trying to fiqure out rabbits

[chellebyerly]

Hello,

My kids are going to show Rabbits in 4-H this year. I have been looking for rabbits for a while now, and finally found some. Most folks want quite a bit of money per rabbit, BUT, I found someone that is not going to show this year. Since I have to breed by December, and they have to be born on site, I am trying to get set up now.



My question is this: The rabbits I am buying I have to get this week. My hutches will not be finished until next week at the earliest. This is really a good deal, like 1/5 of the price. I am getting 3 does and 1 buck. I do have a few various cages that I can use as a temporary home, until the hutches are built. I plan on each rabbit having their own hutch. BUT, in the meantime, can the does be housed together?



I have searched the net all day, but must not be using the right keywords, I really cant find the answer.



I can seperate the buck strait off, These are grown rabbits, and I know there is territory issues, but to what extreme?

There will be no bunnies due in the time I am getting cages fixed, They will not be bred until December.



Thanks for any help, I really appriciate it.

 

[tonyshuman]

It depends how well the does get along with each other. I will move this to the Rabbitry, where people with experience breeding rabbits will respond. Most people here only have experience with fixed bunnies, as they make better pets for living with you in the house.

Remember that intact bunnies can get each other pregnant through cages. They need to have some separation between the cages--a simple wire mesh between them isn't enough. Also, the does will probably need to be separated once they have been mated, at the very least when their due dates are close.

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

It could be possible, but it really depends on the rabbits and the size of the cage. I would not put 2 full grown rabbits over about 5 pounds in any pet store sized cage as there is just not enough room.
The breeder may be willing to loan you a couple cages until you can get your hutches set up. Large dog crates or X-pens can work as well. A rabbit proofed room like a laundry room or bathroom can work for a few days. Even rotating between a carrier and the cage will be ok until the hutches are built.
If the does do get along, I would still limit the amount of them they are confined to a cage together as they can fight if they feel there is not enough room.

 

[polly]

Does can tend to be more territorial than bucks are I would not house 2 full grown females together just to be on safe side

 

[BlueCamasRabbitry]

Exactly how many "various" cages do you have? And what sizes are they?

I personally, wouldn't put three does to one cage; not only would they not have enough room, but they probably will fight

If you have enough extra cages for them each, then that's what I'd do...but it sounds as though you don't.

Also, are you planning on building hutches for the litters once they're weaned? If so, I would have about 6 to 8 extra cages

And, if you're kids are the ones showing in 4-H, they'll need to be doing some of this stuff too Of course probably not building hutches unless they're old enough, but working with the rabbits, doing some of the breeding stuff (once again, if they're old enough). The whole part of 4-H is for the kids to learn by doing So if you're doing it for them, they won't learn; you can guide them though, and so can the club's 4-H leader.

Emily

 

[Pipp]

I only have house rabbit experience... But...

Do the girls all know each other from their former home? It is easier to put strangers together in a free run area -- a large pen or a room, and not a cage -- but if you end up with former neighbours with a history of issues, that might not work, either.

I'd personally give it a try with some supervision and a lot of 'escape routes', like cardboard boxes with two entrances/exits and a hoppable shelf or two. The bad scraps usually happen in confined spaces. A little chase and pull is normal in large spaces, and they can otherwise ignore each other.


sas :bunnydance:

 

[chellebyerly]

Thanks everyone

I will have to think about it more. I have various cages, brooders for chicks, rabbit cages, a large (and I do mean large) dog crate, that kind of thing.

And dont worry about the kids being the ones to do it. They are definatly well versed in working. they feed and water the hogs, the chickens and horses. They help us harvest in the garden and They have helped build all the various other stuff and swear I am a slave driver. LOL They are 9 and 10, so they will be involoved in all aspects.

Dont get me wrong, they dont do all that work with out complaints. LOL But they are capable.

I will find out more about how he houses them, see if I can fiqure out the best way to house them. I just hate to pass up the deal, But will if it comes down to it.

Thanks again!

 

[Flashy]

Could he hold them for you for an extra short amount of time so that you are able to get yourself properly sorted?