|
Polish Rabbit Info |
|||
|
Polish Rabbit Varieties |
|||
By Carol Cookson
Red Barn Rabbitry, Clackamas Oregon
ccookson@att.net
We have been using this nest box design in our rabbitry since 1997 and have found that we no longer have kits develop eye infections and we loose fewer kits during cold weather. We hope you find this system beneficial as well.
HOW TO MAKE A DOUBLE BOTTOM NEST BOX
The sides are made out of scrap lumber 3/4" to 1" thick.
The top, back and front can be made out of 1/4" to 1" scrap lumber.
The measurements for a Polish size box are: Sides 8X12, Back and front 8X8, Top 8X6.
Using small nails or screws assemble the box attaching the back and front boards to the outside of each side board so that you end up with an 8" exterior width measurement. Attach the top to one end of the box.
The bottom is made of 1" X 1/2" floor wire and attached using small U nails to the bottom of the sides.
A second bottom is made from a 15" X 6 1/2" piece of 1" X 1/2" floor wire. 3" of one end of this floor is bent down to form a riser that will hold up one end of the floor creating a slope to the back of the nest box when inserted into the box. This piece is not attached to the box but should fit snug by adjusting the bend made to the end.
HOW TO USE THE DOUBLE BOTTOM NEST BOX SYSTEM
? This system is designed for use in cages with wire floors.
? Place a compacted layer of grass hay or straw about 1 inch deep in the box on top of the wire bottom.
? Insert the upper wire bottom into the box so that the bent edge is at the open end and pointed down. This creates a slant down into the back and bottom of the box.
? Fill the remainder of the box FULL of soft grass hay.
? Remove the box when the kits are 3 weeks old or spending the majority of their time outside of the box.
? Remove all hay and straw and clean the entire box with a bleach and water mixture using a brush and let dry.
? Store in a clean area or plastic bag for next use.
BENEFITS OF THE DOUBLE BOTTOM NEST BOX
? Wood construction is able to retain heat unlike metal which quickly conducts cold temperatures from the outside to the inside.
? Layer of compressed hay or straw allows moisture to drain away from kits.
? Double wire bottoms allows air to circulate and dry moist hay or straw.
? Layer of compressed hay insulates the kits from the cold bottom of the box.
? Slanted upper floor wire directs kits to the back and bottom of the box avoiding kits becoming separated from the group and getting cold.
? Extra tall sides helps keep kits inside the box.
? Top helps hold in heat and provides a perch for the doe to escape kits once they start coming out of the box.
Back To the Carol Cookson Page starring Carol Cookson as..... Carol!