How To Build A Kindling Tote-Rabbits
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ส.ค. 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
2:36 SKIP INTRO
3:32 CUTTING DRAIN TILE
3:55 SEALING TILE TO TOTE
5:16 INSTALLING THE TOTE
6:09 CHIPS AND STRAW
6:41 SPRINKLE D.E.
6:37 INSULATING WITH DIRT
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ABOUT THIS VIDEO:
This is a how to build our kindling totes. I didn't mention the top, I use plywood, 1" insulation, another sheet of plywood and corrugated plastic for the cover.
This 30 gallon tote size is a result of running field tests on our New Zealand's. We set up 18 gallon and 30 gallon totes and after a few years running we replaced all totes with 30 gallon.
This video is the last tote getting replaced.
Note- After 10-14 days you'll want to place all the kits in a grow out cage with momma(this prevents them from escaping the run).
Be sure check the tile for an adventurous kit that may have ventured out into the run.
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I hope to start raising rabbits next year. I'm really enjoying your channel. Thumbs up! and Subbed! Thank you for helping others learn.
@@TheRabbitryCenter why did you replace the old tote with a identical new tote ?
@@andrewyek -We like to run experiments on different sizes and such. We let the rabbits show us what they prefer by seeing what they use and don't use. This way we know what to recommend and use in the future.
@@andrewyek -Lastly, The tote we replaced was a bit smaller. We use 30 gallon totes. It was the same color but bigger. This is the preferred size for our New Zealand's. This gives them enough room to nurse with sufficient room to turn and maneuver.
Zates so did you start raising rabbits
Great video. I will be spending tomorrow digging one out for a rabbit I am about to get, I'm pretty excited and the steps you have taken will contribute to making my plan a better one. Thanks.
I'm glad I could help. Thanks for watching and be sure to let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Hi. Do they chew on the insulator foam?
Some chew it but they don’t eat it. Some rabbits just leave it alone.
Bobby, thanks for the wealth of knowledge you've been sharing so us noobs don't make the same mistakes. Have you considered compiling your short videos into one series?
About the kindling totes: Do does about to kindle go from their hutches to the totes on their own? Do you have to train them to use the totes? At feeding time do they go back up the ramp to the hutch to eat and then back to the totes? I'm just wondering how a doe knows to go to and from the tote before and after kindling.
Also how do you keep other does from entering another doe's tote when they're all in the rabbit run? Or do you keep them completely separate from each other at all times?
When the does are ready to kindle they make their way down the ramp and kindle in the totes with no training at all. They go up and down their ramps and into their totes through out the day eating and drinking when they feel the urge. Soon after snacking they either nap in their cage or in many cases retire to there totes. Its as if they naturally want too explore the tote. After a few hours of introducing a new rabbit to our tote system the rabbits curiosity has gotten the best of them and they've made their way into the tote to investigate. Every rabbit has their own cage and run area.
What breed are your rabbits? I have Dutch and Holland/Mini Lop’s would the 6in be too small?
We have a new zealand rabbitry. I couldn't tell you for sure if it'd be too small, Iv'e never tried it with them only New Zealands I'd say give it a whirl.
I can get 8 inch tile locally would that be too big? Also can you give the dimensions for the tote that worked best? I've got a doe due in early Feb in northern MN so will be building one for her. She is a big girl, German angora. Thank you for sharing your idea.
Hey Cheryl, I couldn't tell you for sure I've never tried 8" tile. I'd give it a whirl just be sure to point(if possible) the tote entrance down wind. Your area has a prevailing wind. In Bath, Michigan its West winds normally. So I point them East so cold wind doesn't blow in the tile entryway. Also, from time to time a doe may bury the entrance to the tote. In nature all nests are buried to keep the smell down and keep the kits protected from predators. So an 8" tile might be tougher to protect and keep your kits from using it or kindling in it. But then again it may work just fine.
Dimensions:
I use 30 Gallon Totes. The dimensions are all a little different but its important to go with a rectangle shape not square. You want your Momma Doe to be able to kindle her litter in the back of the Tote. I hope this helps and good luck with your Rabbitry.
@@TheRabbitryCenter yes very helpful thank you. I face my shelter doors east here and most times that works. Thank you for mentioning it. I did try to locate the 6 inch from your supplier but couldn't find it with a search. I'll try calling them. My doe must not have been bred since she didnt kindle. I'm going to wait to try again until the weather is more reasonable. I moved my rabbits into my basement when it went minus 35. I didnt want to take chances with the cold. Thanks so much for the videos they are very helpful.
What is DE? And what is the purpose of it? I'm trying to learn all I can before I get my rabbits. Thank You.
DE(diatomaceous earth)helps prevent insect infestation in and around your rabbits or any and all farm animals. I put D E in my cooling totes, my kindling totes in my rabbit runs and in my chicken coop. When ants are getting into my bee hives I sprinkle some DE around the trail and it stops in minutes. D E removes the protective coating that insects need on their shells which will kill the flea, tick, or ant.
Do you worry about the babies eating the insulation? Mine chew on everything.
The babies are only in the totes for 10 days then you'll want to collect them and take them to the grow out cage. They don't even really break cluster until 10 days. Momma will bury the opening of the tile so nothing can get in or out. Just like a wild rabbit buries their nest to avoid predators.
Several different bucks and does have used our cooling/Kindling totes. Some rabbits will chew away the outer layer but they won't eat it. The insulation on the exterior of the tote will keep the tote sealed. Some rabbits don't even touch it. So far, Iv'e never had to reseal a tote due to the great stuff falling out or missing. Most importantly the rabbits stay healthy and no losses.
What is the DE for I'm in east Texas and never raised rabbit before so is it necessary any information would be appreciated
DE(diatomaceous earth)helps prevent insect infestation in and around your rabbits or any and all farm animals. I put D E in my cooling totes, my kindling totes in my rabbit runs and in my chicken coop. When ants are getting into my bee hives I sprinkle some DE around the trail and it stops in minutes. D E removes the protective coating that insects need on their shells which will kill the flea, tick, or ant.
The Rabbitry Center thank you sir
Would a 5inch PVC pipe work?
It might. Although it could be slippery for an incline or decline.
Do the rabbits use the totes to retreat from the heat or cold? I don't want to have to worry about overheating in the winter etc.
How do you mean? "overheat in the winter"
Oops. Sorry. I meant overheat in the summer.@@TheRabbitryCenter
@@wrestlingfan4ever76 Yes They can escape the heat by heading down into their tote(cooling station). Its around 15-20 degrees cooler in there.
You mentioned a 6" tile. Where would I be able to find that? I can't seem to find that under that name.
www.zoro.com/
Their sold in 10' pieces. I only needed to purchase (2) for delivery.
@@TheRabbitryCenterI’m not finding the 6 inch on that website
@@pseudoformed I've always purchased 6"x10 ft drain pipe at Home depot. I just searched home depot, lowes and menards and couldn't find 10' sections online at the current time. You can always call in and place an order. Or check back at a later date.
Thanks for the tip. I ended up going to my local feed store and the price was lower than I saw online anywhere else. 8 bucks a foot and I got 10 feet (the shortest they had). You're an inspiration to how I am building my cages and rabbitat run area. You treat your bunnies so well! Keep up the good work! You're my hero! @@TheRabbitryCenter 🐰
What does the DE for?
DE(diatomaceous earth)helps prevent insect infestation in and around your rabbits or any and all farm animals. I put D E in my cooling totes, my kindling totes in my rabbit runs and in my chicken coop. When ants are getting into my bee hives I sprinkle some DE around the trail and it stops in minutes. D E removes the protective coating that insects need on their shells which will kill the flea, tick, or ant.
What is the purpose of DE?
DE(diatomaceous earth)helps prevent insect infestation in and around your rabbits or any and all farm animals. I put D E in my cooling totes, my kindling totes in my rabbit runs and in my chicken coop. When ants are getting into my bee hives I sprinkle some DE around the trail and it stops in minutes. D E removes the protective coating that insects need on their shells which will kill the flea, tick, or ant.
I’m In North Texas so we don’t have near the extremes of winter as you. We do have extreme heat in the summer… I have some plastic ice chests (that we have replaced with soft-sided ice chests) & am thinking of using them for kindling boxes (outside of the cage)… what do you think of this possibility? I realize that I will have some excess humidity to deal with so I’m going into at least that part with my eyes open. Thoughts? Thanks for your instruction!
insulation will help them stay cool much like a basement rain water and humidity will be something to look out for. Here’s a video that shares our solution th-cam.com/video/rqnxwkE-AY8/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
Then they chew on the insulation and die of toxic
I understand this isn’t a question but it still elicited my response.
Our rabbits don’t die from chewing the insulation nor do they ingest it, and some rabbits, don’t even chew it. most likely because they’re fed high-quality food and not starving. We have used this system for a decade with zero losses.
How do you clean those? Do u have to take them out of the dirt each time? Also, how do you clean the runs/playpens? Since those have a roof attached?
th-cam.com/video/J6BdE80fNvo/w-d-xo.html
Simply pop the top and wipe out with a paper towel if there's a urine some low to know older disinfectant, replace shavings in a little straw .
Our runs have a top with hinges so we can open them just like a door, but in most cases our runs don't need to be cleaned but from time to time we may need to patch a hole to prevent digging out. You can always put 2" x 4" cage wire on the bottom of your run to prevent this. Here's a quick build video th-cam.com/video/sftPHZcv_to/w-d-xo.html
Any topic you want covered simply put the rabbitry center in the TH-cam search window, followed by the topic you're interested in and you should find a video
Thanks!
I love this and want to build one for our two buns- forgive me for being so daft, but what is another name for the corrugated tube you are calling 'tile'? I can't find a 6", only 4" for gutters, and when I put in "6" tile", I get only ceramic type for floor and wall.
6" drain tile -don't purchase the one that's perforated with holes, you want a solid drain tile (no holes)purchase it online through Home Depot website purchase a 10 foot section and have it delivered to the store for free and pick it up near you
Thank you for this helpful video!!!
You're very welcome! You may enjoy this video th-cam.com/video/XsugHQxiGRA/w-d-xo.html
Won’t they chew on that toxic expanding stuff?
They'll chew but wont eat or get sick from it
My rabbit would eat the insullation
We have had some rabbits chew the inside ring away but it but they don't eat it
What kind of rabbits do you raise? I have Flemish Giants and would like to know what would be the best for their size.
New Zealand Medium size rabbits
Great video but what is this used for
Bucks can cool off and this keeps them from going infertile
And doe's can kindle in them in the winter and it prevents frozen kits
I have 5” tile is that to small!
Medium breeds should be find unless she's a big girl!
do the rabbits have the option to use this year round?
Yes we used to put out nesting boxes but they always use the totes to kindle in
Why 30 gallons? That's pretty huge, given that does will kindle in a 5 gal bucket. What about dividing it in half and cutting 2 entrances, so 2 does can use the one tote?
Your rabbits will benefit from having the room to turn around and nurse the litter. Kindling does want their own area to raise their litter.The totes that have two entrances are the best for airflow condensation doesn’t build in the tote
Hahaha sadly they never used it, so I'll just add another one just like it.
Our first tote was smaller so we upgraded to the bigger tote. They started using it soon after
@@TheRabbitryCenter oohhhh 👍
My cages are raised about 2.5 feet off the ground, do you think the bun would be able to travel up and down a tile that long? Or do you think it would it be an issue?
Big rabbits have a hard time when they're close to kindling but you'd have to give it a try. The incline has been too steep in some cases and I've had to make an adjustment.
I just got my bunnies. they are big New Zealand crosses. I have three does and a buck. I don't like the inadequate wire cages they came in so I'm setting them up in a 10 x 20 run how many kindling boxes do I need?
One tote for every doe that will be kindling at the same time
@@TheRabbitryCenter thank you!
I'm in indiana, and can't find breeding stock, anyway you would sell me a few pairs?
Pick up only
Sorry about that
Have you tried joining a Facebook rabbit group and posting “I’m looking for breeders near me”
This video might help you too th-cam.com/video/F3GyTnEmJb8/w-d-xo.html
@@TheRabbitryCenter I'm currently in fb jail, I will once my 30 day ban is over
@@caseyramseyer9874Lol My brother TJ is in Facebook jail all the time. He’s very outspoken.
How often do you find you need to clean the kindling tote? We were under the impression that wire bottom nest boxes helped mitigate standing urine by allowing it to drain. Is the lid being sealed like that without much ventilation a safe idea regarding rabbits health?
Secondarily, have you ever noticed any rabbits (especially babies) chewing on the insulation/foam? Most of our rabbits have definitely been heavy chewers, even when provided with plenty of hay/twigs/etc.
Thanks for all the great videos, respect from Canada!
Nesting boxes always have urine and teeny tiny bunny berries from the litter
Screen bottoms are always good to have
The totes are a little different - the sealed bottom works as a barrier from snow/water and helps keep the rabbits and litters dry.
It’s important to swap out old straw and shavings with fresh shavings and straw on day 28 to 29 of gestation to keep bacteria levels at the minimum
Bucks get their totes cleaned every 2-3 months. Once in a while a rabbit that’s unfamiliar with the tote will use it as a litter box -they will grow out of this in time.
th-cam.com/video/J6BdE80fNvo/w-d-xo.html
How often do you need to clean out the totes?
Bucks -every 2-3 month
Doe’s - before kindling on day 28-29
How do your rabbits get to this from their cages safely?
Here’s another video feel free to click on our channel and check out all our videos on building and more. Thanks for watching! th-cam.com/video/XsugHQxiGRA/w-d-xo.html
Does the 6" pipe work ok for larger meet rabbits? I made a 6" square tunnel from plywood about 2' long. They definitely like the one with an 8" square tunnel better. But I just put them out about 2 hours ago.
We raise. Medium breeds only. Sounds like 6” is too small for large breed rabbits.
Τι είναι αυτή η σκόνη που έβαλες;
Hi.... Thank you 🎥👍👍👍
Welcome 👍
How do you handle the rainy seasons?
Water does not get in my totes it’s covered with corrugated plastic where the opening is and the drain tile points upward 5 to 6 inches above ground
Do you drill any holes in the bottom of the tote?
No I blanket with wood shavings and add straw I’ll clean out the totes on day 29 of gestation and the bucks get their totes cleaned out every other month
Should I put D E around my outside rabbit pen? Or on the hay? New to this?!? Thanks for any help
Both
A little goes a long way
I have a baby rabbit that was in my garden I put it in with my pet rabbits, I’m wondering if I should’ve done that??
Folks have caged wild rabbits but haven't had much success with it. They usually die from stress. But If you do choose to raise them up please let me know if you were successful. I'd like to hear how it went. Thanks!
@@TheRabbitryCenter it died, I think the stress and the wound was too much for it. I wish I wouldn’t have tried to help it, it probably would have been better off if I’d left it alone😢
The only thing I see that you might want to do is make vent holes for easier breathing in the tote!
Here’s a video showing how I did that. th-cam.com/video/XsugHQxiGRA/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for watching!
@@TheRabbitryCenter i will check that video out also! Thanks!
@@TheRabbitryCenter i thought that video was yours also! I watched it when we first got our rabbits. We are actually work on a combination of different ideas.
What is the reason for DE added? Very curious
D E this flour like powder cuts away at an insects exoskeleton- killing it and eradicating the problem immediately. It’s great stuff. Animals can eat the food grade DE which helps clean the insides of your Rabbits stomach and intestines- in short, it prevents any unwanted pests
I love the tote I built! And I am so thankful you shared it! I have condensation in mine with the litter. Do you have suggestions?
We get sweating in April when there’s a big temperature change from morning to afternoon
You can fix this by drilling very small holes on the upper sides of the totes for cross ventilation this will take care of the humidity in the tote
Once the weather changes and the sweating stops you can fill the holes with silicone or duct tape
@@TheRabbitryCenter Thank you for taking the time to reply. I am in love with these totes! That is exactly what I did, I drilled very small holes in them. I think since we live in Florida we will have more severe humidity problems and most likely have to leave the holes in all year. Which is fine.
We really love your channel and we are starting a Rabbitry and I’m only doing things Bobby’s way even though I’m doing things a little different but not much!! But we can’t wait to have our first match of Rex’s !! Wish us some luck!!
You'll do great. So glad you like the channel. I'll keep them coming.
What is the insulating top made out of? I couldn't figure out what it was from the videos I watched.
Love your setup and want to do this before the summer. My buck when heat sterile over the summer I believe and this looks like my answer to next year's success.
So what's wrong with the old kindling tote?
we still use the kindling tote for 2 weeks we remove the kits and place them in the grow out cage for more info check this out. th-cam.com/video/Pz0tBDRlqR8/w-d-xo.html
Will wood chips work in place of hay for a kindling nest for kits etc?
it'll work to absorb the urine and waste but the straw work as a bedding as well as insulation
I love the idea of these kindling boxes, but do you have any sort of suggestion on how to do this concept in a much smaller yard? We have a much smaller space to work with.
be careful Breathing in the DE, it's really bad for your lungs, you should use a mask. Of course with Covid we probably have some masks.
You're absolutely right. A little D. E. goes a long way
It seems your design is well thought out, and more labor intensive than many I've seen closer to thr cage. This considered, can you explain the tangible benefits of this separate kiddling area with 6" pipe snd everything?
You bet.
I added the second tote to see if it would provide any benefits and over time I have learned that it does serve two main purposes.
It keeps mom from trampling any kits going in and out of the tote. Secondly, it provides momma a safe place to put her litter and she can retire back to the tote at the bottom of the ramp in peace without a litter of restless kits hopping around and attempting to find a teat to latch on to. On Hot days, cold days and even mosquito days it's sometimes tough for momma to hang out in the tote at the bottom of the ramp and not be constantly harassed by hungry baby bunnies. So this provides her a private peaceful area. This is what most rabbits need in order to be comfortable. Quiet and peaceful and private.
cool, but I wouldnt do the insulative foam. That stuff produces VOC's, if I dont want to breath its offgassing, I wont make my rabbits.
Thank you for this video! I am in Florida and I am hoping this provides a cooler space. Our first bunnies arrive next month in time for the summer heat. Can you tell me what you have on the lids? I know it is an insulated cover of some sort.
well congrats on the first litter.
the lids have 1" insulation sandwiched between two pieces of wood. I've used 1/2" plywood , osb and shed siding it all works.
Do these boxes help keep them cool? looking for ideas to help keep them cool in the summer
Yes! I've had them for a while and they stay well insulated, at least if you dig them in well enough. At times it has felt 15 degrees cooler in the box.
Do you use the DE to cut down on ants, fleas, and the such? I use DE around cat clowders to keep the ants away and help reduce the fleas.
Yes. The DE practically eliminates spiders, fleas and ticks. I strongly recommend it for the totes.
Yikes, glad I saw this. I've been using at least quadruple that amount of D.E.
Thanks for watching.
@@TheRabbitryCenter what is DE for. Also curious why you fan the box as you did. I truly am a novice
@@TheHFF-mj2rw I think it's just to make sure all of the DE gets nice and sprinkled all over everything and maximize the potential of the DE by making sure it gets maximum coverage.
Nzur
Can u show How the tote is connected to rabbit hutch? Do they gave access to year all year round?
You bet we have a video on that.
I have to apologize in advance the song choice is horrible so just be sure to lower the volume. I had to add it due to a copy right strike. Here it is. The following video will show even more of the build.
3 minutes in.
th-cam.com/video/29R7RqP0mjs/w-d-xo.html
I just found your channel! Thank you for your videos! I noticed in another video that you had "Tiles" at both ends of the tote. Do you have a video that shows your layout for the cages, ramps, runs and totes? I am getting bits and pieces from several videos, but not a clear understanding of your setup. Thanks again!
Welcome to our channel. Thank you for watching. -tiles at both ends- That's the cooling tote which is our first design but after our does kept kindling in the middle of the tote it made it possible that the litter could get trampled from mama coming down the ramp, through the tote and out to the run.
Only after sitting out there and watching I thought we should put another tote out in the run so they can enter, nurse and leave out the way they came in. This works better and they took to it immediately. Only after witnessing this over and over, I can can say it looks as though it's tapping into their natural instincts. Mama rabbits only visits for a few minutes a couple times a day nursing and then leaving but not before burying the entrance to the tote. This way she doesn't draw any attention to her litter. Most of the day she'll lounge in her cage or in her cooling tote.
BUILT IN THIS ORDER
CAGE- RAMP- COOLING TOTE-RUN-KINDLING TOTE
Would you happen to have any sketches of your rabbit hutch layout? I really like the we at your rabbits have a run to themselves and everyone seems to have lots of space.
Sorry this video is all I have available as of now. I'll write everything down and put the details in the description as soon as possible.
@@TheRabbitryCenter thank you so much
I know this was a while ago. we have been living with bunnies int he house due to how hot it gets in Florida. but I recently learned about building burrows for them so we can transition them outside. I love this build however I am worried my bunnies would try to eat the foam sealant. is that at all safe?
That's a common question. Some chew it and some don't. I can tell you we haven't witnessed any rabbit consume the foam. It gets chewed and mulched up in the tote and ends up sitting in the tote with chips and straw. Here's a video on the common tote questions. You may find it helpful.
th-cam.com/video/CZXYG0gPTZk/w-d-xo.html
I built one and momma blocks the pipe with straw every day. I thought she was neglecting the babies but she apparently digs it out when she nurses the babies.
I'm happy to hear you made one. Absolutely, Mother rabbits will leave their nest alone so they don't draw attention to it. They'll only nurse their litter for a few minutes a couple times a day. Mama's cover the entrance to the nest to hide it and cover the odor from predators. The kits will have more than enough oxygen to survive and grow. They'll just burrow and cluster to stay warm for about two weeks and then they'll start to venture out to explore.
I feel like u should have drilled tiny holes on the bottom for drainage of pee so it prevents it from smelling
I've had someone say they tried that. They haven't got back with me and told me the results yet.
Check this video out if you haven't already.
It's about the totes, and the litter box issue.
th-cam.com/video/CZXYG0gPTZk/w-d-xo.html
If you build one and drill holes, please get back with me. I'll share the results and of course I'll be sure to mention courtesy of Tonia Castro.
The Rabbitry Center I’m
Getting our rabbits this weekend I think the hubby said he was just gonna build wooden boxes we get free lumber from his mill but I’ll get a plastic one vs his wooden one and see how that does an let u know lol
@@Tonia.lynn2411 It's nice to have a builder and a mill. The wood would most likely soak up a lot of odor and bacteria versus the tote. You got the right idea. Good luck on your build.
You are in Michigan which is colder then what we get in Pa. I was told by someone at Home Depot that the ground freezes 36" depth I can you tote keep your rabbits warm in the wintertime if they are partly above the ground?
That's a good question. When it comes to a 4x4 buried in the ground. The dirt will freeze and stay frozen.
Our kindling totes have some dirt insulating it but in most cases it's not even 36" deep. The rabbits body just like our bodies radiate heat. This heat warms the tote and the surrounding dirt and chips and straw all work together to keep the heat much like a jacket. This creates a much safer environment than an exposed nesting box. When I pop the top to inspect a litter it's surprising to feel the heat surrounding the litter. It's like a heater running. This is how kits survive. Much like penguins in the Arctic. Insulating and heating themselves. Hope that helps.