Cage Requirements: If possiable use all wire cages and if possiable
hang with wire from rafters or etc. Depending on what breed you have will determin what size cage you need.
For Californians, we like 30"DX36"WX18"H for our Bred Does so they have plenty of room for the nest box and
then their litters when they come out of the nest box. Some will say you don't need them that big but we like our
Californians to have plenty of room. Open Does, and Bucks and growing stock can be put in smaller cages
24"DX24"WX24"H. Hanging cages are the most sanitized method. Use 1/2"X1" galvanized wire mesh bottoms. This allows their droppings
to fall through. If they stay on any other type of surface that allows their feces to accumulate, it will cause disease because
of the bacteria and possiable parasitic build up. Sides and top can be1"X2" galvanized wire. Use baby saver wire going up
all four sides about 6" to prevent kits from falling out of cages. Rabbits will chew through wood and plastic, .Never use treated wood or cedar around rabbits. The
fumes from the cedar will cause respirtory problems and if they chew on treated wood the chemicals used to treat the
wood would be fatal to the rabbits. Only use pine shavings if you prefer shavings to hay.
We prefer hay!
Put cages where they will be protected from the sun, wind,rain, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. It's very important
to have ventilation. The air in the rabbitry must be controlled very closley.
Sanitation The use of Agriculture Lime sprinkled
under cages can be beneficial in controlling odor and will also help to dry wet areas.It also wil help to control fly problems
because flies are attracted to odor and breed in wet dark areas. Try to minimize the rabbits from breathing the dust from
the lime as much as possible and yourself also. Wear a mask if possible for your own protection. Attaching hopper feeders
to the cages is also beneficial for your ease of feeding and more sanitary for the rabbit than a crock.Water bottles
are also better than crocks for watering but you can also set up a automatic free flowing water system with a small bucket,
adapters, pvc pipe, and a float ( like in a toilet tank that refills as emptied) and a rabbit nipple specially designed for
automatic water systems. Some feed stores carry these but if not small animal supply stores do.
