Rabbit shed keeping: description, advantages, construction technology
For modern breeders, keeping rabbits is a unique way to increase profits. In such complexes, fur-bearing animals reproduce successfully and practically do not get sick. It is convenient to care for them, feed and raise young animals. This means that there will always be dietary meat on the table. And if you wish, then a fur coat.
What is rabbit shedding? What is the advantage of the structure? How to make a system with your own hands? Consider the detailed answers to these questions from experienced farmers.
Popular design description
If the structure is used on large farms, then animal feeding is carried out automatically.
In principle, rabbit content includes elements aviary and cellular methods that are used throughout Europe. In areas with warmer climates, furry animals are raised in open enclosures outside. Where winters are cold, they live indoors. However, sheds are built in the open air so that animals receive a sufficient amount of oxygen.
The arrangement of cells in the system is done in regular rows or in a cascade. Some of them are intended for females and newborns. Others are for young and adult males. Given these nuances, they all come in different sizes.
In order for the animal to successfully develop and grow, it is desirable to allocate enough space for it.
Most often, farmers use cages of traditional parameters: 80x80x40 cm. However, the size of the maternity ward for rabbits reaches 1 m. It is divided into 2 parts, one of which is intended for the female. The rest of the cell is set up for the offspring, where it will gradually develop.
The frame of the system is made from various wooden fixtures:
- boards;
- slats;
- planks.
One side of the shed is made from metal mesh... The floors can be wooden from slats, plastic or concrete with a slope. Some farmers combine the netting with wood slats to make it easier to clear up animal excrement.
The mesh size of the galvanized mesh should not exceed 2.5 by 2.5 cm.
Rabbit shedding: key benefits
Gadgets that fall short of their purpose are quickly giving way to new technology. Today, few people raise their favorite animals in the old-fashioned way. In traditional cages, animals do not always feel comfortable. Temperature changes, prolonged precipitation, summer heat lead to diseases that end in death.
The original rabbit keeping system has a number of advantages:
- it is easy to build it yourself;
- sizes are selected according to the number of individuals;
- the structure is placed on any site of the summer cottage;
- rabbits live in separate enclosures;
- comfortable conditions for animals.
Since the sizes of a rabbit shed vary, even inexperienced breeders are able to build one. For large farms, 60 meter structures are suitable, the width of which is about 3 m.The simplified version is about 28 m high up to 2 m.The passage between the rows is 3 m.For this, ordinary materials are used: wood or metal. First, make a rectangular frame. Then from a metal mesh - cells that are placed on the sides of the structure in 2 or 3 rows.
Tools are used for business:
- hacksaw for metal and wood;
- hammer;
- nails;
- self-tapping screws;
- net scissors;
- screwdriver;
- glue.
In addition, materials are pre-prepared:
- a suitable galvanized mesh;
- wooden beams;
- slats of the required length;
- different kinds of bars;
- roofing elements.
Of course, before starting work, be sure to use a ready-made drawing with detailed design calculations. This approach will help not to miss the details, as well as to do the job well. After all, animals are worthy of loving care from humans.
A special advantage of the sheds is the internal equipment of the cage, which provides for:
- drinkers;
- metal containers for feed;
- recessed space for hay;
- straw mats.
This allows summer residents to feed and care for the animals in an organized manner. After all, the laying of food, cleaning and inspection of rabbits are carried out regularly every day. Thanks to this, the young quickly gain weight and are ready to produce new offspring.
Perfect lighting for animals
Practice shows that rabbits love to frolic during daylight hours. However, in the summer, the aviaries are covered with straw to protect the animals from overheating. Therefore, equipping the structure, one should take into account the constant access of light. The development of young animals and the health of adults depend on it. If the structure is in an enclosed space, the necessary lighting for rabbits is made using window openings on the side walls or on the roof. Thanks to this, daylight enters the sheds unhindered throughout the year. On cloudy days, as well as in winter, artificial lamps are installed that illuminate the structure. Thanks to this, animals are constantly in motion, which contributes to active reproduction.
With additional lighting, you should adhere to the permissible norm: from 6 am to 9 pm.
Microclimate standards
To make the rabbits feel comfortable, an optimal temperature regime is created for them. In principle, it must match their natural habitat. Therefore, experienced farmers are advised to avoid sudden changes, both in winter and summer. The optimum temperature for rabbits is around 30 ° C throughout the year. As you can see, the range is wide enough.
However, in a shed structure, you should avoid:
- drafts;
- high humidity levels;
- concentration of hydrogen sulfide;
- stagnation of ammonia;
- fluff elements;
- dirt or dust.
Otherwise, animals lose the body's defenses and begin to get sick. In addition, during the winter cold, the sheds need to be heated. For this, various types of systems are used (firewood, gas, electricity). The main thing is to provide the rabbits with an optimal microclimate.
Rabbit keeping rules
Despite the special advantages of shed structures, much depends on caring for the animals. First of all, they need enough space to be active. They should run freely around the cage and stand on their hind legs.
To avoid various injuries, it is important to comply with the area norms for rabbits.
Usually they are installed by specialists, taking into account the types and sizes of individuals:
- for a cage with one section, 0.7 m is enough;
- two-section aviaries - about 0.78 m;
- with the group keeping of young animals - 0.1 m.
In addition, livestock breeders remove all kinds of sharp protrusions from the cage. Feeders and drinkers are securely attached to the base of the structure. If the animals constantly gather in groups, they are immediately settled. Youngsters that have reached 2 months of age are placed in separate enclosures. And males are provided with "personal apartments".
If bites or scratches are found, they should be treated immediately with an antimicrobial agent.
Every 2 weeks, cells are washed with a special concentrate (3% formalin), which is purchased from a hospital pharmacy. The procedure is performed using a spray bottle.
In the spring, when mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects appear, routine vaccinations are carried out. Sticky tapes for mosquitoes and flies are installed near the cages. To prevent the appearance of mice and rats, some farmers have a cat or a dachshund in the rabbitry.
If livestock breeders identify sick individuals, they are immediately slaughtered to burn them in a fire. The cells are treated with a disinfectant solution. Animals that have been in contact with sick rabbits are isolated for 2 weeks. If signs of infection are found, they are immediately destroyed.
As you can see, the shed system of keeping rabbits is a wonderful tool for making a profit in our difficult times. The simplicity of the construction makes it possible even for inexperienced summer residents to make it with their own hands. Comprehensive animal care brings true satisfaction to dietetic meat lovers.