Rabbit-rearing: A worthy investment

Rabbits multiply fast and are easy to look after. Though overlooked, rabbit-rearing is potentially lucrative, writes Fred Muzaale

Another one is that the monetary value of rabbits cannot be well explained which each person paying a dissimilar price.
Rabbits are also susceptible to predators like dogs when reared free range.

Construction of a hutch
Mr Kigozi says that a hutch (rabbit house) can be constructed from mud and wattle or with bricks and the roof covered by iron sheets or grass. But it should be constructed well above the ground with the floor constructed from welded wire mesh to allow the droppings to fall through which keeps the hutch clean. He also says that the hutch should be well ventilated because rabbits are susceptible to respiratory diseases.

The upper part of wall should be made of nets to allow maximum ventilation while the floor can be covered by dry grass or old clothes which can act as a conformable bedding for rabbits especially when they are about to give birth even though female rabbits also discard some of their hair and use it as beddings for their young ones.

Rabbit diseases
Like poultry, rabbits are also attacked by Coccidiosis. This disease is mostly caused by poor hygiene in the hatch. Symptoms include bloody diarrhoea, dirty hind quarters, rough hair coat and poor growth.

It can be treated by putting amprorium powder in the drinking water or food. Proper hygiene in the hutch should also be maintained.

Another disease is the Ear mange which is caused by a mite which burrows deep into the external ear tissue causing intensive itching, scratching. This subsequently results into sore wounds. This can be treated by applying an acaricide, most preferably Amitraz on the affected areas.

To tap the rabbit market available in local hotels and outside of the country, Mr Kigozi says farmers need to be organised to rear rabbits on a commercial scale.