Raising Rabbits for Meat Part 9: Cold Weather

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

Our new rabbit cookbook can be found here: Printed Copy: bit.ly/rabbitcookbook Amazon Kindle Version: www.amazon.com/dp/B076QG3BJK

[@RoseThistleArtworks]

Have you seen how dirtpatchheaven channel puts the rabbits over a hotbed for winter so they are making compost for growing vegetables, etc.?

[@michaelripperger5674]

If it is predicted to snow... Put a tarp down in front of the rabbit tractor at night. In the morning.. Pull the tarp back and the ground will be snow free. Then move the rabbit tractor on the fresh ground. Easy peasy

[@Casey1pj]

Great theory Michael but I have tried that in the past. Not as easy peasy as you think. Just a 4 foot by 8 foot tarp with just 2 inches of snow on it weighs hundreds of pounds. A quick way to destroy tarps is what it amounts to. A sheet of plywood would work better if you had something other than a human to try pulling it. These items cost money though. If you have a tractor and get a good bit of snow then why not use it? If it's under two inches a regular snow shovel only takes a about 5 minutes to move it.

[@mowilderness8505]

Easy peasy Japanesey!

[@AnneGoggansQHHT]

Hardware cloth in place of the 2x3 wire can keep out snakes and raccoon hands.

[@denniskufahl3429]

Thank You, Excellent series and additional episodes on Rabbits.

[@I_DELIVER]

Thank you Sarah & Kevin for recording this series... God Bless!!!

[@commodorenathanael]

I've been looking all over the internet for the right kind of water bowls for the winter. Where did you get yours, and did they work as planned?? Please, please help me out. And, by the way, thank you so much for your channel!

[@stephaniejoyce6896]

I just found your site yesterday and have been binge watching your whole rabbit series in between taking care of kids and my own homestead. We are going to be getting rabbits soon so I have been eagerly learning all I can to give them a happy, healthy life. Loving all your videos. Thank you for taking the time to make them!

[@klong0001]

You guys are a blessing! I have been worried about raising rabbits in our climate (90+ degree summers, 10 degree winters sometimes). After watching your series and other videos I feel confident in trying to raise rabbits for my family. Thank you guys!

[@sarchibsarchib6245]

I like your explanations, and also that you care and treat them well.

[@grahamepigney8565]

What about mounting the water bottle inside the hutch rather than in the run? It might at least delay the water freezing.

[@zeekkropf9895]

Just bought 5 rabbits to breed. I appreciate so much ready and clear training.

[@TheKristenGibson]

I've always used the rubber bowls (hog pans I call them lol), but you're right they're the most durable, break ice easily, and easy to clean.

[@kimklien7995]

Thank you so very much for these videos. You both do a great job in making them not only informative but interesting and easy to watch. They are well filmed and edited. I am planning on having meat rabbits this spring and appreciate the time you have taken to share your knowledge, your passion, and also your compassion.Thank you once again. 💖

[@JimMilligan]

Great series on meat rabbits. I feel like a pro and haven't done it. Thank You

[@isaaccutlip5815]

Haha

[@kellylynch3775]

Those are great ideas and suggestions for winterizing your rabbits. Thank you for sharing! Blessings.

[@hollykesecker5068]

Thank you for the instruction you have given in this ser

[@erikacronje8985]

I now have plenty ideas as this is something I have never considered!

[@robinsouth8555]

Great informational series on rabbits, I watched everyone of them, and not even planning on raising them. :).

[@karenhernke1981]

Living in WI you have given me relief. We have 3 lop eared rabbit's. We keep them in a shed. Thanks for sharing.

[@donbarr3846]

I have got more info on your rabbit shows than i ever thought i would ... GREAT JOB ... To both of you ---im a old coot in tn and am about to start raising them bunnys again did one time years ago ... again great job .. Thank You Don

[@joybickerstaff194]

Hello Sarah! I’ve watched and given y’all the thumbs up on each video, but asked no questions, made no comments. I felt it best to watch them all, read comments and ur replies, a lot of my questions were answered by doing this. I’v been working on being self sufficient, and am serious about it, but I couldn’t/wouldn’t jump into getting any livestock without being 100 % sure of myself, having the knowledge I need n order to succeed n raising them as healthy as possible, therefore, producing quality food. I have been subscribed to u for quite awhile, I have watched other videos on meat rabbits, NONE have the quality of information that u have n ur series, I gained no knowledge from them, (l’m shocked and upset that I didn’t see these before, if I’d have seen urs two years ago, I’d be raising and eating rabbits by now) I see u have a few more videos pertaining to rabbits that I need to watch, then it’s back to rewatch the series, however many times it takes till I’m satisfied with the information I’ll be writing down on paper. I thank u and ur husband, providing me the much needed information/knowledge I need n order to take the next steps. I’ll make shorter comments on the rewatch. Thank u

[@nikkiroebuck3733]

I have really enjoyed the series. I know will need to modify the care for winter as I live in northern BC

[@AtTheBarn]

I have a dog that is allergic to all meat except Rabbit and Salmon. We have learned how to raise Chickens and really appreciate your series on Rabbits. I think we might be able to actually start our own in the spring to help our dog stay healthy. We live in eastern Kansas so everything you presented really applies to us as well.

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

I have heard that some dogs can digest rabbit meat much better because it is a "cold protein". Not exactly sure what that means but glad it's helping your dog. Let us know if there are any specific rabbit topics you would like to see us covered in the future!

[@carolbauer4260]

Do you keep males in one tractor and females in another? Do you mix them, how do you control the breeding? Just starting out with two does and one buck. Great information!!

[@reneeclark9903]

Thank you for this series, trying to learn all that I can. Still trying to talk my husband into rabbits.

[@NelehLove9313]

Lol just do it... I've learned that if you're going to get anything done, do it yourself and eventually he will fall love with it too 😜

[@MrAntoniosavelli]

When my water froze very fast until I could replace the water I use to put a pan full of fresh snow and man they loved the snow better then the water.

[@yvonne3850]

Thank you 💖🌺🦋🐇

[@swianecki]

Those bunnies will be nice and warm. Great work and great video.

[@illaspero1]

THANK YOU THANK YOU so very much for your awesome information. I love your channel, you explain things so well. Love your channel so much.

[@MrAdamNTProtester]

should put in a wood base (perforated with 1/2 holes) for those cold nights in the divided area as well- will also save hay bedding

[@jayheld7783]

My wife and I just found your channel last weekend. Good Stuff! Great series.

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

Great! Glad to have you along!

[@tiffinycheek1483]

Thanks for the video. Just in time for the cold months ahead I’m looking forward to more videos.

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

Thanks, Tiffany!

[@shereencrowley2966]

Have you done a video on processing the pelts, I looked but can't find anything from ya'll

[@Steve-ps6qw]

wow, what a massive change in weather....

[@gloriakipfer3144]

Fantastic!!! I'm so ready now to enjoy raising rabbits for my family!! You guys should get like a rabbitology medal (as jnulo) would say lol God bless guys...

[@stephenbradley6258]

Thanks for sharing another great video, I love your great ideas. Thanks and have a great day.

[@karla.30]

One word...Minnesota

[@tannenbaum3444]

Can you advise about temp minus -25F and windchill -40F. I'm thinking indoor housing in a barn would be best, but perhaps you can share your experience or opinion. THANKS.

[@meruertmeyer8017]

We had minus 40 or colder without considering windchill more than 3 times this winter. We have hutches outdoors and wire bottoms and fronts no tarps covering no straw bedding. I gave them a piece of cardboard to sit on which they occasionally use.

[@marlyswilkinson1767]

Those tractors now look like my first single wide mobile home. 😉 I’m sure the rabbits will be just fine in them.

[@changingwindsfarm2087]

The best bowls that we have found for all year for our rabbits are the aluminum bowls from Bass Equipment. These bowls can be submersed in hot water and you can pop the ice puck right out. AND the rabbits can't chew them to pieces like they can with plastic or rubber. Nice video!

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

We're still having great luck with the rubber bowls. A little chewing here and there, but no big problems. For the couple of dollars we spent on each one, if they last a few seasons...we'll be very pleased.

[@jeremiahlackey1582]

Living Traditions Homestead I have been looking for some rubber bowls similar to what your describing in prob 1 quart sizes but can’t find any. All I can find is 2 quart size for about $8-12 each. Can you leave a link to where you ordered yours or info on where to order some? What size do you have...I’m afraid 2 quarts will be too big. Thanks and really love this series you did on the rabbit raising.

[@dawnmeier2834]

They would have to get it off the ground about 4 ft or it would be buried in snow. We also get freezing rain in winter.

[@72renrut]

Hi Sarah and Kevin! We moved from Glendale AZ to Dewey AZ near Prescott 2 1/2 years ago. I've been subscribed to your youtube channel for some time now and love it that we share AZ as our starting place. However, I do not have plans, at the ripe old age of 69, to move to Missouri. Your's has been my go-to channel for most of my homesteading ideas. I live in Dewey AZ and we do not have any grass on our property as the soil is crushed granite and clay except for what is in my garden. So, I could have tractors for my rabbits but I would have to feed them pellets or alfalfa. Do you think it is cost effective without natural grass pasture? Don't want to get into breeding for meat and find it to be too expensive.

[@benramirez1436]

Hey! In the tractors, do you house all the kits together or do you separate the bucks from the does?

[@Casey1pj]

Wonderful video guys! I have a question that may fall under reminiscent or hypothetical. If someone is just starting off and using tractors like you have but they don't have property to move them around in. They get lots of snow that doesn't melt. What would be a good item to use as a removable flooring so they could just remove it and wash it down and then replace it into the tractor after it dries? If you have never had this problem back when you first started doing this just disregard the question. I have different substrates in mind but it is all hypothetical ideas. Someone that knows rabbits would be much better at giving a proper answer. I know it's a strange question but I have seen people that had no problem with letting their rabbits wallow in their own feces. You guys seem to love and spoil your livestock and cherish mother nature to the point that everything you touch seems to flourish. I would rather hear a guess from you than to hear someone else try to state a fact that I find out is nothing more than a theory. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@gloriakipfer3144]

Oh and we all need to get on over and grab a rabbit cook book!!!!

[@1PaJoe]

Great series folks - learned a lot - maybe you can cover other animals you have in the same way - bless you

[@robdaugherty2010]

Living in the high desert of Colorado, I don’t think rabbit tractors would be a good fit for us. But, I will put in to use some of your other “wintering” ideas. Thanks, and God bless!!!!!

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

Glad you were able to get some ideas! Glad to have you here!

[@CBsGreenhouseandGarden]

Another great video! Keep'em coming!

[@stevehaile3325]

Awesome Videos Thank You for sharing! Be blessed.

[@jimclaire7996]

Thank you for sharing. Great information.

[@cindythomas681]

Nice addition to the tractors! They will definitely be fine in those.

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

We think so too. Thanks, Cindy!

[@rohnsleather9986]

Another great video. Love them!

[@davidbeasley232]

Do you ever have problems with ticks, fleas, and worms in your tractors? I realize they are only there for 8 weeks, but that's still time to contract some parasites. Just curious. Great series. Learned more from them than from all the books I've read put together. Thank you.

[@charlieread3168]

Like the winter tractor for more protection put hole on the end not the center

[@SmartMarketingBuz]

Do you have pictures of the water tubs you are talking about, or links to them.

[@mkshffr4936]

Being in Northern Indiana (at least for a few more years) where winter temps well below zero are common I will need more drastic measures for water especially since I am somewhat disabled such that going out every hour to bring fresh water is not practical. I am thinking that some strategy using heat tape and stock tank heaters may be necessary or perhaps movable hutches that can be brought into the garage. Any pointers would be appreciated.

[@amandiae89]

We’re getting our rabbits tomorrow and I’m so nervous.

[@DerpFarms]

Hello there, First off I love the series very informative I appreciate all of the info you guys provide. Second I may have found your long lost daughter, her name is Sydney Wattson. She also make amazing KZbin videos.

[@rochrich1223]

My pet rabbits were semi-neat with where they left their pellets. Mostly one corner. Have you noticed them pooping outside the enclosed area? In a snowier/wetter area, it might be nice to have a raised platform/nesty area.

[@carolineb.n.40]

Hi! I know its an old video, but i hope you will see my question... Here, in Quebec, we can have -31f during winter... what would you suggest me to help them? Thanks you.

[@melanielarocque7227]

How often can rabbits go back on to the same space in their tractors? I’m thinking specifically in the winter with maybe limited space with snow.

[@50shadesofgreen]

great job guys !! that will be awesome for the winter months

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

+50 shades of green Thanks!

[@backtobasicstipswithtomrib19]

The rubber tubs you are referring to work as you describe. However the rabbit will chew them to pieces. Tom

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

We did take this into consideration. Many people who recommended them said that the rabbits chewed on them, but not to the extent that they were unusable. We are very cost effective, so if a few are rendered unusable, they are inexpensive enough to replace.

[@bygeorge5152]

what screen sizes do you recommend for the various parts of your rabbitry?

[@corriebrits1023]

All the way from South Africa. i love your series. very informative. just a quick question. if you have kits. how do you choose breeding does?

[@AngelHoffer97]

I do the fastest growing females since birth. And then keep in mind to check for pinched hips. If depending on what breed you use. Just keep in mind type

[@jimf1964]

Woohoo, made it to 9! 😁 So I'm a lot farther north than you, and I was thinking about the mess that would make on ground that will be frozen for months. I don't know if I would have enough space to be soiled for months on end. Do they really need to be moved that often? And I guess a whole bunch of rabbits in a barn would be a hell of a mess. Any suggestions on what would be the best way in long term extreme cold, without unlimited land to move around on?

[@nellie2m]

Cool ideas, except i live in alaska. I have a whole other level of winter to deal with. Good place to start for me though, thanks!

[@pmasters1958]

I bought your rabbit cookbook. Great recipes. Do you have a chicken and venison cookbook?

[@nopalitofitzgerald4228]

How do the rabbits do in the summer when the tin roof gets HOT?? I've had condensation build on the ceiling of the tin in the winter also and it drips. Do you have the same problems?

[@LindaPepin]

How cold do your winters get? Thanks.

[@mr.skeptical3071]

Do you put a bottom in the enclosed area?

[@jay-zd3ku]

Im inspired, Where can I get rabbits for breeding? Thank all much 💪

[@arlynelauro8903]

Is there a price range for selling them? How do you determine the price.

[@keyleahalliday6447]

Where are you guys located? We are looking into raising meat rabbits. We are in Northern Alberta and wondering how about frigid winters.

[@keyleahalliday6447]

Haha I should have finished the video. Paused it to ask my question, only to turn it on again to get my answer.

[@hennessyloftnewyorkpigeonr9848]

Do you have to reenforce it to handle snow? Thanks

[@rosebutler1328]

would this work in °-50....We live in Montana...heavy snow also

[@dawnmeier2834]

-8 f here this morning

[@barrysinclair2206]

When I get setup for a rabbitry, can I buy rabbits from y'all

[@traceywiles3490]

What else do u feed them apart from grass?

[@rachiescraftyfootprints2419]

Where do you keep the pregnant mammas?

[@caster2534]

As of 5/2023 how much do you sell a processed rabbit for?

[@CrownJewelDanes12]

I really love this series. It really has been very educational and informative. I've thought about raising meat rabbits for quite a while now and this series has given me the confidence to give it a go. I'll wait till spring but I'm gonna do it lol. BTW do you ever sell breeders ?

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

Fantastic! I am so glad that we've given you the confidence to start raising meat rabbits! We occasionally sell live rabbits.

[@mr.skeptical3071]

How many Sq.Ft. per rabbit for tractors?

[@steveapodaca6172]

great info, thank you. Wouldn't it be advantageous to breed one of the giant breeds ? pros and cons?

[@karlfowler3742]

The giant breeds are slow growers with big bones so the bone to meat ratio is better on these meat breeds at 12 to 16 weeks than it is on the Giants. If you grow out the giants then your feed costs go up. The New Zealand, Silver Fox, Californian and the Champagne D'Argent's seem to be the best choices for Meat Rabbits or a mix of any of them as a cross. Hope this helps. I'm still learning myself and this is what my searches have taught me.

[@mauriciosotorubio5389]

mmm. Here in Canada it gets to -40 often, so I am not sure these techniques would be enough. But I appreciate the video.

[@patricklawson7533]

Are you concerned about the snow load since the roof is not reinforced?

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

+Lawson Farms Homestead We typically don't get more that a couple inches where we are. We haven't had a problem. If you're in an area that gets a lot of snow you may want to reinforce it.

[@CP-wp8jf]

How do you keep the rabbits from breeding while in the tractors?

[@FFXIShadea]

They butcher their rabbits at 11 or 12 weeks old. They don't start breeding until around 16 to 18 weeks old. So it's not something they need to worry about.

[@ruthhersh5987]

Do you ever need to worm them from allowing them to eat Yard grass?

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

+Ruth Hersh We've never had a problem with worms. But, they normally are processed at 11-12 weeks old anyway.

[@Call_Me_Dragon]

I have a question for anyone here. When you wean them and put them in tractors. Do you separate them by sex? Or do you just put the whole litter together until butcher time? Oh also how many? If you have a litter of 10 to you put them all in one tractor? If I remember right your tractors are 3’x6’

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

We put the entire litter in the tractor regardless of size. We do not separate the sexes because we process them before they start getting to breeding age. Yes, the tractors are 3x6 and that seems to be more than enough room even for a large litter as long as you are good about moving them daily! Hope that helps..- Kevin

[@doitmanrv1084]

😁

[@LindaCastille]

lol

[@loisdedopoulos7625]

They don’t need straw in winter

[@SuperPenguin5495]

i really want to try to do this in an urban setting . however my yard is only 252 sq ft, and the rabbit housing will take about 50 sq ft. i guess my major concern is the manure (putting it somewhere) and the chance the litter is 5-7 rabbits. i have a 10 ft long, 5 ft wide 7 foot tall "shed" that im building currently. but i dont think ill be able to raise them in a healthy environment. any suggestions?

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

+SuperPenguin5495 You would be able to raise them in a healthy way if you had them in cages up of the ground rather than in tractors. Lots of people do it that way. It is much more hygiebic to raise them off the ground in wire cages than to have them on the ground without enough space to move them to fresh ground.

[@pyrofful]

SuperPenguin5495- Yeah exactly what they said. I was reading a book about self sustainability/survival and they said the nice thing about rabbits is you "could" raise them in an apartment if you had the right setup since they are quite. (unlike roosters) And don't usually cause a fuss.

[@steveplatt1]

Do y’all get much snow in the winter

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

It varies by the year. Last year, we got about 1/2" of snow total. This year, maybe 2".

[@steveplatt1]

About like here. Down in dogpatch central Arkansas. Awesome series. Glad to find the channel

[@meruertmeyer8017]

Are bears a predator for caged rabbits

[@roberthoke42]

Great videos. Caveat your winter video stating that your plan is region (Missouri) specific. Yes removing the wind and moisture elements is only sufficient to a certain degree. Some areas in the continental US cannot use the limitations of this plan because, rabbits cannot tolerate all cold. For example we have chickens. I don't care if the chickens are out of the wind and dry, if it gets to -19 like it does most winters here in Northern Michigan my chickens will start to fall over dead if not insulated. A rabbits core temp of 100 to 103 starts to drop around at 44-46 fahrenheit. I don't wanna know what it is at -19. Anyhow, there is definitely a point where you must change their location or insulate. Perhaps you should provide the no shit cut off temperature because there is one.

[@sanditubia5061]

I loved this series! Question: since you tractor your babies together. What do you do for the winter months to keep them from breeding within the litter mate line? I'm in NY and it gets really cold Jan through April. Would the litter need to be separated in order to avoid breeding siblings? Thank you for all your info and for sharing your journey. Love you guys!!

[@karenhammel4696]

Hi

[@markdoty922]

wish she didn't say, "ummm" so much. It's really annoying

[@markdoty922]

And he's just as bad.