Are meat rabbits worth it?
Are meat rabbits worth it?
They're not worth the effort. If you're serious about keeping rabbits for meat, you need a breed built for the job. Meat rabbits are longer, fatter, and fluffier than your typical wild bunny. These are generally regarded as the best rabbits for eating – though some make good house pets as well.
What age do you butcher rabbits?
Although companion rabbits are capable of living 10 to 15 years, the vast majority of “meat” rabbits are killed at three months of age. Referred to as “fryers,” these baby rabbits weigh only 1.5 – 3.5 pounds. A small percentage are slaughtered at 8 months old or 4 pounds; they are known in the industry as “roasters.”
How much can I sell rabbit meat for?
If you're able to process your rabbit meat on-site, you can expect to get $5 to $7 per pound, depending on quality. However, as a small operation, you'll likely struggle to find butchers or independent meat markets willing to purchase small batches.
Is there a market for rabbit fur?
You can sell rabbits at every age and size for this market. Rabbit pelts can also be sold for a small profit or used to make clothes, toys and other trinkets to be sold as a finished product or just selling the tanned hide (see our post TANNING RABBIT PELTS for more information).
What are the most expensive rabbits?
Which breed is the most expensive, etc. The most expensive rabbit I've ever seen was a Holland Lop Buck for $125 at a rabbit show.
How can I make my rabbit grow faster?
Chickens, rabbits, and mice are some of the largest propagators if you plan to raise animals for money. But, there are other rarer animals that are just as prolific such as shrimp, alpacas, iguanas, worms, and birds. These animals are less common, but can be highly profitable if you want to earn money from your “pets.”
How much do you feed meat rabbits?
Adult rabbits will eat about four ounces a day, and does with young need about eight ounces. For a meat breed, about 1/2 to 1 cup a day (depending on each individual rabbit). For pregnant or nursing does, and any growing kits you should feed them as free feed another contriversial subject.
How long does it take to raise a rabbit for meat?
Rabbits have a 30 day gestation cycle, and become mature at seven months. You can breed the same doe once every 90 days. After about seven weeks the rabbits are grown enough to butcher, and are called fryers.
How many rabbits should I start with?
A good number to start with is two full- grown female rabbits and one full- grown male rabbit. 52. With two females, you will get as many as 40 to 50 baby rabbits each year.
How much does rabbit cost per pound?
Meat rabbit prices fluctuate, of course, but are more standard across the country than show or pet prices. A processor that buys live animals will usually pay $1.00 to $1.50 per pound. Dressed and processed rabbit meat currently goes for $6 to $7 per pound.
How many pounds of manure does a rabbit produce?
An average meat rabbit falls in between the mini rabbits and giant rabbits, weighing about 11 pounds and will produce between half a pound and a pound of manure a day. A mini rabbit will produce about a quarter a pound of manure a day and a giant up to 3 pounds.
How do I start my own Rabbitry business?
California has officially become the first state in the country to ban the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits from breeding mills. Jerry Brown—will prohibit stores in the Golden State from selling these animals unless they were acquired from a public animal control agency, shelter, or rescue group.
What breed is Bunny?
If you live on a rural road, try advertising at your local pet or feed store. Keep in mind that rabbits are always easier to sell if they have a cage, water and food dishes, and a bucket of the brand of feed you feed them For sale with the rabbit.