Maybe this is your first ever meat pen or your getting back into the swing of things after taking a few years off, and you've got some questions about what you'll need and where to start. Below, I have put together a little collection of the feed your rabbits will already be on if you purchase a meat pen from us, and what types of supplies and equipment you will need to have throughout the duration of your project!
FEED
If you order a meat pen from us then they will be started on the feed pictured above. It's a good idea to keep them on a familair feed up until show time to prevent any upset stomachs.
Full fresh feed should be given until you start to approach your weight limit. Hay is a filler and should'nt be provided for your pen to eat, unless they are close to pushing their maxium weight limit and need to slow down.
The type of hay you can feed to rabbits can be timoty hay or horse quality coastal hay. Never alfalfa as it's too rich in sugars.
Make sure that you also provide your pen with lots of clean fresh water daily. Lots of people prefer to provide water in water bottles, which is completely fine. I have had a lot more rabbits intake more water if I offer it in a water dish or crock. Since these can be easily tipped over, make sure you secure them to the cage wall so that your rabbits always have acess to water.
HOUSING
Your meat pen doesn't need a fancy cage or set up. A 30x24x18 or 30x30x18 all wire cage both work well to house your rabbits in. Typically these standing cages have a slide out tray to put bedding in and need to be cleaned at least once a week.
If your rabbits are going to live outside, make sure they are safe from any predators such as dogs, cats and birds. Make sure that they are also protected from the elements of the weather too.
I have kept rabbits in an all wire cage on a porch, in a garage, or in my house and have had great sucess. If your looking to keep your project in the back yard, then purchasing or building a hutch might be a better choice.
BEDDING
The best type of bedding (and most affordable) are these pine pellets made for horses. They asorbe the most and reduce odor. Only a cup or two are needed to fill a 24"x24" drop pan.
TRAVLING
The best way to transport your rabbits home and to shows is with a specifically designed rabbit travel coop. These are made in 1, 2, 3 (pictured above) or 4 slot carriers in many different sizes for all different rabbit breeds. The raised floor design keeps the rabbits from sitting in their droppings and urine.
OTHER EQUIPMENT THAT WILL BE HELPFUL
A scale with a dish or basket you can easily place rabbits into to weigh them.
Grooming stands make getting your rabbits ready for the show table a lot easier.
a spray bottle helps you keep your rabbits fur in tip top condition. Only ever use water on your rabbits coat! And never take a slicker brush to it, as it will rip the fur. Index cards help you keep track of weight for each rabbit and can easily be taped to a feeder or the outside of a cage.