Food storage...

[DeadIrishD]

I was looking into the section based upon rough times, and how to still care for your rabbit, and being someone who's always been interested in planning a WSHTF I was wondering.

If I were to store food in rubbermaid containers, and I mean the bigger sized ones how long would I possibly be able to store it for, I have recently found a supplier who'd be willing to deliver the food, at a 20 bag minimum, that's 1,000 pounds of rabbit food though.

I'd also be able to buy hay in bulk as well.


I was wondering though, since we do have wild bunnies as well as skunks, if anyone has ever made a feeder for them?

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

Bags do have a 'Best Before Date', but that is unopened. After opening, a bag is good for about 6 months. Unless you can find a bunch of people who want the same food, I would not buy it in that amount. It would probably be better the buy a 50 pound bag and use what you can. If you have rabbit friends near you, you could split the bag to avoid waisting too much. Most feed or farm stores have 50 pound bags of rabbit food. It usually costs about $15-20 depending on the brand.

Hay, if stored properly, will last longer than pellets. It should be stored off of cement, away from water and kept dry. A garage or shed will work and some pieces of wood to keep it off the ground will be fine. Since hay needs to last from at least September to around July, it should be good for at least a year if stored right. If it gets mouldy, don't use it. For 1 rabbit, a bale (about 50-60 pounds) will last about a year.

I don't know about feeding wild hares and other animals. Introducing unnatural foods like pellets may not be the best idea. I am really no expert though.

 

[DeadIrishD]

Depending on the price of this, I may go with them and just donate bags to the local SPCA.

I'm also trying to order some button quail from them, that'll also be in a minimum order of 30.

The food in question is Poulin Grain as well, any good?

http://www.poulingrain.com/products.php?category=6

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

I don't really know much about the foods quality. The fibre is on the low side, but if you feed lots of hay it should be OK. I can't find an ingredient list, so it is hard to comment on that.
Before ordering, ask your local SPCA if they will take it (some only feed certain foods) and if they would be able to use it. If they don't have rabbits often, or don't have many of them it might be too much food.