Rabbits
I was hesitant about rabbits at first. I wasn’t comfortable with them outside or if the dust int he poultry barn would be too hazardous. They have been raised for meat and fur. There are numerous breeds of rabbits. Some better for meat production and others better for fur production.
Our Breeds
We have had a several breeds.. Currently we only have two breeds. They where a more of a spur of the moment addition while we where searching for breeders. At the time we were looking to expand the herd we found a local farmer close by who had just what we where looking for! So it was attachment at first sight.
Our current breeds:
- Lionhead Mix
- Rex
I would like to add Holland Lop, Fuzzy Lop, and New Zealand rabbits. Adds more color, size, and character to the herd.
Purpose
Our rabbits are for entertainment and lawn mowing :). We do not raise rabbits for meat or fur. They are our Easter bunnies as they hide the chickens and duck eggs. Our bunnies are brought out to a movable run everyday, if weather if permissible, to forge on fresh grass. The rabbits enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
Another great use for the rabbits is fertilizer. Since the bunnies are out most days, they poop all over the grass. When we move the run daily or several times a day you can see a few day’s ago spot very lush and green. They trim the grass down very fast and keep the ground extremely fertile.
Bedding, the rabbit hutch is bedded with old dried out hay. This mixed with their waste makes great compost for the pile or garden. Most of their waste is found in the “dinning room” of the hutch. I have realized that they prefer to defecate while they eat. With that I built an addition to their three-tier hutch that has a removable pet tray.
Entertainment
Watching the rabbits line up and mow is one of the cutest things to watch. They have a funny sideways hop they do when excited. Or the standing on their hind legs to say hi! Some are very docile and will allow you to hold them calmly. They will snuggle up in your arms and just take a nap. Others get very excited and like to use you as a climbing pole. The bunnies love the fresh greens and veggies form the garden. I dare not let the run go near there! I fear they would chew a hole in the hardware cloth and eat the whole garden!
The rabbits are also enjoyable to watch when they are in the hutch. They keep running from one level to the next and form one end to the other. It is a giant maze and they try to see if I am paying attention. Also they have jumping competitions. They jump up the wall and try to reach the ceiling or race around all four walls of the enclosure. Finally the chew toys, those become a flying cannon. My bunnies enjoy grabbing one and tossing it into the air and see how far it goes.