Hi from Australia. I just wanted to say how much I appreciate your videos on rabbit husbandry. They have taught me a lot. I thought you might like to know that rabbits really love Carob tree leaves and pods, Tagaste tree leaves and branches and old man salt bush. All three are temperate, to very dry or tropical climate fodder trees. Several studies have been done on each and have shown that they are indeed beneficial to rabbit weight gain and health if used in a supplementary way with a regular diet of hay and pellet. The Tagaste or Tree lucerne takes about 2 years to reach maturity and the same with the Old man Saltbush. The carob trees take about 6 years to pod, but they have tons of bushy branches from roughly 3 years onwards. I am pretty sure non of these would survive the winter at your place but you might be interested in sourcing some dried Carob pods. They are the same as for humans and I give them broken into small pieces to my rabbits 1 pod each every 3 days. They will leave pellets for the pods every time. Keep on working hard on your videos, they are really informative and so down to earth.
I always enjoy and learn from the information you share. I was in Hudsonville, MI for a graduation and wanted to stop by your rabbitry but ran out of time. Maybe in the next trip.
Thank you so much, but I’m glad you didn’t make the trip. Our rabbitry is closed to the public. and we help folks by appointment only. Thank you for watching our channel!
Thanks so much, this had some great pointers. I just moved some kits out from momma but I think I’ll put them back in. Sounds like they could use another week or so with mom. Probably not the end of the world, but since I’m newer at this, now is a good time to create good habits! My goal is to have happy healthy buns and your channel has been a big help as I get started (I’m about 2 months in now). I’ve had 4 litters already and one on the way! 🎉❤
keep hutch 40” off the ground, set mice traps, clean food and pellet Debris -wrap bottom of cage with hardware cloth 7-8” most importantly, feed on a disciplined diet so your rabbit doesn’t gain weight and there isn’t pellet around for rodents. best of luck!
Thanks Bobby for the information. As always, it's informative and helpful. But my goodness... As someone who has breastfed, all the information you stated hit close to home - from staged weaning to that glazed, touched out mumma stare 😂
I enjoy your videos so much. We only started raising rabbits a few months ago. Unrelated question: how do you maintain your run? We have a run. It's very hard to clean, and the rabbits dig and tunnel a lot in the run. They can't get out, but should I be concerned about the poop build-up? It doesn't smell, but there is a lot of poop mixed in the dirt and straw and they dig and tunnel in it which always mixes it up.
We don’t usually run more than one Rabbit in the run. Remove Mamadou in the litter out at two weeks to a grow up cage to be sold and processed so a small area like that may need to be increased if your housing a lot of rabbits. Or the run will need to be cleaned regularly.
Weigh your kits at regular week's as they grow out.... keep your replacement buns that gain the most and the fastest.....and only use those in your breeding program...also lots of feeders for young kits that are still with there mother...
Rabbits, suffering from digestive problems will benefit from a high fiber diet stick to 16% protein pellet and Hay and freshwater - no greens fruits or vegetables until your rabbits digestion returns to normal
Bobby, what is the age of the rabbits in the video eating the willow with Mama? I had several growouts die from bloat or (GI stasis) when I put them out in a rabbit tractor at 7 weeks.
I have a nesting box question: do your rabbits know to go into it when it gets hot? It's getting hot here in the south and all of our rabbits are in their wire cages, neglecting the boxes, in the heat of the afternoon. I did a laser thermometer and it's almost 20 degrees cooler inside the nesting box, but they're just slugging it out in the cage instead. How do I help these cute little dumbbunnies help themselves?!
Mama Rabbit will remove for the cluster convent and if they’re big enough to hop out of the nesting box Often when it’s hot, Rabbits will benefit from a cage floor bottom by sprawling over the cage floor bottom to vent and cool off They almost look like a bunch of kids at a sleepover with her sleeping bags
@@TheRabbitryCenter oh man, I'm so sorry...I meant I have a kindling tote question 🤦 I have kindling totes like yours, but the rabbits aren't yet seeking them out when it's hot. Any advice?
I’d like to comment on the thought “that does can live together a long time”. My experience with (sibling) keeping rabbits together past a couple months has not been good. When I first got started my friend talked me into taking more rabbits than I was really ready for, so I kept to sibling females together for awhile. The short story is that one of the rabbits was eating most, if not all the feed. The second rabbit was nearly skin and bones by the time I realized what was happening. Just recently I left two litter mates together a little too long. When we processed them yesterday it appears the same thing was beginning to happen with them as well. The one rabbit had 2/3 times as much fat on it as did the sibling. Rabbits are particularly social creatures and they are definitely territorial. Giving them their own cage as soon as manageable is best for each rabbit. Just remembering another set of female siblings that we had. One of the rabbits developed a sore near her mouth. I thought maybe a insect bite or maybe she poked herself with a loose wire. Nope! Caught sister nibbling on her! Needless to say we separated them immediately. Past 3, maybe 4 months each rabbit needs their own cage. I know others may see this and say “oh Fluffy and Cottontail have been living together for years!” Well, good for you! I wish you well! 😂 Adult rabbits need their own cage. ❤
My dwarfs are a bit faster at developing adult boy bits. I see clear starts at max. 10 weeks in some, so max. 10 weeks is when they go to bachelor quarters (or the freezer/pot). Some does are happy to keep their daughters months longer, some want them all GONE at 8 weeks or so (these does are not rebred that close though, usual is 4-6 months due to space and keeping meat on the hoof when possible). So check the kits at least once a week from 8 weeks on, not all "girls" remain girls. For selling what i see is 8 weeks or older gives best chances at surviving the change in environment, feed, travel and so on.
@@gracehunter7808 Little freezer space, so rather use that for store bought stuff. Electric is still very reliable, but that is not a garantee with the shift to renawables and such. Plans/dreams for moving and then semi-offgrid. Simplicity, energy and time costs. Canning is new to me and here that is all waterbath canning. 4 season garden + storable as is veg. makes more sense to me. Single person household and still want to do this at 85 makes for planning efficiency and easy work. There is after all only so much time in a day and 8-9 hours sleep is pretty important to keep going.
Hi from Australia. I just wanted to say how much I appreciate your videos on rabbit husbandry. They have taught me a lot.
I thought you might like to know that rabbits really love Carob tree leaves and pods, Tagaste tree leaves and branches and old man salt bush. All three are temperate, to very dry or tropical climate fodder trees. Several studies have been done on each and have shown that they are indeed beneficial to rabbit weight gain and health if used in a supplementary way with a regular diet of hay and pellet.
The Tagaste or Tree lucerne takes about 2 years to reach maturity and the same with the Old man Saltbush. The carob trees take about 6 years to pod, but they have tons of bushy branches from roughly 3 years onwards. I am pretty sure non of these would survive the winter at your place but you might be interested in sourcing some dried Carob pods. They are the same as for humans and I give them broken into small pieces to my rabbits 1 pod each every 3 days. They will leave pellets for the pods every time. Keep on working hard on your videos, they are really informative and so down to earth.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I very much appreciate it.
Thx. Does the carob taste good?
I always enjoy and learn from the information you share. I was in Hudsonville, MI for a graduation and wanted to stop by your rabbitry but ran out of time. Maybe in the next trip.
Thank you very much but I'm glad you didn't make the trip because were closed to the public. Appointments only. Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much, but I’m glad you didn’t make the trip. Our rabbitry is closed to the public. and we help folks by appointment only. Thank you for watching our channel!
Thanks for the video!! Very educational, I always look out for your videos they are very insightful… Am a Rabbit Breeder from Zambia 🇿🇲 Africa
I'm so glad you like the videos. Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Thanks so much, this had some great pointers. I just moved some kits out from momma but I think I’ll put them back in. Sounds like they could use another week or so with mom. Probably not the end of the world, but since I’m newer at this, now is a good time to create good habits! My goal is to have happy healthy buns and your channel has been a big help as I get started (I’m about 2 months in now). I’ve had 4 litters already and one on the way! 🎉❤
Thanks for sharing. I'm so glad the channel has been helpful. Best of luck with your litters.
Just starting my meat rabbits and wanting to know how you keep mice out of the rabbits pen?
keep hutch 40” off the ground, set mice traps, clean food and pellet Debris -wrap bottom of cage with hardware cloth 7-8”
most importantly, feed on a disciplined diet so your rabbit doesn’t gain weight and there isn’t pellet around for rodents.
best of luck!
Thanks Bobby for the information. As always, it's informative and helpful.
But my goodness... As someone who has breastfed, all the information you stated hit close to home - from staged weaning to that glazed, touched out mumma stare 😂
lol good mamas are the best.
I’m so glad you enjoy the videos -thanks for taking the time to comment.
Perfect timing for us! We are reaching the weaning stage! Great info, thank you!
Best of luck with your weaning!
I enjoy your videos so much. We only started raising rabbits a few months ago. Unrelated question: how do you maintain your run? We have a run. It's very hard to clean, and the rabbits dig and tunnel a lot in the run. They can't get out, but should I be concerned about the poop build-up? It doesn't smell, but there is a lot of poop mixed in the dirt and straw and they dig and tunnel in it which always mixes it up.
We don’t usually run more than one Rabbit in the run. Remove Mamadou in the litter out at two weeks to a grow up cage to be sold and processed so a small area like that may need to be increased if your housing a lot of rabbits. Or the run will need to be cleaned regularly.
What breed of rabbits are these in video. Thanks so much for your wonderful content!
New Zealand -thanks for asking!
Loved watching you dive for the rabbit!😊
Ha! If you don't grab them quickly they run like a rebel child.
Great video. Thanks for sharing.
You’re very welcome. Thanks for watching
Fantastic as always Bobby! Just weaned our first litter
Thanks for watching Jason
I tried emailing a couple times. Hadn't heard back. I figured your busy or i ended up in Spam.
How do you
Breed Back to get better grow out weights?
You pick out the superior genetics to breed
Weigh your kits at regular week's as they grow out.... keep your replacement buns that gain the most and the fastest.....and only use those in your breeding program...also lots of feeders for young kits that are still with there mother...
Your yard rabbit is so cute and chubby
She's my little helper 🙂
What kind of rabbits do you have?
Purebred New Zealand
I got a bunny two weeks ago from a breeder now my bunny isn't pooping I'm trying everything no vet's in the area that deals with rabbits any ideas?
Rabbits, suffering from digestive problems will benefit from a high fiber diet stick to 16% protein pellet and Hay and freshwater - no greens fruits or vegetables until your rabbits digestion returns to normal
@@TheRabbitryCenter thanks so much I'm just getting started with rabbits so I just want to make Pretty Girl feel better I love your channel
Love the smaller tote idea. I've been using full size cages because its what i had. 😂 Thank you!!!
You bet! Thanks for watching.
Bobby, what is the age of the rabbits in the video eating the willow with Mama? I had several growouts die from bloat or (GI stasis) when I put them out in a rabbit tractor at 7 weeks.
Seven weeks
Willow branches and leaves are a good starter.
Thanks!
4:31 cute rabbit
Thanks for watching.
❤❤❤❤
So glad you liked it!
I have a nesting box question: do your rabbits know to go into it when it gets hot? It's getting hot here in the south and all of our rabbits are in their wire cages, neglecting the boxes, in the heat of the afternoon. I did a laser thermometer and it's almost 20 degrees cooler inside the nesting box, but they're just slugging it out in the cage instead. How do I help these cute little dumbbunnies help themselves?!
Mama Rabbit will remove for the cluster convent and if they’re big enough to hop out of the nesting box
Often when it’s hot, Rabbits will benefit from a cage floor bottom by sprawling over the cage floor bottom to vent and cool off They almost look like a bunch of kids at a sleepover with her sleeping bags
I turn the box at two weeks. I keep it on its side and remove it at three weeks.
@@TheRabbitryCenter oh man, I'm so sorry...I meant I have a kindling tote question 🤦 I have kindling totes like yours, but the rabbits aren't yet seeking them out when it's hot. Any advice?
I’d like to comment on the thought “that does can live together a long time”. My experience with (sibling) keeping rabbits together past a couple months has not been good.
When I first got started my friend talked me into taking more rabbits than I was really ready for, so I kept to sibling females together for awhile. The short story is that one of the rabbits was eating most, if not all the feed. The second rabbit was nearly skin and bones by the time I realized what was happening.
Just recently I left two litter mates together a little too long. When we processed them yesterday it appears the same thing was beginning to happen with them as well. The one rabbit had 2/3 times as much fat on it as did the sibling.
Rabbits are particularly social creatures and they are definitely territorial. Giving them their own cage as soon as manageable is best for each rabbit.
Just remembering another set of female siblings that we had. One of the rabbits developed a sore near her mouth. I thought maybe a insect bite or maybe she poked herself with a loose wire. Nope! Caught sister nibbling on her! Needless to say we separated them immediately. Past 3, maybe 4 months each rabbit needs their own cage. I know others may see this and say “oh Fluffy and Cottontail have been living together for years!” Well, good for you! I wish you well! 😂 Adult rabbits need their own cage. ❤
Thanks k you for taking the time to share and write your comment.
Another great video!
Thank you for watching. I appreciate that!
My dwarfs are a bit faster at developing adult boy bits. I see clear starts at max. 10 weeks in some, so max. 10 weeks is when they go to bachelor quarters (or the freezer/pot). Some does are happy to keep their daughters months longer, some want them all GONE at 8 weeks or so (these does are not rebred that close though, usual is 4-6 months due to space and keeping meat on the hoof when possible).
So check the kits at least once a week from 8 weeks on, not all "girls" remain girls.
For selling what i see is 8 weeks or older gives best chances at surviving the change in environment, feed, travel and so on.
Thanks for taking the time to write your comment. I appreciate you sharing!
@@gracehunter7808 Little freezer space, so rather use that for store bought stuff. Electric is still very reliable, but that is not a garantee with the shift to renawables and such. Plans/dreams for moving and then semi-offgrid. Simplicity, energy and time costs. Canning is new to me and here that is all waterbath canning. 4 season garden + storable as is veg. makes more sense to me. Single person household and still want to do this at 85 makes for planning efficiency and easy work. There is after all only so much time in a day and 8-9 hours sleep is pretty important to keep going.