Posted in Homestead Barnyard

For today we are going to take it from making the decision that raising meat rabbits is right for you.  There are a few more things to think about at this point.

1.  Decide on what breed of rabbit you are going to raise. 

There are many kinds of rabbits to choose from.  The most popular rabbit for meat purposes in America are the New Zealand Whites and the Californian.  They have white pelts (which you could sell).  They also have a good feed conversion, fertility rate, and litter size.  They also have fine bones and higher meat ratio.  Personally I like the New Zealand Whites. 

2.  Finding the right breeding stock.

This is really important.  Starting off with the right foundation stock will make all the difference in your new adventure.  Purebred stock is always a better choice.  This will assure you the ability to reproduce like rabbits, with proper weight gain, growth rate, feed conversion, and in general,  consistancy in your stock.   This will also make your rabbits more attractive to others if you intend on selling rabbits.  All other rabbits are considered crossbreds-mixed bloodlines-no papers.  I have found very good "crossbreds" for personal meat purposes-however, keep in mind that your taking a big chance that they will have small litters-poor feed conversion ratios-slower growth rate-larger bones and there is no way of knowing what the kits will look like.  Unlike many rabbit raisers--I'm not against the crossbreds--you just have to understand what you getting into.  They carry very low value in the grand scheme of things---you decide.

3.  Decide on housing and equipment.

Right up front you should decide on what size of a rabbitry you want.  How many rabbits will accomplish your goals in the long run.  It is always a good idea to start small and grow into your rabbitry.  A good starting number is three or four.  Two does and a buck or even better  two junior bucks a junior doe and a senior bred doe.  This will allow you to learn what your doing and still get "started" with breeding and raising babies.  That being said on to housing and cages.....this is where you can spend alot of money if your not careful.  We build our own cages here.  All wire hutches.  I believe this is the most sanitary way of raising rabbits.  They are easy to build and easy to clean.  The right housing and equipment is just as important to your success as the right breeding stock.  Wooden hutches are just not a good idea.  They are hard to keep sanitary and often cause you to deal with health issues you could easily avoid by using an all wire hutch.  I would strongly advise using the wire only hutches.  If your rabbitry is indoors then the cages are fine the way they are.  If you are planning on raising outdoors you will need to build a shelter from the weather to hold your wire cages.  I will go into this topic further next week.  As far as equipment goes there are many types of feeders and waterers that I have found as suffecient.  Keep in mind cleanliness is the key.  Make them something that is easily maintained.  There are several plans online for self waterers that are made od PVC pipe and 2-liter bottles--rabbits need lots of fresh clean water.  If you plan ahead at this point for the 'future rabbitry' size you will be so much ahead.  The thing to remember with raising rabbits is it can grow very rapidly---plan ahead. 

4.  Feeding your rabbits-plan ahead

Before you even bring home your breeding stock you should have your housing, equipment, and feed on hand.  Welcome home your new stock with a well thought out plan.  Have your pellets purchased and stored properly (mice love them).  I also feed my rabbits a handful of alfalfa daily.  Thats all I feed-pellets-alfalfa-and lots of fresh water.  I keep a mineral wheel (available at most farm stores) in each cage.  I do not feed my rabbits scraps or greens.  Consistancy in their diet will greatly aid you in avoiding illness.  Try to always feed your rabbits at the same time everyday.  Get a routine for care and management and both you and the rabbits will be happier. 

I hope this has been helpful.  Please join me next week when we will discuss hutches and housing further.  I strongly advise everyone who is starting with rabbits to read as much as possible on the subject.  Get a good guide book of your own.  Bob Bennett has several good books on the subject. Even after all this time I still go back to the book for reference.  There is no one right way to raise rabbits.  As you get into it you will find what works best for you.  Getting started is the hardest part...but with a little preperation the rest of raising rabbits will be a joyful and rewarding experience.  Have I said...I love raising rabbits!  Blessings>faithfarm