Page 103 - Agriculture_Form_Three

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

Housing rabbit in hutches

Outdoor hutches can be used. These hutches should be in a sheltered location, raised
and with a slopping water-proof roof. Hutch should be well protected from predators.
Hutch can be made out of wood and welded wire mesh. Figure 4.18 shows rabbit
hutches.

Figure 4.18: Rabbit hutches
Source: https://agro4africa.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/standing-rabbit-hutch-1.png

Facilities in rabbit housing: The major facilities in rabbit housing are feeders,
drinkers and nest boxes. Feeders are generally made out of aluminum or galvanised
iron sheets. The feeders may be designed in such a way that they can be attached
to the front panel of the cage or hutch. The design should also allow the feeders
to be filled from outside without opening the doors of the hutch or cage. Drinkers
may be designed in a way that automatic pipeline or bottle watering systems are

used particularly in medium to large-scale commercial rabbit farms. In small-
scale farms, locally available containers such as earthenware pots can be used for
watering the animals. The nest boxes should contain kittens in order to give rabbits
more protection. The nest boxes can vary in size and design but the size of 45 cm
length, 25 cm width and 25 cm height is generally used. Nest boxes can be made
out of wood and should have provision for adequate drainage and ventilation. It
is also advisable to have a wire mesh bottom. Figure 4.19 shows rabbits feeding

and drinking from locally available feeders and drinkers. Also, note the presence of
easily available plastic tray which serves as a nest box. Figure 4.20 shows modern
feeder and bottle drinker fitted to a rabbit cage.

Student’s Book Form Three
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AGRICULTURE FORM 3 9.11.2022.indd 92
AGRICULTURE FORM 3 9.11.2022.indd 92 10/01/2025 12:31