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Last modified on February 28, 2021.

© 2006-2021 by Mary-Frances Bartels. All rights reserved

Rudolph's Rabbit Ranch and Waterfowl Farm is the name given to our family's "microfarm" in central Ohio. Its humble beginnings were on a small suburban lot near Denver, Colorado. The year was 1994, 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 ten years when the 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. In 2009 we added a handful Indian Runner ducks. In 2010 we added  15 Golden 300 hybrid layer ducks.  Though our duck breed mix varies, we tred to maintain a flock of at least 30 laying ducks and seven laying geese.  Several males are on hand so we can offer hatching eggs. We have three breeding rabbit does and one buck.

One endeavour we tried for a couple years involved raising goats for both meat and milk. We started with two Nubian wethers for meat in 2007. The next year we purchased two half-Kiko/half-Nubian does. One was already bred and we kept one of her twins, a fawn doe, for breeding. In November and December 2008 all three does were bred to a Kiko buck for spring 2009 kiddings. Kikos are a rare, but hardy, breed from New Zealand.  We have since gotten out of raising goats full time. At some time in the future we may return to having brush goats during the growing season.

Who knows what 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 from 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 a portable carport, or as we call it, the rabbit tent. They are fed commercial feed with occasional treats and hay. We have pastured some 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 chickens free-range, and the waterfowl spend most of their days frolicking in the stream in our backyard while the chickens help clean up detritis dropped from our bird feeders. They all enjoy dining on scrumptious young grass as well as any succulent insects they can catch, and are confined to the barn at night for protection from predators.

We practiced rotational grazing for the goats using "electronet" fencing. This helped ensure minimal exposure to parasites decreasing the need for regular deworming treatments.

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

• Young "commercial"/meat-type rabbits for breeding, meat pen, or pet (local pick-up only)
  
• Hybrids sell for $2.50 per week of age starting at 6 weeks (e.g. A 10 week old rabbit would sell for $25.00 = 10 X $2.50)
• Purebreds (no pedigree) 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)
• 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) - very limited
  
• 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 $25.00/dozen or $2.10 each. Shipping available!  (Eggs are very seasonal, generally only available March - June, perhaps briefly around October)
  
• Hatching eggs are $3.50 each (Will accept hatchlings back from local schools that purchase hatching eggs)
• Goslings may sometimes be available (local pickup only)
• Duck (Khaki Campbell, Welsh Harlequin, Silver Appleyard, mixes) - very limited
  
• Fresh free-range duck eggs are a real treat! Despite what you may have heard, duck eggs can be used exactly like chicken eggs, even fried sunny-side up. Check out our FAQ page for more info on duck eggs for eating.  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 $5.50/dozen or $0.50 each. Shipping available!
• Hatching eggs are $2 each - Because ducks free-range cannot guarantee breed (Will accept hatchlings back from local schools that purchase hatching eggs)
• Adult ducks and ducklings may sometimes be available (local pickup only)
• Manure
  
• Rabbit droppings are among the only manures that can be used directly without aging. It is available free anytime for local pickup.  U-dig.
• 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, a few times a year.
  
• Rabbit and Processing By-Products, subject to availability
• Rabbit meat sometimes available. Should be ordered ahead of time. $5.50/lb. dressed.
• Raw pelts, either salted or frozen, are $2 each. (must be pre-ordered as demand is extremely low)
  
• Heads with fur are $1 each. Please add $1 per 5 for skinned heads. (since demand is low, must be pre-ordered)
  
• Pinkies & Fuzzies are $1 each.
• Raw feet and ears (must be pre-ordered)
  
• Urine is $0.45 per film canister (must be pre-ordered)
  
• Non-Farm-related products and services
• Amazon books and more (Using Amazon from this site, instead of accessing it directly, helps support our farm; a small commission is earned with each purchase)

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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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