Rabbit Farming for meat

[carlsden]

Hi guys,

I live in the city and I'm completely new to farming/raising live stock, but i wanted to knw if anyone could point me out to any helpful advice in farming rabbits for meat. I have a backyard at the back of our house and wanted to use that area to farm/raise the rabbits, mainly to provide for the family. I was able to find a lot of information about rabbit farming in the U.S. but not much in the UK. Any help on how to best start the process and if there is any legal side to it?

Thanks in advance!

 

[pgk]

Hi guys,

I live in the city and I'm completely new to farming/raising live stock, but i wanted to knw if anyone could point me out to any helpful advice in farming rabbits for meat. I have a backyard at the back of our house and wanted to use that area to farm/raise the rabbits, mainly to provide for the family. I was able to find a lot of information about rabbit farming in the U.S. but not much in the UK. Any help on how to best start the process and if there is any legal side to it?

Thanks in advance!

Californian or New Zealand Whites or their cross are a good start.

 

[Gedd]

Used to keep 20 or 30 New Zealand whites as a teenager had some old out buildings made myself a bit of cash out of it the butcher used to come and collect them alive

 

[Old Tip]

Friend of mines daughter started but she’s making twice the money selling them as pets

 

[topground]

Brings back memories from 45 years ago. 20 does NZ White and selling live to a processor in Callington Cornwall. minimum weight 6lbs. Home made cages and automatic watering system . What killed it was the cost of feed, dried grass pellets in bags didn’t leave any worthwhile margin and a limited local market. If you sell direct dressed, basic food hygiene rules apply as far as I know.
Killed by neck dislocation.
Never put the buck in with the doe she will kill him. Use his cage for mating.

 

[carlsden]

Californian or New Zealand Whites or their cross are a good start.

Are these available everywhere? like, where do i look to get them? Local farmers? breeders? thx for the reply

 

[carlsden]

Used to keep 20 or 30 New Zealand whites as a teenager had some old out buildings made myself a bit of cash out of it the butcher used to come and collect them alive

Was there a particular setup you used mate?

 

[carlsden]

Friend of mines daughter started but she’s making twice the money selling them as pets

haha thats cool! i just want to start off for the family and see where that goes. I wouldn't mind selling a few as pets but mainly looking as food source at the moment

 

[carlsden]

Brings back memories from 45 years ago. 20 does NZ White and selling live to a processor in Callington Cornwall. minimum weight 6lbs. Home made cages and automatic watering system . What killed it was the cost of feed, dried grass pellets in bags didn’t leave any worthwhile margin and a limited local market. If you sell direct dressed, basic food hygiene rules apply as far as I know.
Killed by neck dislocation.
Never put the buck in with the doe she will kill him. Use his cage for mating.

Is it that expensive to feed them?

 

[topground]

QUOTE="carlsden, post: 7253435, member: 153728"]
Is it that expensive to feed them?
[/QUOTE]
It was then, haven’t fed rabbits since.[

 

[Agrivator]

In the wild, rabbits recycle their own droppings - at least once if not twice.

Is it an efficient process ? , and if so, should provision be made for this in caged conditions.

 

[Agrivator]

PS. Does anyone know how to gut a rabbit, without touching the guts.

 

[BELOWAVERAGE]

Are these available everywhere? like, where do i look to get them? Local farmers? breeders? thx for the reply

Beveren's and Viena Blue's will be just as good, son's had both here and equally as big as New Zealand's and California's but probably not as common.

 

[BELOWAVERAGE]

PS. Does anyone know how to gut a rabbit, without touching the guts.

Thought that was the only way (have never touched the guts yet)

 

[Man_in_black]

PS. Does anyone know how to gut a rabbit, without touching the guts.

Fire them back out of his arséhole!

 

[Moors Lad]

PS. Does anyone know how to gut a rabbit, without touching the guts.

Not sure if you`re about to enlighten us all, or this is a serious question.... you could always ask the good lady to do it...

 

[Moors Lad]

Hi guys,

I live in the city and I'm completely new to farming/raising live stock, but i wanted to knw if anyone could point me out to any helpful advice in farming rabbits for meat. I have a backyard at the back of our house and wanted to use that area to farm/raise the rabbits, mainly to provide for the family. I was able to find a lot of information about rabbit farming in the U.S. but not much in the UK. Any help on how to best start the process and if there is any legal side to it?

Thanks in advance!

Not only are you going to have to buy all your feed (and bedding) in but you also need somewhere to dispose of the "manure" too - not a problem if you`ve a decent sized garden though. I`d suggest starting small with just a single doe and buck - you`ll get a feel for the job without tying up too much money initially. You`ll also find out if the family are happy to eat those cute little furry friends too! Personally I think I`d soon tire of rabbit if it was on the menu too often - guess it depends how big the "family" is.

 

[Lili]

As well as manure you'll also have to dispose of the pelts, guts, heads and feet.
Hens producing eggs might be an easier venture than rabbits.

 

[carlsden]

I`d suggest starting small with just a single doe and buck

Thats the plan mate. Hoping to have a few chicken and a couple of rabbits to start with. I wonder if there is a way to sell rabbit manure. Seen them doing this in the US. Not sure if anyone does that here.

 

[pgk]

Thats the plan mate. Hoping to have a few chicken and a couple of rabbits to start with. I wonder if there is a way to sell rabbit manure. Seen them doing this in the US. Not sure if anyone does that here.

If you can use it do, used it for years after composting, an excellent manure.