Colony Raised Rabbits

What is a Colony?

A colony of rabbits is a large group of rabbits that share a same open space enclosure. Rub A Dub Pug Rabbitry does a hybrid system where we keep a large colony of female rabbits, neutered males, and immature kits who are weaned till they go to homes or meat. This has added benefits for the rabbits. Rabbits are highly social creatures and form lasting friendships and bonds. In the wild, the European Rabbit, forms colonies of 5-20 individuals centered around a warren where the females give birth and raise the young. We try and mimic this social grouping by having the rabbits live together. This also adds enrichment for them in that they can socially groom, play and exercise. Rabbits are happiest when they can be with other rabbits. Rabbits also benefit in that they learn “rabbit manners” and how to socialize with their own kind. Arguments can/do occur but the pen has a lot of hide spaces and room to run so they can have space when needed.

Hybrid Set Up

One disadvantage of the colony system is that rabbits social structure and hierarchy can result in some fights and physical altercations. Rabbits like to test and move up the scale of dominance. Some fall down others move up. Some rabbits would conquer the world if they could. This can result in some fur pulling and chasing. The pen has lots of room and hide spots but it isn’t unusual to occasionally see fur tufts on the floor. This impacts showing my rabbits. Rabbits scheduled for show get placed into cages 4 weeks before show dates to allow their fur to come into prime condition. Cages still allow visual contact and smell contact but no physical interaction. This makes going back to the colony way easier. Some breeds where fur is heavily weighed in judging may get pulled 8 weeks prior. This approach may impact placing in shows, but the rabbitry strongly believes the benefits for the rabbits outweigh show placing and awards. The hybrid system used tries to find a good middle ground so showing and letting others see the breed and the rabbits wellbeing are promoted. Also, feed can be monitored and improved so that they reach top form for show day. Mother’s about 10 days prior to kindling also get pulled to be in their own cage if it is a breeding for potential show prospects.

Population Control

To keep the rabbitry from literally having rabbits explode in population, all un-castrated mature males live in their own cage. The cages are spacious with litter pans and enrichment like shavings for digging, toys and all the hay they can eat. The rabbit Condos were built by a local business, SCM Cages out of Quincey, WA. This gives them space to get away from each other and try and fill the void of having to live away from the ladies. They can still see each other and spend the day strutting and scent marking. It is important to remember a male rabbit thinks about two things. 1. Ladies 2. Food. If they aren’t breed prospects they get neutered.

Turn Out

In the warm months the rabbitry sets out temporary exercise pens in the yard so that the rabbits can get fresh air, grass, and enrichment. The pens can be moved to fresh pasture and bird net is laid over top as to prevent jump outs and hawks/eagles from taking them. Again, males get turned out with males, females with females.