What you need to keep in mind when rearing rabbits
Keep all equipment clean and dry to minimise the chance of disease outbreak and avoid unnecessary handling of animals. Your clothes and hands can spread diseases. PHOTO | FILE
Give the animals hay to stop diarrhoea and aid the doe recover after kindling. Never feed damp or mouldy feeds to the animals to prevent bloating.
Overfeeding leads to a fat doe or buck that does not reproduce efficiently. An average doe needs 115-170g each day until kindling time. Give her 340 to 450g for three to five days after kindling, and then give her full feeds until the bunnies are weaned.
Nest boxes should give the doe seclusion, provide adequate ventilation and protect litter from harsh conditions. Wire bottoms are not practical in nest boxes since the doe burrows to the bottom to kindle her young one.
A number of management practices are vital when rearing rabbits.
