Backyard rabbits

Overview of Raising Backyard Rabbits for Meat

Raising rabbits for meat in a backyard setting offers a sustainable source of lean, high-quality protein. Rabbits are known for their rapid reproduction rates and efficient growth, allowing for a relatively quick turnaround from birth to harvest, typically within 8-12 weeks.

Investment

Initial setup costs involve purchasing breeding stock (typically 1 buck and 2-3 does), acquiring or building suitable housing (cages, hutches, or colony setups), and buying essential equipment like feeders and waterers. Ongoing expenses primarily consist of feed, bedding (if used, like straw or shavings), and potential costs for health supplies or occasional veterinary needs. Costs can range significantly depending on whether you opt for DIY solutions using recycled materials or purchase new, commercial-grade equipment.

General Requirements

Successful rabbit raising requires providing secure housing that protects them from predators (dogs, raccoons, hawks, etc.) and harsh weather conditions (extreme heat, cold drafts, rain). Constant access to fresh, clean water and a balanced diet, primarily commercial rabbit pellets and hay, is crucial. Regular cleaning of cages and living areas is necessary to prevent disease and control odor. Basic knowledge of rabbit husbandry, including breeding, kindling (birthing), and health monitoring, is essential.

How to Raise Backyard Rabbits

1. Start with suitable breeds: Choose breeds known for good meat production, such as New Zealand Whites, Californians, Silver Fox, or American Chinchillas.
2. Provide proper housing: Use wire cages (allow droppings to fall through), solid-bottom cages (require more cleaning), or a colony setup in a secure shed or enclosure.
3. Manage breeding: Pair the buck and doe (always bring the doe to the buck's cage). Gestation is about 31 days. Provide a nest box a few days before the due date.
4. Care for kits: Ensure kits are nursing and warm. Does typically care for their young with minimal intervention needed.
5. Grow out: Kits are usually weaned around 5-8 weeks and raised to market weight (around 5 lbs live weight) by 8-12 weeks.
6. Process: Humanely dispatch and process rabbits on-site or sell them live.

How to Feed and Care for Backyard Rabbits

• Feed: The primary diet should consist of high-quality commercial rabbit pellets (16-18% protein). Supplement daily with unlimited grass hay (like Timothy hay) for essential fiber, which aids digestion and prevents boredom. Fresh, clean water must be available at all times, checked twice daily in hot or cold weather.
• Treats: Offer limited amounts of rabbit-safe greens, vegetables, or fruits as treats. Avoid sudden dietary changes.
• Care: Handle rabbits gently. Perform daily checks for signs of illness (diarrhea, lethargy, respiratory issues, loss of appetite). Clean cages regularly – spot clean daily and perform a thorough cleaning weekly or bi-weekly depending on the setup.

Benefits of Backyard Rabbits vs. Chickens

• Quiet: Rabbits are significantly quieter than chickens.
• Manure: Rabbit manure is considered 'cold' manure and can often be added directly to garden beds without composting.
• Feed Conversion: Rabbits can be very efficient at converting feed into body mass.
• Space: Often require less space per animal compared to chickens, especially when using vertical cage systems.
• Lean Meat: Rabbit meat is very lean, high in protein, and low in fat and cholesterol.
• Contrast: Chickens provide eggs, can forage for pests, and their manure is 'hotter' (needs composting).

Special Requirements for Backyard Rabbits

• Heat Sensitivity: Rabbits do not tolerate heat well (above 29°C / 85°F). Provide ample shade, good ventilation, frozen water bottles, or even misters during hot weather.
• Predator Protection: Housing must be absolutely secure against digging, climbing, or chewing predators.
• Ventilation: Good airflow is vital to prevent respiratory diseases and dissipate ammonia from urine, but avoid direct drafts, especially in cold weather.
• Chewing: Rabbits will chew, so housing materials should be durable (wire, hardwood).

Climate Requirements

• Ideal Range: 10°C - 25°C (50°F - 77°F).
• Heat Management: Crucial above 27°C (80°F). Ensure shade and airflow.
• Cold Management: Rabbits tolerate cold better than heat if kept dry and draft-free. Provide bedding or enclosed nest areas in freezing temperatures.

Space Requirements

• Cages: For medium breeds (like New Zealand Whites), aim for at least 0.75 sq meters (approx. 30"x36") per breeding doe/buck. Grow-out pens can house multiple rabbits, providing roughly 0.15-0.2 sq meters (1.5-2 sq ft) per rabbit.
• Colonies: Require more total floor space but can house rabbits at a higher density if managed well. Aim for at least 1 sq meter (around 10 sq ft) per adult rabbit, plus vertical space.
• Height: Cages should be tall enough for rabbits to sit up on their hind legs, typically 45 cm (18 inches).

Indoor Keeping

While possible for pets, raising meat rabbits indoors is generally impractical due to space requirements, odor control challenges (ammonia buildup), and ventilation needs for a larger number of animals.

Fencing

Yes, rabbits can be kept in fenced areas like colonies or 'rabbit tractors' (movable pens). The fence must be secure: buried at the bottom to prevent digging out, tall enough to prevent jumping over, and sturdy enough to keep predators out. Ground-based systems require careful management to rotate areas and prevent parasite/disease buildup.