Tour the Rabbitry
- Herd Stock
- The Rabbit Barn
- Nutrition & Medicine
- What About the Name?
- Rabbit Basics
- Herbs For Rabbits
Herd Stock
As rabbitries go, Two Hunnyz Rabbitry is quite small- our breeding stock is under ten. THR is A.R.B.A Registered Rabbitry #Y323. Of prime concern is making sure our rabbits are content and well cared for. Kits are handled daily from the time of birth to ensure socialization. Spending time with our rabbits is a pleasure!
We began with a trio of Satins in the Chocolate colour variety. Our foundation Satins are from A.R.B.A. registered, Grand Champion lines at MountainView Farms in Idaho, and are registered themselves. We have now ventured into the Broken variety, with the addition of a Broken Chocolate herd Buck.
To aid in the preservation of rare heritage livestock breeds, in Autumn of 2006 we brought home a trio of white American rabbits from a recently discovered population in Alberta, Canada. In 2007, the original blue colour variety joined the herd. The American blue is said to be the deepest of all blues. It certainly is stunning! Americans are critically threatened with extinction. Through our American Conservation Breeding Program we hope to promote awareness and increase the numbers of these beautiful, gentle rabbits. Most of our Americans will be A.R.B.A. registered, as well.
We began with a trio of Satins in the Chocolate colour variety. Our foundation Satins are from A.R.B.A. registered, Grand Champion lines at MountainView Farms in Idaho, and are registered themselves. We have now ventured into the Broken variety, with the addition of a Broken Chocolate herd Buck.
To aid in the preservation of rare heritage livestock breeds, in Autumn of 2006 we brought home a trio of white American rabbits from a recently discovered population in Alberta, Canada. In 2007, the original blue colour variety joined the herd. The American blue is said to be the deepest of all blues. It certainly is stunning! Americans are critically threatened with extinction. Through our American Conservation Breeding Program we hope to promote awareness and increase the numbers of these beautiful, gentle rabbits. Most of our Americans will be A.R.B.A. registered, as well.
The Rabbit Barn
Nestled in the shade of two plum trees, the 9' x 14' pole-style barn is situated in an east-west orientation. The 24" x 30" and 24" x 36" all-wire, slant-front hutches are hung in single rows, above a natural soil base; with a central 4' wide path topped with wood chips. The all-wire hutches make daily/weekly cleaning chores quick and efficient. Rabbit manure, one of the world's best fertilizers, is
cleaned out several times per year and happily put to use in the nearby
heirloom kitchen garden and/or added to the compost.
The Monitor-style roof~ which is a combination of two gable-roof planes~ is open and airy, providing great light and excellent ventilation, as do the poultry wire walls. Roofing is asphalt shingles and the top gable ends are enclosed with wire mesh. In dry summer weather, the barn receives cool breezes and shade from the sun. During winter, the rabbits are protected from cold winds and rain with drop-down 6 ml plastic sheeting.
The Monitor-style roof~ which is a combination of two gable-roof planes~ is open and airy, providing great light and excellent ventilation, as do the poultry wire walls. Roofing is asphalt shingles and the top gable ends are enclosed with wire mesh. In dry summer weather, the barn receives cool breezes and shade from the sun. During winter, the rabbits are protected from cold winds and rain with drop-down 6 ml plastic sheeting.
Nutrition & Medicine
At this time we are researching and experimenting with a 100% natural diet. In the meantime, we continue to feed Purina alfalfa-based rabbit pellets (16 & 18% protein formulas combined for an average 17% protein) for their quality ingredients, no hormones or antibiotics, and commitment to high standards. Our rabbits love their unlimited Timothy hay and ration of Hedgerow Herbal Blend. An occasional treat of organic whole oats, berry leaves, fruit wood, red clover sprouts or something fresh from the garden is much appreciated and anticipated! Does in late pregnancy and while nursing are given organic whole oats and our Kindling Herbs Blend.
Water is the most important nutrient for rabbits. Without water a rabbit won't eat. Ours have constant access to fresh water via individual, 32-oz. plastic water bottles; in winter we use 20-oz. heavy plastic locking crocks. Apple cider vinegar is added to their water daily. Of the 22 minerals essential for health, apple cider vinegar contains 19, in exactly the right amounts. Using bottles allows us to monitor each rabbits water consumption, ease of thorough cleaning, some control against potential disease spread and convenience in administering supplements as individually needed.
We do not use medications or antibiotics indiscriminately, but only if medically necessary in an emergency. Herbs, probiotics and electrolytes are given to support and boost the immune system. Good sanitation, proper nutrition and low stress levels are carefully maintained. Prevention is the key to a healthy herd!
We are very strict about sanitation in our Rabbitry. Cleanliness is essential to the health and well-being of rabbits. Each Doe cage prior to kindling is thoroughly cleaned, then a clean nest box, feeder and water bottle are added. Metal nest boxes are used for long life and ease of sanitizing (in winter we simply make sure hay comes up the sides to protect the Kits from cold metal). Nest boxes are cleaned on days eight and fourteen to prevent problems with newly opening eyes. The Doe cage is kept clean for the exploring, bouncing Kits. The all-wire hutches make cleaning chores quick and efficient. We use Vanodine V.18 to clean and disinfect. It is a non-toxic, biodegradable biocide that kills all pathogens; so safe it doesn't even require rinsing!
Information on this website is our opinion and to the best of our knowledge; therefore, not meant as advice or a substitute for veterinary help.
Water is the most important nutrient for rabbits. Without water a rabbit won't eat. Ours have constant access to fresh water via individual, 32-oz. plastic water bottles; in winter we use 20-oz. heavy plastic locking crocks. Apple cider vinegar is added to their water daily. Of the 22 minerals essential for health, apple cider vinegar contains 19, in exactly the right amounts. Using bottles allows us to monitor each rabbits water consumption, ease of thorough cleaning, some control against potential disease spread and convenience in administering supplements as individually needed.
We do not use medications or antibiotics indiscriminately, but only if medically necessary in an emergency. Herbs, probiotics and electrolytes are given to support and boost the immune system. Good sanitation, proper nutrition and low stress levels are carefully maintained. Prevention is the key to a healthy herd!
We are very strict about sanitation in our Rabbitry. Cleanliness is essential to the health and well-being of rabbits. Each Doe cage prior to kindling is thoroughly cleaned, then a clean nest box, feeder and water bottle are added. Metal nest boxes are used for long life and ease of sanitizing (in winter we simply make sure hay comes up the sides to protect the Kits from cold metal). Nest boxes are cleaned on days eight and fourteen to prevent problems with newly opening eyes. The Doe cage is kept clean for the exploring, bouncing Kits. The all-wire hutches make cleaning chores quick and efficient. We use Vanodine V.18 to clean and disinfect. It is a non-toxic, biodegradable biocide that kills all pathogens; so safe it doesn't even require rinsing!
Information on this website is our opinion and to the best of our knowledge; therefore, not meant as advice or a substitute for veterinary help.
What About the Name?
If you happen to be wondering how we came up with our Rabbitry name, the story goes: the 'two' of us call each other 'hunny'; adore Winnie the Pooh so spelled it as he does; then added the 'z' for fun. It is sort of corny and mushy, but that's how we are! We've actually been using it as our email address for a number of years. It seemed like the natural choice.
