Rabbit Tractors - How to build one! + Coccidiosis & RHDV2
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- čas přidán 1. 06. 2021
- There are so many rabbit tractor designs out there. I’ve created several different rabbit tractors over the years, and with every new build I learned something new and kept trying to perfect it. I think that over time, I’ve created one of the safest and most efficient designs out there. My rabbit tractors don’t push the grass down in the middle and offer a hiding place for rabbits that feel threatened. They can be placed on moderately uneven terrain if needed, and they are dig-proof around the edges.
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![Joel Salatin Rabbit Tractor UPGRADE [How to Build It]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2p7opHq_5kw/mqdefault.jpg)
I just realized a mistake in this video guys! Hepatic coccidiosis affects the LIVER, not the lungs. I misspoke in the video.
You should pin this comment
If you put the hardware cloth on the inside, you close the gap by the burrow as well as block it so the rabbits can't chew on the painted wood. Just a thought!
Great idea! Glad I haven't put my sides up yet lol
I would highly recommend doing the hardware cloth on the inside. They will chew the wood whether its painted or not and compromise the integrity as well as reduce the longevity. Bonus here is you don't have to worry whether or not the rabbit's health is affected by ingesting paint if you choose to paint your wood. Great tip on the lathe screws though. I predict that will cut down the time of production by half for me vs using the standard staples. I think i'm going to use cat's claw fencing fasteners on the corners for increased strength. Hanging chew toys from lilac or other rabbit friendly wood is the ticket for handling their chewing desires.
Also, she wouldn't have used as much, she has wire overlapped by wood.
You can also use aluminum drywall corner strip and to protect the wood especially on the plywood hole.
My oldest son and I just found your channel and we are LOVING it! We are looking to start our own bunny herd of Blue American Bunnies for 4H possibly next year. I told my son he needs to do some research and is faithfully watching your videos and coming to me with what he is learning, he is 9. Thanks for putting out such great info that's easy to understand!
I love that!! So happy to be helpful 😊
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M
Doing the same with my 5. They love it!!
A tip when buying hardware cloth (I have to buy a lot of it for all our projects so I feel the pain of the prices 😅). I know that Lowe's is only selling the shorter 25ft and under lengths in the store. But you can actually ask them to order in 100ft sections. Way cheaper in the long run!! Check out their online hardware cloths sold to them from acorn international. You can also get their item number from the online to take with you to the store so you know they will order the correct sized squares of the hardware cloth. I've done this every time I've bought hardware cloth. I refuse to spend an arm and a leg on the short lengths.
That's a great tip! :) Thankfully I only needed this amount (for now). When we move and have more storage I'll definitely order some things in bulk.
I have 25 bunnies now after starting my rabbit farm in Georgia 2 months ago. Thank you so much for all the valuable information. It really helps me!
I was gonna start trolling your Carpentry skills UNTIL I SAW @ 1:40. Skilsaw cutting that square hole. Thumbs 👍. You've got all my attention NOW
Your tractor and hutch are so pretty. Not just because you’re an excellent builder, but because you go the extra mile and paint everything. Very nice.
Thank you! ❤️
Great tip about the willow! Grape leaves and other leaves have tannins as well!
I buy those large bowls at Walmart for $2.97. Thanks for sharing the tractor, I will be building one✌🏽
Yes! That’s where I buy mine. I use them as dog feed pans.
I got like a large dog bowl for my 2 bunnies and they use it for their litter ;-;
Very grateful for you taking the time to make record this video...edit...and make available plans online. I am the kind of guy who will draw a million pictures before building something. It was wonderful to just use your online plans and not have to hurt my brain! Just put together 4 tractors! Again...thank you.
This is amazing! Ive been so intimidated to make a tractor. This looks like something i can do. Thank you for the easy instructions!
I love your background music!
You’re good with that saw!
Another great video! Thank you so much for the highly informative and entertaining content 😁
Thanks for sharing the information of the diseases. And your cage looks great. I’m gonna try this frame. ❤
awesome build, will definitely make my own using the measurements provided. Thanks and keep it up!
Thank you for sharing your Awesome and you keep doing you! Everyone does crap differently and learns differently the more information out there the better thank you Love!
My rabbits are going to love it!
Just found your channel, love it. Love the way you are honest and the way you share your story. We are just starting off with our farm /homestead and has our first rabbit babies. Your videos are so helpful, thank you.
I’m so glad you found it helpful! Good luck to you guys 😊
It would be great if you do a follow up on what you like and dislike about this design.
Greetings Tiffany from Central London. You guys stay safe and well.
Love the videos
Very nice job! Thanks for encouragement to go build 🤭😊👏🏻
Pulling tractor rope tip, put hole towards to the bottom, ( makes pulling easier)
I recently found you in my effort to learn more about raising rabbits. I'm getting ready to start raising meat rabbits and I have really loved watching your videos! They are so informative and I just enjoy watching them as well. I've watched through most of the ones you posted this year already. I've watched others but your videos are my favorites. Thanks so much for doing these and all the great info! I'm hopefully going to be using your plans for a hutch and tractor in the next couple weeks. :)
Also, I saw your presets on your website. The are lovely! I'm definitely going to purchase those when I'm in a place to get them downloaded to my desktop!
Thank you so much Sarah!! Good luck with your rabbits 😊
Wow! I just learned something new and significant from you! In 2002 my Himalayan rabbit died suddenly from hemorrhage. I live in southern Colorado where I just learned that RHDV2 is very prevalent. We have a large wild rabbit population here-- and they carry it. Now I finally know how my Snuggles died so suddenly!! That mystery has always bothered me over tge years. She was soooo beautiful! A medium gray to her ears, nose, paws, and tail. Really pretty light brown eyes. The rest of her fur was a smooth and very soft white. Just gorgeous! I always wondered why she died so suddenly. (Not a good way to start a vacation. We were all crying). I believe it was most likely due to RHDV2. It was summer and we used to let her scamper on the lawn- supervised of course. I didn't know about rabbit tractors until you taught me just now. Thank you for teaching me something new! I'm a PhD Nurse Practitioner and Professor, so medical topics especially interest me. Let me say-- YOU are a fabulous educator! You break down information into easy to understand chunks, then sum it all up! That's to be congratulated and praised. You consistently use this effective teaching style in your videos, I noticed that! Keep up the fantastic videos!! I loved my Snuggles very much! She was a sweetheart! My very first rabbit and first pet! My then 4 year old son was THRILLED when I smuggled that purchase into our family outing to the feed and garden center!! My husband wasn't so thrilled, but 3 cute children and a bunny won him over! Snuggles was our very first family pet! My animal loving son was thrilled beyond belief! We've had at least 20 more pets since then... always an idea I initiate or go along with very nicely! 😂 Let me add that my husband dressed in an Easter bunny furry costume I made for him in 1994!! What an epic adventure that was over the years! Magically, that 6'3" bunny 🐰 went everywhere with us!!! School Easter Egg Hunts were the best! A memory I'll always treasure! Dad always adjusts to my zany ideas!!! 😀 Thank you for all you do! If you sell your bunnies- I'm interested in a pet bunny!!
Blessings,
Dr. L.
ooooh i like the purple teal combo. i love the baby bun bun's. "i must sit in the food to understand the food"
Yep they love sitting on it. Pooping in it 🤣
If I could double 'like' your videos, I would! Love you, love your videos. Very informative and encouraging! By the way, your rabbits are exqisite and some of the best cared-for and thoughtfully kept rabbits I have ever seen. Thank you for passing on your wisdom :)
Agree! ❤
Omg yes I have been waiting for this I need to move my rabbits outside so THANK YOU SO MUCH
Oh and yes I am finally first
@@PEPPA_PIG10143 You're welcome! :)
"Lath" rhymes with "bath". Lath and plaster was a common infrastructure for plaster walls in the 1890's. I say that because we have an 1891 home and all the non-load bearing walls are constructed of wood lath pieces with plaster in between, building out to a final plaster finish coat. I love to use Venetian plaster as the final plaster coat on old walls! The feel so cool in summer and warm in winter. They withstand cracking. They are just BEAUTIFUL! So- lath screws are designed to work with lath strips of wood. I'm no construction educator-- this is just my understanding of the word "lath".
Love your channel because I LOVE bunnies!!!!
Thanks for the video. Built 3.
Awesome!!
14:45 For future versions, you might consider alternating which side of the wire your screws are drilled. In case a section of fencing gets pushed left or right, it doesn't matter, as there will still be screws holding it in place against that direction of force. Not that it will see much force applied in that direction, but you never know. And off topic, but your eyeliner game is really on point.
I am from India, your videos are inspiring to me to build a rabbit tracker
Awesome!! Good luck!
purple is my FAVORITE color!!!
I wish I had known about the screws for the hardware cloth a few weeks ago. I redid the door of one of my does' hutch. I just reused the staples and Yes, I was a major pain to put the back them back into the new door frame.
29:50 Silly little escapee 😂 Thanks for all the health info! I've work in veterinary clinics for many years and although we took exotics, specie specific illnesses were uncommon. Thankfully we are in VA which is still clear for RHD.
Haha!! I’m not sure who that was. We have a fully-fenced backyard and I let rabbits out for exercise when the weather allows 😊 I’m glad you appreciated the health info!
They sell counter sinking pilot bits that are pretty great.
rabbit on the loose !
Safety note for life; always wrap your thumb completely around any powertool handle. That way you can maintain control of the tool to prevent getting cut incase of kickback.
I got one of these started using treated wood. My next one I think I will use untreated 1.5" x 2.5" x 8ft wood that you can buy at lowes. I want to paint it too. I discovered lowes has nice sheets of plastic roofing 2ft x 8ft in clear and several other colors. Yes, you want to make your overall frame width 1.5" wider than your wire width. That brings your wire in away from the edge for fastening.
Got to give you a double E for effort 😊😊
Thanks for the plans! Treated wood is not good for rabbit things if they can chew them. The treatment used can be toxic to them.
Good job, maybe next time paint it with a primer and just tenet with a color in it that way to primer penetrate in the wood and still gives it a color
You could put the fencing on the inside of the wood so they don’t chew on it.
Love this! Thank you for another great video 🐰😄🌺
I also use staples... Works easy
You looking gorgeous 🥰🥰🥰
Fun fact.. my son was probably 3 and we were painting the outside of the house. My newborn was inside on our enclosed porch napping in the basinet. I stepped in to check on her and make sure she was ok and in that very quick minute my son had picked up a paint can and DRANK the paint!! I freaked out just positive my child was going to die.. I frantically called poison control and they were not worried at all. They said that if it were lead based paint (which isn't even a thing anymore right?) then that would be different. They said that his diapers might be colorful for a couple days but other than that there was nothing to worry about. So if my son can take a swig of paint.. we can paint the tractors the rabbits chew on haha!
You can put some wood filler in the cracked part. They make some that is paintable and even stainable. I like the purple! Great job on your tractor.
I love my miter saw, drill & impact driver. I steal hubbys tools if I neex anything else.Its so empowering be able to build stuff. I made a chicken coop and a smaller goat barn
There's such a sense of pride in creating your own structures! :)
I Smoke when I build my stuff too
do you have a video on how you harvest them?
Anyone else not notice a loose black bunny zooming around behind her at the end? 😂
He was having a good time 😂
First I think you do amazing job. If you put the wire on the inside they couldn’t chew the wood. Just something to think about
Thank you! I put the wire on the inside of my first tractor. I wasn’t a super huge fan of it, but I’m sure there are better ways to do it 😊
I do not know if you will see this, but if you do, I would like to ask you a question, if I may. Let me preface this by saying I am in Southeast Missouri, about 65 miles south, southwest of Saint Louis, I have a small rabbitry of 10 adult rabbits, and 5 babies. They are Lop/Lionhead crosses. With the exception of some intermittent ear mites in the Lionheads and a bit of Nestbox Eye in a few of the babies from the Siberian Express and all the straw and pine shavings I had to shove in the carrier to keep them warm, I have no health issues in my rabbits. Ok so that said...
My neighbor's feral cats had two litters in my outhouse that for a lot of reasons, I ended up having to rescue and bottlefeed. First litter was fine, second litter got Coccidiosis. TWICE. The first time, I lost a kitten, the second time I caught it quick enough but I have NO idea where it came from. I am told Coccidia is normal and all around us but only the sick, really young and really old tend to get full blown Coccidiosis.
I am now VERY concerned, as the kittens are over 5 months old now and I thought this was past us, but my beautiful Crispin (think Hobo Highwaters on FB) is desperately sick, though this time it is vomiting. 5 times today and now just straight fluid and foam. I doubt it is that... but still I am nervous and though my rabbits are all off the ground in cages with wire flooring, should I be afraid? I TRY so hard to wash my hands between handling kittens, quail, chickens, dogs and cats, but my water burst during the storm and I can't fix it and 5 rambunctious kittens in a 28 ft RV makes for... very little chance of no cross contamination.
I'll get rid of my gorgeous bunnies before my cats so am I right to be this nervous? Also, why do they urinate EVERYWHERE on the underside of the tarps covering their pens at night? And I am in a cage delimma atm (wire is $119 and I am on disability) and I am told I CAN have two females with litters in he same cage. I do not trust that but kind of desperate atm.
Thank you :)
I'd love to pretty paint my tractor and hutches too.... may i ask what you used for the purple? All I can find in non toxic water based exterior pet safe paint is white and bright red
I spotted the gap right away, that would piss me off some to
Es mejor hacer aleros mas grandes a los lados, de lo contrario la lluvia y el sol penetrarán todo el tiempo ;)
Además, si el techo lo haces un poco inclinado podrás recoger agua de lluvia para tener de reserva en tiempo seco... (detalles :)
Could you mount the wire on the inside of the wooden frame to reduce chewing and extend the useful life of the rabbit tractor?
Probably! I’ve just never found it necessary. Once the corners are gone they’re not too interested in the rest 😊 it’s totally up to you!
Another great video! I have been wondering, do you ever have issues with fleas or ticks getting at your rabbits on the ground?
Thank you so much! No I don’t actually. Thankfully we’ve never had a problem with those here at this property (even with our dogs). I’ll definitely have to be vigilant about it when we move though!
What do you use for ear mites for the rabbit's?
Do you paint or fill the holes that are in contact with the ground?
would this work in a yard where sprinklers run for 30 min 3-4x/wk? should I close in half the tractor so that have inside protection to get out of the way of getting hit by the sprinkler?
I love your design! Thank you for sharing. I have a question, an idea, and a suggestion for people on even bigger hills (our hills are big enough the rabbits would still escape).
Q: Have you tried (if so, do you already like or dislike) using staples, just for setting the mesh prior to the lathe screws? They're not the nuisance that the u shaped nails are to apply. I don't think they would hold sufficiently to be the sole fastener, but with a good staple gun they're a breeze to put on and if my theory worked (I haven't tried it, just wondering about it) it would hold the mesh in place nicely, making the lathe screws easier to apply?
I: instead of the lathe screws over the garden fence on the bottom, lapping a thinner furring strip might be easier.
S: I saw a different style bottom, using wood slats. I think your idea is Better for relatively flat terrain, but we're on huge hills and I'm pretty sure the rabbits would still get out. Slats or covering the full bottom with garden fence/covered by furring strips may be necessary on significant slopes. You're design gives them more grass, so if it weren't for our big slopes I would stick with your design, but others on slopes might be wondering - these options may be essential to keep the rabbits in and predators out
Just found your channel! Nice job on the tractor. Don't have rabbits now bc I live in apartment. If I did have rabbits here in Florida I don't think it would be safe for them bc it seems we have fire ants every where.
Again I wanted to commend you for having a good channel. Pretty informative!
Fire ants would definitely be a concern! I have been lifting my tractors off the ground more regularly now.
@@TealStoneHomestead What do you sit your tractors on when they are off the ground?
I don't really need a tractor, but now I want one! lol Great video and info!! Thank you!
Does that perimeter fencing work to keep them in? I have seen slats in the past. Will they pull grass through there if it is bent over to eat it? Thanks
I thought that looked like a great idea. When rabbits want to escape, they go to the edge and dig! Seems to me like it would work, and that she has experience with it already.
Seems to be a lot of purple for a homestead named after teal... my previous house had tons of purple in it, because of my roommate. Even her car and her motorcycle!
Purple and teal are my jam! Check out my big hutch build for more teal 😊
czcams.com/video/LHfrjB9d2CA/video.html
Aside from being my favorite color, teal can signify infinity and renewal 😊
What length was your roof screws?
Where and how are you composting your rabbit manure. My yard is very similar in size to yours except i have no wonderful large tree for shading my bun buns. I have them behind the garage in the most protected spot from wind and for shade. Just trying to get an idea for it. Thank you
I don’t compost the manure for the tractored rabbits, but I rake it up under my hutch rabbits and put it directly on the garden. I also have a small compost box in the corner behind my chicken coop 😊
Great video! Just discovered your channel. I've been considering building and using a rabbit tractor, but I was wondering if you have any issues with the rabbits bloating or getting diarrhea?
I absolutely LOVE your content, your attitude, your personality! Keep up the good work! Thank you for all your informative vlogs!
I do have a question or two. Is there any way you can get 3/4 length sleeve shirt with the rabbits and coffee slogan? Also have you ever had any dealing with PVC structure hutch frames or rabbit tractors? Been trying to see about cheaper alternatives with wood being OUTRAGEOUS right now.
Thank you so much!! ❤️
I have definitely been meaning to make more shirts and products, but I keep falling behind! I’ll try to put that 3/4 sleeve shirt up soon though. They are so comfy!
I’ve never personally created a PVC rabbit tractor before, but I bet using zip ties and some ingenuity you could definitely come up with something lighter and definitely cheaper! You might need to make it weighted in some way so it doesn’t blow away. Sand in the bottom pipes would probably help with that 😊
@@TealStoneHomestead very good idea on the weighted down part! Do you think it would be sturdy enough?
@@mindibrake8203 I would think so! Most rabbits don’t like chewing rounded plastic. That being said, there’s always some exceptions out there 😆
@@TealStoneHomestead ha! Right! As soon as we think we know rabbits, there’s that one that has to prove us wrong! 🤪
Do they ever dig out with the bottom not completely covered like that ?
❤❤❤ 🐇 🚜 ❤❤❤
Did you use more than 1 coat of paint?
Do you think it would bother the rabbits to have the large sized bottom wire completely covering the bottom? Ours will be within a fence, but we still get raccoons and some stray cats that can come within the fence so I want to make sure it cannot be dug under for them to get in.
That’s absolutely fine! Many people do that 😊 I don’t like doing it as much because I find it smashes the grass down too much. But there are definitely instances where it might be necessary!
💥✌
Hey thanks for the tractor video! Also what do I do with a spraying buck? He's making a mess😖
You’re welcome! Not sure there is much you can do about the spraying. He just wants some ladies! Lol
@@TealStoneHomestead Shucks!thanks anyway
@@TealStoneHomestead Also do you breed through the summer? I'm new to this and am wondering if its worth the risks
@@mathewuskoski It is highly dependent on the rabbits... but for the most part yes, we breed year round. There are definitely some risks but you can combat those with things like fans and deep shade :)
@@TealStoneHomestead Sure. Thanks for everything!
I have a question, how do you transition them to grass without them getting bloat/upset digestion?
Start feeding grass and other greens before hand. Rabbits should be getting greens every day along with hay and water. We only feed a small amount of pellets in winter…
Lead oxide is a pigment, not a binder (polymer). It is no longer used in the USA, but I have never seen paint recipes published like the ingredients lists for foods. Other pigments (except possibly food colors) are not necessarily tested to be food safe (let alone for livestock). Many colors are transition metal salts or aniline dyes that I wouldn't use in toys that young kids are likely to mouth. How do you get MSDS s for your paint?
I really love you dear sweetheart ❤
I noticed you had the doe in the rabbit tractor with the younger rabbits. Did she dig out? I would like to keep the doe with the kits in the rabbit tractor from birth to her next breeding. But I am not sure about the floor. Do you have experience with the Doe in the tractor with the modified floor? I'm thinking of modifying our floor. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I never had issues with the doe digging out when moved daily.
Question? they won't dig they way out ?
very beautifull!! But isn't wood ruined with wet grass and rain?
That is why in the video I said I paint them. But I've never had wood ruined. Especially because they are moved so often :)
@@TealStoneHomestead Thanks a lot! :- ))
There is no wasted time or money. It's tuition
I'm considering using bowls or crocks instead of bottles for watering my rabbits (getting them in less than a week!)but I want to know if it is safe to have a bowl of water in the mom's cage when their are small babies in the cage too. Have any ever fallen into the water bowl? Is this even a logical concern?
It’s definitely a concern in the winter. I have only had it happen once a long time ago. I still opt for bowls instead because it is easier for me to clean them and fill them up, and I think it’s easier for babies to learn how to drink with bowls.
After a long time I came to see your videos
What type of screws do you use to put wooden pieces together? Thank you.
Standard exterior construction screws 😊
@@TealStoneHomestead 3 inch screws?
@@richardstevens3461 I believe they were 2.5” or 2.75” 😊
just curious, have you ever had any problems with the rabbits trying to dig out?
I was wondering the same thing.
Do you guys in the states have RHDV vaccins for rabbits? And since this video is 2 years old, I'm interested to hear if the desease has gotten to your area or not.
If it does what’s intended it doesn’t have to be perfect.
First litter today!!! 7 kits born...mother took 4 out of box. 3 were dead and 1 was alive. I put it back in box . I came back and she was eating a large bloody mass. Could that have been after birth? New to this sorta thing but it wasn't small. First time mom...New Zeal/Cali mix.
Probably a placenta. It still grosses me out to see them eating it!! But it’s nutritious for them after they give birth.
Thanks for the reply...so far all for doing good.
Early!!!
🙏😎😇🏆
why don' t you put wheels on 5the tractor to make it easier to move?
Hey I am just starting to breed bunnies can u please carry on the parts we’re waiting for part 4 and do you always breed 2 does at the same time because I have 1 doe and 1 buck should I buy 1 more doe
I always breed more than one doe at a time :)
@@TealStoneHomestead thanks for the help will do
Next you'll have a table saw, a Radial Saw, an electric drill and a compact driver. You'll still flip your hair and rock stilletos! Skills don't fequire a trade-off, but easily intimidated men might not get it.😅
So the measure is 3ft by 6ft
RHD? 😮
Where do you you think the cheapest wood is?
At this point I really don't know. We keep going to Lowe's but we're also trying to salvage as much as possible.
Home Depot has a section they sell “cull wood”. It has imperfections. Let’s say it is a 10’ piece of wood that is warped at the last 1 ft. Just cut the wood off and use the rest. It is 70% off
You can use woodglut to build it in the cheapest way.
I'd think the painted n treated wood would be bad for the rabbits the chemicals