Housing
RCD rabbit calicivirus disease also known as RHD rabbit hemorrhagic disease. Vaccine is not 100%. If contracted mortality occurs within 24 hours. Highly contagious. Pro-grass is cheap feed
Set up costs are higher
Cages 600mm deep. Make doors are large as possible or opening roof.
SPCA recommend cage should be large enough for a rabbit to hop 3 consecutive hops across, lay stretched out, stand up with its ears up. 1000x600x450 means the rabbits can sit with ears up
Walls/roof/doors – 20mm melded mesh. Rabbits can chew through chicken wire
Shade and shelter
Keep cage dry
Inspect once a week.
| On Grass Hutch | Outdoors – Mesh Floor | Indoors – Solid Floor (shavings on ply) | Indoor – Mesh Floor |
| Pro: Cheap second hand Good starting cage Free food Clean once a week | Pro: Manure drops and can be dug out, or worm farmed Easier to reach – better for your back Easy manure gathering | Pro: Ideal for Rex Warmer in winter Can put cages at convenient height so less bending/back work | Pro: Single layer – manure to bins or worm farms beneath Tray – can be stacked Slide – up to 3 layers high Warmer in winter Can put cages at convenient height so less bending/back work |
| Con: Cage needs to be moved every 1-2 days Don’t graze in the same spot for 6 weeks to avoid parasite build up (E. cuniculi) Space required Muddy in winter Get cold | Con: Still outside stomping through mud in winter to get to cages. | Con: Needs a steady supply of shavings and a good disposal area Daily cleaning required Can harbour parasites Urine soaked wood | Con: Tray – tray can get heavy – hard to slide out. Will need to be cleaned daily Slide – regular cleaning of slide so it does not block. |
| A playpen is handy for on grass time however bunnies will need supervision. and again spots need to be moved. | |||
Nest box
4mm plywood and 10-15mm plywood
600x300x300(front)/250(back)
Door opening is traced from a paint tin 10cm off the floor
Good size to fit all breeds
Door designed so kits will not be dragged out. kits will not be able to get out till week 3
Flooring – could be plywood but will need to be sealed well as it can become urine soaked, smelly, harbour parasites.
Feet may get sore from wet/damp wood.
Mesh is more common. 10mm welded square 0.8mm or 1mm gauge. Thinner gauge may need to have supports added at 400mm. Thinner wire also runs the risk of cutting feet
Rex has thinner fur on feet so plywood floor is a better option
Other Rex necessities: deep shavings on the floor
1m2 space
14 gauge wire cages
1.5cm mesh