Raising meat rabbits is a rewarding venture, but the key to success lies not just in breeding and feeding but also in providing a conducive and comfortable living environment. The choice of cages plays a crucial role in ensuring the welfare of your rabbits.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best cages for meat rabbits, focusing on aspects that contribute to their health, happiness, and overall well-being.
Questions to ask yourself before you start.
When making your choice you need to think about:
- How much floor space do you have, and how can you maximise the space available whilst optimising the rabbit welfare?
- How will droppings be managed?
- To what extent do you desire your setup to align with the natural behaviors of rabbits?
- Are you building indoors (garage or barn) or outdoors?
- Will you make the cages yourself or will you buy off the shelf?
- What predators are you most concerned about?
The design of a rabbit cage goes beyond mere containment. It directly impacts the rabbit’s physical and mental health. Optimal cage design should consider the natural behaviors of rabbits, providing sufficient space, proper ventilation, and opportunities for mental stimulation.
There are 4 main options to consider:
- Stackable cages
- Hanging cages
- Colony housing
- Rabbit hutch
Option 1: Stackable cages for meat rabbits
Stackable cages offer a space-efficient solution, utilizing vertical space to minimize the floor footprint. Droppings can be collected on trays at the base of each cage and easily removed.
One of the advantages of stackable cages is their suitability for indoor environments, eliminating the need for weatherproofing. However, it’s important to note that managing the droppings collection tray requires more effort compared to other cage types. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent hygiene issues and ensure a healthy living environment for your rabbits.
Option 2: Hanging cages for meat rabbits
Hanging cages offer a unique solution, allowing droppings to fall below. This feature makes them compatible with the concept of running chickens underneath or collecting droppings for compost. However, careful consideration is needed to prevent rabbits from developing sore feet.
To address this concern, providing a platform for the rabbits to stand on away from the wire floor is essential. Hanging cages don’t need to be raised very high, and they can be situated under some form of shelter, be it a roofed area or within a barn or garage. This setup provides protection from the elements, ensuring the rabbits’ well-being.
Option 3: Colony Housing for meat rabbits
Colony housing takes a different approach by allowing rabbits to live together in a more communal setting. This setup reflects the natural social behavior of rabbits, fostering a more enriched environment. While it may require more space compared to individual cages, colony housing promotes mental stimulation and social interaction.
Implementing colony housing, however, demands a shift in husbandry practices. It challenges the traditional approach of keeping bucks and does separate, requiring careful observation and management to prevent aggression or overbreeding. Despite the challenges, colony housing can result in healthier and happier rabbits.
Option 4: Rabbit Hutch for meat rabbits
Rabbit hutches are a common choice, often sought for their aesthetic appeal and traditional design. While they may be readily available, it’s essential to assess their suitability for meat rabbit breeding. Rabbit hutches are often more expensive than wire cages, and their design may not be optimized for efficient breeding practices.
It’s crucial to weigh the convenience of acquiring a rabbit hutch against potential drawbacks. Consider factors such as space, cost, and the specific needs of your meat rabbit operation. Rabbit hutches may be suitable for smaller-scale operations or those prioritizing aesthetics, but careful consideration is necessary to ensure they meet the requirements for successful meat rabbit breeding.
Prioritising Rabbit Welfare
Regardless of the cage type chosen, prioritizing rabbit welfare is paramount. Adequate space, proper flooring to prevent sore hocks, good ventilation, and protection from the elements are fundamental considerations.
Regular health checks, a balanced diet, and mental stimulation through toys or interaction with other rabbits contribute to a holistic approach to rabbit care.
How we made the decision
Having researched all of the different approaches, for us and our meat rabbit operation we have opted for a colony approach. We have chosen this because we have the time to be with the rabbits to observe their natural behaviours and ensure their welfare. We can intervene quickly if and when problems arise.
We also have the space to house a colony that allows the rabbits space to display their natural behaviours.
We want to raise sustainable healthy meat free from antibiotics, growth hormones and packaging. And following permaculture principles a colony set up allows us to do this to the best of our abilities.
FAQ
What is the best housing for meat rabbits?
The best housing is the one that has been designed for your system and considers the welfare of the rabbits first. In my opinion this would be a colony, allowing rabbits to live together and socialize.
Can you house meat rabbits together?
Yes, if you are running a colony. In this case you need to make sure that you manage your set up to minimise disease, allow adequate space and places to hide to minimise fighting, and keep a close eye on things to prevent over-breeding.
Should a rabbit hutch be on grass or concrete?
It doesn’t matter. If there is no grass available, concrete is fine. Rabbits can be kept indoors. Rabbits can be fed fresh greens wherever they are housed.
In the journey of optimizing meat rabbit welfare, the choice of cages is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration. Each type of cage – stackable, hanging, colony, or hutch – comes with its own set of advantages and considerations. By understanding the unique features of each option, you can tailor your choice to align with the specific requirements of your meat rabbit operation.
Ultimately, the goal is to provide an environment where rabbits can thrive physically and emotionally. Regular monitoring, responsive adjustments, and a commitment to meeting the unique needs of meat rabbits will contribute to the overall success and sustainability of your meat rabbit breeding venture.