Underground burrow + kits?

[Violet]

Hello bunny people,

I'm planning out how I'm going to go about breeding NZW rabbits.
I'd like to allow them to make their own deep burrows in the ground, but I've run into a thought that complicates it a bit....

I read that this is the most natural way to keep the rabbits, but what about stillborn kits? Is there a risk that this could cause trouble, where the mother doesn't eat it, and it rots in the burrow??

Thanks for your help,
Violet

 

[Dood]

That is definitely going to be a problem.

Several people have tried dirt tunnels in their colonies and most end in disaster.

In the wild rabbits choose specific types of dirt in specific locations that won't have cave ins or collapse or flood with water and your property may not be suitable for them.

 

[Violet]

Ya, thanks Dood,

I'm re-thinking this, besides not being able to really check on the kits, I wouldn't want a rabbit to pounce on top of a borrow, and collapse it in with it's little siblings inside =S

Thanks =)

Peace,
Violet

 

[Marinea]

It sounds like you're thinking of going with a colony set up. If that's the case, there are a few options for nest boxes. Look through Zab's pics in the colony sub-forum. She has an amazing colony set up and has recently built a great nest/hidey box.

If you decide to go with cages, there are folks who have nest boxes attached to the sides of the cages. They are closed in and look sort of like a cave. It's not really natural, of course, but it is as close as we can get with caged buns.

Good luck with your rabbits and welcome to RT!

 

[Violet]

Awesome! Thanks! I'll go have a look =D