Spring Creek Gems®
Netherland Dwarf Rabbits
"The Gem of the Fancy"
East Tennessee
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1.1.09
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THE NESTBOX
For the small dwarf does it's 12" L x 7" W x 7" H. For the larger BUDs, I add a couple inches. I keep both sizes on hand. The front is 4" H, the top is 5" L. I use untreated plywood as it's cheap, and easily cut. The box is light-weight, and the does don't chew it that much.
The bottom is wire. Either cage floor wire or hardware cloth...whatever I have on hand. I cut a piece of plexiglass to fit inside the bottom. The beauty of this is that the doe can't destroy it as she digs and fusses with her nest, and it's easily cleaned between litters. After the litter is born, I put a layer of newspaper over the plexi so the kits aren't laying on the cold hard surface if they burrow down to the bottom. Once the litter is born, the doe doesn't mess with the nest anymore so paper won't be destroyed. When I clean the nestbox at 5 days of age or so, I remove the plexi, and just put the newspaper on the wire. I change this as often as it becomes soiled. In cold weather I might leave the plexi longer, and can even place a thin sheet of styrofoam, or a layer of newspaper or cardboard between the plexi and wire for more insulation.
If you don't have scrap plexiglass laying around like I do, there are other options for a liner. You can just lay a piece of plywood which would need to be replaced as the does scratch it to shreds over time. The wood would eventualy rot from the soaking urine and be very hard to clean. A better option would be cheap plastic placemats that you can find most anywhere, especially a discount store. These can be easily cut with scissors to fit. The more rigid kind would be more durable than the soft flexible type. Cardboard isn't recommended as the doe will destroy it in no time.
This design makes cleaning the nestboxes very easy. There's no wood bottom to soak up urine, and there is plenty of ventilation around the nest.
If a doe likes to rearrange the furniture, I pound some small finishing nails in the bottom of the box at the corners. They are left sticking out a bit. The nails will hook on the floor wire and prevent her from moving it. The finishing nails have a small head so they don't catch so well that I can't easily remove the box.
There are other nestbox designs, and some are available from venders. Every breeder has their own preferences and what works best for them. Some ideas I've seen are metal (from vender), solid heavier wood, and even plastic tote boxes (Rubbermaid). Sometimes a breeder will sell nestboxes at shows. These might be used, or newly built to make some extra money.
Related Info: Glossary; Links
* DISCLAIMER * This article was written from personal experience and opinion, and some input from other breeders. It is intended as a guide only. Other breeders may disagree or have other methods.
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