Set up ideas

LadyKarli · Mar 12, 2012

So I need a better set up. This set up is to be temporary cause we do not own the home we live in now & will be moving in the future. I plan on getting a green house 10x20x8 from tractor supply that is big enough to fit my needs. Also I can pull the sides up to let air flow during the day & when it is not raining & put sides down when rain falls. I will get 2 cheap box fans to install in "roof" area to help with circulation when they do have to be covered & on very hot days. I have picked out a spot in the shadiest spot in the yard & it gets sun only in the early mornings. I repeat it will be completely open on non rainy days! I am also happy cause when I do move & build the permanent rabbitry I will have a nice greenhouse at my disposal.
Also going to get 9 new cages from tractor supply. They are called home rig house. Any comments on these cages? I have large breed New Zealand type rabbits. do you think 30x30 would be large enough? Including pictures of cages & greenhouse. Maybe the new set up will bring me better luck

OneAcreFarm · Mar 12, 2012

As long as you ensure adequate ventilation, ie. leaving the sides open and having fans, it should be ok. Do NOT waste you money on those cages from TSC if they will be outside. They will rust out really fast and the floor wire is not thick enough...Have you checked with some local feed stores or other breeders to see where they get their cages? The wire should be 14g GAW...top and sides 1" x 2" and floor wire 1/2" x 1".

Rae · Mar 12, 2012

I think it'll work very nicely. I have some of those same cages from TSC only I didn't buy the extra peices since I hang mine from the rafters in the barn. I will suggest that if you do decide to buy the TSC cages that you go ahead and order new cage bottoms in 14g GAW and replace them when they come in. The only place I have problems is with the bottoms in those cages. You can order new bottoms pretty cheaply, I think mine cost between $7-12 each. I use 30"x30" for my NZW does and they're great, even with litters. Just make sure you have a few extra's handy for weaning time and seperating kits by gender if you plan on keeping them for long. Good luck!

OneAcreFarm · Mar 12, 2012

Rae":3n1kiw8d said:
I think it'll work very nicely. I have some of those same cages from TSC only I didn't buy the extra peices since I hang mine from the rafters in the barn. I will suggest that if you do decide to buy the TSC cages that you go ahead and order new cage bottoms in 14g GAW and replace them when they come in. The only place I have problems is with the bottoms in those cages. You can order new bottoms pretty cheaply, I think mine cost between $7-12 each. I use 30"x30" for my NZW does and they're great, even with litters. Just make sure you have a few extra's handy for weaning time and seperating kits by gender if you plan on keeping them for long. Good luck!

That is a great idea Rae! How long have you had your cages? I have heard from others that they ended up replacing the entire cage in about a year or so...

Rae · Mar 12, 2012

I just bought two more and went ahead and replaced all the bottoms. I now have 4. The first one was a hand-me-down and is probably two years old, the second one I've only had about 6 months. Only the floor in the oldest one had rust and only in one corner, but the floor in the 6 month old cage was sagging pretty badly and I was worried about kits slipping between the side wires and the bottom. I will say the woman I got the cage from is very meticulous so I wouldn't be surprised if the scrubbed it like mad once a week, and I'm pretty picky about clean cages too. They've also always been inside a barn with full walls, roof and concrete floors, so very little extra moisture except in bad storms.

OneAcreFarm · Mar 12, 2012

Rae":39tyxeg2 said:
I just bought two more and went ahead and replaced all the bottoms. I now have 4. The first one was a hand-me-down and is probably two years old, the second one I've only had about 6 months. Only the floor in the oldest one had rust and only in one corner, but the floor in the 6 month old cage was sagging pretty badly and I was worried about kits slipping between the side wires and the bottom. I will say the woman I got the cage from is very meticulous so I wouldn't be surprised if the scrubbed it like mad once a week, and I'm pretty picky about clean cages too. They've also always been inside a barn with full walls, roof and concrete floors, so very little extra moisture except in bad storms.

Ah, well see that makes the difference....indoor vs. outdoor.