- Hutches and Housing 
Rabbit hutches are made of as many models and styles as there are 
breeds of rabbits. From the simple dry. goods box to the elaborate self 
cleaning—there is almost any style and design to be chosen from. To show 
the many different kinds would take up too much space, but we will en- 
deavor to give you the few simple requirements which you should con- 
sider in the building of a rabbitry. 
__1. Uniformity. There is no one impression so unfavorable on first 
sight as a conglomeration of hit-and-miss second-hand hutches, boxes, and 
makeshift rabbit housing. No matter what the style of hutch you decide 
on, make them all of the one pattern, and observe the same style of hutch 
throughout the entire rabbitry. The impression which will be gained by 
visitors and customers will then be one of order and uniformity—and this 
would be quite the contrary if your stock were housed in a miscellaneous 
assortment of boxes and what-not—some large, some small; stacked or 
arranged regardless of appearances. 
2. Appearance. All hutches should be painted at least one, and if 
possible, two coats of neutral color oil paint. Experience of many, breeders 
has conclusively shown that paint in the rabbitry repays its cost many 
brie — in protecting the hutch from wear and tear, and in additional 
sales made. 
8. Sanitation. From the standpoint of appearances alone, strict at- 
tention to sanitation and cleanliness is well worth while. As a matter of 
good business it repays again and again the cost in clean, contented and 
healthy stock. Hutches should be so built that sanitation is rendered easy 
and cleaning methods efficiently attended to. They should be so arranged 
with respect to each other, that cleaning and disinfecting may be accom- 
plished in the shortest time possible. All manure, soiled hay, and refuse 
matter should be saved for fertilizer. 
4, Freedom From Draughts. Drafty hutches are sure to cause colds, 
snuffles and pneumonia. Draught-proof hutches are an aid to the treatment 
of all ailments, and rabbits kept therein are not liable to contract colds 
easily. From the marketing standpoint—if you want to turn customers 
away, be sure to erect drafty, windy hutches, and place them so that your 
rabbits contract snuffles. 
5. Roominess. While it is true that most breeds do not require more 
than ten square feet of floor space for breeding hutches (per compart- 
ment) it is also true that too little floor space is a greater fault than too 
much. Crowded small breeding or maturing hutches cannot make for 
healthy, quickly maturing stock. Cramped, crowded unsightly hutch quar- 
ters create unfavorable impressions which lose business. 
6. Suitability. Hutches should be constructed with a definite purpose 
in view. Three kinds, or types are necessary. Breeding doe hutches, for 
the doe in production and her litter up to weaning time. Maturing hutches, 
used for fattening or maturing youngsters after being weaned. Stud buck 
hutches, for comfortably housing the herd bucks. Building the proper 
style of hutches in the beginning, with definite ideas as to expansion and 
with the various sections of the rabbitry properly arranged, not only re- 
sults in great savings of time, labor and feeding cost, but creates an im- 
pression of efficient, systematic management which is the best advertising 
possible. 
7 
