Post by mdtreehugger on Oct 16, 2017 8:00:49 GMT -5
Sorry I don't have much to add to this. I have thought about meat rabbits myself a few times, but haven't really done much research. As far as breed goes, my experience with both hogs and chickens is I prefer cross bred animals for meat production. I feel they are often healthier and grow faster than purebred animals. Just like the mutt you get at the pound tends to have less issues than a purebred dog. If you do decide to give meat rabbits a try, please share what you learn with us, I know there are a few of us who have considered raising them.
Looking to start raising meat rabbits. Thinking about silver fox as a breed. Anyone have meat rabbits? Do you prefer colony vs hutches?
My family used to raise rabbits for meat up in NW Wisconsin. We ran New Zealand Whites because of the meat quality and rapid growth. We raised them in hutches 2wx4lx2h cages (1"x1" sides and top, bottom was 1/2"x 1") hung off the ceiling by jack chain. Our first cages were recycled mink cages. Cages kept clean and the berry piles were easy to shovel out. Used to get commercial rabbit pellets - local feedmill would order a ton at a time for us, at a good, fair price for good, balanced nutrition. It was cheaper than trying to blend feed and feed hay. Set up nipple waterers with tubing to a central tank - less work, less mess. When it was below zero, we switched to dishes and watered three times a day. Shed was a roof and sides down about four foot. Kept the bottom open for ventilation but screened with sheep wire after we had issues with neighbors dog. Rabbits stayed healthy. Good luck, carolinawoodsman88. And keep us posted.
