Raising our New Zealand Meat Rabbits *Start to finish - Birth to processing* Possible Graphic pics*

[Angelicisi]

So far from processing I have learned
4.5lb live weight at 12 weeks is on average 2.5lb fully dressed no organs. I prefer 5.5lb live and a 3lb dressed. These both are very cost effective age/meat weight vs food intake and still young.

We processed two 16 week olds also. They were 6.5 lbs live weight and dressed out to 3.5lbs fully dressed no organs. Still good food to meat ratio but getting mean and starting to fight a bit housed with other bucks while the 12 week olds are all still cuddly. Makes a difference to me that bunnies are happy so this is a big factor for myself.

Livers weight is substantial, but we have the livers going to a community member for her dogs raw diet not with rabbits unless requested. We don't sell by weight so it doesn't effect cost.

People will buy livers, hearts, ears and hides. Hides are too much work for me but fetch about $5 each here cured.

 

[Cknldy]

Thank you for posting that info- some folks don't know yet that those 'extras' can help pay costs as well! It is grwat when you can find someone that actually requests to buy what would otherwise not be used

 

[Angelicisi]

It is! People started asking once I started asking tho.
Ive noticed a harsh side to rabbit business as well among different owners beliefs. Pets/food for humans/food for pets/food for exotic creatures/raising them differences...some people are quick to react sorta mean depending on the request.

I posted chicken feet on craigslist...then got calls for feet, heads, organs and a movie company wanting just a pile of fresh carcasses (ew but it was a sci-fi movie lol).

I posted an ad for fresh rabbit feet on CL and got calls for ears, feet, organs and cured pelts (i don't cure pelts tho). A lot of people are doing raw diets for dogs here.

So I kinda had to advertise I had them then had regular customers for those items we don't use. People have been shot down or had a bad buying exp so seek items like these out less.

 

[Angelicisi]

I know I was supposed to video the processing part...but that will be next video! I did however video hubby prepping a fresh dressed one to cook tomorrow. He quarters it. Removes tenderloin to cook a meal and preps rest for stew and stock

 

[Crickett]

Question : After removing the legs and tenderloin, what do y'all do with the back /ribs? I hate to waste it, I've slow cooked them in the crockpot until the meat falls from the bone, and I've fed them to the dogs.

 

[Angelicisi]

We are making a stock for stew. We will have 10-12 cups per carcass of quality stock. We freeze about 4 cups worth in ziplocks laid flat. The rest bones and all gets frozen in a block and placed in a dish for our dog. As it melts she gets to snack and stay cool. In winter we melt it, simmer with acv and garlic, cool and give to dog. She loves it both ways

 

[Angelicisi]

What we did this time so far...house smells incredible and I tasted broth...taste like chicken

This morning around 9 he started.
Stock pot on low heat.
Chop up a head of celery and 2 whole white or yellow onions and add to pot.
1/2 cup apple juice add to pot.
Splash of balsamic vinager in the pot.

Add All excess rabbit pieces/backbone/ribs and even fat because frankly rabbits are a very lean meat and the fat isn't much and it IS very full of flavor
Simmer and stir for a few hours. Strain. Set aside what's needed for recipe.
Pick out some super soft pieces and eat them.
Feed strained materials to dog and chickens (chickens LOVE rabbit )
Separate rest into 2 cup quantities and freeze to use at will on anything. Mmmmmm

Question : After removing the legs and tenderloin, what do y'all do with the back /ribs? I hate to waste it, I've slow cooked them in the crockpot until the meat falls from the bone, and I've fed them to the dogs.

 

[Angelicisi]

Rabbit stew was delicious!

 

[chiklee]

I take all the waste from the rabbit and cook it for the chickens take out the bones
I add rice to thicken add vegetables from the garden and feed it t them they love it. don't forget to spice it with salt garlic and stuff

 

[kacklinkelly]

Am looking for my buck now. Our triple digits are slowly getting closer to the 90 degree mark. Planning on about 3 weeks quarantine time. Is that safe or over doing it? Am hoping by end of Sept I will be able to safely breed my two does. Also looking for a 2nd hand freezer. My side by side just won't work.