If you are thinking of setting up a commercial rabbitry or at least using their commercial rabbit cages, you'll want to learn all you can about using these highly efficient cages. There are a couple of different types of cages used in commercial rabbitries.
The most common way to cage a lot of rabbits is to use long rows of wire cages. The cages are made very economically by making several cages connected together. Rabbits are kept separate with a wall of wire. These commercial rabbit cages are either hung from the rafters of a barn or attached to posts at each end.
Some rabbitries have one row of cages and some have two rows stacked on top of each other. A slanted piece of metal is usually hung under the top cages so any droppings do not hit the rabbits below.
Most rabbitries will have automated feeders and waterers to save time. Nest boxes are built into the floors of doe cages so any babies that are dragged out of the nest accidentally can find their way back in.
There are some other types of commercial rabbit cages from Canada and Europe as well as America. Extrona cages originate in Spain. They have a plastic floor that lets droppings fall out of the cage for easy cleaning. Heavy duty wire is molded to create a built in hay manger. Attachable nest boxes are easy to clean and the lid slides to cover the entrance so the babies can be examined. They use special feeders and water jugs that are made specifically for their cages.
The Flush-Kleen system is made by Bass Equipment Company. Cage modules are available with back to back cages or single cages to go along a wall. Underneath each wire cage is a plastic framework that catches all droppings and urine and directs it into a central channel. The channel drains into pipes at each end for easy cleaning. Just use a hose to spray it down.
The Rabbitech cage system is similar to the Flush-Kleen system. The cages fit into a frame that offers a slanted area to catch droppings and urine, directing it into pipes at each end. These cages are easy to keep clean so your rabbits remain healthy. The frame is powder coated for durability.
Some rabbitries use stacking cages when they are just starting out. These are labor intensive, however as each individual tray must be emptied on a daily basis. Most try to use the hanging cages at first and then graduate to the more professional setups.
The largest commercial rabbitries raise meat breeds. Californians, New Zealands and other large breeds are specialized to produce large litters of fast growing fryers.
Some large rabbitries raise show animals. While some compete with just a few animals, others raise several breeds or several varieties within their chosen breed. Working to perfect the perfect rabbit requires a lot of commercial rabbit cages.
It is not unusual for rabbit show hobbyists to raise 100 to 200 animals or more. Some provide their culls to pet shops. Others are happy to help provide 4H kids with quality rabbits.
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