I have some cages that I built, and I need to now if they are big enough for my rabbits. They are 18 X 22 inches, and I only keep one rabbit in each one. I use it for a carrying cage, and I would like to know if it is big enough so that when I make more, I won't have unhappy rabbits. Also, is it OK to put all the females of one litter in one big cage until I butcher all the males?

-- Jessica (jaywig86@psknet.com), February 02, 2002

Answers

Response to How big does the cage have to be?

Jessica, depends on what kind of rabbits. You are welcome to post this on http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a.tcl?topic=Raising% 20meat%20rabbits%20for%20profit. It is a rabbit discussion board.

-- tracy (murfette@stargate.net), February 02, 2002.

In my oppion 18" x 20" is to small for even a dwarf breed. Since you said you are going to use some of the rabbits as meat I assume you are raising a larger rabbit, If they are in the New Zeland size range I would recomend a minimun size of 30" x 30" but 30" x 36" would be better.

If you are going to keep the females as replacement Does I would put them in seperate cages after weaning.

-- Mark in N.C. Fla. (deadgoatman@webtv.net), February 02, 2002.

Jessica:

Go to the Rabbits category and read the thread on Raising Rabbits the Croatian Way. My cousins there routinely grow out all of a litter in a pen about 4'x8', not separated out by sex either. When they reach the proper size, all go into the freezer and another litter takes their place. If I go back, I'll asked what he does about replacements as all of his cages were in use.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), February 02, 2002.

I found a lot of different opinions on this but seems that you would want them to be able to: sit, stretch out, and stand up comfortably on its hind legs when full grown.

Other sites gave these cage recommendations: 4-6 times the size of the mature rabbit, 1/2 or 3/4 of a square foot per pound of mature weight and Recommended Space Requirements for Rabbits

Size of Rabbit Space Requirement lbs. Sq. inches 3-5 180 6-8 360 9-11 540 12 or more 720 (24"x30")

-- BC (desertdweller44@yahoo.com), February 02, 2002.

The bigger the cage, the happier the rabbit usually! We have some that are 24 by 24 but 24 x 30 or even 30 by 30 are even better. Then we have some that are more homemade type that are about 24 x 60...We also have a rabbit fenced play area but I'm not able to let them play in it as much as I'd like to. suzy

-- Suzy in Bama (slgt@yahoo.com), February 03, 2002.

Jessica, When you are making or getting cages, be sure to consider the inside height, too. The mother rabbit likes to sit on top of the nest box, and if not enough room, she can't. Not that she will fade away into the sunset if she can't get up there, but for some reason, they like to get away from the little ones, I guess! Jan

-- Jan in Co (Janice12@aol.com), February 03, 2002.