I am glad that your wife was on. I grew up with rabbits also and it is encouraging to me personally your wife’s support standing next to you and seen hands on with the rabbits. Thank you so much.
We were so happy to see you Rachel!! Thanks for joining. My wife and I hope to see you back! Great job guys. We just had our first kindle in our burrow bin. 100% lived and doing great. This is because of you! Thanks again!
Wow that's awesome 👍 I will be truthful, I just started raising rabbits and have watched every video. I was one who called about my first time momma and you called me back and it was so helpful and you said you were going to put up a helpful video as soon as you could. Well that was fast lol, love everything about y'all at the Rabbitry Center, kind and the willing to do whatever it takes to help all of us as well thanks so much 😊
Thank you both!! My family is living on Thailand building a home and just got a holland buck for our doe, thanks to your tips she finally lifted!!, wish we could get some of your rabbits for a meat program. Keep up the great channel.
Great information video. Was very nice to see your partner. She did good, complements well. Nice to see you expanding your rabbits with another breed, California rabbits are nice. I hope I'm still on your waiting list for rabbits. God bless and have a wonderful day.
It's nice of you to make an entrance Rachel. I have a rare blue Californian Buck. I'm still trying to find Cali does for him but might have to start with a NZW. I enjoy your videos so much, Bobby. They're always packed with so much good information. Thank you.
Racheal you did a great job. I’ve raised rabbits in the past and am getting ready to restart. I am surprised when you bring something up that I didn’t know. That is why I enjoy your videos. 👍🏻
Nice too see your wife in the. Video to i have raised rabbits for years in 60 70 got out of it now i got back in to it. I now have twenty does five bucks. I live in Allegan mi. I would like to buy a pair from you some time soon. You are doing a great job i love your videos.
Appreciate your videos. Our Flemish Giant has just had her first litter. Haven't quite set up they way I want but we ended up using your tote idea and it worked out perfectly. Keep up the excellent videos. From South Africa.
Thankyou for your videos, im on a learning mission. Very appreciative of both your knowldege and experiences, the compassion you guys have for "meat and pelt" is just beautiful. Bred for purpose with caring and empathy, freaking love your style!
Hello! I am so grateful for your videos, and sharing your wisdom and experience about rabbits. I dont have any yet, ive ordered 3 from a local rabbitry and waiting for them to get old enough to leave mama. But in the meantime, im trying to learn as much as i can so i can treat them well and have minimal problems. THANK YOU!!!!
Great video! I’m thankful my doe is doing much better with her second litter! I was so excited to catch her in the act of kindling on her first but that turned to horror real quick when she stomped on all of them as soon as they were born.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I have been raising rabbits for just one year, and have watched all your videos many times. I have an excellent mentor that lives close by, but it is nice to have different views on anything rabbit. Many thanks from the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, Canada.
Another awesome video! My daughter and I love your channel so much. She has a pet mini lop named Melonhead and a litter of 6 week old Silver Fox kits right now. She learns so much from all of your videos, it is awesome seeing her absorb all the knowledge you so generously share. She hasn't seen this one yet but I know she'll be super excited to see your wife when I show her this one in the morning. Cool that you are branching out to Cals too! I just processed a couple of New Zealand / Cal hybrids 2 weeks ago. We got them at Rural King in Hartland at about 8 weeks and raised them to about 7.5 lbs while we were waiting for the Silver Fox to drop her kits. There is a convent of nuns somewhere along M59 in Hartland and they sell their rabbits to Rural King. It's awesome, the girls at Rural King told us the rabbits they get from the nums are always super friendly because they handle them alot. Well, they bucks we got were super friendly and we played with them all the time. It was a little hard to put them in the freezer, but we made sure we gave them all the love we could while they were with us. I really like how loving and passionate you guys are with the bunnies. I would love to bring my daughter out to meet you someday. We're in Pinckney, so not too far. Maybe we'll catch you at the Fowlerville Fair next month, come on out for the small animal auction and show if you can! Thanks again for the superb videos, keep cranking them out and we hope to see more of you both! God bless you!
Thank you for commenting. I enjoyed reading it. It sounds like you have a solid source for good rabbits. Thanks for watching and I'll try to keep them coming.
Hi there! I just was given seven rabbits. American blue and I have been watching a lot of your videos to learn everything I need to know for raising meat rabbits! You are extremely helpful and informative! Thank you so much for your channel!
Thank you. She's awesome. I'll be sure to tell her about the nice comment. I'm always trying to convince her to film with me. My two sons are the same way. Thanks for watching.
Hey, this is sort of a bizzare topic (but maybe not considering the way things currently are). Have you ever done a video on what it would take for a self sustaining meat rabbit setup? How much genetic diversity would you recommend? Minimum number of bucks/does for this. The goal would be maximizing meat production for a family of 3-4 if it wasn't easy to buy new rabbits from breeders. What is the tipping point of genetic diversity with health issues, and sustainability beyond a couple years? If you've done a video on lines and genetic diversity and 'prepper' sustainment, I'd love to see it. I think tagging it with "prepper", "SHTF" and stuff would bring a whole new audience to your channel. I dig what you do! Mark in Atlanta.
I think she got a kick out of it I caught her looking at the comments on her phone and smiling. Your kind words are appreciated. I'm going to attempt to convince her to make another video here shortly. We'll see...
Great video, I'm watching it 2nd time since its topic has become important for me these days. I just wanted to say thank you "wife" : ) for making an appearance! Sorry, I didn't get to hear your name... In our family it's me (the mama) who takes care of the rabbits. It was my idea to get them and my husband stayed out of the whole thing, he just helped me a little bit with building the cages. BUT...he's slowly warming up to the rabbits and since times are not getting easier, I'm sure the rabbits will be our main source of meat supply in the near future with a low cost. Thank you again and I wish to see you again on the next videos. It really is an enrichment and I guess your husband appreciates it more than all of your viewers!!
Thanks for another great video. It is really awesome to meet your beautiful co-host ❤. Rachel, you definitely need to share your valuable experiences. We're learning so much out here from you both. Now more than ever, we need to develop skills to take care of our families and you two are great teachers. Thanks again!
Add a little orchard grass over the wire. Leave a corner clear for droppings and your rabbits wont get sore hawks. Give been in it 2 years working so far.
Thanks for sharing Patrick. We keep our rabbits diet in check and we're careful not to overfeed. We've never had issues with sore hocks. We've always raised our rabbits on the wire. We do add straw in the winter for insulation but leave the bathroom corner open so we don't get too much frozen straw floor. I appreciate you taking time to comment.
@therabbitrycenter PLEASE HELP!!! I went out this morning and she had made a nest and had her babies in the corner of her cage it’s a beautiful nest it’s keeping them warm her cage is on the ground it’s like a tractor style that we move around on the grass should I move them right now or should I let them stay there for the first day or two and then move them once they’re a little bit bigger into a nesting box I don’t feel like they’re in any danger they seem to be safe and warm it’s a good nest I just don’t know if it should be out of a box
I've had my rabbits on 1/2" galvanized wire for 2 years. They each have a 18" tile to get off the wire if they want. They rarely use them but they have it if they want it. Never have i had any sore hocks
Hey Bobby, anyway you could post a 10 person next for rabbits list so we could kind of anticipate the time frame. Maybe first name and last name letter for privacy😎
We just started breeding our standard Rex rabbits and the first litter was an amazing 9 kits! I am amazed how this beautiful mom knew just what to do. She kindled a little over 72 hours ago. Sadly, one of the kids I examined today is a little runty with no full belly and has what appears to be tiny fecal pellets stuck near his backside. He did fully urinate when I picked him up though, so he must be getting something. I took him out and got him to latch on to mom and suckle for a little while. Do you think this will mess up the situation for the other 8? Would it be better to just let nature take its course in this case?
We just got started in April. We bred our two adults but only got one kit on the wire. We think it was a combo of too hot (down here in FL) & new surroundings. We will try again mid-September. We were checking them every 12 hours (morning & evening) bc we’re worried about the potential of snakes to get after them. We didn’t feel her belly 10 days in like your other video, tho, bc we didn’t know to do that. It was a bummer and our tractor is ready when momma gets ready. Thank you for the videos!! We’re learning new stuff with every one.
Palpating takes practice but you'll get it. Snakes would be a tough one. Hardware cloth should keep them out but I'd assume you'd have to go about 18" deep with it. You could dedicate a shed in the hot months to a rabbit production. After insulating it, the air conditioner wouldn't run as much. ' The best thing for a rabbit that's kindling is a quiet safe place. Good luck with everything. I'll try to keep the videos coming.
Hey Florida! I'm in Georgia. We've decided not to breed in the summer. It just gets too hot and humid. I'll breed in spring, fall, and winter and give my does a break in the summer.
I have a giant continental and a giant flemish rabbits... both pedegreed but i got the boys nutered .🙄 They are free roamed and litter trained house pets but I do enjoy all the different types of rabbitries and the way they do things, learning about individual breed information thank you kindly 😊
I've had rabbits for 30 years its always a coin toss with first timers sometimes its perfect sometimes not so perfect. I always say give it a couple trys.
I have your three rabbits safely in their cages they seem wide-eyed and uncertain but they'll get used to all the new smells I guess it looks like I'll be going through all your videos again so I can do things right😊
Hey Bobby my advisor, I need advise again for my rabbits, as earlier I told you I was raising rabbits in my bed room on free roam and they give good litters and there life was enjoyable.. but since the pandamic I had to put all my bucks and does in one cage.. 4feet by 2feet with 3 elevated decks for them to go up and down and run, as 8 total with 5dores and 4 bucks in the cage for 2 months now but there is no sign of pregnancy.. can you let me know if they are stressed or just don't want new borns in that cage as they might think it will get over crowded.. let know.. thanks again
Hi Bobby & Rachel, I really enjoy watching your videos and I've learned so much from you. I really like the setup you have for your rabbits. I live in Quebec, Canada and I was looking for someone who also lives in a place with snow and cold temperatures to see how they manage raising rabbits in the winter months. I think your tote system is ingenious. I also really like your fan setup for the summer. Your videos are so informative. My questions are: Should I protect my rabbits from mosquitoes? Do you have to clip your rabbits' nails? How would you go about doing that? I have a buck who is 8 weeks old is a mix of Flemish Giant, French Lop and American Giant. My doe is a 4 month old New Zealand. Will I be able to breed these 2 together? I'm concerned about the age difference. I'm new at this and didn't figure things out properly. Thank you, Christine
I found some baby rabbits this morning under some fur so I put them in a box and made a house for them and the mama rabbit one already died. I covered the babies with the mama’s fur. I also gave the mama some food and water and she ate 2 small bowls of lettuce cause that the only thing that I had on hand. I’m not sure what else I’m suppose to be doing but I will check on the babies again tomorrow morning to make sure they are okay.
Good question. They have all the air they need. Their little lungs don't use all the oxygen that's trapped/buried in the hole. Mama will visit and when she digs out the nest entrance the nest will be refreshed with new oxygen and they'll continue to breath all the air their little lungs can desire. She does this to protect them from predators. Even though the kits are safe in the caged in run area she still instinctively buries the nest to hide any odor to prevent predators. She stays away so not to draw any attention to the kits. She'll only visit and nurse for a few minutes a day when she knows it's safe.
Hey there! Thanks so much for making these videos. They are by far the most informative Rabbitry videos I’ve found. Given my living situation, I plan on starting a small setup (1 buck, 2 doe) in my garage.. I live in md and we get below freezing in winter and into the high 90’s with high humidity in the summer.. what are your thoughts on keeping the rabbits inside? It’s not heated or air conditioned.. would open windows and constant running fans be ok in the summer? What is the ‘maximum temp’ the rabbits will stay healthy with? Thanks so much! Keep up the videos!
Well thanks for that. I'm sure there's a lot of good content out there so that's appreciated. In the winter they'll be more than fine without heat. In the summer depending on how hot it gets that could be a problem. Rabbits can't tolerate too much heat or they go sterile and worse die from heat stroke. Imagine your wearing your carhart and hat and gloves when it's 90F. Yikes! So I'd entertain the idea of a 5000 btu a/c or like you mentioned fans and air circulation. Should work fine.
We tried to find 1/2 x 1 in cage wire that wasn't hardware cloth and it was impossible. We went to 2 diff stores, big chains. I've already scouted some local feed stores in my area but their supplies were pitiful. Wondering if they will order what I need even if I only order one or two rolls? We may have to use Amazon
If you need cage wire or cage supplies you can find it in our storefront www.amazon.com/shop/therabbitrycenter/list/1JX4S4TJ49ZOR?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_aipsflist_aipsftherabbitrycenter_M0S1TP3CDWZC2MB3X42R
I've been learning so much from your videos, I just have a question that I can't really get an answer for anywhere.. So I have 2 sister does that are bonded, but I plan on breeding them at the end of this month.. I was just wondering if I should let them stay together still since they're still bonded and let them Kindle in the same hutch in separate nesting boxes or should I completely separate them before breeding? Please help, I'm trying to avoid stressing them out but this is my first set of doe's and the first time breeding both for me and them.
I'm interested in starting rabbit farming. I may have questions in the future if I act on it. I just finished a chicken coop/run. I'd like to add to the livestock. I have 16 acres and I don't want to get too deep into cattle or anything too big. Chickens, rabbits, goats, turkeys will be as far as I am willing to go. But even those will keep you very busy.
therabbitrycenter PLEASE HELP!!! I went out this morning and she had made a nest and had her babies in the corner of her cage. One was out in the middle of the cage alone, it didn’t make it but the others are all in a good pile it’s a beautiful nest it’s keeping them warm her cage is on the ground it’s like a tractor style that we move around on the grass should I move them right now or should I let them stay there for the first day or two and then move them once they’re a little bit bigger into a nesting box I don’t feel like they’re in any danger they seem to be safe and warm it’s a good nest I just don’t know if it should be out of a box
Thank you so much for the information! I plan on breeding my show bunny, this will be her first litter. I’m kinda scared though because I’ve heard that there 1st litter usually dies and I’m an animal lover. Do your rabbits 1st litter usually make it and should I not be worried as much? Again thank you so much for the info! Cutest little kits ever
I picked up a trio from you in July. One just had a successful litter and the other was bred the other day. Pretty excited for the next leg of our journey.
How many days ago was she bred? This could be a false litter?? If it’s around 18 days it’s a false litter. Doe’s will make a nest out of straw a day or two before kindling. In most cases the doe will pull fur immediately after kindling.
Hello guys! I am new to rabbit breeding and raising kits. We just had our first litter 2 days ago. An older doe that we didn't think would take, but she did and she seems to be doing well. We had 7, lost one (the biggest of them all). I have a few questions I am hoping you can help with. 1. She didn't have them in the nestbox, instead she had them in her hidahouse. My concern is that the hidahouse has only a small wood section at the front of the entry (about 2") and I fear that once they start popping around that they will fall out. Can I move them to the nesting box or should I just keep them where they are and just keep an eye on them? 2. I've watched a lot of video's on how to tell if they are being fed. Every video seems to show very rounded bellies. Our little guys don't seem to have them as rounded as all the videos show. My husband says its because she probably feed them about 8 - 10 hours before I can check them and then the belly wont be as round. They're warm and moving around, but skinny. If they're warm and moving and at day 2, can I assume that they're being fed? Love your guys videos and learning so much from you.
yes you can move them into a sufficient nesting box. Some times the milk doesn't come in right away (this can take up to 72 hours)but mama will feed them as soon as her milk is ready. You most likely won't see her nurse them. It's only for a few minutes a day. Best of luck with your litter and thanks for watching!
By checking every day and if there are deceased babies you can sell them to local people who have snakes, large lizards as food. I do that and though it's not always often, it is often enough to bring in extra income.
Thank you for the video! My DE experiment is underway! The only thing is I won't need a nesting tote if my rabbits never breed lol. It's been 4 months and I just finally got one hopefully bred (buck had 4 fall offs) we will see. The other 3 does just fight like mad to stay away from buck??? I've tried all your suggested tricks to no avail. Might be rabbit stew time for them?
@@h.s.6269 I got them from a breeder (breeds show rabbits for local youth in 4h) and was told by him that they were 1 month from being ready to breed. I waited 2 month before trying to be cautious. The doe that did allow 4 fall offs had 2 kits but by the time I found them one was half eaten by mom and other was fully intact but not alive! I think maybe? they were both still born? After that it just got too hot here in Texas, we had a week long cool snap and I tried at the end of it and 2 does allowed 3 fall offs apiece but neither took (male still sterile from heat maybe?). Temps have just now been staying at or around 80 day time and I'll be trying again soon. Since all that the rabbits have really calmed down and a couple will actually jump out of the cage on to me letting me love on them and eat out of my hand. So with them really relaxing and feeling completely at home and cooler weather I'll give giving it another go soon! Any advice is well received, for new to this I still am!
Sounds like you're on top of it. He has some excellent videos on hot weather tips that may be helpful. If they are sterile from the heat, it could take months for them to recover. Smaller breeds mature faster and can be bred sooner. IDK what kind you have but maybe wait a month to try again. We understand heat. We're in Georgia. Our plan is to breed spring, fall, and winter and take the summer off. Also, you could try to breed with a buck from the original breeder, if that situation applies. Most breeders will do this for a stud fee
Actually it may be better to keep large litter in 2 groups if you find them that way. My Giant Angora had 16 and my interference by combining the 2 groups I found meant weaker kits didn’t make it to milk on time. Other breeders confirm if find 2 groups, check for fat bellies, mamma rabbit may be feeding both,
I have a question, my doe is a first time mommy I just introduced the nesting box she jumped in & out of it getting it ready but she only pulled a hand full of fur , then she dropped it in the wrong place however I put it in the nesting box , she hasn’t pulled anymore fur , is she planning to pull more ? She hasn’t given birth yet
I would put my nesting boxes in on day 29 I would load it with straw and let her make her own nest a majority of the Fur will be pulled after the kits are born If you put the nesting box in to early she’ll just play around with it and use it as a litter box
im just wondering how do mama rabbits move the fur to feed the babies? how r the babies fed if they’re just smothered in the mother’s fur that she pulled off? thankyou in advance!!!!
I am glad that your wife was on. I grew up with rabbits also and it is encouraging to me personally your wife’s support standing next to you and seen hands on with the rabbits. Thank you so much.
Thanks for that. It sure meant a lot to me that she made an appearance. I'll try to convince her to do more videos.
@@TheRabbitryCenter don't push her too hard, just let her know we appreciated her knowledge and presence.
We were so happy to see you Rachel!! Thanks for joining. My wife and I hope to see you back! Great job guys. We just had our first kindle in our burrow bin. 100% lived and doing great. This is because of you! Thanks again!
I'm so nervous, my oldest doe is having her first litter sometime next week and im certain i am more excited than she is about the whole thing
I just got a pet rabbit from a farm and no one knew she was pregnant till this morning when I found her little babies
That's too bad did the kits die or did they make it?
@@TheRabbitryCenter they’re still alive, doing pretty well. They look health, their bellies are fat and they’re very wriggly.
Dear Rachel, you made me smile admitting to be camera shy and still supporting your man! Well done! God bless you both!
I'll be sure to let her know thank you for commenting!
just watching this old video, it's a good one for sure.
thanks so much for that!
I’m glad you like it!
Thank you for the videos!
Good to see the Mrs!
OMG you two are so cute! Love them videos! Your wife should totally do more! ❤️ Thanks for all the tips and tricks!
Thank you! -she’s so great and I try to convince her every day
She pulled sooooo much fur wow!!!!😮😮😮😂😂😂
Wow that's awesome 👍 I will be truthful, I just started raising rabbits and have watched every video. I was one who called about my first time momma and you called me back and it was so helpful and you said you were going to put up a helpful video as soon as you could. Well that was fast lol, love everything about y'all at the Rabbitry Center, kind and the willing to do whatever it takes to help all of us as well thanks so much 😊
I'm so glad you like the video. Thank you again for watching.
I am just playing catch-up. Thanks for all the great info!
Thank you both!! My family is living on Thailand building a home and just got a holland buck for our doe, thanks to your tips she finally lifted!!, wish we could get some of your rabbits for a meat program. Keep up the great channel.
Thanks for this video!! Happy to see the Other Half of the channel on here!
I'm gonna try to get here on the videos more often. Thanks for watching.
Great information video. Was very nice to see your partner. She did good, complements well. Nice to see you expanding your rabbits with another breed, California rabbits are nice. I hope I'm still on your waiting list for rabbits. God bless and have a wonderful day.
Thanks for sharing.
It's nice of you to make an entrance Rachel. I have a rare blue Californian Buck. I'm still trying to find Cali does for him but might have to start with a NZW. I enjoy your videos so much, Bobby. They're always packed with so much good information. Thank you.
Racheal you did a great job. I’ve raised rabbits in the past and am getting ready to restart. I am surprised when you bring something up that I didn’t know. That is why I enjoy your videos. 👍🏻
I'm happy you found them helpful. Thanks for that.
Well done, Rachel! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I’ve learned a great deal from watching this channel. Cheers to you and Bobby!
Thanks for watching and commenting
Nice too see your wife in the. Video to i have raised rabbits for years in 60 70 got out of it now i got back in to it. I now have twenty does five bucks. I live in Allegan mi. I would like to buy a pair from you some time soon. You are doing a great job i love your videos.
Appreciate your videos. Our Flemish Giant has just had her first litter. Haven't quite set up they way I want but we ended up using your tote idea and it worked out perfectly. Keep up the excellent videos. From South Africa.
Thank you so much for the comment. I'm excited to hear that it's working out in South Africa.
Thanks for the video.
Thankyou for your videos, im on a learning mission. Very appreciative of both your knowldege and experiences, the compassion you guys have for "meat and pelt" is just beautiful. Bred for purpose with caring and empathy, freaking love your style!
Thanks so much for commenting and we thank you again for watching!
Your wife did great. She is lovely :)
I'll be sure to tell her thanks for watching
Hello! I am so grateful for your videos, and sharing your wisdom and experience about rabbits. I dont have any yet, ive ordered 3 from a local rabbitry and waiting for them to get old enough to leave mama. But in the meantime, im trying to learn as much as i can so i can treat them well and have minimal problems. THANK YOU!!!!
I like your rabbit setup..
Nice sharing video
Thank you 🤗
Awesome video and y'all are a beautiful couple I love that you work together!
Thank you so much!! We'll keep the videos coming. Thanks for commenting
Great video.. you always put it interesting
Great video! I’m thankful my doe is doing much better with her second litter! I was so excited to catch her in the act of kindling on her first but that turned to horror real quick when she stomped on all of them as soon as they were born.
That would be horrific to witness, jeez. That's just brutal.
Thank you so much for all this information! We're new to raising rabbits and had our first litter last night! 7 total, one dead. So she did good. 💗
Congrats! Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I have been raising rabbits for just one year, and have watched all your videos many times. I have an excellent mentor that lives close by, but it is nice to have different views on anything rabbit. Many thanks from the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, Canada.
I'm glad you like the videos. thank you for watching and commenting.
Another awesome video! My daughter and I love your channel so much. She has a pet mini lop named Melonhead and a litter of 6 week old Silver Fox kits right now. She learns so much from all of your videos, it is awesome seeing her absorb all the knowledge you so generously share. She hasn't seen this one yet but I know she'll be super excited to see your wife when I show her this one in the morning. Cool that you are branching out to Cals too! I just processed a couple of New Zealand / Cal hybrids 2 weeks ago. We got them at Rural King in Hartland at about 8 weeks and raised them to about 7.5 lbs while we were waiting for the Silver Fox to drop her kits. There is a convent of nuns somewhere along M59 in Hartland and they sell their rabbits to Rural King. It's awesome, the girls at Rural King told us the rabbits they get from the nums are always super friendly because they handle them alot. Well, they bucks we got were super friendly and we played with them all the time. It was a little hard to put them in the freezer, but we made sure we gave them all the love we could while they were with us. I really like how loving and passionate you guys are with the bunnies. I would love to bring my daughter out to meet you someday. We're in Pinckney, so not too far. Maybe we'll catch you at the Fowlerville Fair next month, come on out for the small animal auction and show if you can! Thanks again for the superb videos, keep cranking them out and we hope to see more of you both! God bless you!
Thank you for commenting. I enjoyed reading it. It sounds like you have a solid source for good rabbits. Thanks for watching and I'll try to keep them coming.
Why kill there are other easy accessible meat you can buy . Smdh
SUPER CUTE COUPLE!
Thank you I’ll be sure to tell Rachel you said that
Love and enjoy your videos
Great info. Thanks
You bet!
Hi there! I just was given seven rabbits. American blue and I have been watching a lot of your videos to learn everything I need to know for raising meat rabbits! You are extremely helpful and informative! Thank you so much for your channel!
You're so welcome. I'm glad you found them helpful. Please reach out if you have any questions you can't find answers to. Thanks
I love this set up with the mock burrow I might try this out
If you liked that video Check this out
th-cam.com/video/XsugHQxiGRA/w-d-xo.html
thanks for that its got some good info
I like your wife. 💕 it’s nice to see her in this video.
Thank you. She's awesome. I'll be sure to tell her about the nice comment. I'm always trying to convince her to film with me. My two sons are the same way. Thanks for watching.
This video was so helpful for my first time helping my rabbit care for her babies❤ Thank you!!
You're so welcome! Best of luck with your litter of rabbits. Thanks for commenting.
you did great no need to by shy, your channel is super helpful im new to this. thanks
Thanks so much
She did a great job
I'll be sure to tell her that thanks
Great info thx!!
You’re very welcome!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thanks so much, great topic, we will be expecting our first 2 litters in the Fall!
Nice to meet you Rachel, you did great : )
Good luck!! Thanks for watching
This video was really really good. Thank you
Thanks so much for watching. We have many more. Please ask if your looking for something. I’ll send it to you or make it.
I had to put 3 kits 12 days old with 2 day kits . And it was successful. Thanks for sharing 🥰👍
You bet
Hey, this is sort of a bizzare topic (but maybe not considering the way things currently are). Have you ever done a video on what it would take for a self sustaining meat rabbit setup? How much genetic diversity would you recommend? Minimum number of bucks/does for this. The goal would be maximizing meat production for a family of 3-4 if it wasn't easy to buy new rabbits from breeders. What is the tipping point of genetic diversity with health issues, and sustainability beyond a couple years? If you've done a video on lines and genetic diversity and 'prepper' sustainment, I'd love to see it. I think tagging it with "prepper", "SHTF" and stuff would bring a whole new audience to your channel. I dig what you do! Mark in Atlanta.
Good video
Good refresher course? Thank you for sharing, and having your pretty wife with you 🌻😁🌻
I think she got a kick out of it I caught her looking at the comments on her phone and smiling. Your kind words are appreciated. I'm going to attempt to convince her to make another video here shortly.
We'll see...
The Rabbitry Center I’d love to see more of you both. Makes it so much more personal 😁😁keep up the great work 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Great video, I'm watching it 2nd time since its topic has become important for me these days.
I just wanted to say thank you "wife" : ) for making an appearance! Sorry, I didn't get to hear your name...
In our family it's me (the mama) who takes care of the rabbits. It was my idea to get them and my husband stayed out of the whole thing, he just helped me a little bit with building the cages. BUT...he's slowly warming up to the rabbits and since times are not getting easier, I'm sure the rabbits will be our main source of meat supply in the near future with a low cost.
Thank you again and I wish to see you again on the next videos. It really is an enrichment and I guess your husband appreciates it more than all of your viewers!!
Rachel your comment means a lot to her thanks for that
Thanks for another great video. It is really awesome to meet your beautiful co-host ❤. Rachel, you definitely need to share your valuable experiences. We're learning so much out here from you both. Now more than ever, we need to develop skills to take care of our families and you two are great teachers. Thanks again!
Great video
Very informative 👏
Glad it was helpful!
Y'ALL ARE A CUTE COUPLE!
Thanks!
bunnies forever!
I appreciate this very informative presentation
We're glad you enjoyed it!
I've learned so much from your videos..
Glad to hear it! Let me know if you need any thing I'll send you a video or make a video for you. Thanks for watching!
You guys are great! We got into rabbits during COVID and just had our first kindle. Thanks for all the great videos. It has been SUPER helpful!
nice job together
Thanks for taking the time to comment
Add a little orchard grass over the wire. Leave a corner clear for droppings and your rabbits wont get sore hawks. Give been in it 2 years working so far.
Thanks for sharing Patrick. We keep our rabbits diet in check and we're careful not to overfeed. We've never had issues with sore hocks. We've always raised our rabbits on the wire. We do add straw in the winter for insulation but leave the bathroom corner open so we don't get too much frozen straw floor. I appreciate you taking time to comment.
My first doe is having her first litter soon. She’s @ 27 days today and I’m so nervous
Thank you for all the great information!
Hopefully it goes well. Best of luck with your litter. Thank you for watching.
@therabbitrycenter
PLEASE HELP!!! I went out this morning and she had made a nest and had her babies in the corner of her cage
it’s a beautiful nest
it’s keeping them warm
her cage is on the ground
it’s like a tractor style that we move around on the grass
should I move them right now or should I let them stay there for the first day or two and then move them once they’re a little bit bigger into a nesting box
I don’t feel like they’re in any danger they seem to be safe and warm
it’s a good nest
I just don’t know if it should be out of a box
I've had my rabbits on 1/2" galvanized wire for 2 years. They each have a 18" tile to get off the wire if they want. They rarely use them but they have it if they want it. Never have i had any sore hocks
Your keeping there diet in check. Keep up the good work
Hey Bobby, anyway you could post a 10 person next for rabbits list so we could kind of anticipate the time frame. Maybe first name and last name letter for privacy😎
thanks
Welcome
We just started breeding our standard Rex rabbits and the first litter was an amazing 9 kits! I am amazed how this beautiful mom knew just what to do. She kindled a little over 72 hours ago. Sadly, one of the kids I examined today is a little runty with no full belly and has what appears to be tiny fecal pellets stuck near his backside. He did fully urinate when I picked him up though, so he must be getting something. I took him out and got him to latch on to mom and suckle for a little while. Do you think this will mess up the situation for the other 8? Would it be better to just let nature take its course in this case?
We just got started in April. We bred our two adults but only got one kit on the wire. We think it was a combo of too hot (down here in FL) & new surroundings. We will try again mid-September. We were checking them every 12 hours (morning & evening) bc we’re worried about the potential of snakes to get after them. We didn’t feel her belly 10 days in like your other video, tho, bc we didn’t know to do that. It was a bummer and our tractor is ready when momma gets ready. Thank you for the videos!! We’re learning new stuff with every one.
Palpating takes practice but you'll get it. Snakes would be a tough one. Hardware cloth should keep them out but I'd assume you'd have to go about 18" deep with it. You could dedicate a shed in the hot months to a rabbit production. After insulating it, the air conditioner wouldn't run as much. '
The best thing for a rabbit that's kindling is a quiet safe place. Good luck with everything. I'll try to keep the videos coming.
Hey Florida! I'm in Georgia. We've decided not to breed in the summer. It just gets too hot and humid. I'll breed in spring, fall, and winter and give my does a break in the summer.
Thank you for this helpful video my doe recently had her first litter of two kits sadly they were both stillborn
that's a bummer. I'm sorry to hear that. I'm sure things will turn around with the next litter.
The Rabbitry Center thank you and good luck with your Rabbitry
I have a giant continental and a giant flemish rabbits... both pedegreed but i got the boys nutered .🙄
They are free roamed and litter trained house pets but I do enjoy all the different types of rabbitries and the way they do things, learning about individual breed information
thank you kindly 😊
Me too. I enjoy hearing how folks do things. It doesn't bother me if folks do things a little different.
Our first two litters due Dec 27 New Zealand/Silver Fox and Tenn Red/ Silver Fox. Fingers crossed
I'll be uploading a video soon covering caring for litters. It should be uploaded in time. Stay tuned.
I've had rabbits for 30 years its always a coin toss with first timers sometimes its perfect sometimes not so perfect. I always say give it a couple trys.
Hi.... Thank you 🎥👍👍👍
Welcome 👍
@@TheRabbitryCenter Thank you 🌱🏡🎥👍👍👍
She can be an asset as a different view to your video content.
I’m always trying to convince her to film with me. Stay tuned she’ll be on the next Rabbitry first aid video hopefully launching this week...
My daughter is Rachel too. 😀😀😀
Love that name!
I like the shirt 😂
We know who is really running the show behind the scenes. =]
You said it She’s a super lady!
I have your three rabbits safely in their cages they seem wide-eyed and uncertain but they'll get used to all the new smells I guess it looks like I'll be going through all your videos again so I can do things right😊
It was nice meeting and talking with you. I hope you get access to that property this season. Good luck
Hey Bobby my advisor, I need advise again for my rabbits, as earlier I told you I was raising rabbits in my bed room on free roam and they give good litters and there life was enjoyable.. but since the pandamic I had to put all my bucks and does in one cage.. 4feet by 2feet with 3 elevated decks for them to go up and down and run, as 8 total with 5dores and 4 bucks in the cage for 2 months now but there is no sign of pregnancy.. can you let me know if they are stressed or just don't want new borns in that cage as they might think it will get over crowded.. let know.. thanks again
Need to show more of your wife! lol. Can't find video of you playing guitar
Hi Bobby & Rachel,
I really enjoy watching your videos and I've learned so much from you. I really like the setup you have for your rabbits. I live in Quebec, Canada and I was looking for someone who also lives in a place with snow and cold temperatures to see how they manage raising rabbits in the winter months. I think your tote system is ingenious. I also really like your fan setup for the summer. Your videos are so informative. My questions are:
Should I protect my rabbits from mosquitoes?
Do you have to clip your rabbits' nails?
How would you go about doing that? I have a buck who is 8 weeks old is a mix of Flemish Giant, French Lop and American Giant.
My doe is a 4 month old New Zealand.
Will I be able to breed these 2 together? I'm concerned about the age difference. I'm new at this and didn't figure things out properly.
Thank you,
Christine
Just sit them on your lap and use cat nail clippers
amzn.to/3eOdx9g
You can clip the bucks before breeding
and the does a few days after breeding
I don't protect them from mosquitoes but they do have a tote or hide to escape to.
I found some baby rabbits this morning under some fur so I put them in a box and made a house for them and the mama rabbit one already died. I covered the babies with the mama’s fur. I also gave the mama some food and water and she ate 2 small bowls of lettuce cause that the only thing that I had on hand. I’m not sure what else I’m suppose to be doing but I will check on the babies again tomorrow morning to make sure they are okay.
Here's a video that shares some info about wild rabbits th-cam.com/video/1Os0nh6Oeh0/w-d-xo.html
Beautiful babies. How do they get air when she closes the only way through the nesting box? Won't they suffocate?
Good question. They have all the air they need. Their little lungs don't use all the oxygen that's trapped/buried in the hole. Mama will visit and when she digs out the nest entrance the nest will be refreshed with new oxygen and they'll continue to breath all the air their little lungs can desire.
She does this to protect them from predators. Even though the kits are safe in the caged in run area she still instinctively buries the nest to hide any odor to prevent predators. She stays away so not to draw any attention to the kits. She'll only visit and nurse for a few minutes a day when she knows it's safe.
Just have a liter of babies bunny, she had three, found them early morning n was cold n I brought one back to life but she still hasn't feed her yet.
Hey there! Thanks so much for making these videos. They are by far the most informative Rabbitry videos I’ve found. Given my living situation, I plan on starting a small setup (1 buck, 2 doe) in my garage.. I live in md and we get below freezing in winter and into the high 90’s with high humidity in the summer.. what are your thoughts on keeping the rabbits inside? It’s not heated or air conditioned.. would open windows and constant running fans be ok in the summer? What is the ‘maximum temp’ the rabbits will stay healthy with? Thanks so much! Keep up the videos!
Well thanks for that. I'm sure there's a lot of good content out there so that's appreciated.
In the winter they'll be more than fine without heat.
In the summer depending on how hot it gets that could be a problem. Rabbits can't tolerate too much heat or they go sterile and worse die from heat stroke. Imagine your wearing your carhart and hat and gloves when it's 90F. Yikes! So I'd entertain the idea of a 5000 btu a/c or like you mentioned fans and air circulation. Should work fine.
The Rabbitry Center thanks so much!
We tried to find 1/2 x 1 in cage wire that wasn't hardware cloth and it was impossible. We went to 2 diff stores, big chains. I've already scouted some local feed stores in my area but their supplies were pitiful. Wondering if they will order what I need even if I only order one or two rolls?
We may have to use Amazon
If you need cage wire or cage supplies you can find it in our storefront
www.amazon.com/shop/therabbitrycenter/list/1JX4S4TJ49ZOR?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_aipsflist_aipsftherabbitrycenter_M0S1TP3CDWZC2MB3X42R
I've been learning so much from your videos, I just have a question that I can't really get an answer for anywhere.. So I have 2 sister does that are bonded, but I plan on breeding them at the end of this month.. I was just wondering if I should let them stay together still since they're still bonded and let them Kindle in the same hutch in separate nesting boxes or should I completely separate them before breeding? Please help, I'm trying to avoid stressing them out but this is my first set of doe's and the first time breeding both for me and them.
They will want to kindle in their own area and may get aggressive/territorial after kindling
Separating is a good idea
I'm interested in starting rabbit farming. I may have questions in the future if I act on it. I just finished a chicken coop/run. I'd like to add to the livestock. I have 16 acres and I don't want to get too deep into cattle or anything too big. Chickens, rabbits, goats, turkeys will be as far as I am willing to go. But even those will keep you very busy.
They sure will. Please reach out when you do. THanks for watching
Pigs are great if you are a gardener as well, tons of free food and they will help prep an area before you plant. I hope to someday raise a few.
could you explain in more detail how you have that hutch to open area set up
You bet! here's a video with more info
th-cam.com/video/XsugHQxiGRA/w-d-xo.html
therabbitrycenter
PLEASE HELP!!! I went out this morning and she had made a nest and had her babies in the corner of her cage. One was out in the middle of the cage alone, it didn’t make it but the others are all in a good pile
it’s a beautiful nest
it’s keeping them warm
her cage is on the ground
it’s like a tractor style that we move around on the grass
should I move them right now or should I let them stay there for the first day or two and then move them once they’re a little bit bigger into a nesting box
I don’t feel like they’re in any danger they seem to be safe and warm
it’s a good nest
I just don’t know if it should be out of a box
I moved them into the box, hoping she will take care of them there
Thank you so much for the information! I plan on breeding my show bunny, this will be her first litter. I’m kinda scared though because I’ve heard that there 1st litter usually dies and I’m an animal lover. Do your rabbits 1st litter usually make it and should I not be worried as much? Again thank you so much for the info! Cutest little kits ever
Keep your fingers crossed sometimes it goes well. Thanks for watching and commenting. Best of luck with your litter!
I picked up a trio from you in July. One just had a successful litter and the other was bred the other day. Pretty excited for the next leg of our journey.
I'm so happy to hear that. Thank you so much for getting back with me.
Hi I have a doe she's pregnant she made her nest with fur already but it been 4 days and no babies yet ? Idk what to do help ?
How many days ago was she bred? This could be a false litter?? If it’s around 18 days it’s a false litter. Doe’s will make a nest out of straw a day or two before kindling. In most cases the doe will pull fur immediately after kindling.
Hello guys! I am new to rabbit breeding and raising kits. We just had our first litter 2 days ago. An older doe that we didn't think would take, but she did and she seems to be doing well. We had 7, lost one (the biggest of them all). I have a few questions I am hoping you can help with.
1. She didn't have them in the nestbox, instead she had them in her hidahouse. My concern is that the hidahouse has only a small wood section at the front of the entry (about 2") and I fear that once they start popping around that they will fall out. Can I move them to the nesting box or should I just keep them where they are and just keep an eye on them?
2. I've watched a lot of video's on how to tell if they are being fed. Every video seems to show very rounded bellies. Our little guys don't seem to have them as rounded as all the videos show. My husband says its because she probably feed them about 8 - 10 hours before I can check them and then the belly wont be as round. They're warm and moving around, but skinny. If they're warm and moving and at day 2, can I assume that they're being fed?
Love your guys videos and learning so much from you.
yes you can move them into a sufficient nesting box. Some times the milk doesn't come in right away (this can take up to 72 hours)but mama will feed them as soon as her milk is ready. You most likely won't see her nurse them. It's only for a few minutes a day. Best of luck with your litter and thanks for watching!
By checking every day and if there are deceased babies you can sell them to local people who have snakes, large lizards as food. I do that and though it's not always often, it is often enough to bring in extra income.
Thank you for sharing that. My oldest son had few snakes growing up. They’re Cool pets
We are happy to see you on this video.
My doe is currently having her first kit
Congrats!
Thank you for the video! My DE experiment is underway! The only thing is I won't need a nesting tote if my rabbits never breed lol. It's been 4 months and I just finally got one hopefully bred (buck had 4 fall offs) we will see. The other 3 does just fight like mad to stay away from buck??? I've tried all your suggested tricks to no avail. Might be rabbit stew time for them?
Did they ever breed?
Were they old enough when you posted? And did you give another try a few days later?
@@h.s.6269 I got them from a breeder (breeds show rabbits for local youth in 4h) and was told by him that they were 1 month from being ready to breed. I waited 2 month before trying to be cautious. The doe that did allow 4 fall offs had 2 kits but by the time I found them one was half eaten by mom and other was fully intact but not alive! I think maybe? they were both still born?
After that it just got too hot here in Texas, we had a week long cool snap and I tried at the end of it and 2 does allowed 3 fall offs apiece but neither took (male still sterile from heat maybe?).
Temps have just now been staying at or around 80 day time and I'll be trying again soon.
Since all that the rabbits have really calmed down and a couple will actually jump out of the cage on to me letting me love on them and eat out of my hand.
So with them really relaxing and feeling completely at home and cooler weather I'll give giving it another go soon!
Any advice is well received, for new to this I still am!
Sounds like you're on top of it. He has some excellent videos on hot weather tips that may be helpful. If they are sterile from the heat, it could take months for them to recover.
Smaller breeds mature faster and can be bred sooner. IDK what kind you have but maybe wait a month to try again.
We understand heat. We're in Georgia. Our plan is to breed spring, fall, and winter and take the summer off.
Also, you could try to breed with a buck from the original breeder, if that situation applies. Most breeders will do this for a stud fee
Actually it may be better to keep large litter in 2 groups if you find them that way. My Giant Angora had 16 and my interference by combining the 2 groups I found meant weaker kits didn’t make it to milk on time. Other breeders confirm if find 2 groups, check for fat bellies, mamma rabbit may be feeding both,
Thank you for sharing your experiences I appreciate it
On your kindle boxes are there holes on both ends of box? Looks like it.
The totes at the bottom of the ramp do but the other totes don’t- this video shares more th-cam.com/video/XsugHQxiGRA/w-d-xo.html
I have had cats eating ears too. It’s when the mom mistakes the umbilical cord and the ear.
I've never witnessed this but spoke to some folks about it. That makes sense. I've heard it happens right after birth during the clean up.
What would you do if you had to hand raise a litter? Would there be specific supplements that you would give them?
Bottle feeding is difficult. The mortality rate will always be high.
I have a question, my doe is a first time mommy I just introduced the nesting box she jumped in & out of it getting it ready but she only pulled a hand full of fur , then she dropped it in the wrong place however I put it in the nesting box , she hasn’t pulled anymore fur , is she planning to pull more ? She hasn’t given birth yet
I would put my nesting boxes in on day 29
I would load it with straw and let her make her own nest a majority of the Fur will be pulled after the kits are born
If you put the nesting box in to early she’ll just play around with it and use it as a litter box
im just wondering how do mama rabbits move the fur to feed the babies? how r the babies fed if they’re just smothered in the mother’s fur that she pulled off? thankyou in advance!!!!
She uses her front paws to move the fur away when nursing and will even uncover them on hot days