Raising Meat Rabbits

[nayeli]

I will start with these, if they don't work then I can always change them out. Gotta start somewhere!

 

[chiques chicks]

Picked up two Californians today, 6 months and the person who got them for me bred both (hopefully). Also a nz buck. All purebred. Guess I'm started now.

All are from people who show, but none are tatooed and I did't get pedigrees. I know I should, but they are for meat breeding.

 

[nayeli]

It is hard in my area to find meat rabbits that are pedigreed or registered. They just don't spend the extra money to do that to them.

 

[nayeli]

Picked up two Californians today, 6 months and the person who got them for me bred both (hopefully). Also a nz buck. All purebred. Guess I'm started now.

All are from people who show, but none are tatooed and I did't get pedigrees. I know I should, but they are for meat breeding.

I guess you are! Plus you know you won't have inbreeding issues since your getting a nz buck and cali does.

 

[chiques chicks]

Bigger plus: does are from different breeders bred to different bucks, so are two different lines giving a multitude of possibilities.
I found one breeder who knew other breeders and got some together for me.
Not super cheap, plus I paid for stud service (with option if it didn't take).

 

[chiques chicks]

I didn't know and couldn't really find local breeders, either. I'm active on my state thread here on BYC and mentioned something on there. Someone knew someone who knew someone and within a day I wes in contact with several breeders who also show. All within 60 miles.
I've met a lot of people and made a lot of friends on this forum and have found there is almost nothing you can't find if you ask enough at the right place! Awesome people here all willing to help.
Now teach me more!

 

[nayeli]

chiques- yeah I found someone on BYC in my state with new zealands but I don't think they are selling. I also found multiple breeders but it took me searching online for DAYS!

 

[Tourist9394]

I build a rabbit hutch similar to this one, it is about 80% done, hoping it can house 4 does and a buck. This would give me two fryers a week. Cost is about 800 CAD, lumber gotten real expensive, but most expensive is the chicken wire which is about 30$ per roll.

 

[nayeli]

Alright Everyone, not sure why I made a new post rather than using this one but I got my first rabbits... a week early LOL. We are moving in five days, but I saw these at the flea market in my area and had to jump on them. I supposedly got a black NZ buck and a grey NZ doe... but I'm not seeing that they make grey NZ so it was suggested its a blue NZ or a cross between a black and a blue NZ. They are breeders for meat so as long as they produce well it doesn't matter that much.

Anyway one of my dogs is a little too interested... and he is scaring the rabbits. I know they need to get used to him but I'd rather let them adjust a little first to me and their new cage etc. Anyone advice to keep him safe and calm around new animals?

Also I'm a little nervous picking them up although they seem super friendly. Advice for me. In general?

 

[chiques chicks]

Jmo but...
If you are raising for your own meat, color and breed are meaningless if they suit your needs. Do what works for you.
What are you using for cages? Personally I keep my dog away from my rabbits. I have a beagle mix, so not worth it. My dog doesn't care about the chickens, but Chases Turkey and quail. Go figure. I never trust a dog with new animals.