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Barnyard Buddies:  Bunny Living  |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 18 2007 : 5:18:52 PM
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I am looking for a simple bunny hutch I could build myself that is not $$$ and easy to do. I intend on getting bunnies when we get to Texas. So it has to be critter proof and covered to keep 'em cool. Any ideas?
I had small dwarf rabbits growing up so I look forward to sharing the joy with my son. |
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Love-in-a-Mist
True Blue Farmgirl
367 Posts
Shannon
Independence
Oregon
USA
367 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2007 : 5:57:40 PM
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This summer we got some rabbits from FFA kids, that were leaving to go to college. We bought 3 nice cages and water bottles plus 3 rabbits for $25.
If you ask around during the summer, you can probably find good deals. We asked at Farmer's Market and a petting zoo the FFA put on at one of our town functions.
Farmgirl and mother of 2
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beckels
True Blue Farmgirl
237 Posts
becky
warrington
pa
USA
237 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2007 : 6:34:10 PM
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I will dive into our piles of rabbit books to look for hutch designs for you -- for the texas area you will need ways to keep them cool and away from snakes. (and I guess the sand/dust - but it matters what area you live in)
I have two hutches in the back that you would be welcome to - but I am in PA
beckels |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2007 : 7:12:47 PM
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| Thank you so much Beckels- I appreciate but I live in San Diego right now. If you could take pics, that would be cool to give me an idea. Yes I am worried about the snakes- ick!!!! |
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shmeg
True Blue Farmgirl
222 Posts
Megan
Granville
Ohio
USA
222 Posts |
Posted - Feb 20 2007 : 05:56:57 AM
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Hi, We are looking at hutch plans too. We are getting a satin angora soon and I am trying to learn all i can before we get him. I'm hoping to learn to spin and use its wool. I think that would really fun and my daughter really wants a rabbit. I'd appreciate any advice from you veteran rabbit raisers. We are in Ohio, the worst predator would probably be the raccoons. We are just starting with one but if all goes well will probably get more. Catscharm, if I find a good hutch plan I'll let you know.
-Megan |
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Somerhill
Farmgirl in Training
22 Posts
Lisa
Caldwell
OH
USA
22 Posts |
Posted - Feb 20 2007 : 1:20:02 PM
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HI Megan - I am in Ohio, too! I have French and Satin both. :^)
For angoras, the best thing is to have an ALL WIRE cage - no wood at all where they can sit or brush against it. That will keep their wool clean and dry, and discourage matting, too. If you want a resting board, use those plastic ones with the slots in them that rabbit suppliers sell, and keep it clean of hair.
Try building a frame with a roof, and then suspend the wire cage from it. I saw a nice hutch built from a cattle panel and T-posts for the sides and back, and then a roof that extended out from the cage a foot or so. The wire cages were suspended under the roof. There was a swinging gate made from cattle panel that kept dogs from getting under the cages. I bet you could line the cattle panels with chicken wire to keep out raccoons, cats, skunks, and possums.
They will have to be kept as cool as possible, and don't let them get wet from blowing rain.
I don't know how to keep out snakes - but in most cases, pet dogs are a rabbit's worst enemy. They tend to pull the bunnies feet through the wire and tear off toes and feet. Big dogs can tear open cages.
Be sure to put some sort of clip on the cage door so it won't pop open and let bunny out unexpectedly. :^)
Lisa at Somerhill
www.somerhillfarm.com |
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beckels
True Blue Farmgirl
237 Posts
becky
warrington
pa
USA
237 Posts |
Posted - Feb 24 2007 : 05:36:51 AM
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here are some plans for rabbit hutch building...
you can also find some interesting stuff from books in the library or their some great rabbit hutch plans in some books from the dollar store (most of them are plans from england where they dont really use wire cages)
I use wire rabbit cages inside a shed -- it just matters on your preference but you need to research and go to a few rabbit shows and ask what rabbit breeders in Texas would use...
the best advise is to go to someone that raises the same breed and go from their - each breed has different requirements
(but they all need a wire floor so the poop and urine goes downward and not into their fur coats
their is also alot of rabbit email groups on yahoo that you can join and ask for ideas
beckels
http://rabbit.purinamills.com/rabbit/rab_hm_8.html
http://www.happyhutch.co.uk/
http://www.arba.net/links.htm
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beckels
True Blue Farmgirl
237 Posts
becky
warrington
pa
USA
237 Posts |
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goneriding
True Blue Farmgirl
1599 Posts
Winona
Central Oregon
USA
1599 Posts |
Posted - Feb 26 2007 : 1:35:43 PM
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I don't know why I thought of this but have you seen the youtube videos of rabbit jumping?? I mean, it's like it's a real show and there is an obstacle course. Funniest bloomin' thing you've ever seen!!
Happy Trails :-)
Don't sweat the small stuff...
http://goneridingagain.bravehost.com |
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beckels
True Blue Farmgirl
237 Posts
becky
warrington
pa
USA
237 Posts |
Posted - Feb 26 2007 : 6:03:27 PM
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I have seen the rabbit jumping (rhinelanders and those checkered giants are real good at jumping) -
beckels |
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Barnyard Buddies: Bunny Living |
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Bunny Living
