Breeding Rabbits for Meat

[madamwlf]

We are looking into raising a few rabbits for meat: for us and our dogs. I'm looking for any info I can get. We're going to look at a 4 unit outdoor rabbit hutch tomorrow that someone is selling on CL. Then we'll look into getting a few New Zealands or California Whites. Just wanted to see if anyone else raises rabbits for meat and what advice you would have. Thanks!!!

 

[Munkey]

typically those are the ones used the most for meat. and what kind of advice you looking for?

 

[madamwlf]

Really any advice. I've never bred rabbits before.

 

[Munkey]

lol okay then here we go.

I personally don't raise meat rabbits (Though English lops are considered meat rabbits) but as for rabbit in general care I can help you. Most rabbits stress some when you first move them I would suggest giving them a teaspoon of oats (regular oatmeal will work if you do not have any around)

Timothy hay (Hay is essential to a rabbit's good health, providing roughage which reduces the danger of hairballs and other blockages. Apple tree twigs also provide good roughage.)

If you wish you can feed them veggies after 12 weeks of age a selection of different veggies--look for both dark leafy veggies and root vegetables, and try to get different colors. Stay away from beans and rhubarb and iceberg lettuce.

Are you planning on getting adults or young ones?

 

[CountryKitty]

Off the top of my head, I can offer just a little.

Rabbit does will breed very quickly after having babies, so technically you could have a litter per mom per month almost. That would be awful hard on them though, trying to nurse one litter and being pregnant with another. So I would definately keep the male separate from any female that you aren't wanting bred--it only takes about 20 seconds and DAY-amn are they fertile! I also had a doe once who accidentally got in with my buck at 4 months old and had a litter. She wasn't able to care for them properly and we lost several before it was over.

Keep in mind as well that rabbits are very sensitive to heat and will die of heat stroke. Their teeth also never stop growing so they need sticks etc to chew on to keep them worn down to the proper length.

 

[Munkey]

Oh and also they can breed though cage wire! keep the cages a few inches apart atleast!

 

[madamwlf]

So we actually have decided to get Silver Fox Rabbits instead. We didn't get the rabbit hutch. Wasn't worth it and it won't be big enough for these rabbits. We ill be building a hutch and making the cages for them. I'm on a waiting list for 2 does and a buck, just weaned.

 

[WallabyOfChaos]

The Giant Chinchilla is another breed to consider. Here is the breed website, http://www.giantchinchillarabbit.com/. I don't own any yet, but I have had my eye on them for a while. They are supposed to be very, very efficient meat rabbits.