I keep out in the rabbitry and I use Kintracks to keep things organized long term.

Thanks! I'm looking into it as an option.

 

[ladysown]

I should mention I also maintain a blog with as much information on it as I can manage. So if things go south, I at least have my blog records.

 

[judymac]

Alternatively, I use a piece of wide paper tape on the feeder and write the info with a Sharpie.

I picked up a roll of bright pink duct tape at the dollar store. I tear off a strip, write the breeding date and buck with a permanent marker (Sharpie), and tape it to the hopper feeder. (If there isn't a hopper, I save the pull-ring aluminum lids found on cans of nuts. I use a piece of wire or chenille stem to attach it to the cage, and put the tape on the lid.) I also have a master list I keep in my grooming box.

I also use gummed labels that come on a roll. I write the rabbit's name, sex, color, tattoo, parents, birthdate and number/colors of siblings on each label. It also goes onto the hopper or another lid. That way, if something happens to me, someone else can easily tell exactly who is in which pen. Very important if you've put tattooing off for a while, and only you know who that weaned kit really is.

I've tried ink pen on commercial cage cards, but they didn't hold up long term. So far, black Sharpie on the good quality Avery or Brady labels have worked the best. The bright pink breeding tags catch your attention, so it makes sure you have nest boxes in on time.

 

[R Buns]

I picked up a roll of bright pink duct tape at the dollar store. I tear off a strip, write the breeding date and buck with a permanent marker (Sharpie), and tape it to the hopper feeder. (If there isn't a hopper, I save the pull-ring aluminum lids found on cans of nuts. I use a piece of wire or chenille stem to attach it to the cage, and put the tape on the lid.) I also have a master list I keep in my grooming box.

I also use gummed labels that come on a roll. I write the rabbit's name, sex, color, tattoo, parents, birthdate and number/colors of siblings on each label. It also goes onto the hopper or another lid. That way, if something happens to me, someone else can easily tell exactly who is in which pen. Very important if you've put tattooing off for a while, and only you know who that weaned kit really is.

I've tried ink pen on commercial cage cards, but they didn't hold up long term. So far, black Sharpie on the good quality Avery or Brady labels have worked the best. The bright pink breeding tags catch your attention, so it makes sure you have nest boxes in on time.

Great options. I hadn't considered tattooing with only a trio but it is something I am now considering. Especially with all 3 looking basically the same. I have tattoo pliers for cattle. Not sure if that's the same or not. Will look into this as well. Thanks!

 

[Bunnies4me]

Thanks to my sister @seashore, I have an app on my phone that we built with Google Appsheets - it's quite basic but has all the info in it. Appsheets runs an app based off info pulling from a Google sheet (basically excel). It allows me to keep a record of people who have purchased my rabbits, add phone numbers and all contact details for them and location. This traces through to the litter, which has the details of the parents and how many kits were in the litter - and tap into each kit and I can see the status, if it was male or female, I write it's coat colour in the notes, if it has sold (links to contact that purchased it), if it was processed, kept for breeding or still on hand waiting to be sold / growing up and not yet old old enough to process. Also I can add in who I breed and the date, and that auto calculates the date that I need to put a nest box in and due etc. Once they're born I confirm the date, and that auto calculates dates when to take photos of them for selling, when they are 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 5 months.
It's great cos I can update it on the run, while I'm a passenger in a vehicle, waiting in town, etc, it doesn't tie me to a physical notebook etc!
Any questions about it or how to start your own one, ask @seashore, thanks again!!

 

[mrscllc]

I personally keep alot of digital pdf calendars, litter sheets, breeding record cards, accounting, etc in my Amazon scribe which has been amazing

Any questions about it or how to start your own one, ask @seashore, thanks again!!

@seashore, this sounds like it would be a fantastic stand alone thread with instructions!

I'll have to look into appsheets for myself for other reasons, im thinking about easy ways to keep track or yarn and knitting projects!