By request, we are posting some detailed recommendations for supplies that would be good to have if you are just starting out and don't know where to start. Keep in mind that there are many options. These are just some that we're familiar with. And these recommendations are for meat rabbits like NZW's, Californians, American Blues, etc.
We are very big fans of RabbitNippLes.com products We really like their products, quality and price.
The following are some of our recommendations:
CAGES:
For the cages, get either 30" Deep x 36" wide x 18" high or 30"x30"x18 for the does. Hanging style all metal cages w/ 14 ga wire, Glavanized AFTER wire (after weld) with Baby-saver sides
Then 30"x30"x18" or 30"x24"x18 for bucks. Same as above but without the baby-saver sides
We always get the side by side cages (if you get 30"x30"x18", then it's 30" deep x 60" wide x 18" high and 2 cages with a single front, back, top and bottom). It all depends on the space you have and your individual setup. Many people like to get separate cages. If you get double cages for the does and bucks with the sizes mentioned immediately above,
FEEDERS:
For the feeders, we like the Fine-X feeders. These have wire screens at the bottom for dust to pass through, keeping the feeders cleaner. For the does, 7 1/2" feeders and for the bucks, 3 1/2" feeders. Different sizes is because the does will need more food for herself and her litter after kindling. The bucks will only need about a heaping tuna fish can full at all times. And the cages are different sizes. Always install the feeders in the doors, with the hole just above the baby saver wire mark. This leaves more room on the front of the cage for either the water bottle or automatic waterer. The cage cards on our Record Keeping page fit on the does feeders.
WATERERS:
We use an automatic watering system (Flex Tube System), but still have some water bottles for some cages. When we were using the water bottles,
There are 2 watering systems you can use utilizing. There is the bucket gravity fed system and the direct piping system. We chose the direct piped system utilizing a pressure regulator to decrease the pressure from the water line. However, we utilize the bucket system with our chickens and it works well.
Flex Tube System with Brass Components:
- Flexible Black Tubing 3/16"
- Bucket Connector in 3/16”
- Nipple cage clip
- Barbed Tees in 3/16”
- 3/16” Brass Nipple (most popular is the SE6)
TOOLS:
To put together the cages, you'll need the J-Clip pliers. These will come in handy for the future too.
You'll also need the Hog Ring pliers f you put together the double cages for putting the cage wall between the two compartments (on the bottom, where the wire is too small for J-Clips and require 1/2” or 3/8” hog rings that should come with the cage.
We always purchase extra J-Clips and Hog Rings to have because they come in handy for cage adjustments, fixes, etc. They're really inexpensive.
You might want to consider the Red hand hog Ring pliers. ADDITION to the above tools, but only if you like to have extra tools on hand (we do). These won't work for putting the wall divider between the cages as they are too big, but would be used if you are putting a lot of Hog Rings on a cage wall for whatever reason, like if you put a Solid "Poly" Dividers for walls on buck's cages to keep them from peeing on each other over territory disputes in their cages. These will need small holes drilled in the sides and attached with 1/2” Hog Rings instead of the normal walls that come with the cages. The J-Clip Removers are also extremely useful if you are making adjustments and need to remove J-Clips (not fun!).
CARRIERS:
We really like the 2-compartment or 3 compartment for transporting or for putting rabbits in while doing cage maintenance. If you get these, also get 2 cage handles for each carrier and Spring Locks. If you want the ability to stack these carriers on top of each other, the Travel Locks are great.
OTHER:
If you are filling up the water bottles with a hose, the Hose Nozzles are great. These are the same as sold by auto stores to fill radiators.
Tattoo equipment: Grand Champion II Registrar's Set.
Slicker Brush for brushing rabbits when they are molting.
Nail Clippers.
Ventilation Fan: Dayton.
Nest Box Hangers.
That's a lot, but they are some of the things we recommend. Some you'll need immediately, some you can get later, some are optional. We have other equipment and supplies too, but this is sufficient to get started.
Electronic Scale
For weighing litters, tracking growth, keeping records...
We use and highly recommend the Ultrascale MBSC-55 Digital Baby Pet Scale. It is extremely reliable, accurate and easy to use. It doesn't come with a power cord, but can be purchased separately.
http://www.amazon.com/ULTRASCALE-MBSC-55-Digital-Baby-Scale/dp/B0007P4BNA
Optional Power Cord: Ultraship Power Supply
