COTTONTAILS VS DOMESTICATED/ ADVICE FOR NEW RABBIT OWNERS

[@rurunstenristare8007]

I had a doe that escaped and we brought her back the next day and shortly after she had a litter. Now we have some california/cottontail cross. They are huge and docile with cottontail markings. Very cool!

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

It’s chestnut agouti genetics not eastern cottontail. They don’t have the correct chromosomes to breed with domestic rabbits

[@kylahogan5913]

Was just gonna point out that he said it was impossible for them to procreate with each other due to chromosomes

[@deleqtronica8733]

This comment should be deleted, it's literally spreading fake info.

[@SxnrioFan_11]

I rescued a cottontail because it was hurt and its doing really well right now. It was stuck under a car but I brought it in and fed it milk. Now its 3 months old and its so cute!

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

They’re pretty cute when they’re little. What kind of milk did you feed it?

[@SxnrioFan_11]

@@TheRabbitryCenter goat milk

[@Chris-yg5vh]

Your channel has been one of the most helpful and informative to our little farm. This last year i finally sat down and created a book for our genetics and we are going full time in our bunny production.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

I’m glad to here it! Nice job on the Rabbitry, Best of luck!

[@BronzeTheSling]

Very cool! Where you at? Looking for breeders near me.

[@Melayan]

Fascinating! I love this comparison between the two. Must have been a fun experiment for you, too.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

It was fun. I tried hard to calm the cottontail but couldn’t get her to relax. I think it’s just hardwired in their genetic make up

[@VictoriaMoyer-g6z]

In my experience they just get horrible anxiety from being picked up but eventually can get friendly I have my wild bunny on me right now… it’s a process to get them to trust you

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thanks for sharing! I appreciate it.

[@angelmartin7310]

Each individual is a bit different too. Some will be quite docile compared to others.

[@ronroth1759]

When, in the 1959s, I was about 12, my family rented a bungalow is the Catskills. My father was driving alone along a small country road one day, and he eaw a black wild rabbit by the side. He stopped the car, opened the door, and the rabbit hopped in. Back at the bungalow I think the next day, abulldog near the bungalow chased the rabbit (who we had named Cricket) under a very nearby truck- then came out squealing in pain, for it had ripped is back on the truck underside. Cricket was nowhere to be found. Gone forever, probably severely injured, we thought. One or two days later, it reappeared at our screen door - and we took in back in. At the end of the summer, we took it back to our Bronx apartment, where, after some missteps in rearing (a temporary, isolating, TV-box-home, for example) we all settled in in earnest. Cricket was WONDERFUL, and my dad even trained it so shit and pee in a metal bin he fabricated.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Interesting, sounds like it may have been a domestic. thank you for taking the time to share your experience.

[@rhondaparks9372]

I like how you care about your bunnies and how you handle them very carefully

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

I believe as long as you keep them comfortable they’ll produce well for you. Thanks for watching!

[@joeryerson9295]

I am still very new to breeding and selling my rabbits, but I adopted basically the same policy as you with the few that I've sold.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

It seems to work well Best of luck with your rabbitry!

[@scottmclaughlin379]

Glad I have found your channel. We are just getting into raising rabbits. My wife and I have had a couple medical issues and we were looking for a way to help supplement out meat and possibly income until I get back to work. I have learned a lot from watching your channel. You give great easy understanding content. Keep up the good work. God bless.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thanks so much- I hope things get better for you best of luck with your rabbitry!

[@kit2130]

Go vegetarian. It’s healthier & healing.

[@hillockfarm8404]

From someone who had pet rabbits in a run in the yard who ended up with a mixed litter (tame doe, wild buck european rabbit), it became very clear that the wild part is inherited. They where around humans daily and always scared of them. So no, wild animals even crossed with domesticated don't make happy pets.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thank you for sharing!

[@Vernors]

As someone who has had the same experience, it was the complete opposite. They were giant, docile, and acted like we weren’t even around them. Maybe it depends on whether or not a certain gene is dominant or recessive.

[@KatWest20]

Thanks for the policy idea! I'm definitely going to use that

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

You're very welcome. I'll be sure to share more in the future. Stay tuned...

[@rabidfarmer9765]

I just saw a very large black rabbit lounging around my driveway as I was working. So huge rabbit and pretty friendly - I was thinking maybe the neighbor's pet got loose. I gave it some lettuce and chewed it some...then thing fell asleep under my boat. LOL>

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

I think you’re right. Sounds like a domesticated rabbit got out. It’s only a matter of time before a predator finds it…

[@rabidfarmer9765]

@@TheRabbitryCenter oh no - I hope it shows up today. I can probably get a cage for it and see who lost the animal around. LOL

[@keithbk]

I have a sizeable commercial property with cottontails. Every summer, I will have to pack up a litter or two in a cage while mowing, then return them to their nest when done. If I miss a nest, I could kill them by accident. Nests are typically easy to locate because there will be a brown patch with a little tuft of hair that the mother rabbit has left behind. The tuft of hair is probably there to distract other animals from the scent of the litter. Touching a rabbit will not stop the mother from returning. If you have to relocate a nest, do so only for a short time and return it because most people cannot nurse wild rabbits successfully. Wild rabbits will always be jittery, but ones you have handled will recognize your voice and that you are not a predator if you talk to them from the time they are young. They won't want you close, but they typically will not run when you talk to them in a calm voice. Yesterday, 2 adults and 3 babies were on the property and they all continued to eat as I walked past them.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thank you so much for taking the time to write Your comment. We have several cotton tails on our property too. when we first bought our home we built wild rabbit barns using pallets and brush piles. it really brings them in. When it works in around the property it's amazing how They don't seem to think I'm a threat and they will hang out as I feed the rabbits and work the bees

[@riahsrabbitry9268]

Another great video Bobby! It’s fascinating the difference between cotton tails and domestic rabbits. Ps have you ever seen channel pints with aquinas? That guy Matt looks like your Aussie cousin! Lol

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Lol m. no I haven’t. they say everyone has a doppelgänger.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@spencerbainter677]

You are such cool guy broski. Thanks for the video

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

I'm so glad you like the videos!

[@nbfarmandpets]

So informative, Thanks for sharing this ideas

[@wildesage4172]

We had pet rabbits when I was a kid (only rabbits, due to cat & dog allergies), so I know I couldn't kill a rabbit, just as most of us couldn't kill a cat or dog. However, I gotta admit, they've gotta be up there among the most efficient ways to transform a bunch of brush into a bunch of meat. I really feel for the wild cottontails; it's just running for your life until the day you get picked off (or run over, if in cities). Keep up the good fight, little dudes!

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

My wife had pet rabbits when she was younger and it was a slow transition for her. I assume it was the high quality chemical free meat that only cost us time spent with rabbits. Which is enjoyable to watch them grow. When you supplement your feed costs by selling rabbits then it's now free meat for the family and that really convinced her. There's more videos on our channel to help folks with that. Rabbits are built with the attributes to evade and reproduce with abundance because they are hunted by everything. It's very true that they hardly sleep and that sounds rough. here's a video where we talk about that a little more. kzbin.info/www/bejne/np_OYnqKbryfeZI

[@angelmartin7310]

I feel that way too, we are swimming in cottontails in our yard, but I watch them all the time and honestly they seem much more relaxed than I would imagine. They aren't nearly as fearful of me as I would imagine, either. They intentionally nest as close to us as possible instead of farther out in the field. They feel safer from predators near human activity. I see them together constantly and I've even seen them do the happy bunny dance while grazing together, getting the zoomies. It's a constant battle to avoid stepping on or disturbing baby cottontails because they just love our yard. We intentionally leave tracks of unmowed tall grass snaking around the back property to give them cover, but they still choose to nest and hide closer to the fence. I greet them everytime I see them, I call them bunkins. When. I walk the dogs I have to shout at them to flee before my kangal notices them, they will just sit there until I'm 10.feet away if I let them.

[@marcdeo9820]

Great video. Question - can cottontails be relocated? I have several neighbors who are having a cottontail issues in their garden. My neighbors are not above killing them - however I am trying to trap them and relocate them to a farm (with plenty of cottontail habitat) - plenty of wild cottontails there (as opposed to the ones I'm referring to which are from the city). What is the chance of survival there (predation aside).

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

I'd check with your county clerk/municipalities -some animals it is illegal to relocate or even trap. The cotton tails are fast and I've been introduced to all sorts of habitats and will most definitely thrive

[@VictoriaMoyer-g6z]

Not sure if you will reply but I have a baby bunny right now (wild) eating herbs and stuff from outside. Since he is so young is there a way to get him tame?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Most definitely not. most likely this rabbit will remain in high alert mode for life. They're extremely difficult to handle. These behaviors are deeply imbedded in their instinct to survive.

[@phaedrabacker2004]

I love the cottontails.😊

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thanks for sharing!

[@toddcott9510]

Hear in Scotland we have lots of green grass and Hay. Is it necessary to feed other foods ? I very much enjoyed your video's thanks

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting!

[@bizzybee852]

You seem very educated about rabbits, not sure how someone with so much knowledge about rabbits, doesn't know that you should not keep rabbits on wire bottomed cages. As you well know, rabbits paws and hocks are very sensitive, and hopping around on stiff metal wire with large openings can lead to sore and painful hocks. On the hocks of an adult rabbit, you will usually find a small, bare, pale pink callused area right at the tip of the heel, covered by a fold of fur. The fur provides a cover for normal pressure and activity applied to the hock area. “Sore hocks” or Ulcerative Pododermatitis, are inflamed and painful areas on the heel. This area may weep, bleed or become infected. This is a serious concern, but it can be remedied and your rabbits will be happy and pain free. You can easily eliminate the problem the way we have for our rabbit "peekaboo", (he's a pet, not raised for food, but care is the same), we place a piece of cardboard down to cover the wire bottom of peekaboo's cage, then we add a layer of thick straw bedding. We use a coarse straw hay, which is not only really cheap, ( $3 and change for a tightly baled bag that lasts 2+ months for 1 rabbit), we found it works much better than the more expensive, finely shredded, softer, types of bedding, which tend to clump up and compact when wet. The coarser straw adds more loft making for softer bedding, and it absorbs his urine while allowing his poops to fall through the straw to the bottom of the cage. This prevents the rabbit from sitting in wet urine, or getting poops stuck to his fur and paws. I understand the purpose of wire bottom cages is to let their poop fall thru the cage, but I know you would never want to hurt your rabbits, and it is easy to add a fresh 2-3" layer of straw every day or two to keep your rabbit on dry bedding, and then once a week you just empty the entire cage onto your compost pile, or directly onto your garden, and you refill your rabbit's cage with a fresh 5-6" layer of straw. Sore hocks are not always the result of neglect, even well cared for house rabbits get sore hocks. There are many predisposing factors that cause sore hocks: Poor Hygiene Damp Bedding Long Nails Rough or Unsuitable Flooring Obesity Immobility Excessive Thumping Certain breeds/fur types (Rex for example) Flooring is often the culprit. Inadequate or hard flooring can create pressure on hocks, removing fur covering and causing the skin to become raw and even break apart. Abrasive floor, including some rugs or play area surfaces, wear away the fur on the hock resulting in injury. 👉Hutches or cage systems with wire or hard surfaces are injurious to rabbit feet.👈 This type of housing is so problematic. We strongly discourage using outdoor hutches.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thank you for watching and commenting Here’s another video you might find helpful kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYqpnoaCjMZ_ptE

[@chawkins1963]

He doesn't care if they get sore hocks. He's eating them.

[@opinion5072]

Also make another video of your NZW .

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thank you I’ll be sure to do that

[@batpherlangkharkrang7976]

Hi.... Thank you 🎥👍👍👍

[@horizanadventures]

All rabbits come from wild originally , domestics are hard to skin. Cottontail skin like paper. I will take cottontail over demotic any day.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

I eat both and it’s tough to tell the difference for me. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@horizanadventures]

@@TheRabbitryCenter Your welcome. They are very different domestic rabbit are much milder in failover and lot harder to skin !

[@zelowatch30]

My pet rabbit you'd never see asleep any sound or move would wake it up.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

What breed is your pet rabbit?

[@maddenwild3440]

Why will a wild rabbit die if not released? I have some that were born and have spent their lives in cages but I'm noticing, just like you said, some real differences in behavior from my domesticated rabbits.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

In most cases when cottontails are kept in a cage they usually die. It’s difficult to keep cottontails healthy in captivity for long periods.

[@oooh19]

Awww those little loaves

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

They're cuties

[@nativesoul9942]

..I recently was gifted a rabbit *cottontail (a young male) he was bought still very young. (i believe he was 3months) & when i got him mayb 5 months. I kno he was still a lil young to get fixed , I was told I should wait another month or 2 for them to drop. & since hes not fixed i keep him separate from my female lionhead (whose not fixed) afraid if they are together hell try to do something w her. After viewing this video Youre saying that theres no way he can get her pregnant? Once hes fixed will he stop leaving his territorial poops everywhere & woukd calm down a lil?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Several domesticated rabbit breeds have a Chestnut color and look very much like a cottontail and can get your rabbit pregnant. But if it is in fact a cottontail they're a completely different species. Cottontails are a small wild rabbits which are used to balance the ecosystem. It's hard to say what will happen post surgery if you were to go that route.

[@helenehenkel]

Very informative. I have 3 pet buns, 2 are for fiber also. Have not ventured into breeding, not sure if I will. Maybe if I had a plan for bunnies I can't sell.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

You can start advertising with KZbin videos, put a sign out front. Start adding Craigslist ads and Facebook posts. Here’s a video to help you make money with your rabbitry kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZPEhnh8fdSMrJI

[@Joel-e3b]

Great policy!

[@m.b.5839]

Thank you for this informative video. You explain that wild cottontail rabbits cannot be caged. But why is this?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

It's illegal in most states to cage a wild animal. When held in captivity for long periods, they will expire. They are on high alert most of the day and don't sleep very much. At 4-5 weeks old Cottontails are not at all easy to handle like domesticated rabbits.

[@davesmith5564]

Thank you for the videos you provide. I have been breeding rabbits for only 1 year now, but don't breed in the summer. want to give mom some time off. Is that a good idea or not???. I also like your cooling totes and have started to make some. I like the compassion you have for your rabbits and the video on the mindset for processing day. I have a moto or tag line for our new rabbit farm " our rabbits only have 1 bad day". the rest of the time I show the same compassion as you do. great to see.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Just keep her on a strict diet over the summer so she doesn’t gain weight and she’s ready to breed in the fall- I’m so glad you like the channel thanks for commenting!

[@dustinfisher29]

Could you put a wooden board in those wire cages?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

I’d recommend a resting board for every cage. We put 10“ x 10“ resting boards made out of half-inch plywood in the cages in the fall and winter In the In the summertime we use 12”x 12”marble tiles

[@cerimoore3577]

Marble tiles are a brilliant idea.

[@madcapper6]

What's the average lifespan of a wild rabbit that dies of natural causes and manages to evade predation or other types of unnatural deaths? Or in other words, what's the natural life cycle duration?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

that’s a good question It’s a good thing they don’t live that long because they’re used to balance the ecosystem, and if predators were not praying on them, they would decimate the natural balance of things. You can read more information about the impact Rabbits have had in Australia.

[@troygarza5720]

I to have a pitty and when she does what your dog did at the beginning of the video usually means she literally found some shit to roll in 😂

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thanks for taking the time to write your comment.

[@cat7879]

Do you have any tips on rabbit handling? I've never really seen people be able to scoop up a rabbit and have them fine to stay held for prolonged periods of time like you do so consistently with so many different rabbits

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

I do! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGmahWd7l9Jlpbssi=r58Uf4E8YIjDFQzf

[@appallokelley3207]

Sounds like this guy had some rough encounters with customers. He’s right though, rabbits are super fragile . They were a main food source when I was little . I was shocked how easy it was for my frail grandmother to kill and process them. I just bought a mini farm and plan on raising rabbits for food and fur . I’m researching rabbit care and that’s how I found this video . I have a decent population of wild cotton tails on my farm and want to hunt them but maintain their numbers .

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Try making rabbit hotels Stack pallets and cover with brush your property will be crawling with cottontails after a year. Thanks for watching!

[@appallokelley3207]

@@TheRabbitryCenter that’s a good idea. I’ll do that.

[@sirviendoenamoralprojimo.7398]

So cute 🐰 bunnies

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

thanks is for watching!

[@edwalsh18]

Hey there, I am curious as to what you have growing over your shoulder @ 0:41.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Corn. It’s not very tall. We got it in late. It should be taller by now- Thanks for asking!

[@edwalsh18]

@@TheRabbitryCenter cool. It looked like sorghum. I have been looking into growing sorghum to feed chickens/rabbits/make compost

[@odonnellsaussiehomestead8257]

When u let it go ,how inconsiderate he or she was. Didn't even turn and wave good by.lol🤣

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

I know right! Lol I only fed and cared for it for 8 weeks! Thanks for commenting!

[@lmfarms4611]

Thank you.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

You’re very welcome!

[@LisaSmith3663]

I have questions. Maybe someone here can help me. I introduced a wild rabbit into my home when it was about chipmunk size when a cat almost got her (I think it's a her). I had a free roaming lop ear male in here. This was last July and it's now March 2nd. It's been quite interesting both watching the wild one grow and watching them interact. There is such little information out there because it all says you can't domesticate a wild rabbit and it says they are different species and can't cross bred. But has a female wild rabbit ever lived with a lop ear male and is cross breeding possible? At first everything I read said no and now I'm getting conflicting information. I imagine if babies don't appear in the next 30 days I have my answer. But have those two breeds ever lived successfully together before because it's been quite interesting watching them free roam around here together.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

When you get a chance rewatch the video, we explain why they can't produce together kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4DWYaGea7SYnpI

[@shirleymaemattthews4862]

So, a lop can accidentally breed with a cottontail?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

They can try, but won't conceive a litter due to a different number of chromosomes. They're not the same species.

[@nightskyabc]

That’s the key words. @They take a lot of time and responsibility. “. Too many channels try and make it look too easy. Believe I know it’s not. That does a disservice to the new person and to their rabbits. I just built a hutch for 6 rabbits and 8 babies by myself. Not easy. But I feel they are here to feed us during times of food shortage. A necessary responsibility everyone should take. Too many say. Oh I would never kill or eat a rabbit. Yet go to the market and buy lamb and veal. Baby animals. All animals are cute. But they are a blessing and some people would like to hypocritically make you feel like a bad person while buying meat at the store that someone else had to kill for them.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Very true

[@victorbenner539]

This was very interesting, wild cotton tails vs domestic rabbits. Change of subject. I have been thinking about raising pure strain NZ rabbits but have seen many folks crossing them with California rabbits to increase weight for the meat bunnies. So my question is- is there a difference of using a NZ male OR female bred with the California male or female. Will one cross be better than the other? I was originally thinking of getting just one NZ male and two NZ females but now I'm wondering if I need to re think this. But for simplicity sake at first I think I'll just stick to the original plan. Would very much like to see what you think though.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

These are both terrific rabbits to cross with. When it comes to the litters that you’ll get it Depends on what genes the offspring inherits. Not all rabbits in the litter are going to inherit the same genetics you can test breed with one buck or Doe and note your results and test breed with the others and and see which litters come out better. You should have good litters as long as your rabbits are fit and fertile.

[@victorbenner539]

@@TheRabbitryCenter thank you for the reply. So with that said I think I'll start with the two does and one buck all pure bred NZ and later get a Californian buck. Currently I want to keep things small, I'm only needing to feed me for the time being. But if I enjoy this " Rabbit thing" I'll consider increasing my " fluffle" ( ok I have to admit I had to look up what a bunch of rabbits are called, I found you can also say " herd" but what the heck, where else can one say " fluffle" so fluffle it is.) Anyways have a great day. Oh as a side note, I do remember Sam Gamgee calling the rabbits Gollum brought to them as a " brace of Coneys" but apparently " brace was a old English way of saying more then one of a single type of thing. Damm Tolkien had a wonderful and extensive knowledge of the English language. Again, have a great day. 🌤🐇🐇🐇

[@vanwhalen3719]

Great video

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@wry7767]

great content! very informational

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thanks for watching!

[@justforfun4623]

I remember an old neighbor of mine used to let his new Zealand whites out in the winter months so he did not have to feed them, that's how I got my very first meat rabbits because his doe had a litter in my shed. Right now I actually have 2 does and a buck running around the farm, shot the young ones when they was big enough. Great to know that you can add a white rabbit with a litter of tame rabbits and it will survive. I also used to breed my does like wild rabbits 24 hours after they kindled I would breed them, I slowed down a lot now wait two weeks then breed back so the litter can stay with mama 6 weeks instead of 4. I do want to build some cages like yours I like those things alot, the ones where you have a tunnel pretty much

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thanks for watching. Thanks for taking the time to share!

[@opinion5072]

Your NZW has blue eyes ?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

I’m working in a video stay tuned

[@jokshan100]

Tnx alot for this link. Have to make my policy as what you've said here. It really is educational, reasonable and will build a good relationship with our customers. But can I make a suggestion? Can you make a different video for this reminder or policy only? Would be glad to share this with my friends.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Absolutely I’ll put it on the list and add some more detailed information Thanks for asking!

[@jokshan100]

@@TheRabbitryCenter Super! Can you also shout out my rabbitry name when that video is being made haha?

[@JustinDavito]

Is it okay to pet a liter of wild rabbits or will the mother not nurse them anymore?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Check your state regulations to make sure it’s even legal in most cases it’s illegal to cage wild animal

[@ProfBob]

Great video.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thanks so much and thanks for watching!

[@MetalWorksProjectMWP]

Great to know about wild rabbits and domesticated rabbit I learn a lot to your vlog planning to have a Rabbitry too shout out Leyi AGRI FARM

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Best of luck with your Rabbitry! Thanks for watching!

[@squarecountyhomestead]

Great info!

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

I’m so glad you liked it!

[@jbid9999]

Thanks

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

You’re very welcome

[@carrieashley6465]

I had pet eat a hole rose brush in hours it was crazy thing to see

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

That’s nuts what an appetite

[@carrieashley6465]

@@TheRabbitryCenter it crazy what pet rabbit will when like something at much lol

[@niialby8229]

Please What's heat stroke?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Rabbits are covered in fur and they can’t sweat. If they’re in the sun too long and are unable to lower their body temperature this will cause infertility and they will eventually succumb to heat stroke in the hot months of the year. This is a big killer in rabbits. it’s very important to provide shade full-time. Here’s a video that shows more kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaummpaibJaEhdE

[@niialby8229]

@@TheRabbitryCenter Thanks for the education 👍

[@ericshoemake6090]

My bevern white just had her first litter of babys and the male is white also and all the babys are black ????? How can this be? The babys are 1 day old now?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Because she has a black Gene that matched up with a recessive gene from their mate

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Here’s a video that explains that kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4Ktdq2GjN2BkNk

[@avariceseven9443]

I have a question, can you raise rabbit for meat using only pellets? I'm from the Philippines, in a remote island, far from the cities. We don't have hay here. There's rice hay but I'm afraid to feed my rabbits those cause they're often sprayed with pesticides. I started with pet rabbits around 8 months ago. I love them. They can be very friendly and it helps with my mental illness too. Last year, I was also diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension. I keep hearing rabbit meat is better even compared to chicken. I was thinking, what if I raise some of them for their meat too, besides the pet I have. My pet recently gave birth to 4 kits (one died). The problem I have is their food (and the proper way of killing and preparing their meat, I have watched your video of it but I'm scared to do it myself). Hope you can answer my question and thanks in advance. I always see negative comments on feeding pets purely pellets but what if you cant give them hay? I tried giving them greens from time to time and a very small portion of fruits, less than 2 inches size, but I dont think that will work in the long run.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Yes. There’s alfalfa in the pellet. Use at least 16% protein You can also make hay if you plant grass hay let it grow up and cut and dry and bale Here’s a video showing how kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5a8hJSVq86Bb9U

[@uftc1324]

To add into the other reply make sure the fiber % is at least 20% or higher

[@avariceseven9443]

@@TheRabbitryCenter sadly, i dont have the space for planting grass. I’ve been feeding them pellets the breeder told us which he also uses in his rabbitry but from research some people said it’s not good for them cause it only makes them grow faster, which may be good for meat production but for my pets, im not sure. I’ll try visit my my local shop and look for those. They often have pig and chicken stuff but for other pets, it’s kinda hard to find those here.

[@IssaBunny]

@@avariceseven9443 hi! If they are pet rabbits they most definitely need hay. Hay should be 80% of a rabbits diet, and if you want it to love long without dental issues hay is needed unfortunately. If they are not constantly grinding their teeth with hay, their teeth can overgrow and can really hurt them. Also large amount of pellets will cause obesity and possibly gi stasis. There’s no pet stores near you with hay? If not maybe see if any farmers are selling hay around you. Most farmers who have horses or other livestock sell hay!

[@avariceseven9443]

@@IssaBunny none sadly, we dont usually see horses here. Most plant rice and i dont think those are great for rabbits cause they’re often sprayed with pesticides.

[@FYahooo]

What is the color of that cottontail rabbit???

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Chestnut

[@elevate32767]

They're skittish because as prey animals, they live in constant danger and must be skittish in order to survive

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thanks for sharing!

[@harrygrimley4352]

Thanks sir

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Your very welcome!

[@fermagradinabio]

Hello from Romania by Ferma Gradina Bio!

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Hello to you!

[@sirviendoenamoralprojimo.7398]

They also trust you

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

rabbits are a joy to have on the property!

[@watchandpray8918]

Where are you located?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Bath,Michigan

[@Garett6]

Go Green!

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Go white!

[@febiebadua921]

Good day sir can I apply there as ur farm worker

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thank you very much for asking but my boys have it covered you’re always welcome to purchase some rabbits and raise them where you live -let us know if your interested therabbitrycenter.com

[@dukiepile]

I saw your rabbit eating corn , I thought that corn is not good for a rabbit .

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

You’re referring to the part of the video where I’m discussing New rabbit owners feeding treats and overfeeding rabbits -That was a video I found on the internet to use for an example(sorry for the confusion). -Thanks for commenting!

[@JMACCSArmiesOfMiddleEarth]

You really should not have you rabbits on wire cage floors it is so bad for their feet. Can you imagine standing on wire with bare feet all day, its cruelty.

[@jennlozeau]

Totally agree

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

That is one of the most popular misconceptions allow me to explain. The biggest and best Rabbit productions use wire cage floors for a reason. This keeps the feces and urine off your rabbit -which breaks the life cycle of coccidia. if you feed your rabbit the correct amount pellet and hay it will not be overweight. A Heavy rabbit causes stress on the hock which is actually the leading cause of sore hocks. Many rabbit owners spoil their rabbits and feed them way too much. Over feeding your rabbit Is the leading cause and can be considered cruel because of all the health problems. It’s unfortunate that so many rabbit owners don’t take that into account when caring for rabbits. Thanks for watching

[@JMACCSArmiesOfMiddleEarth]

@@TheRabbitryCenter Fair play that does make sense. Must be very fat rabbits here then my brother is a vet and sees rabbit feet sores all the time from wire cages. If you look after them properly like you do they must not be at risk.

[@richardb4787]

We had a rabbit give birth to nine babies. One night, she killed six of them.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

That’s too bad

[@dennism5565]

sometimes this happens, especially with first time mothers. Give her another couple of chances.

[@richardb4787]

@@dennism5565 she had a couple of litters before. I keep wondering what made her go on a killing spree. Maybe she was overwhelmed with the number of babies?

[@christinemose7308]

Aren't you concerned about RHD? Exposing your domesticated rabbits to potential pathogens in the wild rabbit population? Maybe it isn't an issue.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Not at this time no. I certainly would if there was a breakout on my immediate area. Thanks for asking.

[@dennism5565]

@@TheRabbitryCenter also, had the rabbit had RHD, the litter would have died as it is extremely contagious. I would not worry at this point.

[@Sedgewise47]

Someone has *gotta* find a way to domesticate cottontails…

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

They’re pretty tough to handle Pretty rabbits to have around

[@LisaSmith3663]

I have one free roaming around my house with my lop ear since July and it's March now.