This year we did something, I really never thought we should do. We purchased an inexpensive radiator type heater for the barn. Its a permanently sealed oil heater. Typically it keep s the barn 20-25 degree warmer than outside.
The problem I had with the heater is I felt it was more for the comfort of the girls than just the rabbits. I really could see us justifying the money just for a little extra comfort. But as the winter has gone along, I must say that the heater was a great purchase.
Yes, there certainly are several comfort and convenience issues at hand. First it has to be well below freezing before the water dishes freeze. Even when they do, its a simple matter of dipping them in a bucket of warm water and the ice comes out.
For me though it comes down to production. This is where we have enjoyed the biggest change in our rabbitry. Last year we had many difficulties getting litters over the winter. We currently have 9 does bred, and that is awesome. They may not take, but we have already had two successful litters this winter. That means we’ve been more productive then last year already. With all the does bred, I’m sure we’ll see that number continue to rise.
We owe most of this to one simple purchase we made this year, a new heater in the barn, If you don’t heat your barn, and are having difficulty getting those rabbits to produce, try a heater in the barn, it just may do the trick.
Rob Usakowski
Three Little Ladies Rabbitry
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Rob Usakowski
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Good idea. When the new barn is done I’ll have to get me one of them.
like you i never thought i would have to heat my rabbitry but this year for the first time bottles have frozen and i have lost a few kits which is almost unheard of for my bunnies fatalities have been very rare but one litter didn’t survive at all and my expereienced frenchie has lost four out of nine for no apparant reason other than they strayed a little from the nest. I have now put in an oil filled radiator and am hoping this will help
We have r-30 insulation & heat (same source) plus lamps when below 15 degrees. Harley has air conditioning also. I find her spring stock to be plentiful and very few flies or pests in the heat of summer. She is able to breed and have live litters 12 months of the year. Living in Northern Mich. (God’s country” it is a blessing that Daddy was so good to her!