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chiques chicks said:
Ditto on all this.

Most meat rabbits sold as breeders go in the $30-35 range.
They ain't cheap, but are prolific breeders. 31 day gestation period, rebreed at 6 weeks, wean at 8, butcher starting around 12. 6-8 kits per litter. Not bad if doing it yourself. Ready to breed at 6 months.

They are expensive because of the butchering regulations, there aren't that many that raise them. A specialty market. And of course Americans in general don't eat things they aren't used to. (which is why no one asks for my pickled watermelon rind at work).
Start up equipment costs (cages) can be kind if pricey if you have many and breed). Doesn't pay to buy cheap cages.
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yep, I had an eccentric uncle who when he retired decided to raise rabbits and butcher them (for sale)...by the time he talked to the food inspectors, he was told he'd need around 25k of stainless steel and a bunch of water management 'stuff'...he ended up with 350 rabbits in his freezer and decided to raise dairy cows.....
 
stake said:
chiques chicks said:
Ditto on all this.


Most meat rabbits sold as breeders go in the $30-35 range.

They ain't cheap, but are prolific breeders. 31 day gestation period, rebreed at 6 weeks, wean at 8, butcher starting around 12. 6-8 kits per litter. Not bad if doing it yourself. Ready to breed at 6 months.


They are expensive because of the butchering regulations, there aren't that many that raise them. A specialty market. And of course Americans in general don't eat things they aren't used to. (which is why no one asks for my pickled watermelon rind at work).

Start up equipment costs (cages) can be kind if pricey if you have many and breed). Doesn't pay to buy cheap cages.
Click to expand...



yep, I had an eccentric uncle who when he retired decided to raise rabbits and butcher them (for sale)...by the time he talked to the food inspectors, he was told he'd need around 25k of stainless steel and a bunch of water management 'stuff'...he ended up with 350 rabbits in his freezer and decided to raise dairy cows.....
Click to expand...


CC, you are hitting on some of the problems I have for selling odd or different things...Americans are a funny, picky group of eaters....for this reason, I have been looking into the pet food market for sales, seems rabbit is something that many would like to add to the raw diet...

Stake, I wonder if your uncle just got a meanie for an inspector....all the one's that I encounter are nice and will into work with me as a backyard producer, they do stop unannounced just o make sure I follow general guidelines but overall they work with me...the main one that stops at my place is justlooking that I keep refrigeration within certain temps and processing equipment in good working condition.
 
105 little yellow nuggets went into a brooder today..

I must be nuts, that means I will be processing in December,,,bbbrrrrrrrr...
Hope people want chicken for Christmas.
 
Thank you everyone for all the support during my whining and worrying. Cookie is being the sweetest mommy ever. Though she threatens any other chickens who come near, she doesn't mind me in the least talking to and petting her little babies. Looks like so far we have a tiny little wheaten marans and a black copper. I can't wait to see what the other two look like if they make it out :)
 
Auroradream26 said:
Thank you everyone for all the support during my whining and worrying. Cookie is being the sweetest mommy ever. Though she threatens any other chickens who come near, she doesn't mind me in the least talking to and petting her little babies. Looks like so far we have a tiny little wheaten marans and a black copper. I can't wait to see what the other two look like if they make it out :)
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Congratulations. Hatching with broodies can be stressful, but you have to trust they know what they are doing.
 
Auroradream26 said:
Thank you everyone for all the support during my whining and worrying. Cookie is being the sweetest mommy ever. Though she threatens any other chickens who come near, she doesn't mind me in the least talking to and petting her little babies. Looks like so far we have a tiny little wheaten marans and a black copper. I can't wait to see what the other two look like if they make it out
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CC is so right! Congrats on your two little ones! Hope the other two make it!
fl.gif
 
Auroradream26 said:
Thank you everyone for all the support during my whining and worrying. Cookie is being the sweetest mommy ever. Though she threatens any other chickens who come near, she doesn't mind me in the least talking to and petting her little babies. Looks like so far we have a tiny little wheaten marans and a black copper. I can't wait to see what the other two look like if they make it out
smile.png
Click to expand...

Hey Auro:

Just checked my girl and one of the olive eggs has a 1/4" hole...tic,,,toc....saw the baby moving and he/she should be out and dry in a few hours...maybe then #2 willl make her move....
 
Anyone in PA familiar with the Lebanon Valley Exotic Bird and Animal Auction? Looks like it is held spring and fall, but we've never attended, wondering if anyone here has and what it's like? We are more interested in the Peafowl than anything else. Any info is much appreciated.
 
Okay-------so what is to keep various mice and other rodents from just walking into the coop and self serve to the food bowls?

Are my gals in danger............if a rodent is in their coop............I kinda feel YES!

What do you do about this?

I have traps set outside the coop and run..............but................this may not be enough?
 

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