buying live rabbits

slipperyox

Just wondering if it is legal to buy wild live rabbits, and / or catch them myself.

The reason being is that the population has plummeted beside me, (mostly due to fox numbers)
I have been doing population checks in the area, and almost none have had signs of myxamatosis or rhd.

In other words, I want to repopulate the area.

The area is meadow for silage, so no grazing competition, I probably should be doing more predator control, but my hmr is not good enough for the ranges I meet them.

Feisar

Farmers love their grass for silage being eaten by rabbits, love it they do!

Apart from farmers grá for the above I’m pretty sure it’s illegal to move wild species about.

Edit - apologies for sounding like a bit of a dick.

RaySla

Get rid of your foxes and your rabbits will spread out into your area the hmr is plenty for foxing just get your self a good caller there is a guy on here sell clausen calls at a good price get one for yourself you won't be disappointed

Eddie B

Two things I have never seen. Fox's decimating a healthy rabbit population, or rabbits showing signs of RHD. In my opinion, the large drop in rabbits is more than likely RHD. Releasing more rabbits into the area, will not be beneficial.

mcbain087

I believe it is illegal to move / relocate live animals and please also check out the legality of using callers. As with decoys and callers for crows, there are licences required, see NPWS.ie
The key is predator control and whilst the hmr is limited, it will get the job done with correct shot placement. Patience and field craft are essential. If the problem is disease then only time will solve this .

minktrapper

How long is the field in silage.

cookimonster

mcbain087 wrote: »

I believe it is illegal to move / relocate live animals and please also check out the legality....

This was discussed in a older thread...
The thread infact was closed by Cass until clarification of the legality of the subject. The thread was reopened after it was confirmed that the relocation of rabbits was not illegal.

I can't find the thread at the moment, but I too was of the opinion that the release of vermin back into the wild was illegal, but if there hasn't been changes since then your good to go.

I would be carefull that you are not bringing disease into your location. Also I would agree with some previous comments that rabbits can be picky with individual habitats. This can go as far as individual fields. One permission I hunt on only has rabbits in one section of the farm while the landscape is the same in other parts they hold no rabbits. Farming practices such as ditch and bank removal has a big impact on thr rabbits.

On another note it will be interesting to see if the Department will issue out licences for callers, decoys etc, etc this year as there are lads reporting back refusals.

slipperyox

minktrapper wrote: »

How long is the field in silage.

35 years

dodderangler

slipperyox wrote: »

Just wondering if it is legal to buy wild live rabbits, and / or catch them myself.

The reason being is that the population has plummeted beside me, (mostly due to fox numbers)
I have been doing population checks in the area, and almost none have had signs of myxamatosis or rhd.

In other words, I want to repopulate the area.

The area is meadow for silage, so no grazing competition, I probably should be doing more predator control, but my hmr is not good enough for the ranges I meet them.

If you leave the land for year or two rabbits will move in. Rabbits dont stay in areas too long. They'll often wander onto new grazing land. I've shot land and then left when rabbits got scarce and came back to find the place over run 2 year later

Zxthinger

cookimonster wrote: »

This was discussed in a older thread...
The thread infact was closed by Cass until clarification of the legality of the subject. The thread was reopened after it was confirmed that the relocation of rabbits was not illegal.

I can't find the thread at the moment, but I too was of the opinion that the release of vermin back into the wild was illegal, but if there hasn't been changes since then your good to go.

I would be carefull that you are not bringing disease into your location. Also I would agree with some previous comments that rabbits can be picky with individual habitats. This can go as far as individual fields. One permission I hunt on only has rabbits in one section of the farm while the landscape is the same in other parts they hold no rabbits. Farming practices such as ditch and bank removal has a big impact on thr rabbits.

On another note it will be interesting to see if the Department will issue out licences for callers, decoys etc, etc this year as there are lads reporting back refusals.

You don't happen to know where that thread is?
I know I read in the statute book that the release of rabbits is illegal so this must have been either superseded or updated?

Stigura

This has long enough fascinated me. The basic notion of shipping in wild caught rabbits to a random spot of ground and letting them go. Yet, I honestly can't remember a full case of anyone doing it, pre internet. Post internet? It's been a great issue of debate.

I'd love to see rabbits back, around me. I've never seen one within several miles. But, I'm told they used to be here. Maybe till around the 70's? Then, they say, Myxi'. I wasn't on this ground then. I couldn't say.

But, the major angles I've seen discussed are / were usually based around:

1. What if we move Myxi tolerant / clean bun's into a place M previously wiped out?

2.What if I took a boat load of bun's out to some island no other bun' had been on?

My own thoughts have always been:

1a. I guess they'd be reinharabbiting a spot that had previously been acceptable to bun's. They might even find the remains of ~ flea free ~ earth works to get down. (Before RHD , of course)

2a. What would they do, those first days and nights? No burrows. How fast could they dig them? What ever. Basic settling in and surviving. Dunno.

Who ever brought the bun's over from england had likely already got their management sussed? What might have been forgotten since then?

This is just a conversation that's always fascinated me

Uinseann_16

Stigura wrote: »

This has long enough fascinated me. The basic notion of shipping in wild caught rabbits to a random spot of ground and letting them go. Yet, I honestly can't remember a full case of anyone doing it, pre internet. Post internet? It's been a great issue of debate.

I'd love to see rabbits back, around me. I've never seen one within several miles. But, I'm told they used to be here. Maybe till around the 70's? Then, they say, Myxi'. I wasn't on this ground then. I couldn't say.

But, the major angles I've seen discussed are / were usually based around:

1. What if we move Myxi tolerant / clean bun's into a place M previously wiped out?

2.What if I took a boat load of bun's out to some island no other bun' had been on?

My own thoughts have always been:

1a. I guess they'd be reinharabbiting a spot that had previously been acceptable to bun's. They might even find the remains of ~ flea free ~ earth works to get down. (Before RHD , of course)

2a. What would they do, those first days and nights? No burrows. How fast could they dig them? What ever. Basic settling in and surviving. Dunno.

Who ever brought the bun's over from england had likely already got their management sussed? What might have been forgotten since then?

This is just a conversation that's always fascinated me

A Lambay Island for a rabbits? That sounds like a brilliant idea theyd need to be culled well every year so as to not overpopulate
I know of a little island that has plenty of shelter on it in the shape of ruined buildings , sea gulls would be an issue though

Stigura

Yeah. I had a mate who, for years, would mutter about getting rabbits to one of the tiny bits of ground that stuck above the water, around by where we were.

I actually remember reading, within the last decade, about some place ~ probably off a Scottish coast? ~ where rabbits were practically destroying the very island. Eating everything. Digging everything. Net result being things like land slides that threatened the topography and the inhabitants.

Sounds like a dream, of course, after a few beers with ye mates. Get to run the Dogs. Pick 'em off with a rifle. Only, this wasn't a contract to enjoy yeself. Who ever took it on had to kill thousands. And methodically ensure each plot was absolutely cleared.

And then what? Ye on a pretty barren island. Middle of no where. With thousands of dead rabbits! Your move, Sherlock!

Does sort of show though that seagulls won't impact them. I guess gulls can fly there. But, they don't like going down holes.

Anyone keen to give it a try though? I'd love to see a dozen let loose round here. I'd keep an eye on them.

Funnily enough; My own little fantasy's always been Guinea Pigs! I love the noises they make, and their little black feet amuse me.

Imagine leaning on ye gate, watching a little herd of those things nibbling the meadow. Clap ye hands and off they'd go, making their noises as they dashed for cover

Benny mcc

Stigura wrote: »

Yeah. I had a mate who, for years, would mutter about getting rabbits to one of the tiny bits of ground that stuck above the water, around by where we were.

I actually remember reading, within the last decade, about some place ~ probably off a Scottish coast? ~ where rabbits were practically destroying the very island. Eating everything. Digging everything. Net result being things like land slides that threatened the topography and the inhabitants.

Sounds like a dream, of course, after a few beers with ye mates. Get to run the Dogs. Pick 'em off with a rifle. Only, this wasn't a contract to enjoy yeself. Who ever took it on had to kill thousands. And methodically ensure each plot was absolutely cleared.

And then what? Ye on a pretty barren island. Middle of no where. With thousands of dead rabbits! Your move, Sherlock!

Does sort of show though that seagulls won't impact them. I guess gulls can fly there. But, they don't like going down holes.

Anyone keen to give it a try though? I'd love to see a dozen let loose round here. I'd keep an eye on them.

Funnily enough; My own little fantasy's always been Guinea Pigs! I love the noises they make, and their little black feet amuse me.

Imagine leaning on ye gate, watching a little herd of those things nibbling the meadow. Clap ye hands and off they'd go, making their noises as they dashed for cover

last year a friend of mine gave me 4 young rabbits from a pet rabbit he had. I released them in my garden to do as they want. two disappeared and two survived the winter . I wanted them to breed so I got two more from a different breeder, all pet rabbits of nice colours so I'm delighted. Forward to this summer and rabbits doing what rabbits do I now have 28 and more to come. they mature so fast and then breed more and by now they have eaten most flowers in my garden and costing a fortune on wire to keep them from the vegetables. moral of the story be careful what you wish for.

Stigura

That's brilliant ~ and tantalising ~ input though, Benny! I mean, if hutch bred 'pets' can adapt and thrive ....? :cool:

I get ye point though. I'm a Ringer. We have a fascination with bamboo poles, for holding our nets up? I was So tempted to grow some, on a patch of ground behind this place.

But, that too is ridiculously prolific. I just couldn't deny ~ nor face the prospect that ~ my bamboo (Effectively a 'Grass') would very quickly start appearing the other side of the hedge. On my neighbours meadow! :eek: There Would Be Blood!

Benny mcc

then you could maybe get a panda to put in the bamboo ;-)

laoismanj

I live in co laois, up to 10 years ago my area literally every field was walking with rabbits, there used to be a lot of lads from town lamping it, never made a difference, myxi never made much of a difference and then all of a sudden GONE. Not a rabbit to be seen in the parish, I recently bought a couple of ferrets to catch some rabbits to let them go into old unused burrows on my land and see if they can successfully breed again, i hope they do, being a land owner and hearing rumors of mane farmers introducing the rhd virus around the time they disapeared i would love to combat this cruelty. They dont eat that much grass to the point it effects cattle and no rabbits has a knock on effect in the food chain, phesanta are picked off by foxes, people stop hunting the area so fox population increases, stoat population decreases so im looking forward to my new pet project as hopefully the virus is gone and cannot be spread if nobody knows they are there

Stigura

Well, J; I, for one, applaud ye logic and intention

I'm in Leitrim. Here, it's generally cattle. Cows are dreadful wasters of grass. They just bite chunks off the top, here and there. Cut silage? Rabbits can happily live amongst the levels left. And they'd hardly effect the grand scheme.

Mate and I were coming home from Longford, about ten years ago. We passed a field, on the left. Hedge bank in it. I have Never seen such a density of rabbits in all my life! They were packed together like that western singer at Croke!

Six months later? Ye could see the dry looking burrow entrances in the bank. Not a single rabbit to be seen. Never has been since.

Cass

cookimonster wrote: »

This was discussed in a older thread...
The thread infact was closed by Cass until clarification of the legality of the subject. The thread was reopened after it was confirmed that the relocation of rabbits was not illegal.

Not sure if this is what you are referring to but the "law" as it stands says:

No licences are required from the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department to relocate species that are not protected under the Wildlife Acts such as rabbits and foxes. However, the traps to be used must conform with the approved traps as set out in The Wildlife Act 1976 (Approved Traps, Snares and nets) Regulations 2003 (SI No 620/2003)

This applies to transporting/moving them only, and not to selling them. That is still illegal as per section 45 of the 1976 wildlife act as amended by section 51 of the 2000 act.



(* Law meaning the official word received by the NPWS on the matter some years back).

Stigura

:cool: How far down this rabbit hole do we want to go, lads?

A swift google tells me we could vaccinate half a dozen buns, against myxi and RHD 1 & 2 for about a dozen yo a throw. I'm no counter. But, it sounds to me like 'Half a dozen bun's done for under one ton.'

Obviously, it says those bun's then need an annual booster shot (Ker Ching!!!) Just as a passing note; I haven't had a Dog booster jabbed in decades. Only ever lost a Dog Straight After a booster shot! Do ye own research.

Thoughts?


I know what I'm thinking!

Eddie B

Stigura wrote: »

:cool: How far down this rabbit hole do we want to go, lads?

A swift google tells me we could vaccinate half a dozen buns, against myxi and RHD 1 & 2 for about a dozen yo a throw. I'm no counter. But, it sounds to me like 'Half a dozen bun's done for under one ton.'

Obviously, it says those bun's then need an annual booster shot (Ker Ching!!!) Just as a passing note; I haven't had a Dog booster jabbed in decades. Only ever lost a Dog Straight After a booster shot! Do ye own research.

Thoughts?


I know what I'm thinking!

Maybe like the Coronavirus, the only real solution is the hope of building up a natural immunity. Yes that takes time, BUT, the rabbit is the King of bouncing back, isn't he.

Stigura

Jab would give ones own bun's a flying start though, wouldn't it?

I'd be up for giving it a shot. (Giving it a Shot! Boom, Boom! )

Eddie B

Stigura wrote: »

Jab would give ones own bun's a flying start though, wouldn't it?

I'd be up for giving it a shot. (Giving it a Shot! Boom, Boom! )

It would be interesting to see the outcome for sure.

Stigura

IF I could access some bun's, I'd be absolutely up for it, mate. But, there's no wild populations around here to harvest from (Be a bit pointless, if I was surrounded by the things, obviously) And I wouldn't even know where to start looking for domestic stock.


Oh! Completely aside but; Did I tell ye, I had a bloody Harris Hawk come through here, the other week?! :eek: Nipped out for a pee. Lovely, sunny day. Stood there with my dick in my hand when this thing flashes over the hedge! Dogs all went after it! Talk about timing!

Eddie B

Stigura wrote: »

IF I could access some bun's, I'd be absolutely up for it, mate. But, there's no wild populations around here to harvest from (Be a bit pointless, if I was surrounded by the things, obviously) And I wouldn't even know where to start looking for domestic stock.


Oh! Completely aside but; Did I tell ye, I had a bloody Harris Hawk come through here, the other week?! :eek: Nipped out for a pee. Lovely, sunny day. Stood there with my dick in my hand when this thing flashes over the hedge! Dogs all went after it! Talk about timing!

Lol priceless!! I honestly don't think i've ever seen a Harris Hawk. Or at least never ID'd one, if i did see one. No rabbits around here either mate. Saw one about ten mile from here. Thats all for over a year now.

Uinseann_16

:eek::D

Mac_Tire

I am surrounded by rabbits to the point that they know have taken up residence under my dog pens. I knowing using Rabbits to train a Spaniel is a good thing, but having them move in as neighbours I am not so sure about. The dogs are charged up ready to roll 24/7

Eddie B

Mac_Tire wrote: »

I am surrounded by rabbits to the point that they know have taken up residence under my dog pens. I knowing using Rabbits to train a Spaniel is a good thing, but having them move in as neighbours I am not so sure about. The dogs are charged up ready to roll 24/7

That seems to be the way with this virus. Some area's are thriving with rabbits, and some almost void of rabbits completely. Be interesting to see what parts of the country still have healthy populations, and which have been hit hard by the virus.

Stigura

Mac; I have the distinct feeling this must be an " If only I were closer! " thing How I'd love to lighten ye bun load!


Eddie; I honestly can't remember what I heard, about here? But, I believe this place was hopping with rabbits, 'Within living memory'. I have this sense that someone mentioned the 70's to me? Myxi. Obviously, RH wasn't even a thing, back then.

So, this leads me to consider 1. This land was fit for bun's, back then. And little will have changed since.

2. Myxi wiped them out, here. When did it first hit Eire? England was early fifties, I think? High 90s% wipe out. Anyone know when it got here? I'm considering how england was comfortably bun, by the 70's. Obviously, nothing like before, of course. But ...

3. Now, they've developed RH and are chucking That around. Obviously spurred on by the success of myxi. (I deliberately say ' Developed'. Because I was personally made well aware of 'RH', back in the 80's. It got amongst the ferrets ~ iron! ~ and They were dropping like flies. I learned of it as HP) But, I digress.

4. 'Conclusion'; No rabbits here. No vectors for Myxi / RH. I'd inoculate and quarantine them, anyway. There's really no threat to them, around me, man or beast.

5. Rabbits wanted. Leitrim


Can we do this?

garyc007

Stigura wrote: »

Mac; I have the distinct feeling this must be an " If only I were closer! " thing How I'd love to lighten ye bun load!


Eddie; I honestly can't remember what I heard, about here? But, I believe this place was hopping with rabbits, 'Within living memory'. I have this sense that someone mentioned the 70's to me? Myxi. Obviously, RH wasn't even a thing, back then.

So, this leads me to consider 1. This land was fit for bun's, back then. And little will have changed since.

2. Myxi wiped them out, here. When did it first hit Eire? England was early fifties, I think? High 90s% wipe out. Anyone know when it got here? I'm considering how england was comfortably bun, by the 70's. Obviously, nothing like before, of course. But ...

3. Now, they've developed RH and are chucking That around. Obviously spurred on by the success of myxi. (I deliberately say ' Developed'. Because I was personally made well aware of 'RH', back in the 80's. It got amongst the ferrets ~ iron! ~ and They were dropping like flies. I learned of it as HP) But, I digress.

4. 'Conclusion'; No rabbits here. No vectors for Myxi / RH. I'd inoculate and quarantine them, anyway. There's really no threat to them, around me, man or beast.

5. Rabbits wanted. Leitrim


Can we do this?

Stigura there are some, as RHD was reported in rabbits in Leitrim, lads just like to keep it quiet I think, but im working on a similar plan

laoismanj

garyc007 wrote: »

Stigura there are some, as RHD was reported in rabbits in Leitrim, lads just like to keep it quiet I think, but im working on a similar plan

We can reintroduce rabbits it ahould and will work anywhere we want it to if there are old warrens for cover

garyc007

laoismanj wrote: »

We can reintroduce rabbits it ahould and will work anywhere we want it to if there are old warrens for cover

You should be alright where you are, much better land and rabbit population than in these parts

laoismanj

garyc007 wrote: »

You should be alright where you are, much better land and rabbit population than in these parts

Im certainly going to try. Iv found the old warrens that havent seen a rabbit in close to 10 years. Have a couple of permissions but cattle would drive you absouloutly insane the stupid braindead animals

Stigura

Would the bun's not go bush? Certainly, in england, a lot of bun's live above ground.

laoismanj

Stigura wrote: »

Would the bun's not go bush? Certainly, in england, a lot of bun's live above ground.

Well id let them into the burrow so they would have cover

Stigura

That's the thing, see? No holes around here. It'd be a case of adapt and survive. Though, as has been said; Even pet ones, let loose, can make it.

Bushwack

Rabbit pen on a release pen scale would work especially in the breeding months. I saw the results of one in action and it shocked me how well they bread and spread out.

Stigura

That would living the dream, Bushwack!

Unfortunately, I know it won't need me to point out to ye the absolutely phenomenal costs involved is such a project! :eek:

I mean, I'm ready to buy some buns and inoculate them. Then, I guess I'd have to figure out what to do with them! But, rabbit proof fencing my paddock?! Wow!

Eddie B

Stigura wrote: »

That would living the dream, Bushwack!

Unfortunately, I know it won't need me to point out to ye the absolutely phenomenal costs involved is such a project! :eek:

I mean, I'm ready to buy some buns and inoculate them. Then, I guess I'd have to figure out what to do with them! But, rabbit proof fencing my paddock?! Wow!

How would it even work though mate? Yes, rabbits can be secured, but what about the digging and burrowing? Stop them digging, and how does the breeding work?

Even inoculation, may be a waste of money and time. Give your ten rabbits a jab, and they are protected for a year. What then?

Even if they were protected for life, how long would that be? Yea i get it. These rabbits could churn out a load of youngsters. But said youngsters aren't protected at all.

Then you have the initial release. How many released rabbits get preyed upon before they settle into their new environment?

Jesus i woke up with negativity today, didnt i!

Bushwack

I know it's hard to believe but I nearly fell over when I saw it. As for the breeding Eddie,you don't have to tell the rabbits about the birds and the bees so long as they can get under ground.They actually started breeding outside in burrows surrounding the pen. I suppose disease could wipe out a cluster of them but they all wont stay in the one place.

Stigura

LMFAO! It's all just a bit of a crazy dream really, Ed'. But, it's a good chat, along with a beer ..... Ooh! So saying; Is that the time? Back in a second!

I guess, how I'm viewing it? If we look at in in a laboratory mind set? Obviously; We release the rabbits. They get eaten, over night, by buck pine martens. Any that miraculously escape predation are then just sitting around waiting to die of one of the diseases. That seems to make sense.

But, let's not forget; Someone, above has already warned us that they ~ for what ever reason ~ released four pet rabbits. And now have Twenty four and doing what rabbits do!

Add to that the simple fact that I live well away from the road. Amidst land owned by my neighbours for as far as the eye can see. None of which are interested in killing much beyond rats and feral cats.

So, my own buns would be totally isolated from any idiots with a mind to play silly buggers ~ they'd practically have no way of knowing they were even here. They'd have my beady eye watching over them. I think they'd at least have a good a chance as the above posters merry crew.

As for the jabs? I'd be hoping that would stand a chance of passing Some level of immunity to their offspring. Again; Precious little chance of anyone turning up here and Giving them anything.

I'm not talking about the rerabbitation of all Eire, after all. I'd just like to be able to see one, now and then. Local little pocket, just for the half a dozen acres I look at

Eddie B

Stigura wrote: »

LMFAO! It's all just a bit of a crazy dream really, Ed'. But, it's a good chat, along with a beer ..... Ooh! So saying; Is that the time? Back in a second!

I guess, how I'm viewing it? If we look at in in a laboratory mind set? Obviously; We release the rabbits. They get eaten, over night, by buck pine martens. Any that miraculously escape predation are then just sitting around waiting to die of one of the diseases. That seems to make sense.

But, let's not forget; Someone, above has already warned us that they ~ for what ever reason ~ released four pet rabbits. And now have Twenty four and doing what rabbits do!

Add to that the simple fact that I live well away from the road. Amidst land owned by my neighbours for as far as the eye can see. None of which are interested in killing much beyond rats and feral cats.

So, my own buns would be totally isolated from any idiots with a mind to play silly buggers ~ they'd practically have no way of knowing they were even here. They'd have my beady eye watching over them. I think they'd at least have a good a chance as the above posters merry crew.

As for the jabs? I'd be hoping that would stand a chance of passing Some level of immunity to their offspring. Again; Precious little chance of anyone turning up here and Giving them anything.

I'm not talking about the rerabbitation of all Eire, after all. I'd just like to be able to see one, now and then. Local little pocket, just for the half a dozen acres I look at

A, im in much better form now lol. Wonder would it be even possible to obtain the vaccine? Would it be costly?

If you won the lotto, would predator proofing an area produce better results?

The reason i ask that is my brother has a large back lawn, which for years has been full of rabbits. The place is moving with them. Thing is, the land surrounding his garden was once just like his garden, but now has very few rabbits. An odd one here and there. More appear in the summer with a burst of young rabbits, and then dissapear again.

So why aren't those rabbits in his garden affected, or less affected? Why are their numbers remaining high, whilst others in the area are struggling? Is predation a factor, which the rabbits in the garden have to deal with less often? Are the rabbits in the garden sort of isolated from those in the surrounding fields, and so avoiding the virus?

Stigura

DIY Bun Jabs. I'd buy them like a shot! (Boom! Boom! Giddit? 'Like a ..... ' :rolleyes: God. I'm on the bloody Jameson now!)

Ye bro' has a load of rabbits??? What are we waiting for?! :cool:

Regards beyond his lawn? Dunno. It's hard to conjecture through the internet, isn't it? Is his place, effectively, 'rabbit proof'?

Could it not be human predation keeping them down. beyond his land? I can hardly see 'predators' recognising and respecting his lines. Nor disease ~ as long as the bun's beyond can reach his.

Thing is; If we can just stop looking for doom and gloom at every opportunity? Actual facts ~ as much as random internet posts are ~ are Telling Us it Can be done! Even without vaccines!

Ye know me, Eddie. I'm a man of my word. I'll always put my money where my mouth is. And I'm plenty crazy enough to invest in just such a venture as this!

Eddie B

Stigura wrote: »

DIY Bun Jabs. I'd buy them like a shot! (Boom! Boom! Giddit? 'Like a ..... ' :rolleyes: God. I'm on the bloody Jameson now!)

Ye bro' has a load of rabbits??? What are we waiting for?! :cool:

Regards beyond his lawn? Dunno. It's hard to conjecture through the internet, isn't it? Is his place, effectively, 'rabbit proof'?

Could it not be human predation keeping them down. beyond his land? I can hardly see 'predators' recognising and respecting his lines. Nor disease ~ as long as the bun's beyond can reach his.

Thing is; If we can just stop looking for doom and gloom at every opportunity? Actual facts ~ as much as random internet posts are ~ are Telling Us it Can be done! Even without vaccines!

Ye know me, Eddie. I'm a man of my word. I'll always put my money where my mouth is. And I'm plenty crazy enough to invest in just such a venture as this!

He likes his rabbits and aint sharing them lol. Must a watched too much Watership Down as a kid lol.

How about starting at the beginning, and doing it like how it was done when rabbits were seen as something of value. What ya think about making a pillow mound mate? lol

https://norfolktalesmyths.com/tag/rabbits/

Bushwack

Eddie B wrote: »

A, im in much better form now lol. Wonder would it be even possible to obtain the vaccine? Would it be costly?

If you won the lotto, would predator proofing an area produce better results?

The reason i ask that is my brother has a large back lawn, which for years has been full of rabbits. The place is moving with them. Thing is, the land surrounding his garden was once just like his garden, but now has very few rabbits. An odd one here and there. More appear in the summer with a burst of young rabbits, and then dissapear again.

So why aren't those rabbits in his garden affected, or less affected? Why are their numbers remaining high, whilst others in the area are struggling? Is predation a factor, which the rabbits in the garden have to deal with less often? Are the rabbits in the garden sort of isolated from those in the surrounding fields, and so avoiding the virus?

Look at the situation we are all in now with a virus. Look at how it spreads. It spreads through contact with each other. It can sit on a surface for 72 hours,your dog can have it. It can end up in your yard from a parcel. Now if your a rabbit being hunted by man well man has to be a major link in the spread.I think Rhd can be transported on your boots,mixie can could be transported on a tick on a ferret or a fox with fleas .Maybe the garden rabbits are staying in the garden and your brother stays out of the fields.

Stigura

Making a 'Pillow Mound'?! I'm so clapped out, now, I have to pay a neighbour to bury my Dogs! I'd drop dead, trying to dig my own grave!

Anyway; What good's a mound, when the instructions read: " Just Add Rabbits "?! :pac:

If ye brother's so fond of his? He should be made up to think he'd be sending some to a loving, caring new home. There to procreate and prosper. He'll be sick when disease Does come. Then he'll have nothing. And I won't be able to restock him .....

No. I actually, genuinely Do have a couple of spots here that would be ideal for bun's to harbour. One particular spot is my very own land, behind this cottage! Fenced off from my Dogs. I never go there any more.

Thick understory of brambles and stuff. Bordered by well drained fields. Bunny eutopia!

But, we're just going round in circles, now. I Just Need Some Bun's!

Benny mcc

Eddie B wrote: »

How would it even work though mate? Yes, rabbits can be secured, but what about the digging and burrowing? Stop them digging, and how does the breeding work?

Even inoculation, may be a waste of money and time. Give your ten rabbits a jab, and they are protected for a year. What then?

Even if they were protected for life, how long would that be? Yea i get it. These rabbits could churn out a load of youngsters. But said youngsters aren't protected at all.

Then you have the initial release. How many released rabbits get preyed upon before they settle into their new environment?

Jesus i woke up with negativity today, didnt i!

of the around 30 rabbits we have here running wild we moved 6 out to a field near the bog. the bog is about 300 yards from our garden. around the house here they come and go to the near fields but the 6 we left out near the bog disappeared over night. They do dig near home but it takes them a while to dig anything they could use. If they had holes to run into right away I think they would do better. All rabbits here are from pet rabbit stock no wild blood at All.

Benny mcc

no rabbits in this area other than mine so I'd say preditors are the problem not RHD or any thing like it. would love to swap all mine for wild rabbits

Eddie B

Benny mcc wrote: »

of the around 30 rabbits we have here running wild we moved 6 out to a field near the bog. the bog is about 300 yards from our garden. around the house here they come and go to the near fields but the 6 we left out near the bog disappeared over night. They do dig near home but it takes them a while to dig anything they could use. If they had holes to run into right away I think they would do better. All rabbits here are from pet rabbit stock no wild blood at All.

Pillow mound lad!:D

Eddie B

Stigura wrote: »

Making a 'Pillow Mound'?! I'm so clapped out, now, I have to pay a neighbour to bury my Dogs! I'd drop dead, trying to dig my own grave!

Anyway; What good's a mound, when the instructions read: " Just Add Rabbits "?! :pac:

If ye brother's so fond of his? He should be made up to think he'd be sending some to a loving, caring new home. There to procreate and prosper. He'll be sick when disease Does come. Then he'll have nothing. And I won't be able to restock him .....

No. I actually, genuinely Do have a couple of spots here that would be ideal for bun's to harbour. One particular spot is my very own land, behind this cottage! Fenced off from my Dogs. I never go there any more.

Thick understory of brambles and stuff. Bordered by well drained fields. Bunny eutopia!

But, we're just going round in circles, now. I Just Need Some Bun's!

Yes, there has got to be ferreting men from your county on here. That's what we need. Someone who can get ten fresh rabbits in a mornings work, and deliver them pronto

Birdnuts

Benny mcc wrote: »

of the around 30 rabbits we have here running wild we moved 6 out to a field near the bog. the bog is about 300 yards from our garden. around the house here they come and go to the near fields but the 6 we left out near the bog disappeared over night. They do dig near home but it takes them a while to dig anything they could use. If they had holes to run into right away I think they would do better. All rabbits here are from pet rabbit stock no wild blood at All.

Boggy ground is not what rabbits like - they prefer sandy dry places like whats found in their native lands in Southern Europe. Thats why the only rabbits we have near my place in North Mayo are on the sand dunes.