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How to Raise a Rabbit Colony

Raising rabbits in colonies is a trend similar to keeping free-range chickens. The rabbits are allowed to indulge their natural inclinations to burrow and excercise when raised together in an outside enclosed area. The method is suited to raising large numbers of rabbits. Less cleaning is required than when raising rabbits in hutches. In the spring and summer the rabbits can naturally graze. A chief disadvantage is the spread of disease among rabbits living in a large group; the large enclosed area is difficult to sanitize if diseases break out.

Things You'll Need

Breeding buck
Doe rabbits
Wire fencing
Post-hole digger
Cement
Wire mesh
Hardware cloth
Electric fencing
Wooden boxes
Plastic huts
Alfalfa hay
Rabbit pellets
Feed trough
Kindling hutches

Instructions

- 1
  Plan the size of your outdoor rabbit colony enclosure according to how many rabbits you will raise. Fence-in an area that is larger than you think you may need, as rabbits in a colony will quickly reproduce. Use sturdy wire fencing with holes about 3 by 3 inches or less to prevent the rabbit kits, or babies, from escaping. Dig post holes and add cement in the posts. Attach the wire securely to the poles to discourage predators.
- 2
  Dig a 24-inch deep trench and bury the wire to keep the rabbits from digging out. Bury wire mesh or hardware cloth around the inside perimeter of the enclosure. Leave the center of the pen open so the rabbits can dig burrows. String an electric fence wire strand around the pen 2 to 3 feet off the ground to keep out animals. Cover the top of the pen with wire mesh or chicken wire to keep predatory birds out.
- 3
  Inspect the fencing regularly and repair any holes or gaps. Keep an eye out for predators such as snakes, rats and weasels that may try to squeeze into the enclosure. Give the rabbits access to a sheltered area to protect them from inclement weather. Set up wooden three-sided boxes, or use plastic huts similar to small doghouses. Provide them with shade during the summer.
- 4
  Feed the rabbits alfalfa hay and rabbit pellets in a covered trough to keep their food dry. Clean the enclosed area when fecal pellets build up. Observe the rabbits for signs of aggression and remove any troublesome individuals. This can be a problem among young bucks that are approaching breeding age. Watch the rabbits closely for any symptoms of communicable disease and immediately remove any rabbits that appear to be sick.
- 5
  Remove the dominant breeding buck from the colony if he becomes aggressive and disturbs the mothers and kits. Remove pregnant does when they are ready to kindle, or give birth. Reintroduce them to the colony when the babies are weaned and eating on their own. Handle the baby rabbits often to tame them and make them easier to catch in the open space of the colony.

Animals & Science