Welcome to

 

Last modified on April 21, 2007

© 2006-2007 by Mary-Frances Bartels. All rights reserved

Rudolph's Rabbit Ranch is the name given to our family's "microfarm" in central Ohio. Its humble beginnings were on a small city lot in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. The year was 1993, and the Bartels family desired to replace some commercially-raised meat with a more wholesome alternative in our diet. Our foundation breeding stock consisted of four rabbits --- three does and a buck. Fast-forward to the year 2004, when the Bartels Family was able to fulfill a long-time dream of having a house with some land. We headed east to the small hamlet of Centerburg, Ohio. Wanting to increase the family's consumption of healthful protein even more, we added three Brown Chinese geese and 16 Khaki Campbell ducks --- chief egg-laying breeds within their respective species. In 2006 the "ranch" expanded by adding a few more Brown Chinese geese, about 30 Welsh Harlequin and Golden Cascade ducks, and two dozen guinea fowl. The new duck breeds are among the rarest, yet still egg-prolific, in the world.

Who knows what endeavour we will try next?

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When it comes to caring for animals, our top priority is their welfare. We provide roomy accommodations, protection form inclement weather, fresh air and water, clean feed, sunshine, and lots of attention.

Most of the rabbits are kept in wire cages, both outside in hutches as well as inside our barn. They are fed commercial feed with occasional treats. Just recently we started pasturing some of the rabbits in "rabbit tractors." "Rabbit tractors" are simply "chicken tractors" for rabbits. Ours are essentially very low lying cages on wheels that allow the rabbits access to the underlying grass. The tractor is moved as needed to give the animals fresh grass for grazing. As the rabbits dine, they also fertilize the pasture.

The ducks, geese, and guineas are free-ranged and spend most of their days frolicking in the stream in our backyard. They enjoy dining on scrumptious young grass as well as any succulent insects they can catch. They are confined to the barn at night for protection from predators where they snack on layers’ feed to help round out their diet.

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Looking for something not listed, but think we should carry? Ask!

• Young New Zealand White or hybrid rabbits for breeding, meat pen, or pet (local pick-up only)
• Hybrids sell for $2.25 per week of age starting at 6 weeks (e.g. A 10 week old rabbit would sell for $22.50 = 10 X $2.25)
• Purebreds sell for $2.75 per week of age starting at 6 weeks (e.g. A 10-week-old rabbit would sell for $27.50 = 10 X $2.75)  Right now we do not have purebred rabbits available
• 4-H discount available
• All rabbits come with a 7-day health guarantee AND an "anytime take back guarantee" (If a purchaser, at any time, no longer wants the rabbit, he may bring it back. I will not buy the animal back, but will take it back. This is to prevent the practice of "dumping" unwanted animals.)
• Goose (Brown Chinese)
• While our fresh free-range goose eggs can be used like chicken eggs with some adjustments, these rare delights are sought after by discerning chefs and bakers for their best cuisine. Eggs for eating sell for $15.00/dozen or $1.30 each
• Hatching eggs are $3 each (Will accept hatchlings back from local schools that purchase hatching eggs)
• Goslings may be available (local pickup only)
• Duck (Khaki Campbell, Welsh Harlequin, & Golden Cascade)
• Fresh free-range duck eggs are a real treat! Despite what the literature may say, duck eggs can be used exactly like chicken eggs, even fried sunny-side up. Once you try our naturally-raised fresh duck eggs, you will never want to return to store-bought chicken eggs again. Eggs for eating sell for $4.00/dozen or $0.35 each
• Hatching eggs are $2 each (Will accept hatchlings back from local schools that purchase hatching eggs)
• Ducklings may be available (local pickup only)
• Guinea Fowl
• Eggs for eating sell for $6/dozen or $0.55 each
• Haching eggs sell for $1 each (Will accept hatchlings back from local schools that purchase hatching eggs)
• Manure (contact us for availability and pricing)
• Rabbit droppings are the only manure that can be used directly without aging. It is available anytime for local pickup.
• Litter from the bird pen consists of several different organic materials in addition to bird manure. Locally, it is available only when the pen is cleaned out, several times a year.
• Rabbit Processing By-Products (available for shipping at extra expense)
• Raw pelts, either salted or frozen, are $1 each.
• Heads are $1 each or 20 for $19. Please add $1 per 10 for skinned heads.
• Pinkies & Fuzzies are $1 each or 20 for $19.
• Raw feet and ears available upon request
• Urine is $0.45 per film canister
• Non-Farm-related products and services
• Watkins Products --- e-mail for catalog (be sure to include your name and address), order online from WatkinsOnline, or order by telephone at 1-800-WATKINS, use Representative #092389
• Internet access for only $9.99 per month --- free trial and free accelerator, rates guaranteed for life
• Amazon books and more
• Musical instruments from Musician's Friend --- 45 day best price guarantee, free shipping on most orders
• Computer Consulting - e-mail for more information

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We may be contacted using any of the following:

• World Wide Web
• E-mail to maryfrances@RudolphsRabbitRanch.com.
• Telephone - If you would like to speak with us on the telephone, please e-mail your request with your telephone number and we will send you our number.
• US Mail - If you would like to stop by, call or e-mail for an appointment.

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