Raising Rabbits-Part One

Two charming rabbits nestled side by side, showcasing their soft, fluffy gray fur and alert ears.

If you take pride in growing your own organic garden foods and raising chemical-free meats, consider rabbits. Domestic rabbits are an easy-to-raise, reliable meat source, ready for the table in about 90 days. One doe can produce four or more litters of 7-8 kits each year, but it's best to limit her to a couple of litters to keep her healthy and manage the workload.

A two-month-old rabbit, or "fryer," weighs around two pounds, while a mature rabbit can weigh 3-7 pounds, depending on the breed. Mature rabbits are ideal for canning, pot pies, and stews, while fryers can substitute chicken in most recipes.

Rabbits are perfect for hobby farmers and backyard enthusiasts with limited space, as they require minimal room and thrive in close confinements. They're budget-friendly and highly productive. Plus, their soft fur can be sold, and their manure enriches gardens.

Housing Your Rabbits

Your biggest initial expense is building housing units or cages. A well-made unit should last for years. Choose a location that provides protection from heat, wind, rain, and snow. Adding your hutch to the side of an existing building works well.

The Old World "hutch-style" housing is comfortable for rabbits and accessible for breeders. Cage sizes vary: 2-3 feet long for smaller breeds, 4-5 feet for medium breeds, and 6-8 feet for giant breeds. Smaller units are recommended for beginners due to lower costs.

Ensure the front and one or two sides of the hutch are covered with heavy wire for light and air. The floor should also be wire to allow droppings to fall through. Use quality wire, not chicken wire, to avoid hurting the rabbits' feet. Clean straw on the floor protects their feet.

A two-tiered unit can have built-in trays to catch droppings, simplifying cleanup. Avoid three-floor complexes due to sanitation and ventilation challenges. Ensure no sharp wire ends are exposed to prevent injuries.

Build the hutch on legs to keep it off the ground and protect rabbits from dampness. A solid roof is essential for protection. In colder zones, use wood for the roof; in warmer climates, canvas or plastic tarps are optional.

Rabbits need daily sunlight, so provide vitamin D supplements if housed indoors. Supply nest boxes with absorbent material for kindling. Add feed containers, water crocks, or no-drip water bottles for fresh water.

Feeding and Maintenance

Providing proper nutrition and regular maintenance ensures your rabbits' health and productivity. With the right care, raising rabbits can be a rewarding and sustainable addition to your homestead.

Breeding

When starting with rabbits, there's no need to stress over the breed, especially if you're raising them for family consumption rather than commercial purposes or show. I recommend finding a local rabbit breeder who has a successful operation and buying your foundation stock from them. This also gives you access to valuable advice.

For beginners, start small. One buck and two or three does are sufficient. Avoid breeding more than three does to a buck within a week to protect the buck’s fertility. As you gain experience, you can gradually expand your stock. Ensure does reach adult size and weight before breeding—around five months for smaller breeds and nine months for larger breeds.

House your doe near the buck. When she goes into heat (indicated by thumping feet and grunting), she’s ready to breed and can be placed with the buck. Move her to her own quarters with a prepared nest box as she nears full term pregnancy.

Raising Healthy Rabbits

The key to raising healthy rabbits is providing clean living quarters. Good housekeeping prevents disease and discourages vermin. Keep the area around hutches tidy.

After cleaning the hutches, use a fresh absorbent layer of wood shavings, sawdust, or peat moss to absorb urine and maintain a comfortable, dry environment. Change the straw in sleeping quarters regularly.

Common rabbit ailments include:

• Constipation: Caused by a lack of greenery or excessive dry feed. Ensure a balanced diet.

• Fleas and Lice: Can cause anemia and death if heavily infested. Use vet-recommended dusting powders.

• Heat Stroke: Prevent by keeping rabbits out of direct sun. Treat by placing the affected rabbit in the shade with cool water and greenery.

For any uncertainties regarding your rabbits' health, consult a veterinarian.