Looking for rabbit breed suggestions?

[pattyjean73]

I used to raise dutch, mini rex, and american fuzzy lops for show. But now I'm interested in getting a quad of rabbits to raise for meat. Since my experience is in small rabbits I wondered if anyone had suggestions for meat rabbits? I'm considering new zealand whites. What others should I look into?

 

[chinbunny1]

Cals, newzealands, american chins, palominos, and pretty much anything with compact body type that grows to be about ten pounds.

If you want a small breed, florida whites also make an excellent meat rabbit. they just take an extra month to mature.

 

[gocrow77]

Californias are a nice well rounded meaty rabbit. NW are faster growing but not real calm rabbits in my experience;never had a real mean one or a biter, but never had a cuddler either. Those two or a cross (unless you will be showing these as well?) are either one very nice meat rabbits. Have fun; I miss my meat rabbits - it's been about 3 years or so, and now that we have the land it may be time to talk my hubby into building me a rabbit barn! May the bounty of the meat rabbits fill your belly/table, lol!! I sure miss mine....

Aimee

 

[chinbunny1]

The nzw's I had were nothing but big babies. One of the friendliest breeds you will find.

 

[mamato3]

nzw will give you the quickest grow out rate mine reach 4 pounds by 8 to 10 weeks. I personally would like a bit of color but im selling to a prosesser who wants them white. There personality is all different since mine is a commercial rabbit other breeds have sometimes been mixed in . big mama is my favorite doe and she acts and has a body like a Flemish giant. She is the sweet doe in my barn. Then ive got a doe who will attack if you open the door. and she is going after this litter. Most are very calm and dont mind being handled. There is also a breed called Harlequin they weigh 9 to 10 pounds at maturity there vary neat looking rabbit. and there is also the Rexs if you wanted fur and meat.

 

[Rex Mom]

If you look on the ARBA website they have a list of all the breeds.. what you want is a 'commercial type' rabbit... besides the others mentioned Silver Fox, Champagne D' Argent, Satins, American Sables... of course the Rex are my favorite...LOL. Been raising and showing those for 7 years now. The one reason the processors like the NZ and Cal's is because their skin is pink/white so they don't have to be precise when they skin them. Stay away from the Flemish Giants... they require too much space and take too long to mature.. and eat alot! We have one for my husband... Buddy is a big sweety and a big eater.

Best of luck!
Susan