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Barnyard Buddies:  Rabbits - thoughts  |
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CherryPie
True Blue Farmgirl
935 Posts
Kimberly Ann
Puyallup
WA
USA
935 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 09:02:27 AM
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I've been toying with the idea of getting a couple of rabbits for fiber (I have hopes of learning to spin). I have two cats and my grandmother's dog, so having the rabbits in the house wouldn't really be a good option. But from the reading I've done online, there is a lot of negative comment about keeping rabbits in a hutch outside. I'd love to hear some thoughts from rabbit owners. I have a fenced backyard and the chance of any predator coming into the yard are fairly small so as long as they had a secure, warm hutch, I think they would be safe. But would they be happy?
Kimberly Ann
Farmgirl Sister #225
Crochet Geek, Newbie Fiddler, Would-be Farmer, Backyard Chicken Rancher, Eager Podcaster
http://beesinourbonnetsintheburbs.blogspot.com/
Podcasts at http://thefannyfarm.blogspot.com/ |
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maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 09:16:30 AM
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We have had rabbits for 6 years outside and they do really good. I could send you a picture of our hutch if you would like. It also depends on if you get and inside bunny or and outside bunny. WE give our bunnies plenty of hay for beding, rabbit pellets, water, and a few toys and they seem very happy..
Hugs,
Channah
If you can dream it, and if you are willing to put forth the work and effort, you can have anything you envision. |
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CherryPie
True Blue Farmgirl
935 Posts
Kimberly Ann
Puyallup
WA
USA
935 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 09:34:46 AM
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Channah, I'd love to see a photo of your hutch. I'd like to get two angora does (no desire for a bunch of bunnies running around!). Do your rabbits let you handle them, play with them, etc? I've heard rabbits can be very skitterish if they aren't indoor rabbits. I'd like my son to be able to play with them (gently of course) and I'd like them to have the opportunity to hop around the yard while I'm out there.
Kimberly Ann
Farmgirl Sister #225
Crochet Geek, Newbie Fiddler, Would-be Farmer, Backyard Chicken Rancher, Eager Podcaster
http://beesinourbonnetsintheburbs.blogspot.com/
Podcasts at http://thefannyfarm.blogspot.com/ |
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maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 09:43:38 AM
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Oh my, our bunnies let us play with them, hold them, kiss them, hugh them, you name it. We made little pens so they can play out side when its nice out and we can keep an eye on them.
Hugs,
Channah
If you can dream it, and if you are willing to put forth the work and effort, you can have anything you envision. |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 09:53:08 AM
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Outdoor rabbits can/will be as tame as outdoor cats/dogs. You need to spend daily , gentle time with them, get them used to nail clipping as babies, as well as lots of grooming. My rabbits have ALWAYS been outside, the pet types as well as the meat types. They wiil be fine as long as they have shelter from the cold/wind/rain, as well as the heat (frozen 2 liter soda bottle filled with water works for mine very well), depending on rabbit size and whether or not you breed, will depend on cage size. All welded wire, with wire bottom is the easiest and most cost efective. Wood does not last, (rabbits are chewers), and alot of the differant woods are treated, which is deadly to bunnies. The cages can be on legs, or hung. As far as the rabbits hopping loose when you are outside, as long as there are no chemicals used, and no poisenous plants, rabbit proof fencing, and your rabbit will allow you to catch/pick-up when its time to go in, not run and panic. Remember, predators can be a cat, your own or a neighbors, a dog, a hawk, or a human. Remember, the rabbits will need seperate cages also.
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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dellsworth
Farmgirl in Training
27 Posts
Deanna
Blue Ash
Ohio
USA
27 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 12:18:57 PM
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I raised rabbits for 4-H projects as a kid for many years and more recently my kids had pet rabbits. All outdoors in hutches. Never had a problem. And like Teresa said tameness depends on how much they are (gently) handled, especially when young. And do start with just weaned young rabbits if possible because then you have the best chance of ensuring for yourself that they grow up to be calm and like human handling. On good weather days we let our rabbits roam the fenced in back yard with our direct and constant supervision (they could have gotten under the fence if left unattended, rabbits dig)for a couple of hours at a time. But I never got the idea that they were unhappy with their cages either. They never bulked at going back in. Do make very sure that your hutches are sturdy and strong that all doors or other openings are secure. Rabbits are smarter than they look for one and also we did have instances where neibhbor's dogs or strays tried their best to get at the rabbits. So you have to worry as much about what you are trying to keep out as keeping the bunnies in.
Deanna
Farmgirl Sister #909 |
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CherryPie
True Blue Farmgirl
935 Posts
Kimberly Ann
Puyallup
WA
USA
935 Posts |
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maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 12:46:53 PM
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I'll send the pictures soon!
If you can dream it, and if you are willing to put forth the work and effort, you can have anything you envision. |
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HDA
True Blue Farmgirl
59 Posts
Heidi
Hood River
OR
USA
59 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2010 : 9:23:24 PM
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Kimberly Ann-
If you end up going the indoor route I could probably give you some pointers. I have an indoor male angora rabbit as well as 2 indoor cats & a dog. We have a pretty good setup that works well it just takes some patience to make sure everyone lives harmoniously together, but it does work. The thing I love about having my rabbit indoors is how much time I get to spend with him and I feel he gets a lot more exercise than he would in a hutch because I'm able to let him run around the house (in approved bunny-proofed rooms meaning no electrical cords that are easy access). He is 100% litter box trained which is pretty easy to do with rabbits. Angora rabbits do take a ton of brushing, if I let it go for even a couple days without brushing its a mess. But its worth it because of the cuteness factor :) I have a great comb I use & I could get the brand name for you if you are interested, it really gets through the thick fur well.
Personally I prefer having him indoors because I just feel I can more closely monitor his environment (we had a good friend lose a couple buns on a hot day when they were in the sun) and I just find it is easier for me to spend time with him no matter what time of year because I can just plop down on the couch with him for a while even if it is pouring rain outside or snowing, which I wouldn't be as likely to do if he were outside.
Just some thoughts, whatever your choice ends up being I think rabbits are a joy to have in your life (& the fiber use is an added bonus).
Heidi |
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CherryPie
True Blue Farmgirl
935 Posts
Kimberly Ann
Puyallup
WA
USA
935 Posts |
Posted - Jan 06 2010 : 08:12:14 AM
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Thanks for the advice, Heidi. I'm curious about the grooming. You comb them everyday? Does that remove some of their hair or just keeps it from getting matted? Do you shear your rabbit? My plan is to harvest the hair for spinning.
Kimberly Ann
Farmgirl Sister #225
Crochet Geek, Newbie Fiddler, Would-be Farmer, Backyard Chicken Rancher, Eager Podcaster
http://beesinourbonnetsintheburbs.blogspot.com/
Podcasts at http://thefannyfarm.blogspot.com/ |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
Posted - Jan 06 2010 : 12:31:08 PM
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Hey Kimberly, I worked as a vet tech for awhile and a regular client had a show angora. She pretty much said she "roos" them--that is, she just plucks the fur, shaving them apparently does something to the fur that is undesireable...she just plucked the fur and kept them in baggies, or else combed them off. You have to be careful with the hair on the underside, this (as with sheep) maybe less desired because of the possibility of contamination from urine, etc. Good luck!
~*~Dream all you dreamers~*~
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HDA
True Blue Farmgirl
59 Posts
Heidi
Hood River
OR
USA
59 Posts |
Posted - Jan 06 2010 : 12:57:19 PM
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No I don't shear my rabbit, but I don't use the fur either so if you can find someone who does use the fur they might be able to give you a better answer. He sheds fur every day just like any other rabbit would, but due to the type of fur, it doesn't fall out really so combing him every day (or as close to everday as possible, sometimes life doesn't allow it everday!) gets out all the excess fur as well as keeps the matting to a minimum. He can get some nasty mats if I don't keep on top of it (the fur on his back is about 6" long). Just brushing him though gets quite a large amound of fur every day.
Have you used angora fur before? If not I'd be happy to send you some so you can see what you think-
Heidi |
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Lorie Marler
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Lorie
Guymon
Ok
USA
265 Posts |
Posted - Jan 17 2010 : 7:03:11 PM
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| Have you looked into Jersey Woolies? They are a dwarf breed that have long fur like Angoras. We breed and show them and I am collecting the fur to spin just as soon as I can figure it out. I originally wanted angoras too but fell in love with the Jerseys they are about 3 lbs and gorgeous, easy to take care of and super sweet with excellent temperments. I need to post pics sometime this week of our babies. |
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CherryPie
True Blue Farmgirl
935 Posts
Kimberly Ann
Puyallup
WA
USA
935 Posts |
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CherryPie
True Blue Farmgirl
935 Posts
Kimberly Ann
Puyallup
WA
USA
935 Posts |
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Lorie Marler
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Lorie
Guymon
Ok
USA
265 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2010 : 05:50:33 AM
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| Hey Kimberly I am up to my ears in Jersey we have 14 babies right now. I soo wish I could send you a couple. Aren't they the cutest ever. And there personality is to die for honest. I will try to post some pics today of the biger babies and some of my adults. |
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CherryPie
True Blue Farmgirl
935 Posts
Kimberly Ann
Puyallup
WA
USA
935 Posts |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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Barnyard Buddies: Rabbits - thoughts |
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Rabbits - thoughts
