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Rabbit hutches can be bought from most pet
shops or if you are adventurous enough you could try building
your own, but make sure that you get one with a weatherproof
roof if the hutch is to be kept out in the open. The hutch
should be divided into two parts – two thirds of it
a screened-in open part (usually covered with wire mesh) and
one-third a closed-in bedroom. The enclosed ‘bedroom’
is particularly important if you are going to be breeding
from your doe.
We present you a cage designed for maternity.
The hutch is 50 mm deep by 750 mm, long. It
is 375 mm high except in the nest section, which is 475 mm
high. A 14-gauge 25 x 25-mm mesh is used for the root and
sides. In addition, 12 x 25-mm baby-saver wire extends 100
mm up the sides. A 14-gauge 12 x 25-mm mesh is used for the
floor.
The floor mesh is folded to take the shape
of the cage. The nest is made of 28-gauge galvanized sheet.
The bottom consists of a removable piece of 9-mm plywood.
The nest is arranged like a drawer in the
hutch. It is lower than the main part of the cage to prevent
the kittens from leaving, and because the door is at the same
level as the hutch floor, the kittens that leave the nest
can get back to it easily. When the kittens are order, the
doe can take a rest from their presence by lying on the top
of the nest. The nest is completely closed. The front of the
nest has a movable plate, which is held in place by a wire
fastened to the screening of the hutch.
The plate is designed to hold an information
card and enable the breeder to look into the nest without
moving it.
These cages are arranged two storeys high
only in order to increase the volume of air per animal and
make work easier. The hatches are cleaned using water and
the droppings are flushed into a screened receptacle covered
with a 0.5-mm plastic sheet. The manure is stored in a tank
outside.
To maintain uniformity in the rabbitry, the
same cage will be used for replacement stock, bucks and pregnant
does.
Make sure they get plenty of room to move
around in. Line the hutch with newspaper and sawdust to soak
up urine, wood chippings are a good idea aswell. The sleeping
compartment should have plenty of hay for them to snuggle
in. Your rabbit will eventually use a particular area in the
habitat/hutch as a toilet, so put extra newspaper and sawdust
in that spot when you have discovered where it is.
A rabbit run is essential if they are kept outdoors and provides
plenty of room for exercise. Wire mesh coverings keep them
safe from predator harm.
As with any pet, keeping a rabbit requires commitment to caring
for it during its life.
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