If skinned properly the skins are pulled off and are like a tube of skin and fir on the inside. We used 1/2" plywood forms to pull the skins onto (fur on inside toward the plywood). We made several different sizes of plywood forms so that the hides were stretched very tight. They were then hung up to dry for about a week to 10 days at which time the fats were pealed off the skin carefully as not to tear the skin. Then we would sell them to a fur dealer who would give us $2 for pure white and for the different colored furs as little as $.50 each. That was good for the late 1950's to early 60's. During the summer I would keep them in large fenced in areas and the feed cost was nothing. We buried the fence 1' deep and 1' flat away for the fenced area like an "L" for a total of 2' under ground. We used several 4'x8' sheets of marine plywood and put these on top of cement blocks so the rabbits had a place the was shaded and gave them cover form weather and hawks and owls. There were many bushes and pines in there for them to nest and hide in also. Only one buck and 20 does were in each 3/4 acre pen. We usually culled the young every 30 days or so and pen raise them to butchering size-about 8-12 week depending on the breed. During the winter only the buck was left in the pens. There was enough food for 1 rabbit for the winter months. Sometimes we would give them so hay if we noticed that they were over browsing the shrubs due to deep snow. They were so much healthier this way. Ma would fry the rabbit that she dipped in her herbal blend of flour mix. After they were 1/2 way cooked she would transfer them to her famous 'Dutch Oven' over low heat and added a cup of cheap wine (MD, it was the brand Charlie Weaver used to push on TV) and of course the cook always saved herself a wee bit of wine to sip on while preparing the rest of the meal. VERY TASTEY-the rabbit I mean.

The wire bin idea is a great idea (whatup Pablo!). Now that I have read all these great ideas I plan on running to one of the box stores and get some fencing and wing nuts too. I have two plots that are a long way away from my main bins and have been thinking of making some new bins there. The fence will be the way I go this time to see how it works. As it relates to the four (4) -bin systems you can take a look at the link below, I posted about it when I completed it about a month ago. I use it for storing and curing finished compost. Once cured I use the compost to top-dress all my beds before planting in them. As long as the cost is minimal I am all for doing things the "free" way. In regards to the clay comment, when making the piles moist some water usually gets on the clay and creates a slippery surface. I was stating to be careful in that regard, for our clay can be like ice when wet, as you well know. Not to change focus, but Pablo, have you ever composted any of your rabbit manure? I got two truckloads from a new friend (HA!) that sells champion rabbits. I have two bins full of rabbit manure, leaves, coffee, and other kitchen items and was wondering if you have ever gone that route, seeing as you raise rabbits. There is also a very large pile of rabbit manure and leaves I can use when making the new wire bin. I am sure you have not accumulated truckloads, but was wondering just the same. I know that barn where my new friend keeps his rabbits is strong with urine odor, and the piles are smoking like a choo-choo train when I turn them. Do ya got any skinny on rabbit compost? Now you guys have me excited about wire bins, will this obsession ever end? Oh no, it just keeps getting better Blutranes Here is a link that might be useful: DIY Compost Bins

I think your fern is over potted (but I'm totally guessing). What I've read about these ferns is that they grow on trees, so they don't actually grow in any soil. I am guessing they would prefer to be root bound and not have very much soil around their roots. Do you live where it is warm enough to put it outside? I took mine outside today because the high for today is mid 60s. I'm no expert, but I bought mine last summer on the Lowe's almost-dead rack for 50 cents. I left it outside all summer and only brought it inside if the temperature was going to be in the 40s or lower. Also, most of the ferns that I have take more light than what is indicated by information on the internet. I've killed two silver-dollar maidenhair ferns, but so far my cheapo rabbit's foot fern is looking good.

Several years ago my children were given a rabbit by someone we knew (long story) and he/she lived in a hutch in the back yard. Now and then my dh would let him/her out to hippity hop around our back yard (chain link fenced) when we were out there working or playing. We noticed that the rabbit soon learned to make a beeline for the coleus. He would nibble happily and then...show all the signed of tripping I remember from my college days back in the 60s! The poor thing would get absolutely looped! He would run in circles, jump straight up in the air and roll over on his side. He'd look all around as if he could hear music in the clouds. We had to watch him closely to prevent overdose - well, actually, he would nibble a bit and then gaze around the yard in a dreamy fashion between unpredictable gymnastics...not much interested in food any longer. So...how about planting a border of coleus around the edge of your place? The rabbits might never even make it across. And if they did...like, hey man!..they might not even find your other plants!