Grassy Patch Farm and Rabbitry

Rabbit Facts:

Our rabbits are medium sized, maturing to eight to eleven pounds. Does and bucks are ready to breed at six months old.

Rabbits require the following equipment:  a cage for each rabbit, a feeder, a waterer, and rabbit pellets to eat.

Cages should be 24"L x 24"W for non-breeding does or bucks, and 30"L x 24"W for breeding does. 

Rabbits must have fresh water constantly.  Make sure it does not freeze.   Feed each rabbit fresh rabbit pellets once a day.

Greens such as garden clippings, vegetables, fruits, etc. can cause diarrhea; they are extremely dangerous for a bunny under six months old.

To breed the doe, take her to the buck's cage (never take the buck to the doe's cage) and watch to make sure that they mate.  Return the doe to her cage. Then mark your calendar 27 days later to put in the nest box, and 31 days later, when the kits are expected.

On day 27, fill a nest box  with straw and put it into the doe's cage. 

Some rabbits prepare their nest a few days ahead, some the day of kindling, and some right after. 

Check the nest daily.  Once the doe has kindled, remove any kits that are dead or deformed and dispose of them.  While the doe has her litter, she should have pellets available constantly.

If kits are outside the nest, pick them up and put them back.  The mama won't move them - you have to.  If they are cold, warm them with a blow dryer set on warm - be careful not to burn the kits.  Once they are warmed up, put them into the nest. 

Most rabbits kindle (give birth) 31 days after breeding, but don't give up until the 34th day.   

The mama doe can be rebred when her kits are four weeks old.  The kits are weaned at six weeks old, and can go to new owners or into the freezer at eight to nine weeks old.