Started August 2003 by me, Tara Fehr
Silver Star Rabbitry is a small rabbitry of about fifteen. I raise both Holland Lop and Mini Rex and am constantly working to improve my herd
Most of my stock live in large wire cages, with special carpet for them to rest their feet - I have been complimented several times by judges on my mini rex due to the abscense/very little hock sores - extremely hard especially for mini rex!!
Cages with trays underneath are cleaned every 3-4 days, though I usually have to clean every 1-2 days if there is a doe with her litter!! Plastic-bottomed cages (a few, as I'm lacking in room right now!) are cleaned every 1-2 days, depending on the rabbit living in it (typically I only keep one junior in a plastic-bottomed cage, though the occasional senior is sometimes put in one of these cages if it is her first litter and I am worried about her nest-making capabilities).
Floors are swept every day, and cages are bleached once a month (or sooner if needed). I also preventatively treat with sulfa-methazine, when required, to reduce any chance of an infection/disease/etc spreading.
Everybody is watered a minimum of twice a day, more often when the weather is hot. Everyone is fed once or twice a day - feed quantity and timing varies depending on the rabbit's weight/metabolism/etc. Supplements (oats, soybean meal, etc) are given to those who need it (usually lactating/pregnant does or oats to juniors who need a little more weight), and hay is given free choice. Succulents (apples, carrots, etc) are given often, especially to does who recently delivered.
Having a smaller rabbitry allows me to spend more time with rabbits individually, and all of my litters are handled from the day they are born. Friendly bunnies make for better pets as well as much-easier-to-handle brood stock! I absolutely love spending time with my rabbits (okay, so sometimes I almost spend too much time!) and enjoy having rabbits that beg to be petted (though it's hard to leave them then!). I have received many compliments on the friendliness of my rabbits.
It does freeze occasionally in the winter, but special attention is given to ensure that no litters are lost due to the cold (though unfortunately it does happen despite all possible preparations sometimes). All the adults grow warm winter coats and are free from drafts that would affect their health. In the summer, the main door is opened so that the rabbitry is kept aired out - a fan runs on warm days to maintain air flow and to keep the "barn" cool.
Whenever the weather permits, everyone is rotated outside so that they can get exercise and green grass. In the winter, they are allowed to exercise inside the house (they usually get the full run of the top floor or the basement!).
I make sure every bunny I raise/own is provided with all necessities of life: feed, water, shelter, and plenty of love. Everything possible is done to ensure that no one is ever lost, and in this way I have been able to keep my losses to a very low minimum (most losses are babies who's mothers have neglected to take proper care of them - I have never lost a senior!). I do maintain contact with my vet and (although it is sometimes very expensive!) always ensure that everything possible is done to ensure a sick bunny goes on to lead a productive, happy life.
I also do my best to ensure that every bunny is placed in a happy, loving home. If a bunny does not work out for whatever reason, I will usually take them back (though sometimes I have no room!) and try to find a new home for them.
Please feel free to come out and visit any time (though please call first)!
