Rabbit is a lowfat meat, making it a healthy source of protein, and rabbit manure is a great fertilizer. Bennett first became acquainted with rabbits at age 12 when he earned a boy scout merit badge for raising them. Rabbits are found in the different area of the earth, this are one of the small mammals in the world. If youre consider starting your own rabbitry, a great source is a book called raising rabbits 101 that has nearly every piece of information you could ever want to know on the subject. In raising meat rabbits, there are so many ways to do this according to your preference. Rabbits are fun to raise except when you have to go out and take care of them at 10 below zero. Rise and shine rabbitry raising meat rabbits to save the world. Meat rabbit update year one survival monkey forums. You will need money for constructing the rabbit hutches, buying the breeding stock, buying the feeds e. Rabbit farming business is a very profitable business, and many people are making money all over the world by raising rabbits for meat.
Animals like cows and pigs take longer to mature than rabbits, cost more to feed and are slower to reproduce. Unfortunately that may mean losing some in the meat to bone ratio and growth rates, but i prefer my rabbits to not be stressed. Rise and shine rabbitry raising meat rabbits to save the. They are also an ideal livestock to keep in an urban situation because they need little space, and are so quiet. 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. It also lists a few breeds that might not be ideal. Considering this is the exception rather than the rule, well assume that, generally speaking, they are fun to raise. You probably are not going to find the rabbits you need at the pet store. Raising rabbits for meat rapp, eric, rapp, callene on.
Almost 50 % of its population is in north america, some are in asia and other are in the rest of it. The second year we had meat rabbits, we got a dog, a beautiful black lab. Whether you have rabbits for pets or meat, i will tell you how. Dec 27, 2019 weight loss isnt the only reason to switch to rabbit meat as a source of protein.
Storeys guide to raising rabbits and rabbit housing. This is not a pet rabbit book, though it covers rabbits thoroughly enough including their breeds, feeding, care, and housing in a detail that would also be useful to owners of pet rabbits. Hello, i have recently gained an interest in raising rabbits for meat. Meat rabbits have been bred over years with meat production in mind. Raising rabbits is one of the simplest things you can do on your homestead, they require. Raising rabbits for meat learn how to get started raising. If you are interested in raising and breeding rabbits for meat there are a few things to consider before getting started. By the time you have read the entire book you will feel that you know smokey, who inspired the original rabbit health 101, and murray, who contributed so. We actually tried that for a while but found it was too hard to control and keep up with the breeding. Raising rabbits for meat requires just a few basic supplies and routine care. However, rabbit has yet to be widely adopted as a primary source of meat. Bob bennett is an excellent business man and provides a frank, clear, usable, and inspirational book on rabbits as livestock. The guide to raising and breeding rabbits for meat.
I will go over the basics for why i believe everyone should be raising meat rabbits on the homestead. What equipment you need to get started cages, nesting boxes, feeders and more. There are so many rabbit information out there to plan. Review of storeys guide to raising rabbits in the rabbit hole. You can get a loan from the bank, or funding from investors, to use as capital to start your rabbit farming business. How to raise rabbits for meat raise, feed, house, butcher.
Breeding meat rabbits 101 the imperfectly happy home. However, before a teotwawki situation arises, small retreats may seriously want to consider raising rabbits as a reliable source of meat to feed their family, to use as barter or charity. See more ideas about raising rabbits, meat rabbits and raising rabbits for meat. The thought may have even occurred to you that you can make a lot of money raising rabbits.
New zealand rabbits are a quintessential meattype rabbit. Raising and breeding rabbits for meat backwoods mama. When i brought home our american chinchilla breeding trio, i had researched raising meat rabbits extensively. Their bodies are described as being commercial in type, that is, muscular or wellmuscled full of meat. Jul 20, 2016 what type of rabbits are best for pasture. I was ready to write up a post on raising rabbits on wire floors, but shiny satins rabbitry has a few great posts on this subject and i could not agree more with what they have written. Backyard rabbit farming can be a great idea for having healthy meat and an additional source of income for the family without much involvement. Stories and pictures of rabbits from around the world are sprinkled throughout the book, adding personal touches to serious topics. 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. Ford associate professor, department of animal and wildlife sciences. As far as i can tell, most people raise rabbits for pets. This ebook contains all our hutch, cage, run and rabbit pen plans.
Raising meat rabbits on pasture, aka your lawn daves garden. Raising meat rabbits we have been raising domestic meat rabbits for the past twelve years. Advantages of raising meat rabbits as part of living a more sustainable lifestyle, i have started to raise meat rabbits. Bob bennett is the author of six books on rabbit raising, including storeys guide to raising rabbits and rabbit housing, as well as numerous magazine and newspaper articles. Colony raising rabbits isnt hard, but there are a few considerations that can make setting up a rabbit colony go more smoothly. It is important to know that when raising rabbits for meat that the older the rabbit gets, the tougher the meat becomes. Storeys guide to raising rabbits, 5th edition storey publishing.
I was hoping to feed them raw, since ive heard feeding raw is what nature intended for them. I found my meat rabbits on the farm and garden section of craigslist, which is a good place to start your search, along with checking out bulletin boards at feed stores and local farm and garden publications. Learn how to effectively raise and care for your meat pen bunnies to improve your show success. Five excellent meat rabbit breeds to start your rabbitry. Meat rabbits what you need to know about raising rabbits. Rabbit compares very favorably to chicken, turkey, and some fish for its. Your complete guide to raising rabbits for meat, from setting up your rabbitry to selecting stock and slaughter. Raising a years supply of meat the elliott homestead.
Raising meat rabbits in north carolina backyardherds. Meat rabbits backyardherds goats, horses, sheep, pigs. That includes researching and sourcing the best books and products to help. Domestic rabbits are highly valued for their low fat, low cholesterol, and high quality proteins. Apr 15, 2016 raising meat rabbits growing your own fodder for your rabbits. Storys guide to raising rabbits by bob bennett, great book. Our meat rabbits page offers an indepth discussion of meat rabbit breed choices. In the summer, it is wise to place frozen water bottles in the hutches with the rabbits to help keep them cool. In addition, raising meat rabbits is a low cost way to provide food for your. Meat rabbits what you need to know about raising rabbits for.
Booklist rise and shine rabbitry raising meat rabbits. I could go on forever about the benefits of raising rabbits for meat, but for quick easy convenience i will only list ten reasons why everyone should be raising rabbits. However, to build a successful, sustainable commercial rabbit farming business, you require sufficient knowledge of how to efficiently raise the rabbits, good management skills, and a good rabbit farming business plan. Packed with practical information, this book covers every aspect of rabbit rasing, including. Whether you have rabbits for pets or meat, i will tell you how to feed them for free. So i like for them to have calm, confident temperaments. I hope you guys have learned a little bit about raising rabbits. They are a great source of protein, are relatively easy keepers, and they breed like, well, like rabbits. A primer on backyard meat rabbit raising practices rudolphs. If youve ever been interested in raising rabbits for meat, show, andor for business purposes, this book could be for you. Aaron webster is the author of three separate books on the subject of raising and breeding rabbits, including raising rabbits 101 4th edition, raising meat pen rabbits, and the hoppy pet rabbit guide.
One of these lessthanideal breeds, if youre raising meat rabbits, is the checkered giant, for example. Jul 10, 20 raising meat pen rabbits by aaron webster. Photo by fotoliavera kailova a blueprint for a good woodandwire type of hutch. Jul 30, 2015 rabbits are not compatible with all other animals. Im using this book myself, and i thoroughly recommend that you look into it as well.
It is very easy to start breeding rabbits for meat. A primer on backyard meat rabbit raising practices. May 05, 2018 meat rabbits what you need to know about raising rabbits for meat. Before we can even think about breeding our rabbits we must have a good foundation stock. First, lets decide on how much meat we eat and thus, how much meat we need. He currently operates the worlds largest rabbit breeders directory via and corresponding email newsletter. Basics of raising meat rabbits on the homestead part 1. Hello any recommendation for books on raising rabbits. Raising meat pen rabbits ebook complete guide to raising and showing. 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. The breed or breeds you choose may determine the success of your enterprise. The guide to raising and breeding rabbits for meat mother.
I started thinking about raising meat rabbits for them. I have done a considerable amount of research, but have several questions that are more pertinent to raising rabbits in nc, as well as a few general questions that im hoping others who have raised rabbits for meat purposes. We have experimented with different type barns, cages, feeds, breeds etc. A quick tour of my rabbitry and information about raising rabbits. Raising meat rabbits growing your own fodder for your rabbits. Rabbits can be one of the most efficient protein sources. A beginners guide to raising rabbits mother earth news. 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. In many countries, this product costs roughly the same. That summer we couldnt get our does to take care of their babies. 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. Grassfed meat is generally considered healthier than grainfed meat and provides rabbits with exercise and a better quality of life.
Books on raising rabbits for meat rabbits forum at permies. Meat rabbits what you need to know about raising rabbits for meat. I have done a considerable amount of research, but have several questions that are more pertinent to raising rabbits in nc, as well as a few general questions that im hoping others who. In most industrialized countries, including the united states, rabbits are not commonly considered a meat animal. Best breeds feeding and management showing and selling housing facilities and sanitation marketing disease, parasite, and predator control perfect. Ive been thinking about what im gonna do when or if i can no longer buy dog food. Jun 09, 2014 a quick tour of my rabbitry and information about raising rabbits. A backyard meat rabbit operation can be a great idea for someone interested in producing their own healthful, drugfree meat. Raising meat rabbits importance of your choice of rabbit breed. Show a bunny to almost anyone and you will see a smile spread across their face. If you do love rabbit, then there are many good reasons to raise meat rabbits on pasture. The perfect butchering age is around 8 weeks of age.
If youre just starting out, id recommend starting with a trio 2 does and 1 buck. A beginners guide to raising rabbits, including a rabbit barn, pens, feeders and waterers, breeding stock, care and feeding, breeding, butchering, and meat sales. It will help you decide if raising meat rabbits is right for you, and how to manage every aspect of husbandry involved, including feeding, breeding, health, processing, and selling. My dogs weigh around 20 pounds for one, and about 30 pounds for. I finally called a friend who also raised rabbits and he told me it was our dog. As of the end of 2016 the author aaron webster is now donating the book in ebook. This means you will need a larger breed so it will be a decent size by the 8week mark. Find a mentor and get a good resource book such as raising rabbits by ann kanable.
According to rabbit production cheeke, patton, lukefahr and mcnitt, 1987, pg 190, a weanling rabbit gains a. 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 source. Our breeding trio supplies a good portion of the meat our family eats each year. New zealand rabbits are a quintessential meat type rabbit. The amount of capital required when raising rabbits for meat depends on the scale of the project. Planning, building, and equipping facilities for humanely raising healthy rabbits. I dont track this as well as i should, but i would guess that our family of four eats about 1012 pounds of meat per week. Jennifer is a fulltime homesteader who started her journey in the foothills of north carolina in 2010.
Plus, we also heard that it was easier for your meat rabbits to come in contact with cocci in this setup. Whether youre interested in raising rabbits for show, meat, fur, or as pets, this. If you want to raise your own meat, consider rabbits. That being said, i have ascertained that the domestic variant remains white meat like its antlerless counterpart. Therefore, developing countries that have a shortage of animal protein may benefit from switching to rabbit meat as a food source. After all, two rabbits will be 200 in a short amount of time. Two does and a buck is known as a trio, and is a good starting point. I learned, the hard way, that breeders dont generally sell a doe that is producing well. Rabbits are fairly easy to raise which makes them especially adaptive for small retreats to. If youve been raising rabbits for a while as a hobby, the thought may have occurred to you that you could make a little money raising them. It has taken us all this time to finally figure out what worked best for us. When raising rabbits for meat there are many options for food. Start up cost including a covered shed to house them was right around a thousand dollars, get used to building them if you want to sustain yourself with rabbit meat.
Learn how to begin raising rabbits for 4h and ffa in this unique one of a kind meat pen rabbit guide. Raising meat rabbits importance of your choice of rabbit. The guide to raising and breeding rabbits for meat raising rabbits is one of the simplest things you can do on your homestead. A simple cage like this works well to start out with. Click here to search for all books from these authors. Not only do they require little attention, but they also provide a. View animal photos of rabbit carcasses to see the importance of meat rabbit breeds, hybrid vigor, and growth ratios on rabbit meat quality. Rabbits are extremely hot natured so it is important to place their shelter in a shaded area. The first thing we learned is that what works for the farmer down the road may not work for someone else. Bob has written a few books on raising rabbits all are worth reading and will eventually all be listed here.
How to raise meat rabbits for free journey to sustainability. You already know that your meat rabbits will need a home. Storeys guide to raising rabbits is authored by bob bennett. Currently, she spends her days gardening, caring for her orchard and vineyard, raising chickens, ducks, goats, and bees. Apr, 2014 2 the cost of feed is only an issue when you have 80100 rabbits. I was very upset to find so many books on raising rabbits have the philosophy buy pellets or dont get rabbits when. Storeys guide to raising rabbits by bob bennett goodreads. 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. Raising rabbits for meat is the howto guide to help y.
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