Someone was asking about rebreeding and I went straight to this channel and copied the video needed and shared it. Another person said she watched your channel . It's our go-to for rabbits !! Thanks for the videos.
I found out what is happening to my rabbits. It's the grain. Most of the rabbits that passed were the babies from 6 weeks old to 12 weeks old. The breeders are good it's the babies. They may be eating grain ok, but the vet told us the grain needs to be grounded up a bit like almost powder otherwise it will get stuck in lower intestine and they can't poop. They'll be dead in 6 to 12 hours and that's what happened to my rabbits. I have 9 mama's and 3 bucks I had 40 baby rabbits I fed them all the best 26% grain from Tractor Supply, I should have done my homework and fed the 6 wk to 12 week young ones a different grain than their mothers. Hard lesson to learn. All rabbits had a sufficient amount of available clean water 24/7. My vet said Bad Feed
When folks are having trouble losing baby rabbits in most cases it’s what you’re feeding them or not feeding them. There can be several possibilities for the majority of the time it’s diet too many sugars, carbs, and greens. I’m glad you found a vet that is giving you some helpful advice. Our baby rabbits stick to 16% protein 17 to 18% fiber with handfuls of hay daily freshwater and a handful of whole oats 2 to 3 times a week. We have 0 losses. That is our diet. That is our recommended Feed for baby rabbits until they’re weaned. Thank you for taking the time to comment and share your experiences
I am new to the rabbit world and although I don’t have meat rabbits, I have started with Pedigree Holland Lops, I just fell in love with them, I still find your videos SO helpful! I just got my first litter, I bred my 8 month old doe and last week she had 6 babies and No losses, I thought that was great for first time doe, and I couldn’t have got there without watching your videos! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! 😂when I first started watching your videos I didn’t even know the correct rabbit language…buck, doe. 😊❤ struggle I would say for people is lack of knowledge. ❤
Thank you!! I just ordered this spreadsheet. Which I could have easily made myself, but I never have. However, I'm happy to pay the $5 to have it completed. ❤❤
Oh brilliant. This is huge development Bobby. I am glad this came from your channel, and i believe this will be a great success. I am in Nigeria so it might take time to purchase this app because of the exchange bottlenecks going on here but i hope to get it someday sometime. I have been keeping records like crazy but yet to have a app to simplify the process and I am looking forward to using your app. Thank you man!
I use your sheet for my rabbits and I love it! I was going to use cards as well and some of the cards got destroyed by weather. If I didn't have the sheet I would have been in big trouble because I couldn't remember dates or who I bred to whom.
This is an underrated comment. I truly believe this is the #1 issue of rabbitries fail. Same goes for culls that are pet related. Not all pet rabbits are sellable and you dont want to breed them with your herd. People have a hard time killing them especially if they have children that scream and whine telling them, "No dont kill little timmy!" This makes feed and housing cost go way up.
Hey Bobby, thanks for the video. Just had my 1st two litters one 10 and another 6 kits. Forgot to turn over boxes at 2 weeks. Thanks for the reminder. God bless
Another great video, I love your content, I learn something new every time I watch one. Keep up the good work, and making videos, and helping others with their rabbitries.
I just love your channel. I’m planning my breeding schedule for next spring and summer since I just got my new buck for next season (I do Flemish since I love EVERYTHING about them). Thanks so much for the tips and inspiration. Keeps me excited to keep going!
Thank you. QUESTION: I have 2 different litters now with some in each litter fat and big, some medium and some scrawny. How can I help the situation? Thanks
Unfortunately, there's no guarantee that every rabbit will have the same shape and strengths but do your best to take good care of mama -double her feed portions + give her something with a higher fat content like black oil, sunflower seeds, or pull oats. This will help her lactation, which will help the litter get what they need. A litter can eat quit a lot of pellet a day but you can also give them a little more. When the litter is hopping around continue feeding a punch(handful)of oats or Boss and as much as 6 cups of pellet a day if they'll eat it. Best of luck!
Just purchased the record keeping system. Looking forward to using it. I did just post a question I’m hoping you’ll respond to. Thanks again for all you do.
Edit: FIXED! Thank you Bobby! I tried to get the calendar tool but the link doesn't work. Let me know if it gets fixed please! I think that would be a very useful spreadsheet and I'm not very good at programming cell formulas
@@TheRabbitryCenterthank you Bobby! I got it downloaded, no problem. This will be a very useful thing to have, much more convenient than the notebook I was using 😂
Been watching your channel for a uear now and thank you for the great advise. I have 4 doe and 2 bucks now and its a chore but awsome to know where the food comes from. Thanks for the tips 🍻
Thanks for this, very helpful. Could you do a video on treating eye infections? Or could you provide advice on what to do when a kit gets one? I've been trying to soften the crustiness but it's fully closed and it's not working. Thanks!
If you type the Rabbitry center ______ And then the topic you’d like covered you should find a video for that Here’s a video ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-eGD5-9lODzY.htmlfeature=shared
I have a note book for each of my rabbits. they have been very helpful to me when I want to know such things as: Kindling dates, Breeding dates and any medical issues I may have and what I did to remedy them. I'm trying to use more homeopathic herbs to keep my rabbits healthy and not have medications in their systems that make them unhealthy to sell or eat.
Thank you for this information! I live in a very small city which has ridiculous ordinances and one of them is an ordinance where you can't raise ANY farm animals within the city limits. That of course applies to people who wasn't a part the city itself (grandfathered in). But I have a sister who lives in the outskirts of the city who is able to raise whatever she wishes. She has the ideal place to start a small rabbitry farm herself! So I'm gonna share your website as well as a few videos that may get her inspired to do just that!
Hard to say? maybe yours are older or a different brand which used different powder coating or maybe the hutch over hang helps them stay slightly more protected. I couldn’t tell you for sure.
I love your videos, truly. But this one seemed so disconnected. Then at the end I’m thinking you are selling the record keeping? Just lost me with this one.
You're absolutely correct about selling the record keeping tool. There's no Denying that. I strongly recommend it for those that don't want to keep writing down records. We sell some sort of service in almost every video we upload. We run a Rabbitry Business and an Apiary and using social media is a terrific way to sell your rabbits and your products, regardless of what you specialize in. I take pride in our products and services, so I get it. Excited when sharing them. I try my best to keep the videos entertaining and informative. Thank you for sharing your honest opinion I very much appreciate it.
Strict diet, try not to over feed Monitor them regularly check her vent wait for a swollen red to introduce Search RU-vid “the Rabbitry center breeding” More information in our courses Best of luck!
No doubt your #1 reason a rabbitry fails is spot on.. Our first litter was born on the wire.. only two of 8 survived.. Our second litter was a double pregnancy.. immature fetus were born along with two fully developed babies.. both on the wire because I wasn't aware of that she has already been impregnated.. Our doe is on day 30 now .. nest box is in place.. timed correctly. Hopefully she gives us a successful litter.. Good records are absolutely necessary.. Great video.. P.S. don't wait too long to sex and separate babies.. they can breed early
Jack rabbit is a hare. They have 48 chromosomes. Domesticated rabbits have 44 chromosomes. Although they look very similar they're actually a completely different species.
Keeping record is key especially in the show world where you have to keep record of birth and pedigree. We run a rabbitry based off North Carolina named Mash & Company a Rabbitry for the last two years and for us was learning how to balance breedings and who to whom and getting to learn our animals individually was really the key to success (not necessarily something negative) but we did lose a few due to feed and even accidents we learned from from housing them properly.
I watch you all the time. My rabbits that died are 3 to 6 months old. Clean cages, maybe 2 or 3 other bunnies in cage. Fresh water, hay from local farmer, pellets are from Tractor Supply Purina. One day they're good next day gone. Sometimes they will lay on each other. I have them set up.just like you have yours. This will be my last year for raising rabbits.
Why do rabbits lay on top of each other? 3 baby rabbits 6 weeks old in a cage 30 x 30, were fine today, in evening my husband goes to check on them and two of them laid on a white one and she died. All that room they have to lay on each other. I don't get it
I’m so sorry that happened. Rabbits really like to snuggle-where you and I would be claustrophobic in tight spaces, it actually makes them feel safe (like a security blanket)being packed into a hide box with several of their siblings. Unfortunately it’s rare but once in a while one can suffocate if they don’t get any relief.
I wanted to get your thoughts. It gets 100+ degrees for long periods of time in my area. What do you think about breaking out the buzz cutters and trimming a strip or two of fur on your rabbit to assist in cooling? Obviously I'm not recommending shaving a rabbit bald, just enough to help get more air on the skin. Thanks.
It's your rabbit but just beware before shaving the rabbit. Rabbits are prone to hypothermia and their coat is necessary to handle cold swings. I spoke with folks in Australia & Africa dealing with 110+ and they use our kindling tote system successfully. Best of luck!
I built rabbit cooling totes just like you, but I’ve noticed my rabbits won’t go into them, even during the hottest part of the day. They will hangout on the ramp, but don’t go in and stay in. They just lay across the cage floor bottom/ceramic tile during the hottest part of the day. Is it possible I did something wrong? Or are they just truly cooler on the wire cage bottom? Maybe they go in at night when I’m not watching. My does are pregnant and I really hope they use the totes to kindle
Do the totes have dirt buried around them? This will keep them cool even in very hot temps. I'd pick my rabbit up and place them into the tote so they can experience the cooler temps.
I have a doe that just kindled two kits today by 5 pm. I was hoping for more babies! Will she have more tonight? or is this litter done? She has had three prior litters: 6 at first kindle , 5 kits next, then 7. and now only 2. she is Three years + 4 months old. Will she have more babies tonight? I love your videos! Very informative and helpful. Thanks!
It’s tough to say I would just give her some peace and quiet and check in the morning. Rabbit is getting older and it may be time to replace her If you continue to see low numbers
The entire litter until 6-7 weeks then mama needs to be removed to her own cage or the kits need to be weaned. Search the rabbitry Center -weaning Rabbits
Off topic but I have a quick question. I’ve learned so much from your channel and would like your opinion. Just had my first two does kindle for the first time. Had 6 and 11. Kits in the 11 litter are a bit smaller but all are still alive. Should I move one or two kits over to the 6 litter to help with ensuring they all get fed? Or leave them be and let mom see if she can keep up? Excited though to have that many on the first try. Thanks from NC.
I’m so happy for you. That’s a good idea. That way they’ll get what they need. As long as they’re the same age they should easily find a nipple. Be sure to mark their ears if they’re the same color, so you know what bloodline they belong to.
@@TheRabbitryCenter Awesome! I sincerely appreciate your reply. I’ll move one today and see how it goes. Hopefully they’ll all pull through. Again, your channel is fantastic. It has been my go to for info on getting started and avoiding pitfalls. Thank you!
Help. I don't know what's going on I had 40 baby rabbits, I have 9 left. They are in the shade. I feed and water them. My husband goes out in the morning they're ok, then he checks them in the afternoon and they're dead.
Try sticking to 16% protein, clean, dry hay and fresh water Every 12 hours also consider giving them a handful of whole oats every other day as well as mama. Don't feed any grass or greens or extra fruit or vegetables they don't need it. The high sugar and carbs are very difficult for them to digest. The high sugar and water content will not benefit them. If you stick to this and you're still losing rabbits, I'd replace the breeders.
Thank you. Hard lesson to learn, it's just amazing all I've learned from you and thru experience. I'm am truly grateful for everything you're teaching us rabbit owners
Good question. warrens traditionally are used by the European rabbit and the eastern cottontail will nest in brush piles above ground. They'll still burrow and create cavities From time to time. we've found success using a Kindling Tote system tapping into a Burrowing and tunneling instinct. They seem to respond well to it. But it has its share of challenges. Colony setup is even more challenging. It's Similar to a warren system -folks often build up their tunnels and burrows to watch them run and play like rabbits, but anytime rabbits are sharing the ground this opens up the possibility for parasites. Also breeding is uncontrollable as well as battling.
Question? First of all, Great video, as usual. Very informative. We are fairly new with our rabbitry. I currently have 6 kits from a very sweet and docile doe. They are 7 weeks. I also have a 9 mo old Silver Fox doe that is very aggressive. Not bred yet, however Im really tired of fighting her, getting bit. She bit my wife the other day. Im thinking of processing the aggressive rabbit, 10 lbs, and keeping one of the grow outs. Is there anything I need to know about processing the 10 lb rabbit vs a 5 lb? Any special treatment of the meat or the same. Processing some 14 week old kits tomorrow for a neighbor and want to process the 10 lbder at the same time. Thanks for any advice.
Great question processing older rabbits will make it a little more difficult to break the neck so you may want to consider a method so you can quickly and humanely dispatch the rabbit. Pellet, pipe or even harvesting tool if you have a able upper body. When cooking the meat, it won't be as tender as a fryer(under 12weeks)so you will want to slow cook it or roast it. If you prepare correctly it'll still taste delicious.
Bobby my New Zealand rabbits have all died, even the 7 month old kits, mama died from grain, bloat, she had 8 babies due to be born on Aug 11th, they died too. Not long after that the black nz had head tilt, he had a strike actually just died this morning. His 7 month old had head tilt, he was ok yesterday, today he died. Out of 40 rabbits I now have 8 left. They're not NZ. I'm out of the rabbit business
Ok. Thank you. You just don't know how sad I am. I had 40 baby rabbits 3 to 6 months old and I have 9 left because of bloat and they laid on each other. I'm about to give them each a cage a piece
Good info but THUMBS DOWN Why don't people simply start with the answer to the premise of their title? 3 minutes and I still don't know what the number one reason for failed rabbitries is. ... you actually took six plus minutes to get there. This business model of keeping eyes on the screen is starting to get annoying as hell. Naturally this ends with a business model supplement, something you're selling. Hey, the price is fair, but why not just simply start off with the Ron Popeil, Billy Maze sales pitch?
I have 2 questions 1: how old should a buck be when i try to breed him for the first time? 2: do i have to give a pregnant doe extra food or the same one cup a day?
Rabbits sexually mature at approximately 14 weeks. Bucks can breed well before does. You may stunt a doe's full potential if you choose to breed her before 6 months. A young buck will have a hard time breeding an older doe because she'll be bigger than him. I usually use an older buck to breed a new doe. it's always best to use one veteran breeder. I'll continue to feed a pregnant doe .5 oz per pound per day until she kindles. Then I will feed her 1oz per pound per day. Along with a punch(handful) of whole oats every other day to help lactation
16% pellet, orchard hay, whole oats. Over time I've transitioned my rabbits over to fresh greens for the spring, summer and fall. Grow a food plot of annuals and perennials and much more. Our Feed course is getting released thanksgiving sign up here for free and say buy buy to pellet. preview.mailerlite.io/preview/37362/forms/54213430306931898
Thank you for sharing! We have a course to help you with that. Available now or Check back on Thanksgiving when we have our annual sale 50% off. bobby-s-school9.teachable.com/p/home
So you want us to ad something? Ok , when I was a boy, my Dad raised rabbits. The old up in the air wood and wire things . The poop just fell thru the wire bottom onto the ground. So he framed in around the bottom with 2 by 6 planks and he raised red wigglers. He used to say he made more off the worms he raised than he did the rabbits. Today if you try to buy this stuff for garden. It is pretty expensive. Any ways it is just a thought for you.
I think your site is the best out there. Thank you for sharing all your tried and fails. I've been very successful. It's been a amazing journey so far. Thank you you again.
You bet. You may enjoy this video HOW TO FEED RABBITS RIGHT & AVOID GI STASIS & BLOAT/HOW TO MOUNT A HARVESTING TOOL ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-quVxVpEFcGo.html
Hello. Can you talk about head tilt? One of my breeders had that. One died, the other one we massaged his neck snd I squashed up a half of an ibuprofen and I think it worked. Cause he's better.
Bobby, I've been following you for about a year. I'm from MI (Downriver area) originally, now living in MN. Had our first rex harlequin doe kindle her first litter a week and a half ago, excited for our seven kits to grow up. I wondered about the so called "peanuts" that are born sometimes. Is this a genetic problem? I read it was related to mini-breeds, and we had one with our first litter, even though we seem to have full-sized rexes. Also getting into silver fox for the cold-hardiness. Possible -35F--40F out by us in winters. I'll get your app at some point too, keeping notes on Klubertanz cards for right now.
It's very interesting how dwarf rabbits are bred. You have to breed a non-dwarf Or doubling up on that gene can be fatal. You can try breeding that gene out of your rabbits with genetic drift. No hurry on our kindling calendar take your time - it will still be available in the future. you can always use Post-it's, cards, or just paper in the meantime. Best of luck with your rabbitry and your new silver fox rabbits.
Hi Bobby- I really enjoy your videos. I had a situation this past winter where I lost 2 of my does. I attributed it to the fact that we hadn’t wormed as usual in the Fall. By the time I realized they were thinner than usual and off their feed and water they were too far gone. I corrected that problem with the rest of my rabbits. Then this spring I lost 2 more does- both pregnant after giving birth to one kit each. I have no clue what killed them. It’s been a rough few months.
I'm sorry to hear that. It's hard to say. If the problem continues It could be time for some new breeders or maybe just a whole new diet. I hope things turn around for your rabbitry.
Hi I have a question. I rescued a bunny from a life of loneliness and a very small living space so I am trying to give him the best life I possibly can. I built him a huge house and dug a whole put the tote inside cover the tote and tube with dirt also put insulation on top of the. Tote then wood and it’s all under ground but my pool had a leak and now the tote is filled with water not sure what I did wrong and it really never seemed like it was cool. Do I need 2 tubes running from each side of the tote or something else I can do?
Sorry to hear about your pool. Full time shade is necessary. The tote should be buried in about 3 to 4 inches of dirt which stays cool from the insulation. Snow in Michigan works the same way for heat. Using a laser thermostat you can quickly take the top off the tote and check the temperature in the interior tote floor. It should be about 10-15 she difference. Add more dirt if needed. Just be aware when having a tote on the ground it'll be susceptible to storm flooding, as well as pool failures.
I have Checkered giant crosses too. Those babies always out perform regular with smaller bone structures. They’re just stronger and healthier in the long run. Mine have a NZ cross in them that was very large and I get these GIANT No rabbits every now and then. One buck was so big I couldn’t keep him clean. I just didn’t have the housing for him.
