The initial costs in settingup is small, rabbits breed quickly and frequently, they have large litters and grow to a good marketable size in a very short time. Getting ready to start again in our new location, and wondered what would be best for meat and maybe fur in n. When choosing breeding stock for the rabbit farming business, you should be very careful of the health history of the rabbits. However, ive found a pile of good reasons to keep rabbits on pasture and ill. I have put together a comprehensive guide to raising meat rabbits in a colony to get you started on your way to raising your own colony of rabbits. Rabbits are found in the different area of the earth, this are one of the small mammals in the world. Free rabbitry record sheets to download and print rabbit.
Raising rabbits for meat and fur is a good way to make money but only if you do it on a large scale, and it should be done as supplementary income only. The owner of a large commercial rabbitry might want to think long and hard before moving away from pellets as a complete rabbit food. Rabbit from farm to table fresh or frozen, rabbit meat is sold all year round. Raising rabbits for meat osu extension catalog oregon state. Almost 50 % of its population is in north america, some are in asia and other are in the rest of it. Am i really comfortable with the idea of raising rabbits solely to harvest their meat. In ordinary times many of the small rabbit raisers dont bother to save the skins, but they do have some value.
Beyond the planning requirements, financial costs, and daytoday supervision that even the most modest backyard rabbit farm entails, rabbitry forces farmers to ask themselves some uncomfortable questions. Before investing your money in rabbit production, get all available literature, talk and visit with other producers, visit a rabbit processor, and talk with your county extension agent. Raising rabbits for meat is a good solution for homesteaders with limited space looking for a way to raise their own food. You watched them from day 1, and they are now 15 weeks, which is when we process around here for the best meat. In raising meat rabbits, there are so many ways to do this according to your preference. Raising rabbits for meat, fiber and more mother earth news. New zealand rabbits are a quintessential meat type rabbit. On average, rabbits reach slaughter weights of about 3 kg liveweight or 1. These pellets are filled with protein and will help add the necessary weight to your rabbits in a short amount of time. Mixing your own feed is not recommended because it is difficult to get the right balance of essential nutrients. Top 10 meat rabbits imperfectly happy homesteading.
Meat rabbits what you need to know about raising rabbits. You already know that your meat rabbits will need a home. A beginners guide to raising rabbits, including a rabbit barn, pens, feeders and waterers, breeding stock, care and feeding, breeding, butchering, and meat sales. A small rabbit colony, one that lives in only a humane 3foot by 2foot hutch, could ultimately produce around 960 pounds worth of kits each year. Commercial rabbit food can be much more expensive than making your own. You may have been considering raising chickens, geese, ducks, goats, sheep or other small livestock for meat, but once you learn how easy it is to raise rabbits, youll never consider another animal for a primary meat. Breeding, raising, and processing meat rabbits youtube. Please feel free to copy and paste pages at the end if you need more, or delete unneeded pages. Oct 21, 2012 we raised some rabbits for our own use meat and pets a couple of times over the years, and just went with whatever breed was available at the time. Are you already raising rabbits but believe, like us, that there is always more to learn. Jan 23, 2018 if you want to breed rabbits for a sustainable meat supply, theres a few things to take into consideration. Lets say your rabbits have have thin ears and small hindquarters. May 05, 2018 meat rabbits what you need to know about raising rabbits for meat. They are one of the larger breeds of rabbit and one crockpot rabbit stew fed my husband and me for almost two weeks.
Conceptions will be highest during the cool months of the year and lowest during the hot and humid months. How to start a profitable rabbit farming business pdf. The guide to raising and breeding rabbits for meat mother. Rabbit meat production in the great regions of the world tonnes of carcasses per year estimation lebas 2009 south america 40 000 t central america 20 000 t western europe. How to raise rabbits for meat raise, feed, house, butcher. Since we were wildly uneducated in the field, this seemed like the safest route. Some people want to sell and show the rabbits, while others want to keep them as pets, and others breed for meat. Rabbit meat has high nutritional value but in developed countries continues to be. We actually tried that for a while but found it was too hard to control and keep up with the breeding.
Rabbits should not be bred until they are at least 6 months of age due to complications that may arise. Have you been wanting to learn how to raise rabbits for meat. Rabbits are extremely hot natured so it is important to place their shelter in a shaded area. A strong, vigorous mature buck can be used two or three times a week for up to four weeks.
Smallscale sustainable rabbit production snohomish. Plus, we also heard that it was easier for your meat rabbits to come in contact with cocci in this setup. They produce the most quantity of kits and the most meat per adult rabbit. The second year we had meat rabbits, we got a dog, a beautiful black lab.
Rabbit meat production and consumption around the world faostat, 2012. Raw meat meat processing meat analysis franklin meat rfid meat how to cure meat 10 things vegetarians eat that have meat salt cured meat franklin meat manifesto bizerba meat slicer. Know exactly what you need before you get started, how much it is going to cost you and what you can make yourself to keep more money in your own pocket. The best material for cages is doublegalvanized 14gauge welded wire.
How to raise rabbits from a to z the survivalist blog. Rabbits are small animals in size that they need less space, feed, and care. Pdf effect of inbreeding and sex on rabbit meat quality. Our family raises rex rabbits not listed, which dont compete with new zealands or many of. Rabbit meat is popular among homesteaders because rabbits are easy to raise, and they breed easily and birth in less time than other traditional homestead livestock like sheep, goats, pigs, and cows. Dec 27, 2019 weight loss isnt the only reason to switch to rabbit meat as a source of protein. Whether you raise rabbits for meat and fur, wool, or laboratory uses, select the. Most of the breeds are suitable for growing to agroclimatic conditions in our country. Each of these breeds will reproduce well, but the meat breeds are the large litter breeds desired by most rabbitries. Before investing your money in rabbit production, get all available literature, talk and visit. Not only do they require little attention, but they also provide a. However, rabbit has yet to be widely adopted as a primary source of meat. It can get to the point where youre afraid to feed your rabbit. Mar, 20 a bunch of rabbits can be raised in a small sheltercage.
Here we are at the end of our 15 week raising meat rabbits series. Choosing breeding stock for rabbit meat the 104 homestead. Providing basic care feed commercially produced rabbit feed is formulated to meet rabbits dietary requirements. May 5, 2018 by debra ahrens leave a comment this post may contain affiliate links which wont change your price but will share some commission. The lack of available and reliable information on rabbit production has contributed to some producers decisions to sell out because the rabbits backyard production of meat rabbits in texas steven d. A complete handbook on backyard and commercial rabbit production replaces an earlier publication of the same name that was produced by the peace corps in 1982. Like other lean meat, poultry, and fish, rabbit meat is a good source of high quality protein. Some people find it difficult to slaughter rabbits for consumption because they considered them as pets rather than meat. When raising rabbits for meat there are many options for food. If you want better meat rabbits you should focus on breeding larger hindquarters and simply keep the ears in check. Pdf rabbits are members of the leporidae family, indigenous throughout most. Littermates may attempt to breed around weaning time, but this should be. The practice of hunting by students or their relatives, and the raising of rabbits for selfconsumption, positively influenced the proportion of students that currently consumed rabbit meat. Raising rabbits for meat purposes can be extremely rewarding when the grocery stores are no longer open.
We are going to compare two very popular breeds to see which converts food to meat. In nsw it is estimated that annual sales of meat rabbits is about 108 000 to 120 000 which would account for 4000 to 5000 breeding does. Rabbits should have excellent meat producing qualities, emphasis should be placed on body and muscling. Pets, breeding stock, and show animals laboratory furhair angora rex meat largest rabbit market. Raising rabbits for meat rabbits battle rabbits from rabbits to chaos ferrets, rabbits, and rodents clinical medicine and surgery one mans meat one mans meat e. Jun 28, 2009 if youre breeding for meat it wont hurt to breed them closely. In addition, raising meat rabbits is a low cost way to provide food for your. Raising rabbits in a colony is the best way to ensure happy, healthy, natural rabbits. If you are planning to sell the rabbits, mixed breeds have little value. The breeding stock consists of male rabbits which are known as bucks, and female rabbits which are known as does.
Your complete guide to raising rabbits for meat, from setting up your rabbitry to selecting stock and slaughter. Type in the details for each rabbit and save your document as a new file name so that you can reuse this blank template in the future. Our animals live a stress free life, with plenty of healthy, natural food, fresh water and sunshine. Breed young does of the small and medium breeds at 6 months of age and giant breeds when they are 8 to 9 months old. As with all animals, the growth and physical development of the individual doe should be. I know that storeys guide for raising rabbits recommended some sort of ratio for making your own feed. Feeding rates depend on rabbit weight and maturity. Domestic rabbits in brief origin breeds arba standardbred rabbits. There are chances of deformity even if you have pedigreed rabbits and have documented proof of their heritage. The guide to raising and breeding rabbits for meat.
A complete handbook on backy ard and commercial rabbit. Others insist rabbits should be eating mostly grass hay as their diet. Todays video is starting us out on our journey towards discovering what is indeed the best meat rabbit. Rabbits should not be bred until they are at least 6. Mating two different breeds of rabbits, such as a california. Rabbits are notorious for their breeding habits, and with good reason a female rabbit doe can produce up to 66 baby rabbits kittens per year, which translates to 160kg of meat. The farming of domesticated meat rabbits is not a traditional agricultural activity in texas, compared to beef cattle, goat, poultry, and swine production. They are a great source of protein, are relatively easy keepers, and they breed like, well, like rabbits. Does can be bred for 4 to 5 litters per year, once they are kept in good condition. Raising rabbits for meat is a lucrative business, providing income for millions of people, but there are some essential things you need to do before you venture into the rabbit farming business. There are more than 40 different breeds recognized by the american rabbit breeders association, and your reason for raising rabbits will help determine what breed or breeds you choose. The section at the top of the page is for your rabbit s name and breed. Domestic rabbits are very cheap to raise as a domestic animal and. We chose new zealand whites because they were the most widely used for raising meat rabbits.
The new zealand white, however, is not the only breed of meat rabbit, especially if youre planning to raise rabbits in your backyard on a small scale for the needs of your family. You can obtain names of buyers from a rabbit magazine. This is the first part of our series on raising meat rabbits, so dont forget. It can be used in most of the ways in which chicken is used. Top 10 meat rabbits for backyard homesteaders meat rabbit breeds considerations. There are so many rabbit information out there to plan.
Nov 01, 2019 sometimes very nice rabbits simply have too many recessive bad genes that line up with each other. Rabbits have excellent feed conversion rates, low startup costs, healthy. We raise meat rabbits, meat chickens, laying hens, and have a real passion for compost. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of backcrossing new zealand white b and californian k rabbits n 109 on meat quality indices such as protein, fat, water and ash content in.
When i brought home our american chinchilla breeding trio, i had researched raising meat rabbits extensively. What records should you keep to raise rabbits successfully. Introduction to rare meat rabbit breeds albc annual conference november 14, 2009. When you consider your meat rabbit breeds, it may be best to pick one you dont find outwardly appealing. Any time you are making any changes to your rabbits diet go slowly.
Obviously given a choice a more diverse gene pool is best. Commercial rabbit production mississippi state poultry science. Refer to the information sheet starting a rabbit enterprise for additional insight of advantages and disadvantages of producing rabbits. I think that having a fresh supply of greens and such is good for rabbits and we do give them some stuff from around our yard on occasion. Backyard rabbit farming can be a great idea for having healthy meat and an additional source of income for the family without much involvement. A rabbit project allows them to experience the joy of owning a fine, purebred animal with a minimum investment. When setting up a breeding system for your rabbitry, your first consideration should be your purpose for raising rabbits. Cost of raising meat rabbits full price breakdown youtube. When i was a teenager, i had a girlfriend who had a pet rabbit. We grow fruit, and prune our own trees, and grow all of our own produce. When it comes to meat proteins, rabbit meat is actually a rare delicacy. Raising rabbits for meat pdf sion to use the information in raising meat rabbits in.
Ford associate professor, department of animal and wildlife sciences. You need to start a profitable rabbit farming business to boost your income. The best way to get started is to look in your local are for a rabbitry and get some hands on experience, advice and ideas. To start raising rabbits for meat, you require breeding stock. Tips for the beginner posted by yellowbirchhobbyfarm dec 25, 2014 breeding, homesteading, rabbits homesteading, meat rabbits, rabbits 15 comments when i got into raising meat rabbits six months ago, i really didnt know what to expect. The small size of the back yard rabbit enterprise, typical ly four to five breeding does, represents steady meat. Raising rabbits for meat requires just a few basic supplies and routine care. Raising meat rabbits importance of your choice of rabbit breed. That summer we couldnt get our does to take care of their babies. Naturally feeding the meat rabbits the elliott homestead. If youre just starting out, id recommend starting with a trio 2 does and 1 buck. This is one of the most common rabbit breed used for meat and tops the best rabbit meat in the usa, you may find a variety of signature dishes from this breeds,eat. This article will outline how to start a commercial rabbit farming business, and the rabbit farming business plan pdf, word and excel.
Sep 04, 2017 we raise meat rabbits, meat chickens, laying hens, and have a real passion for compost. Mar 11, 2020 whether you live on a full blown many acre homestead, or on a town lot in the burbs, rabbits are a viable option in your selfsufficiency and survival planning. Their bodies are described as being commercial in type, that is, muscular or wellmuscled full of meat. Types of rabbit production fanciers pets, breeding stock, and show animals laboratory furhair angora rex meat largest rabbit market. The price of meat rabbits varies not only by location and time of year, but by the breed of rabbit as well. They can be home grown as pets and for meat in backyard, farm house, and terrace.
Additional cages are based on accelerated breeding program schedule. If you want to sell or show the rabbits, make sure to mate rabbits of the same breed. Inspire a love of reading with prime book box for kids discover delightful childrens books with prime book box, a subscription that. The fda has jurisdiction over the shipment of rabbit meat in interstate commerce. Raising rabbits for profit all you need to know about.
As a backyard animal rabbit is quiet, odorless and. Aug 09, 2019 the guide to raising and breeding rabbits for meat raising rabbits is one of the simplest things you can do on your homestead. A small colony of rabbits, regardless of the meat breed, can produce more than 300 pounds of just female kits per year, creating a steady supply of future breeding does. Methods for raising meat rabbits the green acre homestead. I learned, the hard way, that breeders dont generally sell a doe that is producing well. Meat rabbits are an excellent animal to teach you about a life of animal husbandry. Study the breed so you know what youre looking for in body type, etc. That guy was the king of the household, and often got lost in. I finally called a friend who also raised rabbits and he told me it was our dog. But you do what you gotta when it comes down to your food. Meat rabbit farmers predominantly make use of the new zealand white breed. Whether you live on a full blown many acre homestead, or on a town lot in the burbs, rabbits are a viable option in your selfsufficiency and survival planning.
We also raise meat rabbits giving them a more natural feed is one of my hopes in the near future. Raising rabbits in cages is a simple and easy way to raise a meat animal. Teeth properly aligned misaligned teeth will lead to overgrown teeth because the rabbit. What equipment you need to get started cages, nesting boxes, feeders and more. If you are thinking about raising them, then here are 10 best meat rabbit breeds list. Breeding meat rabbits 101 the imperfectly happy home. Unlike most other animals, rabbits do not have a regular heat cycle oestrus. Jul 30, 2015 rabbits are not compatible with all other animals. While ethical is an admittedly fuzzy standard when it comes to commercial meat production, few would argue that lovingly handraised rabbits arent ethical to.
There are many species in the rabbit family but all domesticated rabbits are believed to have descended from a single species known as the european rabbit. The benefits of raising meat rabbits raising meat rabbits is one of the most space efficient means of growing livestock for meat. But for many folks around the globe who raise rabbits for hobby, show and meat rabbits in the back yard, the idea is worth serious consideration. Colony raising rabbits isnt hard, but there are a few considerations that can make setting up a rabbit colony go more smoothly. The aim of this type of rabbit production is to sell rabbit meat for a profit. She covers how to select breeders, what age to start breeding, how long to leave the doe with the buck and much more. Meat rabbits have been bred over years with meat production in mind. The majority of information found in that handbook was an adaptation and revision of commercial rabbit raising agriculture handbook no. Raising and marketing rabbits is an ideal project for 4h members, especially in urban areas and on small farms with limited space.
Avoid rabbits that are small, bony, racy think like a jack rabbit have shoulders that look low from the side and narrow from above. Rabbit is marketed as whole or half carcasses, although interest in cuts and ground meat is increasing. View animal photos of rabbit carcasses to see the importance of meat rabbit breeds, hybrid vigor, and growth ratios on rabbit meat quality. And the best part is, you get abundant supply of genuine rabbit meat. Before we can even think about breeding our rabbits we must have a good foundation stock. Breeding bucks are the most important animals in your rabbitry. Backyard production of meat rabbits in texas oaktrust. Jan 23, 2018 there are also cylinder type meat rabbits which are posed differently, im not familiar with those breeds so i cant give you any advise about assessing cylinder type rabbits. A beginners guide to raising rabbits mother earth news.
The breed or breeds you choose may determine the success of your enterprise. The most popular breeds include the new zealand and the californian. In the summer, it is wise to place frozen water bottles in the hutches with the rabbits to help keep them cool. If youre not willing to embrace a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, the next best change you can make is resolving to eat only ethically raised meat. Raising rabbits for meat provides a solid foundation for success in raising rabbits and is ideal for anyone interested in starting a small rabbitry for home use or to market rabbit meat as a business opportunity. Rabbits were a staple of the diet of anatomically modern humans, the phoenicians too consumed rabbit meat, and traded rabbits across the mediterranean spano giammellaro, 1999. For meat rabbits, each cage should be about 3 feet square and 2 feet high to give the animals plenty of room to move around.