TAMUK variety?

[AClark]

^ True story. My kids tend to get attached and don't want me to do anything with the "pretty" ones, that get names.

That's exactly what happened, we had a storm come in unexpectedly and it flooded part of their pen. Unfortunately, the hole filled up quick, and I only managed to reach 2 of the babies, the rest were really far back I'm guessing because it turned underground. I know there were more though. I'm not one to be keen on sticking my hand down holes either. Predators aren't really the issue, I haven't lost any to that...escaping before we figured out how to do it where they can't dig out was another story, I did lose 2 to that and not sure where they ended up.
I did see where someone used PVC pipe and made fake burrows on YouTube, not sure how successful that was or is though. We are changing up their pen, with a full wire bottom to prevent digging and above ground nest boxes that are completely covered. Colony raising is definitely different, not knowing when you'll have babies or anything, but it is easier to keep them cool in the summer by far and they don't look stretched out and miserable in cages in the heat.
I'm not knocking cage raising at all, there are definitely some benefits to that, knowing when you'll have litters and being able to control breeding a lot easier.

 

[DustyBoot]

I did wonder if we'd better stick to less-cute uniformly colored rabbits. For that matter, I suppose uniform colors would be better for use of pelts.

I've also been starting to consider that what makes the Altex heat-tolerant is probably not a prime pelt. So I guess the questions I have to consider are 1) How much more heat-tolerant are the Altex than the other meat breeds available? and 2) How committed am I to using pelts? As far as #2 goes, I'm really not sure. I don't have a market lined up for them nor have I decided on exactly how I'd use them, and whether or not I stick with using pelts would depend on a number of factors including how tedious it gets to be tanning the hides and whether or not I'm successful in coming up with either a marketable product or a practical use for the pelts.

We'd prefer not to have to rig up fans and other infrastructure if it can possibly be avoided. Frozen water bottles or frozen tiles to lie on, etc., no problem. And as I said, definitely a shaded and well ventilated location. We get a pretty constant breeze, possibly because we're near the river, so that helps a lot with the heat. If we can do that AND raise rabbits that will give us both meat and decent pelts, that would be my first choice. If not, then we'd choose the lower-maintenance meat-only breed.

 

[Baymule]

@DustyBoot just don't try to breed in the summer. Think pregnant, fat, HOT and wearing a fur coat. That's a recipe for a heat stroke, dead doe. Ask me how I know. That squeal of a dying rabbit stays with you.

You might want to check into what a prime rabbit pelt sells for to a processor. I may be wrong, but it probably isn't much. Your best bet may be to get a trio of meat rabbits to raise for your own use. That will get your feet wet and you can take it from there.

Your best set up, IMO, is hanging wire cages under a roofed structure with open or partially open sides--wired from the ground to the roof. In winter, plastic can be put up, but leave the south side open for ventilation. Use an open top nest box and on freezing nights those aluminum clamp on lights for working on automobiles can be placed over the nestbox to keep the kits all warm and snuggly. The aluminum flange works nicely reflecting the warmth down on the kits. A 75 watt light bulb works just fine.

 

[DustyBoot]

I imagine a summertime break from breeding could work well all around -- I don't see how we'd keep up with the meat from breeding rabbits regularly all year anyway. And I wouldn't wish summer pregnancy in Texas on anyone, let alone someone in a fur coat!

We were thinking just a trio for personal use. I don't think I'd try to sell pelts through a processor. I can't imagine it'd be worth the trouble. But I do some sewing and other crafting, so I might be able to come up with a simple product I could sell on Etsy or something. Anything that helps pay the feed bills, after all. I was thinking scrap bits could make good cat toys. Or I could put fur trim on knitted mittens or hats. Or even just being able to make gifts for friends and family. Bet my niece would adore a rabbit-fur muff. Still brainstorming. I don't imagine it'd be a lucrative venture, but I hate to see a potentially useful resource go to waste. If I try it and it's just not working out, it won't kill me to give it up. But I'm stubborn about trying things. Occasionally it works out for me.

We'd be putting the cages under the pole barn, which has a good high roof and open sides. And we can do heat lamps if needed, although we don't get a whole lot of freezing nights here. Hopefully we'll have a good setup. A girl a few miles down the road raises Californians, so we might take a look at buying from her. Sounds like her setup is similar to what we'll have, and obviously we're dealing with the same weather conditions. Assuming what she has is healthy and decent quality it might make life simple to go that route at least for starters.

 

[Baymule]

We'd be putting the cages under the pole barn, which has a good high roof and open sides. And we can do heat lamps if needed, although we don't get a whole lot of freezing nights here. Hopefully we'll have a good setup. A girl a few miles down the road raises Californians, so we might take a look at buying from her. Sounds like her setup is similar to what we'll have, and obviously we're dealing with the same weather conditions. Assuming what she has is healthy and decent quality it might make life simple to go that route at least for starters.

Sounds like a good plan!

 

[AClark]

I think it kind of comes down to what you really want the rabbits for. They have to be roaster age to have decent fur, but by then they are a bit tougher and you have more feed into them than you would at fryer age.
That's not to say you can't use the pelts, I have a couple in my freezer right now from older rabbits that died, and they aren't hard to tan or anything, but there isn't a ton of use for rabbit pelts. I sew as well and had a hard time finding any decent projects.

 

[DustyBoot]

I'm thinking we'll try roasters and pelts, and if we don't like the roasters and/or don't find good uses for the pelts, then we'll simplify things and raise fryers. Realistically, we'll probably do some of both.

 

[rude_mare]

@DustyBoot we have TAMUK composites that do very well in the heat and humidity (I am in Alabama). They do seem to do a little better than our New Zealands. Our rabbits are in hung cages under a shaded open shed. I turn on a box fan on the hotter days, and on the hottest they get ice chunks. I think they would be fine without either though. Our litters are mainly steel, black, REW, and reds, and that does keep the kids interest in them down. When you have a pen full of rabbits that mainly look the same, it makes it hard for daughter to pick out a favorite. We let name and pet on the breeding bucks. As far as pelts go we have never tanned them, but I saved a bunch from the last batch and stuck them in the freezer with the idea that I could use them one day. Maybe after the holidays I will try it and see how it goes.

 

[DustyBoot]

Well, so much for careful research and deliberation. Petted some standard rex and decided I had to have that fur. I'm a sucker. So I went to a rabbit show this weekend and found a breeder not far from me who raises them in similar conditions to what we have, so... now we have a trio of rexes. It'll be a good while before we have anything to put in the freezer or in a tanning solution, but in the meantime I can pet my soft rabbits and life is good.

 

[Latestarter]

Don't feel bad... that's how many end up with quite a few of the animals they have. Awwww they're so cute/fluffy/soft/pretty/input adjective... Course that can also present a problem when it comes time to eat them, or use their hide for a purpose other than what it's presently being used for Hope they work out for you and that yu'll share some pics when you get a chance. Grats!