Obsidian
Rabbitry

Over the years, we have tried out a large variety of housing and care options for our rabbits, always with both comfort and cleaning efficiency being the top priorities. Methods such as flush systems, wire stacker cages with trays, hutches, and finally crate kennels with tub bottoms have been utilized to see what works best.  After a great deal of experimentation, trial, error, (and finances!) we have created a system that best suites our requirements. Ultimately, we always want our rabbits to have as best a quality of life as possible, because happy animals are healthy animals. Here are a few details about our current set up:

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Housing:

• The rabbitry is in a fully secured and insulated building outside. The building is well ventilated at all times and heated in the winter.

• We have 24 individual holes. 

• Each hole is 20" X 30"  

• We use 20 oz locking cage crocks as food and water bowls

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Feeding:

• Show rabbits are fed Blue Bonnet 16% protein rabbit pellets, show bloom, timothy hay, and fresh water

• Pregnant and lactating does are fed additional supplements of dried raspberry leaves and calf mana

• Senior rabbits are provided an additional specialized senior blend as needed.

• Treats that we provide include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, chard, collard greens, kale, dandelion greens, endive, parsnips, beets, sunflower seeds, pumpkin, squash, ginger root, and carrots.

• Additional supplements we keep on hand include calcium carbonate, probiotics, Critical Care, Nutri-Cal, Simethicone, Dextrose, Show Bloom, black oil sunflower seeds, rolled oats, ration balancer blends, ground ginger, dried mango and papaya, and Isbilac Milk Replacer.

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Enrichment:

• Rabbits are brought into the home to be exposed to people, cats, and dogs. They are handled frequently to ensure adequate socialization and exposure to various stimuli (noises, sounds, textures, and smells). This helps show rabbits be comfortable at shows and pet rabbits be comfortable in the home environment.

• We have outdoor pens for our rabbit to enjoy daily exercise and enrichment. I strongly believe that caging animals for prolonged periods of times is a highly unhealthy practice. The risks of not permitting exercise can include obesity, heart failure, stress on the spine and hips, poor growth rate, and weak muscle tone.  Prolonged caging can also lead to unwanted psychological problems such as aggression, laziness, and stress from a lack of mental stimulation and socialization.​

• All of the rabbits have toys in their cages to stimulate play and prevent boredom

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Sanitation Protocols:

• Everything including cages, waste trays, food/water crocks, toys,  and nest boxes are cleaned and checked daily. Waste trays are cleaned every 4-7 days.

• Micro-Scientific Opti-Cide3 Healthcare Grade Disinfectant Cleaner and Sanitizer Solution and power washing are used once a month on everything.

• As a further bio-security precaution against RHVd2 and to prevent predators, rodents, and flies, our rabbitry is completely enclosed with fine insect mesh. We also use Pyranha fly spray around the rabbitry. Natural fly predators from Spalding Labs are purchased every spring to keep the insect population down in our area. 

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Health Protocols:

• All of our adult rabbits are vaccinated against RHDv2.

• Eyes, ears, noses, and genitals, are checked on a weekly basis for every rabbit.

• Respiration, heart rates, and weights are monitored for finishing animals.

• Nails are trimmed 1-2 times a month.

• We keep a fully stocked first aid kit on hand.

• We have two local exotics vets that we refer to for emergencies and routine care.