George, tell me again about the rabbits

[Ninjasquirrel]

Just like with chickens, use more than one book or forum to gather info...
....multiple sources + common sense and logic = better solutions.

Exactly! I watched the entire Living Traditions Rabbit raising playlist. I then read this book. Now im reading this one but it only has a short chapter on rabbits. Ive already seen a difference in technique between the two. Although the author I read shows his. He also eats them so...

 

[Skye'sDucks]

Thank you! Ive been told by sooooo many people that know nothing about rabbits the wrong facts. Someone told me you cant eat them before the first frost...well...that is true...of wild rabbits. I was also told rabbits eat carrots and lettuce. But...if you give that to young rabbits you could cause diarrhea. Thats why I love this site. There is too much ignorance out there and not enough knowledge. I think we need to all be good people and spread our knowledge to others. Id like to hold classes on my property to teach others when Im all set up.

I agree. This site has been so helpful for many things, there are truly some amazing people on here!

That'd be awesome of you to do that!

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Fyi Homegrown and Handmade was NOT worth the read. I read it all just this morning and found myself skimming through most of it. It was not informative and it often had "facts" that were incorrect or even false. This was more of a "hey, did you know that farm animals and vegetables exist outside a grocery store?!" Versus what I was looking for as being: "I will give you my secrets to success" I picked it up because it had a "chapter" on spinning. This was not so much a "chapter" as it was an article. Also...it taught nothing about spinning. It simply talked about the different wheels available. Its "chapter" on rabbits was similar and contained a lot of information that was incorrect based on my other forms of research. I guess it just sums up to the idea that everyone and anyone can write a book. But...just because you CAN do something doesnt mean you SHOULD.

 

[aart]

Fyi Homegrown and Handmade was NOT worth the read.

Why I get books from the library first....
....haven't found many worth owning, saved me a ton of money.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Why I get books from the library first....
....haven't found many worth owning, saved me a ton of money.

Oh believe you me...I did not purchase this book. Everything comes from the library. Or Goodwill. I dont see the point in spending a lot of money on books when people are so inclined to donate them. I have a personal library of books that ive accumulated over the years via goodwills and garage sales. Each book ive spent less than 5 bucks on. I have a wonderful collection and even some first editions. I dont think you can ever go wrong by hanging onto knowledge

 

[ellend]

If you can, find a copy of Carla Emery's Old Fashioned Recipe book. Two bucks together will try to kill each other with a fury that will gob-smack you. They'll quickly tear 1/2 dollar sized pieces of skin off each other, even if littermates reared together. Does are territorial; don't put a buck into HER pen. Many years ago I was told that in the USA the cost of processing the skins wasn't worth it. Of course, if you're up to the work you could process your own. Carla's book is old, but the best I've ever read on homesteading.

 

[ellend]

I was with you on all of this... was even thinkin' drinking rabbit pee sounded like a good idea...

....but then you sneaked that last part in there about the momma bunny shutting down the bunny factory if she watches the butchering... and you lost me.

I'm not saying you're wrong... I have no clue one way or another... I've just never heard of such a thing?

I'll have to ask my sister if she's heard this.... she's been raising bunnies forever and butcher's her own... but I doubt she's ever done it right in front of the momma though

Mothers kill their babies when they are stressed. Stress also impacts reproduction cycles, often. And it's just plain brutal to kill animals around other animals, especially the mother.

 

[ellend]

Agreed; do NOT touch or otherwise disturb the nest with babies. Mothers of MANY species will eat their young if you do. First time mothers also kill their babies much more often than those who have had previous litters. Don't change the nesting materials when babies are in the nest; give the hutch a thorough cleaning and fresh nesting supplies a day or so before she kindles, then GIVE HER PRIVACY. Carla's book is WELL worth purchasing!!! I like the earlier version best. The rabbit section will tell you about everything you need to know about procurement, building housing, feeding, breeding, health care, butchering, cooking & preserving. She'll give you several methods of rearing, from friends and experience. The good & bad of starting with different animal species; rabbits, ducks, chickens, cows, goats, etc.. And, it's from the perspective of a do-it-yourself, make-do, trade & barter can-all-your-own-food hardcore homesteader and mother. One of my favorite books ever.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Agreed; do NOT touch or otherwise disturb the nest with babies. Mothers of MANY species will eat their young if you do. First time mothers also kill their babies much more often than those who have had previous litters. Don't change the nesting materials when babies are in the nest; give the hutch a thorough cleaning and fresh nesting supplies a day or so before she kindles, then GIVE HER PRIVACY. Carla's book is WELL worth purchasing!!! I like the earlier version best. The rabbit section will tell you about everything you need to know about procurement, building housing, feeding, breeding, health care, butchering, cooking & preserving. She'll give you several methods of rearing, from friends and experience. The good & bad of starting with different animal species; rabbits, ducks, chickens, cows, goats, etc.. And, it's from the perspective of a do-it-yourself, make-do, trade & barter can-all-your-own-food hardcore homesteader and mother. One of my favorite books ever.

I handled my baby bunnies daily, and cleaned the nest as necessary. Only poor mothers will harm their kits, and they shouldn't be bred from again.

 

[thepluckypony]

It is completely untrue that you cannot touch the nest of your rabbits or her kits. In fact if you don't you can jeopardize the entire litter. You need to be checking the kits EVERY day to ensure they are being fed and remove the ones that might have passed. Your rabbits are accustomed to your scent, you feed them, touch them, your scent is everywhere.
A doe might consume her litter for several reasons, (illness, first time mom, birth defects) but most of the time the does will just leave the dead in the nest or nest box which creates a real problem for the rest of the litter.

Rabbits tolerate cold a lot better than heat. You need to decide what breed of meat rabbit you plan on raising? Each breed requires slightly different care. Wire cages are the most sanitary and easiest way to raise. Meat breeds generally require cages 30x36 but preferably larger. Every rabbit must be caged separately.

Many people have success finishing their young rabbits in rabbit tractors although they will still require a good quality rabbit pellet.

what are your questions specifically about raising meat rabbits?