Silver Fox rabbits grow to be between 9 – 12 pounds. Pressure canning can be another way to preserve your meat. Here at Homestead Rabbits, we have been raising meat rabbits for years and want to speed up your learning curve so you can skip the heartache and expense of beginners mistakes. In this guide, we are going to take a walk through the different steps you will need to take for raising rabbits for meat. If you are planning to raise rabbits for meat purposes, then we do suggest opting for one of the ones discussed on this list. If you’re looking to start your own business, the white meat market might be the ticket for you. It’s a confusing world out there when you are looking for information about raising your own rabbits! These are healthy, hearty, high production rabbits. We have had lots of questions coming in about raising rabbits for meat and how we handle rabbit care here on our little backyard farm. They multiply rapidly and can, in the end, herald up to 200+ pounds of meat a year depending on your herd and the amount you breed. Then you need to scrap any waste off and wash the hutch down with a diluted bleach mixture. 2: RAISING YOUR OWN RABBIT FOR MEAT PROS OF RAISING YOUR OWN RABBIT FOR MEAT. In the wild, this is meant to save them from predators. If you wait until the rabbit is eight months old or four pounds, then this is a roaster. Get an idea of what to expect at each stage. If you want good quality meat, you will want to take care of your rabbits by making sure they have plenty of clean water and the right food. Here is a breakdown of the steps to follow using the information above to help you along: This will play a key role in deciding how big your set-up needs to be. A second amazing way is in the instant pot. Raising rabbits for meat is quite a simple production to start if you have the time and space. If you decided on having more than one, make you may want to keep track of who your buck is breeding with so that you can keep a close eye on who the male has the best results with. You can use a tincture of olive oil and tea tree oil to fend off the small fiends. It is essential to breed rabbits together that are the same breed but not related to reduce the chance of breeding issues. I’ve experimented with a lot of ways to feed and a lot of different feeds. All of which in the end can be inexpensive. After you are experienced at raising rabbits for meat, you may be ready to care for more of them. While some may raise rabbits as pets, others may choose to raise them for meat. to care for more rabbits. Disclosure. Rabbits are also diverse. There are two ages that work, and this depends on the method of which you plan to cook them. Not all rabbits can be raised for meat because some are just fancy breeds. Raising Rabbits for Meat: Where You Should Start Choosing the breed you want to raise. If you are using a communal garden, there may already be places built so this next section is really for those that can manage a backyard set-up. Stay consistent with your feed as rabbits have very delicate tummies and you do not want to upset them. They can help build the rabbit hutch and be involved in the entire process. Californian and New Zealand rabbits have fared better in heat than some other rabbit breeds, and they both make great meat breeds. If you are raising meat rabbits, and want the highest volume of kits possible, colonies may be your best option. Those that do take on the chore of raising rabbits for meat will have to pay close attention to the cost, requirements, and all the other requirements that come with building a small backyard rabbit farm. 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, you’ll never consider another animal for a primary meat source. Now that you know all the good stuff, it’s time to lay some of the disadvantages on you. We live in Central Florida so this assures that the rabbit will always have water in the heat of the summer. It can be highly lucrative, especially if you plan to raise your rabbits on grass and market your product as grass-fed rather than as raised in hutches. If you are dealing with a third-party processor, you may only be able to get $3 – $6 per pound. Ultimately, with the great demand for commercial meat, raising rabbits is an increasingly promising opportunity. The rabbit hutch is the small wooden house where your rabbits will end up spending a lot of time. With this cycle, you can have plenty of meat year-round for your family plus some. Meat rabbits are easy to feed. Meat rabbits are supposed to be one of the most frugal homestead meat sources. This tacked-on cost could make this venture a little too costly for some, but if you are not raising a big herd, it should be easily managed. These behemoths can top the scales at 20 lbs. While raising meat rabbits, they should have fresh water ALWAYS. According to RabbitBreeders.us, a single commercial doe can produce offspring to yield 300 # of meat per year! You will want this area to be stocked with the knives and implements required for the process, as well as and tools you may want to use to take the processing further (i.e., sausages). Stay away from using chicken wire, as it’s just not strong enough. Raising rabbits for meat requires just a few basic supplies and routine care. Because rabbits are raised in cages, space needs and threats from predators are limited. As for the food itself, you will want to utilize a nice balance of hay, fresh veggies, and pellets. Not all of the feed at the store will be 18%! With rabbits, the only by-product that you will be able to take advantage of is the fur. Raising meat rabbits is one of the most space efficient means of growing livestock for meat. The nursing compartment allows for them to take care of their young away from the rest of the herd. You will also be able to manage what they eat and end up with a cleaner, healthier product. But it gets worse. However, you will be able to raise the rabbits to that point. Rex youngsters are closer to 10 weeks old at 5 pounds. Californian and New Zealand rabbits have fared better in heat than some other rabbit breeds, and they both make great meat breeds. 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 self-sufficiency and spielautomaten games kostenlos survival planning. Many people have taken on raising animals that can be used as a food source, including chickens, pigs, and even rabbits. The new mother will have a few pregnancies before learning how to care for her kits properly. The actual business of rabbit farming which has to do with mating, birth, and aftercare of the rabbits. If you are raising a meat type rabbit and are feeding only pellets, the cost to raise a fryer up to 5 pounds will be 15 times your cost per pound of feed. Flemish Giant rabbits is a breed that is super docile and can be great for urban areas. This breed is known for having a good meat-to-bone ratio, meaning you will have more meat from it than some other breeds. Rabbits can be bred and farmed anywhere, and except for a few extra considerations when it comes to extreme heat or cold, they can pretty much survive anything. Rabbits don’t exactly breed like rabbits. These are one of the most common breeds for meat. In this situation, you would just want to monitor your colonies. Once the does are pregnant, you will know exactly when they are getting ready to have the babies as they will start pulling out hair and making a nest with it. Rabbits breed very quickly and can have kits about 30 days after breeding. Talk about gelatin broth!!! One of the reasons people raise rabbits is their well-known propensity for reproduction. BUYING MEAT ONLINE VS RAISING YOUR OWN RABBITS FOR MEAT 1: BUYING FRESH HEALTHY RABBIT MEAT ONLINE. Pork is fatty and when you harvest your own pigs, it leaves you with a variety of fats (some in the form of bacon !) This is an 11-week-old meat-rabbit. There are a few options when it comes to feeding for your rabbits. But these are not meat rabbits. Rabbitry meat is becoming more popular. Leaf fat, lard, caul fat, pork belly, etc. When prepared, it does have a pinkish color, and some may think it isn’t cooked, but it is fine. Compared to other forms of livestock, rabbit maintenance is a lot simpler. You will know that the deed is done when the male rabbit stiffens and falls off the female. This is so the rabbits can’t get into the container itself and contaminate their food with waste. Rabbits have been known to chew through chicken wire. They are small and easily picked off by anything from birds of prey, raccoons, bobcats, coyotes, and snakes. If you are planning to do the whole thing yourself, onsite, you will save money. These are all questions and considerations that you must answer for yourself. To help you, we have also taken the time to check out some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to raising rabbits for meat. Canned rabbit can be used in “chicken helpers,” stews, with noodles, or it can be eaten straight out of the jar. The scent from the shavings is bad for the little one’s breathing system and can be the cause of death if not careful. One way to embrace a sustainable lifestyle is to grow and raise your own food sources. NZ WHITE. All of our rabbits have two water bottles with fresh water. Rabbit meat is known for its high protein content and low fat, thus it’s very healthy. This is one of those breeds that is less common to find among rabbit farms. The babies are easily susceptible to bacteria, so make sure you do everything you can to minimize contact. Knowing the predators that live in your area is essential, and by acting when building your pens, you should be able to negate this problem with little to no issues. Rabbitry meat is becoming more popular. Cut-up rabbit meat and pelt. Just some seasoning and water. Raising meat rabbits in a colony is when your rabbits are in the same lot and they mix and mingle whenever they want to. Meat Rabbit Care. This is a big venture to undertake in the beginning and may not be well-suited for everyone. The perfect butchering age is around 8 weeks of age. It is important to know that when raising rabbits for meat that the older the rabbit gets, the tougher the meat becomes. By getting the right container, you will be able to decrease the risk of illness among the herd. You will want to be sure you have the means, including space, time, food, etc. Install fly strips or rub everything down with vinegar. Fast growth requires 18% pellets. Explore more. What matters is that you find one that has a breeder in your local area. We are going to look at each. If you make sure to keep up on the cleaning and build a pen and hutch that is safe from their escape and the entrance of predators, there should be no noise and even less fuss. That means attaching an enclosed pen to the hitches. You can even make them into pot pies. Raising rabbits on a homestead for their meat is not for everyone. Basics of Caring for Livestock. They do not require much to feed, nor do they require a special diet either. However, you will need a place where you can break down the rabbits once slaughtered. Smaller rabbit breeds tend to fair better in hot climates, but if you are raising the rabbits for meat, then you really don't want a small rabbit breed. They should have a nice flat surface, be completely sanitary, and have some sort of refrigeration close at hand. Any of these will work, but the ultimate decision comes down to how much space you have and how much meat you are looking to produce. If you are unable to butcher the rabbits yourself due to regulations, then you may have to deal with a third party, and this can mean an extra added cost. This is key. These are an area of land that has been set aside by the city to allow the people of a given neighborhood the ability to grow an urban farm and help build a sustainable communal area. While the Palomino rabbit was probably intended purely as a show rabbit, the large size means that it is fantastic for those who are raising rabbits for meat. So we thought we would take you through a little run down of what we have found works and doesn’t work for us. You will need to spend time making sure that the enclosures you built for the rabbits are cleaned regularly as well as make sure that they stay in tip-top shape. Here are a few key things to keep in mind: Now that you have some idea of the entire process, we want to make sure you are not doing anything that will detract from all your hard work. There is a bit of prep that you must do before you rush out to get your rabbits. New Zealand rabbits can get up to 12 lbs in weight. Water is important, and your rabbits will need a lot of it. This then prevents the young rabbits from falling out of the boxes. The NZ white is hands down the fastest grower and most efficient meat rabbit breed to grow. Most rabbit farmers also use rabbit meat. Basics of Caring for Livestock, each animal has different requirements! ― Hank Will, Editorial Director, Ogden Publications Typical good meat rabbits can range from $10 to $50 apiece. The demand for rabbit meat is huge. There are a few things regarding health that you need to be knowledgeable about to keep your herd as healthy as possible. We are primarily talking about any fowl that you chose. The perfect time to do this is between 3 – 4 months. However, due to our idle ways, ours were premium rabbits. This is because rabbit meat is considered a healthy, delicacy meat. Whole Grains. Because they are larger, you can process in excess of 5 pounds of meat from each one. The rate of breeding makes rabbits one of the best sustainable meat sources you can raise. This will take time away from other areas of your life, and though it is not an all-consuming project, you will need a lot of time, up to several hours a week to maintain the set-up and take care of your herd. Start by taking down the carcass and placing it on a hard flat surface like a wooden cutting board or tree stump. Please read: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prevent any disease. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons are associated with raising rabbits. While you do this, make sure the food and water containers are also waste-free and clean. When raising rabbits your breeding does should have their own nesting boxes. If you sell rabbits, you are invited to submit a FREE rabbitry listing to our Meat Rabbit Breeder List!. The delivery of the rabbit meat is quick, and you do … Top 10 Best Meat Rabbit Breeds 1. There are a lot of things to consider when raising rabbits for meat though. Feeding free choice 18% pelleted feed is the fastest way to get your rabbits up to processing weight. RELATED: breeding rabbits and raising kits. Even if you’re just raising meat for personal consumption and never plan to sell, poor rabbits produce really expensive meat. National Research Council 1194 about Nutrient Requirement of Rabbits, How to Butcher a Rabbit Humanely in 6 Quick and Easy Steps, 10 Common Rabbit Diseases, Illnesses, & Ailments (and How to Treat Them), A Complete Guide to Breeding Rabbits for Beginners, Raising Rabbits for Profit: 7 Ways to Make Extra Money with Rabbits, 50 Free DIY Rabbit Hutch Plans & Ideas to Get You Started Keeping Rabbits, Rabbit Care Guide: 10 Tips to Care for Your Backyard Meat Rabbits, 31 Delicious and Easy Rabbit Recipes You Need to Try, Tanning Rabbit Hides: Easy Guide to Skin a Rabbit and Tan the Hide, Raising Rabbits for Fur: Best Fiber Breeds, Housing, Feeding, Breeding, and Grooming, 18 Enchanting Yule Log Recipes to Grace Your Christmas Table, 10 Clever Uses for Discarded Sourdough Starter, 15 Bathroom Cleaning Tricks for Those Easily Forgotten Areas, Infusion, Decoction, or Tincture? The best thing about rabbit meat is that is renewable – at a fast pace. This means that though you may be intending to keep the meat, you could also have enough to make a little money as well. Even in the city, other creatures may look at your rabbits as food and try to get to them. However, if you are not able to raise the rabbits legally on your property, but still want to try your hand at rabbit raising, you may want to investigate community gardens or communal farms. When raising rabbits for meat, it is important to have a steady supply of animals to raise. In addition to rabbit showmanship, they can market their rabbit for meat, pelts, to breed, etc. From the hutch and enclosure and the rabbits themselves to the feed, you will be making an investment. Rabbits breed very quickly and can have kits about 30 days after breeding. So, check out what not to do when raising rabbits for food. Yes! But one of the most important things to understand is what happens after the breeding. As with most things, the first time is the slowest and most difficult. Therefore, if you are in a hot climate, you may want to consider installing fans to help with the heat. The drippings from fried rabbit make a delicious gravy. Water containers in particular, need to be wiped down so they don’t get a slime buildup. Rabbits good for eating tend to be longer, plumper, and have more fur. Another thing to consider is that though it may be legal for you to raise rabbits on your property for food purposes, the county or city may not permit the butchering and processing. Once you are ready for your chores to change, you can begin to let them mingle. Let the mother do her job. It is essential to breed rabbits together that are the same breed but not related to reduce the chance of breeding issues. The best hay for your rabbits according to many rabbit farmers is Timothy Hay. Now that your rabbit farm space is set up, you can head down to the local breeders of whatever breed you chose and pick up your herd. The kits will be born naked and blind and will not be seen really until they are completely weaned from their mother. You can house them individually in hutches, or you can raise them in a group. They grow to approximately 10 – 12 pounds. We just hope that with this comprehensive guide about raising rabbits for meat, you now feel better equipped to make the right decision. So, take the time to investigate where you can raise your rabbits and the rules you must follow to do so. It’s okay to lightly check if they are still alive but do not pet or remove them from the rabbit hole. In addition, you can DIY a rabbit hutch. We participate in Affiliate programmes, some of the links mentioned above are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. Straw can carry mites, and your herd is very susceptible to these little parasites. Once you have chosen the breed you want, be sure to do further research to ensure you are raising these animals with just the right care. Please feel free to ask questions in the comment box. This is to ensure it meets all the standards set by the city itself regarding small livestock enclosures. If you are building your hutch, make sure to include this in your plan. Look out for any rabbits that may need to be separated due to fighting or dominance issues. However, if you can build the hutches and enclosures yourself, you will save on the cost of buying them. Feeding free choice 18% pelleted feed is the fastest way to get your rabbits up to processing weight. Books with Buzz Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Best Farm Animals: How to Populate a Healthy Farm The mom will relax once the babies have fur and begin to hop on their own. A popular breed among raisers is New Zealand White because they grow large like a cat and their fur is worth some money too. Aside from the relative ease in caring for them, their meat is extremely nutritious and quite tasty. This means you will need a larger breed so it will be a decent size by the 8-week mark. You will never be able to get enough meat produced to support your family. If you are in an area that experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, you will want to consider adding extra pieces for better climate control. We save the front legs just for this treat. The American Chinchilla rabbit is a super fluffy and plump breed that can be kept as a pet or as livestock for meat. Slaughtering and processing of aquatics foods is permitted. Rabbits gain at a 3:1 ratio, which means for every 3 pounds of feed (pellets) they are given they gain 1 pound of body weight. Here we are at the end of our 15 week Raising Meat Rabbits Series! You may be able to have that little fluff ball as a pet, but when you are raising it as livestock, there are an entirely different set of rules. You will not want to be loving all over the kits. In ordinary times many of the small rabbit raisers don't bother to save the skins, but they do have some value. Now that some of the biggest questions have been answered, we thought we would sum up the steps that you need to take to create your rabbitry. It can actually be a bit easier to raise than the Flemish Giant, mostly because the diet of the Palomino is nowhere near as demanding. Here is a list of the best rabbit choices for your rabbit farm: These rabbits can top off the scales at close to 12 pounds and are usually pale orange in color. Why Raise Rabbits For Meat? Then there is the treatment of the animals themselves. If you haven’t read the first part of this series about raising rabbits, check it out here.And then read part three, on how to build a rabbit hutch.. As we’ve mentioned in earlier articles, raising rabbits for meat is one of the most cost-effective and easy small animals to raise for meat on a homestead. While some may raise rabbits as pets, others may choose to raise them for meat. When considering raising rabbits for meat, you may be thinking more about how to raise them and not about the actual slaughtering. Our family raises Rex rabbits (not listed), which don’t compete with New Zealands (or many of the other breeds listed below) for days-to-market. You may want to build a new hutch so that when the babies are big enough, you can move them to their own space. Here are the things you will need to have for a proper rabbit raising farm. Raising Meat Rabbits in a Colony. Children are responsible for showing and marketing the rabbit, typically at a regional, county or state fair. The other big thing you must do is to clean their pens and hutches weekly. A small set-up only needs one buck, and two does to get their farm started. Welcome to our online Meat Rabbit Breeder List – the place to find meat rabbits for sale and meat rabbit breeders near you.. Now that you have the right permission, you can start the process of building out your farm. You can either skin, wash, and freeze the rabbits whole for baking in an oven, or you can quarter them for slow frying or cooking in a crockpot. If you can raise rabbits for meat on your property, then the next thing to take into consideration is which breed you will want to raise and the set-up you will need to do to prep for this new venture. You want to make sure that you do everything on the up and up, so getting the proper permission and following the guidelines set by your city or county will help you do just that. Despite the name, this breed is American in origin Large in size. … Before diving in, ask yourself if you are ready for the commitment. Raising rabbits for meat is quite a simple production to start if you have the time and space. 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