Question on raising rabbits

[Wolf]

A friend of mine is wanting me to raise some rabbits for them to eat. What would be the best food for a rabbits. Plus he is wanting me to also raise them for selling. He told me if I did that he would split the money with me. So I need some advice on what kind of food would be good for raising eating rabbits. I got to get some hutches built soon so we can get started an he also will buy the food but wants me to see what is the best to get.

Thanks for any advice on this...  

[Anonymous]

Unlike with goats, rabbits are not as complicated to feed.  90% of the rabbit pellets are all the same, just made by different companies.

I have only found, in all my years of rabbit raising, one feed that was exceptional and it had brewers yeast in it (found it at Rural King), and it was the same price as the regular feed.  

Rabbit pellets are mostly ground alfalfa and fillers, and are considered a complete feed.  But it is best if you give the rabbit(s) a handfull of hay daily, and occasionally give them a handfull of freshly pulled (not cut) grass.  You do not want to give them grass cut by a mower because mowers give off fumes and exhaust that stick on the cut grass and can make a rabbit very ill.  You must also give the constant fresh water.

Rabbits are social animals to a point, but they are happier if they are in thir own den or hutch.  In other words, do not place groups of rabbits in the same pen/den/hutch.

[Wolf]

Thanks for the help. What you told me I will surely keep in mind. Now time to go and work outside.


Good Day!

[Wolf]

On raising rabbits to eat. Is there a certain type of rabbit makes good eating. Me an a few buddies is fixing to maybe go to a market this weekend to purchase some rabbits to start breeding and raising for meat to eat. We will also be selling some rabbits to local pet shops. Done got asked from a few if going to start soon. So if anyone know if there is a certain type of rabbit that makes good eating please let me know before tomorrow.

Thanks for everyone help and advice.

[goatladie]

I can't speak out of personal experience just out of my own research and the knowledge of other rabbiteries I have spoken too recently.  My hubby and I are starting rabbits in a few weeks and we are getting New Zealand Whites.  They are considered one of the best, if not the best for meat production b/c of how fast they grow and the amount of meat on them.  Many suggest butchering them at weaning age to be most "cost efficient."  One breeder also suggested California doe/buck with a New Zealand buck/doe has provided nice results for her.  New Zealand Whites are the most popular for furs too, BUT check your area for this, in many areas there isn't a strong enough market for these.  Look for blocky, well built bucks and long  bodied does.  Good luck with your rabbits, oh, and be careful about switching pelleted feeds with them, if you do it too quickly, you can kill them... Can't wait to get mine!!!    

[Sondra]

Yes New Zealand white  and the commercial  is better for what you are wanting than the show .   As they are two difference  rabbits believe me.
I know by now you have probably gotten them  but thought I would add my two cents.  As for feed  any rabbit pellet is fine and now I mix my own goat food and that is what my rabbits also get.