Just can't right now

The dream of raising rabbits is on hold...

Maybe someday, but not now.

I took the rabbitry apart today.

Need Corner Braces

The next step to building the rabbitry is wiring the individual doe apartments. Before I can apply the wire, however, I need 24 angled corner braces.Maybe they can get cut today! I have put in the "request" as I don't use the table saw. Especially using the jig to cut the angles, the saw is too tricky (and scary) for me. I know my limitations.

I have a few meetings tomorrow morning, then I would love to install the braces. We've stalled working on the rabbitry and need to get back to it!

Then Wednesday afternoon, after volunteer working the Food Truck, I could work on the wire! In my mind, it's coming together. It's past time to get it done!

The weather forecast looks promising tomorrow and Wednesday - for January in Texas! Then hopefully we'll get more of the blessed rain for a few days.

"We'll see."

Learning all I can!

Although we’ve had a few nice days to work on the rabbitry, life has gotten in the way! Getting ready for Christmas, attending various celebrations and gatherings, it’s not been conducive to get out there and add the braces needed before applying the wire.

Since yesterday was the first FULL day of winter, it’s time to get serious about the upcoming garden. Very timely I happened across the book, Beyond the Pellet, Feeding Rabbits Naturally, by Boyd Craven Jr. and Rick Worden. Just like I’ve done for the chickens, I intend on planting herbs and veggies the buns will enjoy.

Another “study book” I purchased is Bob Bennett’s 5th Edition of Storey’s Guide to Raising Rabbits. I’m wanting to have a few reference books on hand, not just rely on the internet for finding out information.

I have learn a lot from some youtube channels!

Two in particular have shared bucket loads of information! They each did a series on raising meat rabbits - from beginning to end! I’m very grateful to them both.

Good Simple Living

and

Living Traditions Homestead

Lots of reading and watching still to do! Whenever I find a recommendation such as a waterer, feeder, anything rabbits, I go to Amazon and put it on my wish list! Great organizing tool!

And, oh, by the way... I am leaning toward a mini Rex buck! And maybe New Zealand does. Still up in the air.

Removable Apartments

We took advantage of the nice weather yesterday and worked a bit more on the rabbitry! It reached 82 degrees! Today’s high expected will be 30 degrees lower - in the 50's with lows in the mid 20's for the next few days. It’s Texas. It’s all good.

But we could use a bunch of rain!

I’ve mentioned before how heavy just the rabbitry’s frame turned out to be. It’s why for the inside parts I’m building in removable sections. I’m labeling everything A B or C. Once the frame is in place out in the yard, I will screw it all together.

The two ends have “apartments” for the does (A and C). The bachelor pad in the center will simply need/have a door.

You can see here how the apartments will slide in place. I need to figure out how to build the doors, then wire the sides and top and front with the 1" x 2" fencing. Before putting the apartments in place I will stretch out and staple the  ½" hardware cloth for all three floors. I pray treating it as one unit will work out okay.

I need to make a list of what happens next and so on!

I love lists!

Some Progress

Here and there we've managed to get the frame built...

10' x 4' 3" - Does on ends with the Buck in the center

The "den" across the back

Will have center leg braces once on site

The wire is on the property! Either from Amazon or Tractor Supply Company!

I ordered the 1/2" x 1/2" x 36" hardware cloth for the bottom & top from Amazon. I picked up the 1" x 2" wire for the sides and front at Tractor Supply, along with the hardware needed - hinges, bolts, and handles.

Then I went to Homebase for the plywood... did you know they cut plywood for free? YES, however many cuts you want/need - for FREE! I did the happy dance!

The 1/2" thick plywood is for the "den" - a place for the rabbits to escape the rain (if we ever get any again), or the cold blowing wind.

This is already super duper heavy. Thank goodness we have friends who are ready to help us set it in place when the time comes!

Phase One

We took an inventory of the wood we have on hand.

Got it!

Will need to order wire.

Partial design on paper, rest is in my head based on two youtube videos I've seen. I like bits and pieces of each.


Stay tuned!

 Isn't she a cutie working hard at making her nest, readying for the kits to arrive! Wish she was mine!

But, I'm still figuring out which breed....

New Zealand or

Rex or

TAMUK

From the Beginning

Rabbits are not yet here.

Before the rabbits arrive, two major decisions must be made:

Where to put their hutch
What will be the best breed

Research is underway!