Читать книгу Rabbit Production - James I McNitt - Страница 32

The construction of the rabbitry can require a major outlay of capital or a minor one, depending on the decisions made in the beginning. Many times, a rabbitry is started in whatever building or structure is available. While this usually is the most economical decision, it often does not consider labor in caring for the rabbits, ventilation for controlling respiratory diseases, or room to expand if things go well. However, it does provide a starting place, and, if limitations are recognized, it is a good way to begin. It gives the opportunity to “get one’s feet wet” in the art of raising rabbits with a minimal investment. If the rabbitry is thought of as being temporary, a great deal can be learned about one’s abilities and desires to raise rabbits. Then, later, if the experience proves stimulating or profitable, plans for a new rabbitry or expansion of the old rabbitry can be approached with firsthand experience instead of “idealistic” concepts. Rabbit raisers say that one shouldn’t “go” into the rabbit business. You should “grow” into it.

After one to three years of raising rabbits, visiting other rabbitries, talking to many people about their mistakes and yours, and reading extensively on rabbit raising, you will be prepared to design and build your own rabbitry. Consideration must be given to the climate of your area, the prevailing winds, soil drainage, building space available, the size of the rabbitry you desire, and the money available to invest. Design the rabbitry on paper. Then show your plan to knowledgeable rabbit raisers and get their opinions. If possible, discuss the design with an agricultural engineer from the Cooperative Extension Service. Don’t be locked in to one concept. Modify your design if someone who is successful in raising rabbits suggests a logical change.

There are some basic concepts to keep in mind. A long, narrow building with a single tier of cages is much easier to ventilate than a wide building or a building with multiple tiers of cages. On the other hand, a long building requires more walking and does not house as many rabbits as a wide building or a building with multiple tiers of cages. Another concept concerns the production of ammonia gas from the excrement of rabbits as it reacts with water. Either this production must be minimized or excellent ventilation must be provided for its removal, or a combination of both. In cold climates, rabbitries are often designed for human comfort and not for the rabbits. The buildings are closed up and sometimes heated. Both of these procedures can be deadly for rabbits unless adequate ventilation is provided to carry away the toxic gases. Rabbits are much more susceptible to heat than cold. The economics of heating or cooling a rabbitry must be taken into consideration. Any increase in utility costs over lights and fans may decrease your profit. Another consideration in design is the ability to expand as needed. A modular design is ideal, because adding new modules is usually a very economical way to expand. Not only does it allow capital to be infused into the rabbitry at a later date, but it also gives one the ability to modify the construction design on the next module to take advantage of experience.

There are other factors to consider before actually beginning construction of your rabbi-try. Do local ordinances permit this type of enterprise? Will extra-territorial jurisdictions result in future ordinances against a rabbitry? What kinds of permits are necessary for construction? What types of building materials are most economical? What finances do you have? Is a loan needed?