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We are suppose to be getting our new meat rabbits. I got a great deal on some New Zealand Whites. A deal that I couldn't turn down. So, I guess we will be getting into the meat rabbit business. I grew up on a rabbit farm. We had 150 breeding rabbits at one time. They were all happy and in their own cages. Let's just say it took up the whole barn. lol. Some people have asked me how I can eat those cute little fuzzy bunnies. I tell them that it's very easy. Just open your mouth and enjoy the flavor. Tame rabbit meat is one of the best meat out there! It's tender(if you butcher them at the right time.), it's high in protein, and it taste REALLY good!!!!! It's one of the most healthy meats too.
Another thing that meat rabbits have going for them is that they are easy to raise. They don't need much room, they don't eat much feed, and they breed....Well, like rabbits. :) A quick turn over is one of the main things they have going for them. It takes them one month to have the babies, one month to wean them, then one and a half months to grow, and then they are food. So in total, from breeding to table, you have all of 3 1/2 months. Not bad! Plus, they have more than one baby at a time. A good rabbit has around 8 to 10 babies. Some have less, some have more. It all depends on the rabbit. Just imagine having all that meat just waiting for you. MMMMMMMMM!!!!
All of this talk about rabbit meat is making me hungry. I'll give you some more info on rabbits. If you have any questions please leave me a comment and I'll try and answer it for you.
So until next time,
Small Farm Girl, rabbit farmer.
9 comments:
I'm sure knowing where and how your meat comes to the table is much better for your health. I often thought of setting out on venture of raising them myself but have no idea how to market the meat. Blessings! Lara
I have tried meat rabbits here but they do not sell very good. The show rabbits sell the best but I don't like raising them. I want to get back into the meat ones and build on that somehow. They are just a lot easier to raise. This time I want to raise them in a community like setting, almost like a rabbit tractor I can move around. Of course separating the bucks and pregnant ones.
Thanks for the post.
Good luck with that. I wish I raised meat rabbits every time I am plucking a chicken.
Lara, people have come up to me and asked me if I have rabbits. I guess it's becoming more popular. :)
MDR, I'm hoping the new interest will work to my advantage. I thought of a chicken tractor, but we have problems with predators. Rats, snakes, hawks.
Michaele, I quit plucking chickens when I found out how easy it is to skin them. :)
One of my friends is going to start raising meat rabbits too. I had a boyfriend YEARS ago whose family raised meat rabbits and I really liked the taste. Good luck on your newest venture! :)
I'm waiting on the 60 degree temps that are coming ... Been so cold I just can't take much more of this crazy weather! Stay warm and fuzzy!
Teri
So when is the right time to butcher then for tender meat??
Lisa, the best time to butcher a rabbit is when it's 2 1/2 to 3 months old. It takes 1 month after breeding to have babies, 1 month after birth to wean, 1 1/2 to 2 months after weaning to be butchering size. Then YUMMMMMMOOOOOO. Good eating!!!! So from birth to butchering size it's the total of 2 1/2 to 3 months. Hope that answers your questions. After that, you can put it in a crock pot.
We just got New Zealand Reds. The ones we just bought aren't for eating but their kits will be :( Don't know how I'm gonna do. But hubby said I AM going to do it :) we'll see. Not even sure how I found your blog (through a few other blogs) but I'm glad I did. This will help me, a bunch:) Thanks!!
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