Can I keep show rabbits on an allotment?

[shellby21uk]

Hi everyone, I'm new! I have recently applied for an allotment in Eastleigh (the ones that haven't been built on), but have a question about keeping rabbits. I tried to call the council direct, but "allotment lady" is on holiday until tomorrow and the other's haven't got a clue what I'm talking about! >:(
So my question is....am I allowed to keep show rabbits? I will be breeding a small group of lionhead rabbits to show, as a hobby (so no business). Obviously they will need to be housed in a shed, does any one know the maximum size I would be allowed? Also, I gather there is no electric (sorry I am complete newbie) so would solar lighting be worth looking into?

I am aware that I have to grow fruit and veg on the allotment too (bunny food). Any help much appreciated!!!

[shellby21uk]

[Trixiebelle]

Hi!

I think it depends on each individual Council/Association as to whether you can keep livestock for any reason.

Personally I think the 'no livestock' rules are a pile of codswallop, but that's just me  ;D

A guy on our allotments (Association run) keeps show rabbits on his. English lops with ENORMOUS ears!

Have you got a tenancy agreement? There should be mention of it in there.

Hope that helps.

Trixie X

P.S. I've got my pedigree Rex wabbit Rita on our allotment with her 3 beautiful babies. Just make sure the runs/cages are fox-proof.

[shellby21uk]

Thanks for the reply! I'm still awaiting any response from the council. Like I said the "allotment lady" is on holiday. The closest site to me is a 10 minute walk away.

[Trixiebelle]

Sorry! Didn't read your post properly.

If you've only just applied for the allotment, why not go down to the site and ask around what the rules and regs are?

There's bound to be someone there who can help - and ALWAYS someone there who can give you handy hints how to 'bend' rules  ;)

[Jeannine]

I think you will find to the council lady a rabbit is a rabbit, if you can keep rabbits I doubt if they will care if they are show quality or food bunnies.

They might  have an objection if you say you are keeping RABBITS and growing a few veggies, but if you say you are growing VEGGIES and keeping a few rabbits I don't think they would even question it. Be careful how you word it.

I would be more concerned about their safety.

XX Jeannine

[norfolklass]

we're only allowed to keep chickens and rabbits on our site according to the rules and regs, but there are also ducks, geese and turkeys. the rules also state a certain proportion of each plot can be used for fruit trees but not all, and one plot is an orchard, so definitely a case of 'bending' the rules a little, depending on how rigorously they're applied ;)

having said that, there's no allotment committee on our site either. no lottie shop, no meetings, just the council if there's a problem. so unless they visit regularly, which I doubt, I don't suppose they know who's doing what!

[shellby21uk]

I too am also concerned about their safety, esp being away from my house (not in view either) thats why I would need to erect a shed which would be padlocked. They would be checked early in the morning and then as soon as I got home from work. I would have outside runs for them too, but I'm more concerned about people stealing them than foxes at this point!!!

[Jeannine]

That is what I meant, padlocks are not much protection on lotties, I would enquire about the theft/vanadlism in your area.It is worse in some than others. XX Jeannine

[shellby21uk]

Well I found out today that I am allowed to keep rabbit and allowed a shed upto 8x6ft!!! Woooohooooo! Was extremely happy, until they told me I'm on a waiting list and Im number 289!!!!!!!

I will be dead before it gets to me  :o

[teresa]

Oh long wait, try and see if you can have half a lottie. The list may be shorter?