building rabbit habitat

[Phrogdrvr]

Paul, that's what i was gonna say.  The best way to attract rabbits around here is to plant a fabulous garden- the bunnies will shoe up in droves.

Tom

[Zbone]

Rather than pallets, I lay small logs (6-10") diameter parallel on the ground about a  foot or two apart, then stack a layer of logs (any size) across the top of the bottom logs and then pile your brush.

[TRAP]

A food source is key if you want a lot of rabbits.  Ladino clover food plots with brush piles nearby come to mind.  As said before, rabbits are creatures of the edge but a few brush piles back in the the timber away from the edge are beneficial at helping rabbits escape predators. Hadn't thought about the salt thing but that makes perfect sense.  Thanks for the tip.

If you harvest a few rabbits from your property every year, make an effort to control predators as well.  Trap a few or call a few  foxes, coyotes and bobcats.  It's a good way to extend your outdoor experience and benefits the bunnies.

It's refreshing to read a thread geared toward small game management.  I've been cleaning up some brush on my small farm and cutting a few cedars. Was planning on burning it but after reading this thread, I think I'll plan a couple late season work parties with my daughters to build some "rabitat"

Thanks, Trap

[Paul/KS]

"rabitat"..I like that.  

[non-typical]

Instant rabbit-tat. The "T" provides escape options from predators, the tin adds to the cover. Works best with cedar or conifer limbs on the base layer (better covering).

[Roger Norris]

That "T" is a great idea.

[greenbear]

Cool thread. I don't understand the "T" idea though. Does it act as an alarm of sorts to the rabbit?

[non-typical]

Chris,
the "T" allows rabbits a place to escape pursuit, turn and go out another direction if needed. 4" pipe is too small for 'yotes and most foxes to get into.

[Flinttim]

Damn brilliant idea ! Thanks

[Paul/KS]

Smart way to re-purpose pvc scrap pipe and old tin.  

[gregg dudley]

Neat idea.

[Zbone]

Yeah, great idea non-typical, thanx for sharing.

[Vesty]

Man you guys are creative. I'm glad I started this thread. I think I'll go with the logs parallel on ground and then adding brush on top. I have no shortage of either. Also, the cutting of trails and using that brush. It is thick cover and trails would help me get through it and likely the rabbits would graze there as well.

[Iron Man2]

I've built several somewhat as described in the posts. I have a forest mgmt plan and they are part of the requirements. Search online under the NRCS for specs and design plans that are downloadable.

JL  

[emt137]

Around my area some guys like to use the black plastic corrugated pipes (like what's used for drainage, tiling, etc).  I don't have any experience hunting rabbits, but just wanted to add that to your discussion as a possible idea.

I've greatly enjoyed this thread.  Makes me wonder if I'd enjoy hunting and eating rabbits!

[hardwaymike]

Iron man, could you pm a link? I searched and found nothing about ''rabitat''. Thanks, Mike.

[Jon Stewart]

I use two pallets sticking one on top of the other which keeps the rabbits off the ground.  then I cover the pallets with brush and pine trees.

[Hopewell Tom]

I've been building "Brush Fences" for years mainly because they work so well as small game habitat. Just realize as the years go by they settle and rot, so they need to be revitalized periodically. The best thing I've found is discarded Christmas trees.
We sell them, so each year there's always some left over to place out. Other vendors will be in the same boat. The week before Christmas drop around to a few lots to see when they'll be closing up and offer to take away the unsold product. That's the best way to get a bunch in one place, but the post Christmas roadside pickup will work too.
I always start with some heavier pieces at the bottom and build up. I stretch mine out "fence style" as opposed to one clump. Also maybe find 2 clumps of alders/spruce/whatever and "join" them with a brush fence. Doesn't take too long to get to being very natural looking.
I never jump on my piles, just work the edges, kicking at them a bit.

[TRAP]

not much new info that hasnt already been shared but someone asked for the link

http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/files/Wildlife_Brushpile_Jobsheet.pdf

Trap

[TRAP]

Headed to the farm yesterday with chainsaw, some discarded christmas trees from the neighborhood, and a small but energetic work crew to build a little rabitat.






We got 4 really good piles constructed and have material for about 9 more.  Being immediately adjacent to an L-shaped Ladino clover plot and near a 15 acre CRP field we should see some results in a couple years.  There's already a few rabbits around so we are just improving what they already have.  

The girls had a great time and were proud of their conservation effort.  Needless to say, I had a blast.

Trap