Rabbits raised in caves are kept in accordance with the natural habits and biological characteristics of wild rabbits, simulating their survival environment. This method mimics the conditions found in the wild, making it a simple and cost-effective way for rural families to raise rabbits. By using caves instead of traditional rabbit houses, families can reduce construction costs for cages, insulation, and cooling systems, offering an efficient way to boost income. This article explains how to raise rabbits in caves.
I. Digging Caves
Choose a slope that is about 45 degrees, located away from roads and living areas, ensuring convenient transportation, access to water, good drainage, and a sunny southern exposure. For hilly land with a horizontal slope of 1.5-2 meters and a flat width of 2 meters, create a feeding and management area by covering a space of 1.5 meters wide and 2 meters high on the slope. You can leave part of the area open without a roof, but a small, simple roof is recommended to protect against wind and rain. Ensure proper insulation for cold weather.
Dig a hole 30 cm below the surface on the slope, with a cave width of 45-50 cm, height of 30 cm, and depth of 60 cm. Build a brick entrance at the top of the cave, leaving a small opening in the middle for the female rabbit to enter and exit. Place a row of rabbit cages near the cave entrance, with depths ranging from 35 to 40 cm, allowing rabbits to feed and move around outside the cave. This creates a two-in-one system, with a high ceiling and a flat bottom. A bamboo gate should be installed at the entrance, matching the height of the cave mouth.
Rabbits rest and give birth in the cave, which remains warm in winter and cool in summer, helping them avoid heat stress and cold. When pups are weaned, they should be moved to a breeding cave. The layout of the cave may vary depending on the slope’s height. Two-story or three-story caves can be dug alternately in a "goods" pattern, creating staggered cave groups that help with waste management. To prevent water seepage, dig a drainage ditch 1.5-2 meters away from the slope, parallel to the slope surface.
II. Breeding and Management
Female rabbits typically give birth 30 days after mating. One to two days before giving birth, they will start to shed fur and build nests. At this time, place soft hay or cotton in the enclosure to allow the female to nest inside the cave. Before farrowing, prepare clean, warm salted boiled water or glucose water in advance, and add some juicy feed to meet the hydration needs of the mother after birth. This helps prevent dehydration and reduces the risk of the mother returning to the cave to drink water, potentially harming her young.
Because earthen holes remain warm in winter and cool in summer, rabbits can breed 4 to 5 times a year. The best breeding season is from mid-September to the end of March the following year. Breeding during hot summers should be avoided. After weaning, separate the male and female kits and transfer them to breeding caves. Group the rabbits together to prevent fighting and minimize losses. Once the group shows no signs of aggression, they can be moved to normal feeding areas. During feeding, ensure the cave remains clean by removing leftover food, grass, and feces regularly. Keep the environment dry, clean, and hygienic.
III. Disease Prevention
Caves provide a naturally comfortable environment, reducing the likelihood of disease. However, prevention is still essential. Rabbits should be vaccinated annually during autumn, winter, and early spring. Administer a 1 ml dose of attenuated rabbit vaccine to kits aged 25–30 days. Immunity develops within 5–7 days, lasting about six months. In early spring, coccidiosis can occur. Treat it by adding 150 mg of Chlorpheniramine per kilogram of feed, starting from day 30 and continuing for 45 days. Alternatively, add 1% sulfamethazine to the diet or 2 grams per kilogram of water for two days. Chopped onions, garlic, and leeks can also be mixed into the feed to prevent coccidiosis.
During rainy seasons, feed dandelion, Malan head, Viola divaricata, Artemisia annua, plantain, Houttuynia cordata, and iron leeks. These plants have anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. Rickets is another common disease in rabbits, affecting growth and causing a mortality rate of 10–20%. Quarantine new rabbits carefully, inspect them regularly, and isolate any sick animals for treatment or removal. All rabbits should be washed with a 2% trichlorfon solution, and insect sprays should be used in the cages and surrounding areas. Keep the environment dry, clean, and well-ventilated. Disinfect the area using a 30% wood ash solution, 20% lime water, or 3–5% potassium permanganate. Maintain clean skin on the rabbits, improve feeding practices, and eliminate sources of infection and transmission routes.
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