Hey Seasoned Rabbit-ers!!

[TroyerGal]

I agree that you can develop your own line of meat rabbits that do well on pasture and don't have diarrhea issues. I also know a couple who raise rabbits from Daniel Salatin's foundation stock and seem happy with them. I guess it's just a matter of preference.

On a different note, has anyone else encountered squeamishness around people buying rabbit meat? I was very surprised to find it where I live, but it seems like people just can't help but think of rabbits as fuzzy and cute...just pets. Funny - chickens start out fuzzy and cute, as do ducks, cattle, sheep, pigs - but those are ok to eat without reservation, apparently.

I actually had a experience yesterday... I was talking to one of my "city friends" about raising meat rabbits and this girl who was eavesdropping (i know her, not just some random stranger) and she was HORRIFIED that i would EVER consider eating one! I have always been a country gal at heart, even when i lived in a bigish city in CA, so for some reason i've always considered rabbits as food.

Even if they are fuzzy

 

[TroyerGal]

I have some wire laying around that is a bit too largely spaced, and I don't want to deal with another rabbit escape, so I would stagger the larger wire. I would probably have to buy more, though. I want to use up what I have around here first. It is a welded fence type. It reminds me of cattle or hog panels, but more flexible.

It's amazing that some animals can get through such small spaces! I had meat chickens in some Premier1 electric fencing, and they hopped in and out and in and out, etc.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

I actually had a experience yesterday... I was talking to one of my "city friends" about raising meat rabbits and this girl who was eavesdropping (i know her, not just some random stranger) and she was HORRIFIED that i would EVER consider eating one! I have always been a country gal at heart, even when i lived in a bigish city in CA, so for some reason i've always considered rabbits as food.   Even if they are fuzzy 

It's too bad people don't understand what a fantastic, sustainable meat source rabbits are - the extremely efficient feed conversion, for one - and that they're so emotional about it.

I guess until others get over their squeamishness, it'll be our secret.

 

[DutchBunny03]

It's too bad people don't understand what a fantastic, sustainable meat source rabbits are - the extremely efficient feed conversion, for one - and that they're so emotional about it.

I guess until others get over their squeamishness, it'll be our secret.

Some people can't understand that how cute an animal is doesn't mean anything when it comes to meat.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

I think some people also don't understand that pigs and chickens can be cute, smart, good pets... And that some rabbits are terrible monsters that try to kill you with tooth and claw. It's all perspective and culture.

 

[TroyerGal]

I think some people also don't understand that pigs and chickens can be cute, smart, good pets... And that some rabbits are terrible monsters that try to kill you with tooth and claw. It's all perspective and culture.

I agree!! With all of it! Cows, for example are the CUTEST things to me... but, God made animals for us to eat. no matter how "cute" they are.

And about the teeth and claw thing, I have been tempted to throw my NZ breeding buck in the crockpot on a couple occasions!

 

[Lengerich Farms]

I just witnessed one of my 3 week old kits drinking from moms water bottle. Can they successfully ween this early, or was she just exploring?

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

I just witnessed one of my 3 week old kits drinking from moms water bottle. Can they successfully ween this early, or was she just exploring?

I'd say exploring...the kit is probably still nursing even if it's drinking from the waterer (mine have done that before they were weaned). My does usually wean them at about 6 weeks.

 

[Lengerich Farms]

I'd say exploring...the kit is probably still nursing even if it's drinking from the waterer (mine have done that before they were weaned). My does usually wean them at about 6 weeks.

This is my first litter, so I'm still learning. I was just curious. As soon as I pulled my phone to video it, she spooked, and then tried to nurse since mama was right there. I just wanted to make sure everything was Copacetic

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

I remember how nervewracking the first few litters were. It's fun to watch the kits' "firsts", too, like eating solid food and drinking from the water bottle. They grow so fast!

You've come to the right forum if you have questions. Helpful people here.