Thinking about alternative rabbit raising

I have been mulling this over in my mind. I would like to give colony rabbit raising a try. Here are my thoughts.

Place a chain link panel on the ground.

Place a round bale, flat side down on top.

Surround it with a strong wire fence and fasten the fence to the chain link floor.

Stretch a substantial tarp over the top of the bale and fasten it well to the fence.

Place rabbits inside.

I am hoping the rabbits would eat/colonize/tunnel the bale. Every day I would come out and place some pellets and yummy treats in a large wire dog crate that would also be in the colony. The rabbits would be used to coming out to eat in the crate and when it is time to catch the rabbits, I would just have to close the crate door and I would have them. I currently have them raised and on wire so there would need to be regular worming of the colony, but I could place the colony near electricity and the buns would always have open water. I could then go away for a few days in the winter, knowing they would be secure, safe, and not have to thaw water daily.

Rabbit people, what do you think?

I am not a rabbit person, but I think this sounds like a great idea. No doubt Piet will have some wisdom to share.

Hi Sue, i am sure it will work fine. Just make sure they cannot tunnel themselves out, need concrete floors is best. I use a small horsestall to herd retired/backup does (that i cannot part with, but not really need.) as long they are all the same sex. Have had bucks together in a stall also for growing a bit more for meat. A real pissing contest that turns into and they get messy. I keep them on shavings them just like the chickens get it. I throw hay in with a fork and bowl of water and one of those rubber shallow tubs with pellets. Couple does in a small cage Turns into fights most the time, but if they have enough room it will work. Gotta really check on their condition weekly (feel them) to make sure they are getting what they need.

Thanks Uno and Piet. I may just try this. It would only be to grow out rabbits for meat, so no long term residents. The keepers would stay in cages.

My rabbit lives with the Bantams. We have no plans of getting anymore. She is a really great rabbit and I'm pretty sure she thinks that she is a chicken. She eats with them and will only drink out of the chicken waterer. I have nothing to add about your idea. The description sounds good to me though.

Pollywog wrote:My rabbit lives with the Bantams. We have no plans of getting anymore. She is a really great rabbit and I'm pretty sure she thinks that she is a chicken. She eats with them and will only drink out of the chicken waterer. I have nothing to add about your idea. The description sounds good to me though.

my kids tell me I'm turning into a chicken.   I've been practising my chicken whispering. so far so good. mostly got to stay calm :-).

I don't know a thing about raising rabbits but would enjoy to see some pictures if you give this a go. Sounds an interesting idea.

Interesting idea, let us know how it goes.

I have also thought about this too and was thinking of using stucco mesh. Its 2x2 spacing and comes in 4.5' high by 100ft rolls for $90 at home depot. So wire a few widths together for the floor and secure the wire fence walls to it and you should be golden. Would be quite a long time before the wire would rust to wear they could get through it. Thats my thought anyway for growing out all my babies. Also for worming have been using grapefruit seed extract in the water for two weekd at a time every few months seems to be doing the job.