They'll be fine. It's amazing how insulating that fur is, and how well the babies are capable of snuggling down in. Don't be afraid to count them. The few seconds it will take will make sure there are no still-births in there. Cold is seldom an issue for rabbits. It's the heat you really have to...
I don't like the battery acid for its abbrasiveness. Alum, not aluminum. :-) It's just a salt. When I tan, I go with the alum mix. first soak is 3 days, then you flesh the hides with the edge of your choice (I actually prefer a fleshing knife), but anything works. Then you make a new Alum...
I've done well selling the NZ white pelts, but I have to be careful to let people know that they are, as you said, "junkier" pelts. They don't have the long life some people might want, and they are thinner.
I have several customers who want a gamier meat, which has led me to consider having...
Dying to try this one: http://hungryinhogtown.typepad.com/hungry_in_hogtown/2007/03/earresistible_e.html
Also, try pressure cooking, which you can then do a carnitas or "pulled pork" with.
This was a nice combination. Because the rabbit is so lean and mild, you can really ad character...
I'm curious if you also tan hides when you process. I almost incorporated Rex rabbits, but am opting for Silver Fox, instead. But I've read good things about the fur quality of the Rex, which would be welcome. I don't like anything going to waste, but there's not much to be done with the...
Anything you can do with chicken breast, you can substitute rabbit for. I'll see if I can find some recipes to post a bit later. Just remember that rabbit is incredibly lean and dries out in a hurry if you overcook it. :-)