ESTIMATED COST FOR STARTING A RABBIT RAISING BUSINESS IN NIGERIA

Cost can vary depending on your setup and size. A building or shed will be required and other expenses will include the rabbits (breeding stock), cage wire, water drinkers, feeders, nest boxes, feed, fans etc. Utilities and water costs must also be taken into account.

Below is a list of items needed and an approximate cost.

Good NZW stock:

4,000 Naira ea. Stock may cost anywhere between N 3000 to N 6000 each (N 3000 to N 4000 should be the maximum paid in my opinion). However, you should realize, as with most things purchased you get what you pay for. Spending a bit more on excellent breeding stock is usually worth it in the end.

New Cages:

2,500 Naira ea. Cage price will vary depending on the quality of wire used and the size. Most growers use a 18' tall x 30' deep x 36' wide. Choose a measurement that will enable you to reach the back of the cage with ease for cleaning and breeding. A large door is very important in selecting a cage. The cost for most cages will vary between N 2,500 - N 12,000 each. 

Additional cages for grow out will be needed and will be based on your breeding program schedule. On average, you will need 1 to 2 extra cages for every working doe. 

Feeders:

1,250 Naira ea. J feeders are the best and it is advised to use a 9 1/2' or a 11 1/2' size. 

Water dispensers:

750 Naira ea. Use water bottle dispensers, crocks, bowls, tin cans or brass nipple drinkers. Water bottles and brass nipples are around 750 Naira ea. The bottles merely attach to the cage, whereas the nipple drinkers are attached to tubing or screwed into PVC pipe. The advantage to nipple drinkers is that they can be supplied by a 5-gallon plastic bucket or a 55-gallon plastic drum, meaning you do not have to water every day. 

Large, metal nest boxes:

3,000 ea. Metal boxes are better than wood as wood boxes are less sanitary and rabbits will chew on them. However, wood nest boxes cost far less. Clay pots and empty Jeri cans are also good choices for nesting. A perforated bottom (PVC or Masonite) is needed for the bottom of nest boxes. The bottoms should be removable for easy cleaning. Prices may vary from N 800 to N 3000 ea. depending on size and material used. 

Cooling fan:

6,750 Naira ea. Rabbits cannot tolerate high temperatures. They can die if temperatures in your building get above the 90s, and bucks may go sterile. Box fans help, but there are other little tricks you can do. Place a sprinkler system on the roof, it helps. The best solution is shade trees.

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