Good discussion. We breed for meat. And I try to keep our livestock as comfortable as I can. I had a buddy who was a dairy farmer tell me how a happy cow produces more milk, kind of thing.
When I make the pens I consider the kits with the doe. They can drive her crazy it seems, so a larger pen allows more space for all. They are 44" long, 30" wide 15" tall. And built so they fit in my 8x8' greenhouse for the winter.
We changed things up this year. The moose are always trying to get the hay so we put a reinforced carpport in front of the greenhouse n put the hay in the greenhouse so it's better protected.
Working out good and the grow out pens will be in there also. I need to have heated water bowls so having power there is essential. Lights are next, usually dark outside.
Anyhows I thought I'd chime in on behalf of us folks who want to raise a quality protien for my family. And having grandkids again. Animal husbandry is a great science class.
And it also teaches how to get up off the couch every day and have some responsibilities. If we are not keeping our rabbits as comfortable as possible they do not produce as well for us.
Each rabbit has a hutch to get into, it gets cold.
And I am trying out different methods for turning poo into profit. As this little project has to cover its own costs. It all adds up. Both financially and labor.
BTW, our pure breed black NZ does all sisters. Are breed to a purebreed California buck. I'm getting a couple blue or grey colored kits out of my litters. Would they have more financial value?
Hey I kinda all over the place here. I know. But wanted to demonstrate how raising the best quality ,for me, includes making sure our rabbits are happy. Our rabbits mean as much to us as anybody else. And end up being a big part of our lives