Top 10 Rabbit Farming Taboos You Must Avoid
1. Avoid High Temperature and Humidity for Rabbits
Temperature plays a crucial role in rabbits' growth, reproduction, feed utilization, and fattening performance. For adult rabbits, the most comfortable temperature range is between 10℃ to 25℃, while for newborn kits, the ideal temperature is between 30℃ to 32℃. It is essential for rabbit owners to take immediate cooling measures if the shed temperature exceeds 33℃, and to implement warming measures when the temperature falls below 5℃. Additionally, humidity significantly affects rabbits. It is important to maintain the relative humidity in the rabbitry between 60% to 65%. However, be cautious to avoid humidity levels that drop below 55% or rise above 70%, as these can be detrimental to the rabbits' wellbeing.
2. Prioritize Disease Prevention in Rabbit Farming
Rabbits that contract infectious diseases often face high mortality rates. Yet, some smallscale rabbit farms neglect disease prevention, opting to treat rabbits only after symptoms appear, which often results in suboptimal outcomes. It is crucial for rabbit owners to adopt a preventive approach over treatment. Regular vaccination, such as the E. coli vaccine and Weybridge bacillus vaccine, is essential. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene and regular disinfection of the rabbitry, using a 10% to 20% lime water solution, and ensuring proper ventilation to prevent excessive ammonia buildup are vital for providing fresh air to the rabbits.
3. Refrain from Impulse Purchasing Breeding Stock
When introducing new breeds, it is imperative for rabbit farmers to source from reputable, largescale breeding farms rather than from local markets. Market rabbits are typically commercial, not breeding stock, and while they can reproduce, their offspring may not perform as well in terms of production, affecting economic returns. Always ensure that the breeder provides necessary documents, such as business licenses and breeding permits, to guarantee the quality and breed of the rabbits.
4. Limit the Number of Breeds Introduced
It is generally advisable to focus on a single breed, or at most two, when raising rabbits. For instance, if you're raising meat rabbits, it's best not to introduce longhaired or Angora breeds. Maintaining a single breed can streamline management and enhance economic efficiency. However, if you have extensive experience and confidence in managing multiple breeds, especially in a larger farm setting, it can be done successfully.
This summary of rabbit farming taboos, compiled by Oxygen Pet Doctor, aims to provide you with valuable insights and guidance!