UPDATE pg 3 How many rabbits should I get LOOK WHAT I GOT

[pdsavage]

I can build 6 hutches so I was thinking I could get 2 big bucks and 4 does,I am wanting dual purpose breeds and will hopefully be getting them this weekend..
I would love to get 1 buck a french lop and then the rest I don't care as long as they fit my needs of dual purpose and I like thier color...

 

[Backyard_Chicken_rancher]

I would go for it if you can build 6 hutchs and you can find the DP breeds go for it.

 

[ack123]

6 is just fine to start out with.

 

[greenpeeps]

What's your reason for getting the rabbits? If they are for meat I just read something on, I think, Mother Earth News. Check out that web site. Good Luck

 

[pdsavage]

Quote:
For meats and or pets,thats why im wanting dual purpose breeds....

 

[bacres]

Here are a few meat breeds that you can have as pets:

Satin
Lilac
Rex
New Zealand
American Sable

Check out the ARBA.net website (American Rabbit Breeders Asso. ARBA)

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

I don't think that is too many as long as you feel you won't be overwhelmed. Rabbits are pretty easy care wise. The biggest pain is cleaning cages.

I have a french lop doe who is the friendliest thing. I definitely recommend them as pets, but for eating they might be a bit too slow growing. However, mixed with something quick growing they might do just fine for eating.

 

[Bunnylady]

Quote:
In the strictest sense, all rabbit breeds can meet those criteria (although some particular individuals aren't good choices for one or the other). I really do know people that eat their Netherland Dwarf culls. I know retired Flemish show rabbits that get to loll around the house all day. I also know a few rabbits that are "pets," of so-called pet breeds, that will attack you if you dare to put your hands in their cages (not much of a pet, IMO!) Unfortunately, most people think "small" when they think of a pet rabbit, and tend to look on the bigger breeds only as meat producers. If you are serious about selling for pets, whether big or small, it would be better to breed purebreds. A lot of people are finding it difficult to sell a mixed breed rabbit for any other purpose than meat. You can eat any breed of rabbit, the biggest difference is the dress-out ratio. The breeds that were created for meat production have the highest meat-to-waste ratios, but most rabbit breeds are supposed to have well filled-out frames. It might take a bit longer to get one of the "fancy" breeds up to slaughter weight, but they taste the same!

 

[PineBurrowPeeps]

Yeah, what she said!

I don't feel that 6 is too many to start out with, but this is coming from someone who "started" with 15 right off the bat!!

Don't forget Californians! They are a great meat producing animal and MANY people love the color and markings (think Siamese cat) for a pet!

 

[bacres]

Quote:
Sorry forgot to say Cals!