How to build a Rex rabbit hutch? Key construction points breeders need to master
The Rex rabbit, also known as the Rex, originated in France. It has been more than 80 years since China introduced Rex rabbit farming. Because the Rex rabbit not only has the economic value of a meat rabbit, but its fur can also fetch a high price on the market, it has received close attention from many breeders since its introduction. However, precisely because the Rex rabbit is an imported breed, Rex rabbit farming is more difficult and more demanding than ordinary domestic rabbit farming. To do a good job in Rex rabbit farming, the first step is to properly build the rabbit hutch. So how should a Rex rabbit hutch be built?
Because Rex rabbits like light and cannot tolerate heat, the most basic requirements for the rabbit hutch are facing the sun and ventilation. Because of the weather, natural light often cannot guarantee the amount of light the Rex rabbit needs daily, so artificial lighting equipment is generally also needed in the rabbit hutch. In addition, considering the hot summer weather, shade and sun protection are aspects that must be considered when building a rabbit hutch.
In addition, for the convenience of cleaning the rabbit hutch, a flat cement floor should generally be used inside the hutch, and drainage ditches and manure ditches should also be kept unobstructed and clean at all times.
Types of rabbit hutches
The construction of the rabbit hutch should be suited to the local climate type, and the hutch should have conditions such as rain protection, wind protection, cold protection and warmth retention, and heat protection and cooling. At present, the main forms of rabbit hutches include: closed and open.
Closed rabbit hutch:
The closed rabbit hutch has good cold protection and warmth retention, but poor ventilation. Therefore, when building, the distance between hutches should be kept at 6-8 m, and trees can be planted in between for summer shade and heat protection. Multiple rows of wire cages can be set up in a closed rabbit hutch for centralized management. Every 12 rabbit cages are set as one group, 3 tiers and 4 rows, with bamboo boards laid at the bottom of each tier, which can effectively prevent Rex rabbits from suffering from mastitis and pododermatitis. The gaps between the bamboo boards are about 1 cm. The distance between the bottom of the lowest cage and the ground is about 20 cm to prevent dampness. The distance between the upper and lower cages is about 10 cm, with plastic boards placed in between for convenient cleaning of feces and urine. The general size specifications of the rabbit cage are: length 50 cm, width 60 cm, front height 50 cm, rear height 35 cm, with feeders and water troughs inside the cage. The stocking density in a closed rabbit hutch should not be too high. When the temperature is high, windows should be opened for ventilation, and exhaust fans should be installed to cool down when necessary; in winter when the temperature is low, only the south-facing windows should be opened.
Open rabbit hutch:
The open rabbit hutch has low construction cost, is sturdy and durable, and has good ventilation, but poor warmth retention. The top of the hutch can be covered with firewood and straw to increase insulation. Inside the rabbit hutch, double-row cement board rabbit cages are generally used, suitable for raising commercial rabbits. The cage size specifications are the same as wire cages.
For raising Rex rabbits, building the hutch well is the foundation. Building a rabbit hutch that meets standards is a necessary condition for raising Rex rabbits well. The construction of standard Rex rabbit hutches should meet the following requirements:
Rabbit hutch construction requirements. The overall requirements are ventilation, sunlight, and dryness, easy warmth retention in winter, easy heat protection in summer, convenient daily feeding management, and convenience for rabbit activity, etc. There should be equipment for rain protection, moisture protection, cold protection, heat protection, and protection from animal pests, so as to create a good environment for the growth and development of Rex rabbits.
The specific requirements for the environmental conditions of the rabbit hutch are: Temperature. The temperature inside the rabbit hutch has a great impact on Rex rabbits. The most suitable temperature for adult rabbits is 18°C to 24°C, and the suitable temperature for newborn kits is 30°C to 32°C.
Humidity. Domestic rabbits like dryness and fear dampness. In damp conditions, Rex rabbits are prone to mange. The suitable relative humidity for a Rex rabbit hutch is 60% to 65%.
Ventilation. Ventilation and air exchange inside the rabbit hutch should be properly adjusted with the changes of seasons. Ventilation can not only regulate the temperature and humidity inside the hutch, but also promptly discharge harmful gases produced by the decomposition of feces, urine, and feed residues inside the hutch, keeping the carbon dioxide concentration below 1500 mg/kg, the hydrogen sulfide concentration below 10 mg/kg, and the ammonia concentration below 25 mg/kg.
Light. Light plays an important role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, growth and development, and mating and reproduction of rabbits. Domestic rabbits do not like strong light, but they do not like darkness either. Does need a longer light duration, requiring 14 to 16 hours per day. With a long light duration, Rex rabbits can achieve the best reproductive results, but bucks need a shorter light duration, and 10 to 12 hours a day is enough. If the light duration is too long or too strong, it has an adverse effect on semen quality. Rabbit hutches generally use natural light, and artificial light or supplementary artificial light can also be used. The light intensity should preferably be 4W per square meter of rabbit hutch area.