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What you need to know to raise rabbits
(Subjects in blog may be sensitive to some readers)
First off, what are you raising rabbits for? Why do you want them? Are they going to be strictly pets, used for show at a fair, for breeding, or for meat and fur?
Whatever the reason, all rabbit breeds need the same time, care, and attention. Rabbits live for ten years or more, so do not make good pets for those that do not want a long commitment.
Rabbits range in size, color and temperament. The smallest breeds are the dwarf and mini breeds, weighing only 2-8 pounds. The smallest domesticated rabbit breed is the Netherlands Dwarf. The largest breed is the Flemish Giant, weighing 16-20 pounds. Depending on the reason you want to raise rabbits, will help you determine what breed is right for you and your family.
Rabbits are one of the lowest maintenance animals you can keep for a pet or on the farm. Their feed is much cheaper than other animal feed and their hutches or pens are easy to clean, not to mention, their poo is very beneficial for the garden.
Aside from water, feed and a hutch or enclosed pen (remember, they are a prey animal so if you are keeping them in a pen or hutch outside, make sure it is secure. They are also fantastic diggers and if you do not have a wire or solid bottom to the hutch or pen, they will dig out in no time), rabbits need plenty of space to hop about, need a box or “safety” area in their pen and cannot stay on just a wire cage. If they are kept in a wire cage, they need a box and a solid area to hop and sit on, so their feet do not get sores.
Their teeth also never stop growing so providing them with Timothy Hay and some safe wood or salt block to chew on, will help them to keep their teeth filed down. If their teeth get too long, the vet will need to trim them periodically, almost like a dog’s claws.
Rabbits also love to get treats, giving them the left-over ends from the veggies you cut up or peeled for dinner is a perfect option. Remember to double check though that the veggie or fruit is ok for them. Potatoes, iceberg lettuce, avocado and rhubarb are some they CANNOT eat.
Rabbits are quiet animals, and many breeds are very friendly and will show you affection and show that they are happy. If you are sitting in an area they can run in, they will circle you, going faster and faster, this is them showing you they are happy to be near you and have your attention. They will also do what is called a binky. This is when they run and do a hop with an adorable little twist. You will know it when you see it.
Rabbits make amazing pets. They are sweet and gentle and a joy to have around. You can have them in residential areas and are a great livestock animal to show at fairs for 4-H.
If you have any questions regarding the care and raising of rabbits, please feel free to send me a message and I will be happy help.
(*the following topics may be sensitive to some readers)
If you are considering raising rabbits for meat and fur production, then you will need to consider which breed of rabbit or rabbits you want to keep as some are better for meat production than others.
The two most common breeds for meat production, are the Californian and the New Zealand’s. Both are great, though I will say that the New Zealand’s are a bit tough as far as meat goes and are not as friendly as other rabbits. The Californians are friendlier and great for meat but are not as valued for their pelts.
Some other breeds to consider are Flemish giants, which have been valued for many years for pelts and meat, though their meat to bone ratio is not as good as others. Other breeds are; the Rex, American Chinchilla, Cinnamon, Argente, Silver Fox and more. These are all wonderful breeds, friendly, make great mothers and have a great meat to bone ratio, with beautiful pelts. These breeds also make great pets and show rabbits.
We have two pet rabbits, a Jersey Woolly and a Holland Lop and we currently have 5 meat and breeding rabbits, they are Silver Foxes. They are a very gentle and wonderful breed. They are fantastic mothers, have beautiful pelts and a great meat to bone ratio. Cons, they are one of the harder breeds to find.
Tips and things to know about breeding rabbits:
Always put the doe in the buck's cage (this will prevent the doe from getting aggressive and territorial towards the buck). Try to avoid breeding during very hot months, this can put a lot of strain on both the mother and the kits.
Make sure the mother has a nest box, with plenty of Timothy hay or shavings. When the mother begins pulling fur, she will give birth usually within 24 hours but sometimes they can pull their fur several days in advance.
If the doe is a first-time mother, she may not have her kits in the nest. Unfortunately, they probably will not make it unless you happen to catch it happening. Rabbits can be scared easily and while kindling (birthing) mothers can be touchy. Be careful not to touch the kits too much, especially if she is a first-time mom. A rather sensitive part of all of this is that the doe may eat her kits if they are stillborn, if she is upset, or if she is a first-time mother and is confused. Unfortunately, sometimes this happens but try not to stress it. It will not happen with every doe or even every time.
Kits are not fed and tended too as often as other baby animals, so do not worry if you see the mother lounging around in a different part of the pen.
Kits are typically born in the night or early mornings, so chances are, you will wake up to a litter of kits, snuggled in their nest. Does are pregnant for 30-33 days. Wait to breed the rabbits until they are 5-8 months old, this is when they reach maturity and depends on the breed of rabbit. Smaller breeds mature faster. After 3-4 years old, it is best to retire the doe from breeding.
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