Rabbit Tractors

Build a bottomless, movable pen (typically 4'x8' for 3-4 rabbits) from a lightweight wood frame covered with welded wire or hardware cloth. Place it directly on grass and move it to fresh ground daily or every 2-3 days. The rabbits graze on pasture while their droppings fertilize the soil beneath.

Why It Works

Rabbit tractors provide free forage that can supplement 20-30% of a rabbit's diet during the growing season, reducing feed costs. The regular rotation breaks parasite life cycles since rabbits never stay on contaminated ground long enough for reinfection. The system also distributes manure evenly across the lawn or pasture, improving soil fertility without composting.

Tips

• Add wheels or skids to one end of the tractor so a single person can move it easily
• Secure the frame with ground stakes or weighted edges to prevent predators from lifting or tipping it
• Best suited for grow-out stock (weaned kits to harvest age); breeding does with litters need the stability of a fixed cage with a nest box