Rabbit Tractor

Inspired by Joel Salatin and Nature's Harmony Farm, I put my rabbits in a chicken type tractor. The rabbits are much happier. I stopped feeding them pellets, but the rabbits are pretty skinny. I think I need to come up with a better feed option.

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[brian46777]

I have not had any rabbits burrow out. A couple of times a rabbit would dig a little bit at the edges, but they burrowed straight down (3 inches), not out. A few rabbits jumped the three foot high sides though, so a top is a must. I have no idea about rabbit diet, and I'm too busy to research it. The rabbits that have escaped seem to do well fending for themselves in the yard. I'm not real happy with the tractors. I would like to fence in a huge area for them to more or less run free.

[talk2GBJ]

Thanks for posting as you cannot find much about rabbit tractors. I read many books from Salatin but they keep them in cages.

Can you advise what you feed them and how often do you move the tractor. ect.

Are there any book about how to manage with rabbit tractors.

Tks marteen.

[brian46777]

@talk2GBJ I, too, couldn't find much info, just decided to do it. I move the tractor 2-4 times a day. They only ate grass for about a month. They seemed to be doing just fine. The little ones were gaining weight slowly, but I could live with that. Then one of the mama rabbits had babies. They all died, it was very sad. I believe malnutrition was to blame. I started giving them pellets again. They are thriving and eating fraction of the feed compared to before I moved them to grass.

[PlumbsmartPaul]

Good idea, but I would definitely use stronger wire such as hardware cloth and enclose the top too. I found out the hard way that chicken wire keeps chickens/rabbits in, but won't keep raccoons or possums out. I also have to worry about coyotes and hawks. You don't have any predators around?

[brian46777]

@PlumbsmartPaul I have had no predator problems with the rabbits. I also have three that have escaped that I haven't caged back up. They have been running wild for about 5 weeks. They seem healthier than the caged bunnies. I am moderately worried about predators. I'm thinking about getting a Livestock Guardian Dog to protect my animals.

[countrybabe561]

@brian46777 If I were you I'd try getting a livestock herding breed such as german shepherds or Aussies. They are great to have on my farm. I have a GS and a Doberman and they chase off the coyotes, raccoons, skunks, foxes, etc. They also protect our calves, cats, chickens, geese, etc. I find it best to have a "pack" of at least 2 dogs. They seem to protect the animals better than if there is only one.

[BennyIceEyes]

What kind of winters do you have where you live? Do you have an alternate location during the winter months for them?

[talk2GBJ]

This marteen again. just wanted to know whether everything went well with your set-up. any problems faced like digging out. Is you "lawn" in a mess now as you have a open floor. just some hint would be great. tks marteen

[MrBagginsEsq]

I think a rabbit tractor is a great idea! But you sill need to feed them some, even though a hole lot less feed!

[UPGardenr]

Great vid ,Thanks for the idea's. Cheers