Raising Rabbits for Meat

The Dangers of Hot Summer Days

Tiffany — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:42:21 +0000

When temperatures rise above 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit, your rabbits are at risk. Without protection from the sun and heat, rabbits are likely to experience problems and can suffer from heat stroke or heat shock which is often deadly. Rabbits should always have shaded areas to retreat to, and direct sunlight can be quite deadly to them; especially if they cannot escape it. Ventilation and air circulation are also crucial so if your indoor colony is not getting decent airflow, think about installing a fan. But do not let it blow directly on the rabbits so they don’t end up with snuffles.

Also keep in mind that when spring approaches and there are constant changes in the weather, your rabbits are likely to start shedding before the last major frost is gone. So make sure that you keep an eye on your rabbits during these fluctuations, and remove extra bedding over the day if necessary to prevent them from burrowing into something too warm.

Rabbits do not sweat like humans. In fact, if you ever see your rabbit panting or appearing to sweat in hot weather, it is in serious trouble and must be cooled down. Rabbits regulate their body temperature through the ears, via the tiny veins that run close to the surface of the ear. That is why there is generally not much fur on the ears, so heat can escape through the blood as it passes through the thin ears. Rabbits with smaller ears are at higher risk of overheating in temperatures over 80°F.

It is also normal for reproduction to considerably slow down during warm months, especially if it remains over 85° for 4 days or more. The bucks begin to have fertility issues at that point.

Water is also important during hot weather to keep your rabbit hydrated. Rabbits will naturally consume more water as well as food during warm periods so that they can regulate body temperature. Place ice cubes in water bowls or bottles…or place frozen water bottles into the colony for the rabbits to lay on or next to. Just make sure they don’t start eating the bottles or lids.

Make sure that food remains dry and clean. During high humidity days, the feed may become damp and in turn may start to mold or mildew. This can be toxic to your rabbits, causing illness or even death. You can also feed your rabbits a few frozen vegetables so that they are remaining well fed while also helping themselves stay cool.

It is also important to keep the stress level of your rabbits as low as possible at this point. Don’t handle them unless it is necessary and keep other animals away from the colony as well.

How healthy is rabbit meat?

Tiffany — Tue, 24 May 2011 06:14:08 +0000

We are all concerned about our health (or at least we should be!) and one great thing about raising your own rabbit meat is not only that you’ll know exactly what has gone into your rabbit, but you’ll also be eating a leaner protein-rich diet. Pound-for-pound, rabbit meat has FAR MORE protein and LESS fat than other meats. This means you’ll not only be spending less for food, but you’ll have the extra health benefit too!

Take a look at this chart on the nutritional values of rabbit meat and other popular meats:

Calories, Protein & Fat Values for Meat per 100 grams (3.5 oz)
	Calories	Protein	Fat (g)
RABBIT	187	27	8
Beef (lean)	275	25	20
Pork chops (grilled)	340	28	24
Pork leg (roast)	290	27	20
Lamb breast (roast)	398	22	30
Lamb chops (grilled)	368	21	28
Lamb cutlets (grilled)	375	23	31
Venison	200	34	6.5
Chicken	140	26	12
Turkey (roast)	165	28	6
Duck (roast)	330	20	30
Goose (roast)	350	30	25
Pheasant (roast)	250	30	9

Rabbit meat is so healthy and lean that some doctors actually prescribe a rabbit meat diet to people who are overweight and obese. Because the fat and calorie levels are so low, but protein so high, one can radically change their life by eating a rabbit meat diet and exercising.

Does that mean that it would be healthy to eat only rabbit meat all the time with no additional other foods? Actually no. Because rabbit meat is so lean, your body can actually suffer if you eat nothing but rabbit meat all the time because it does not contain enough fat. So the good news is, you’re encouraged to eat other foods that you might not otherwise get to eat because of their fat content — thanks to rabbit meat!

Florida White Rabbits: Good things in small packages

Tiffany — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 12:53:52 +0000

Florida White rabbits are a small-sized rabbit breed (adults weigh 4-6 pounds or 1.8-2.7 kilos, with the does being heavier) that was developed in Florida in the 1960’s as a meat rabbit which would also be functional for laboratory use. Its lines originated from small New Zealand, Polish White and Dutch White rabbits.

The fur is white with good density and texture, and they have a compact, meaty body, short neck, and small head. The ideal Florida White is a short bodied, well rounded with plenty of muscle for size in the hindquarters, back and shoulders. The ideal senior weight for the breed is 5 pounds, with an acceptable range from 4-6 pounds. Separating them early is crucial since they often mature quickly.

Florida Whites are generally docile, good natured rabbits that make excellent mothers. Because of its smaller size, Florida Whites are ideal for those who don’t have a lot of space to devote to their rabbitry or who may be raising them indoors.

To get in touch with Florida White breeders or learn more about the breed, visit www.fwrba.net

Supercharge Your Herd with Altex Rabbits

Tiffany — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 11:37:28 +0000

Altex rabbits are a large-sized rabbit breed (adults weigh 10-20 pounds or 4.5-9 kilos, with the does being heavier) that was first developed as a sire rabbit in 1986 at Alabama A&M University and later at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. It was bred from Flemish Giant, Champagne d’ Argent, and Californian rabbits. The Altex was genetically selected for heavy 70 day market weights for over 20 generations. Color markings are that of a Californian but Altex generally weigh more.

The Altex is not meant to be the sole rabbit breed in a meat rabbit producer’s rabbitry. The Altex lack many of the best qualities of Californian and New Zealand White rabbits. For example, they are harder to mate and they often have smaller litters (6-7 kits versus the 8-12 of Californians).

The Altex’s main strength shows when they are crossbred, producing rabbits that have faster weight gain. This creates a more efficient performance and ultimate greater profits from the herd. Altex/New Zealand White crossbred fryers typically reach market weight a week earlier than purebred New Zealand White fryers. Another recommended cross is the mating from an Altex buck to a Californian/New Zealand White crossbred doe.

Breeders for Altex rabbits can be hard to find, but if you are lucky enough within driving distance of one, it could dramatically boost your production levels.

Food Friday: Chicken and Rabbit Casserole

Tiffany — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 07:43:34 +0000

Because this recipe makes use of both chicken and rabbit meat, it’s great for introducing people to eating rabbit meat. In most cases, people won’t know what it is anyway, but with this dish, they’re really not going to notice much difference between the two meats. This casserole can be eaten straight away, but is even tastier if left overnight and reheated thoroughly the following day.

Chicken and Rabbit Casserole

1 good sized rabbit
2 meaty chicken quarters
1 medium leek, chopped
2 large carrots, chopped
2 pounds potatoes, chopped
8 cups water
2 chicken bouillon cubes
2 tablespoons gravy granules

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Boil chicken and rabbit together until cooked through. (NOTE: Rabbit takes longer to cook than chicken.) Remove cooked meat from water and set aside to drain and cool. Save water used for boiling meat. Strip meat off the bones, discarding bones and skin.
Combine leeks, carrots and potatoes in a bowl.
In a deep casserole dish, cover the bottom with about half the vegetables, then add meat and a final layer with the rest of the vegetables.
Measure water left from boiling the meat and add enough water to make 8 cups of liquid. Pour into casserole dish. Cover tightly and cook for a minimum of 1 hour.
Remove from oven and make sure potatoes are cooked through. When done, crumble in bouillon cubes and add gravy granules. Stir well and return to oven for 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and stir again. Thicken with cornstarch and water if a thicker sauce is preferred.

What to do about sore hocks

Tiffany — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 09:20:01 +0000

Sore Hocks (Ulcerative Pododermatitis) is a problem that many rabbit breeders experience. Rabbits may develop sore hocks from being on wire cages, from too much pressure on their feet or may just be genetically prone to develop the illness. Some breeds of rabbits, like the Rex, have very thin fur which makes them more prone to having sore hocks.

A rabbit with sore hocks will have no fur on the back legs, or “hocks.” The feet may be red or scabbed and may even have become raw and infected. In severe cases, the front paws may also become affected. Should sore hocks be diagnosed, immediate treatment is necessary. If left untreated, your rabbit may stop eating or refuse to breed because of the pain and irritation. The rabbit could have to be culled if the infection gets too bad.

In order to treat sore hocks, you first need to locate what caused the problem and clean it up. Remove soiled bedding and feces quickly and prevent the bottom of the housing from collecting water. These areas should be scrubbed clean and sanitized with 1 part bleach and 2 parts water. When the floor is dry, the rabbit can move back in.

You also need to spend some time on your rabbit’s feet. Clean them with warm water and mild soap, trim his nails afterward. Cut fur away from red or raw areas and apply an antibiotic ointment. Iodine can also be used but should be followed with hemorrhoid ointment.
Caution: The antibiotic amoxicillin is extremely toxic to rabbits.

To prevent sore hocks, keep your rabbit’s housing clean and replace bedding every other day. Keep hutches in good shape and make sure there are no rough edges. Provide a resting pad for rabbits and sanitize it regularly with bleach. Also be sure to trim your rabbit’s toenails once a month.

Preparing rabbits for winter

Tiffany — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:20:08 +0000

As cold weather approaches, most people begin to worry what will happen to their rabbit herd in freezing temperatures. Rabbits are most comfortable with temperatures in the low- to mid-60′s. But they will usually be just fine with very little interaction from us in temperatures as low as 20°F.

Rabbits, like many other animals, put on thick winter coats as cooler temperatures approach. And what is most important to remember when preparing your rabbit housing for the cold is to eliminate drafts and prevent cold winds, rain or snow from entering the rabbit cages. But you don’t want to make the housing airtight or you will also harm your rabbits.

Some people will just place plastic sheeting over the sides of their hutches or cages to keep out the elements. Others may want to build a lean to or structure over all of their cages and then frame it in with plastic sheeting to block some of the cold. You can also place a box inside your cages for your rabbits to burrow into for warmth, but do make sure that these boxes are staying clean because they might be mistaken for a toilet. All you really need is an enclosed box (even from cardboard) with a hole big enough for your rabbit to get though and some bedding material.

Rabbits may need extra brushing during the winter due to their thicker coats. And be sure to check them for any signs of coughing, obstructed breathing or mucus discharge around the eyes or nose. Rabbits can get colds and will need to be treated. If you rabbits become lethargic and limp, they are too cold. Get them inside a warmer space immediately and get their body temperature back up.

Food Friday: Lime rabbit over pasta

Tiffany — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 08:15:09 +0000

You can’t always eat rabbit the same old way, so try this lime-infused dish with a bit of a kick.

Lime Rabbit

1 rabbit, cut into pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil for cooking
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup lime juice
4 tablespoons onion, minced
2 teaspoons dried tarragon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Tabasco
1-2 tablespoons flour
Water or chicken stock

Season rabbit with salt and pepper. Lightly brown in oil, cooking just a few pieces at a time. Remove to casserole.
Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, onions, tarragon, salt and Tabasco, and pour over browned rabbit pieces. Marinate at least an hour. The longer it sits, the more flavor it will have.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Bake rabbit for 45 minutes.
Reheat oil in skillet. Stir in small amount of flour and brown lightly. Make a thin gravy/sauce using water or chicken stock. Pour over rabbit and return to oven for 25 to 30 additional minutes.
Serve rabbit pieces on warm platter. Thicken sauce if needed with corn starch and water (mix 1 tablespoon corn starch with 1 tablespoon water and gradually add to sauce, stirring over heat until it thickens). Season to taste. Serve over noodles.

Why Californian rabbits are so popular

Tiffany — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 13:12:52 +0000

Californian rabbits are a medium-sized rabbit breed (adults weigh 7-10 pounds or 3.5-4.75 kilos, with the does being heavier) that was specifically developed for meat and fur production by US breeders in the 1920′s. The breed was developed by crossing Himalayan, Standard Chinchilla and New Zealand white rabbits.

As of now, it is the second most popular meat producing rabbit breed in the world, with only the New Zealand breed ahead of them. Californian rabbits still look very similar to the Himalayan rabbit with a predominantly white body and black on the feet, nose, ears and tail. They have pink eyes.

The body of a Californian rabbit is plump but fine-boned, giving it a high meat-to-bone ratio which is essential for good meat rabbit breeds. Californians are so popular as a meat breed because they are truly an excellent meat rabbit breed. They usually produce large litters of 8-12 kits, which have a fast growth rate to fryer size (4-5lbs) in 8-12 weeks. They are also usually good mothers.

But, Californians may not be so suitable for children to assist with because they can be difficult to handle by an inexperienced person due to their size. And they are sometimes very moody and aggressive.

The average life span of a breeding Californian rabbit is 5 to 6 years.

To learn more about Californian rabbits, find breeders or learn about rabbit shows, visit www.nationalcalclub.com

Lynx Rex Rabbits — An exceptional fur and meat rabbit

Tiffany — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:17:11 +0000

There are many rabbits that may be bred in the color “Lynx” but the Rex Rabbit is one of the more popular ones. It is a larger, meat and fur rabbit which makes it more appealing to fur breeders. Palominos, another good meat rabbit breed, may also be Lynx colored. But the Rex is just a little bit easier to raise and has really luxurious fur.

Lynx Rex rabbits have fur which is very fine and velvety. The Lynx coloring on rabbits has an orange undercoat with a mixture of Lilac and a lighter orange color as a topcoat. This coloring is displayed over the body of the rabbit and the top of it’s tail. The bottom of the tail, jaw, eye rings, inside the ears and stomach are all white. Rex rabbits usually have blue eyes and those with Lynx coloring should have eyes that are blue-gray.

Lynx Rex rabbits are not a preferred meat rabbit because they are a bit smaller than other popular meat breeds and they have a higher bone to meat ratio. On average, an adult Rex rabbit weighs 8-9 pounds (3.6-4 kilograms) and fall into the medium-size weight class. The fur of Rex rabbits is about 1/2 inch long (1.27 centimeters) and the guard hairs of the fur are actually longer than the undercoat.

Because their fur is so fine and short, Lynx Rex rabbits are more susceptible to sore hocks when housed in wire cages. But putting a board or carpet mat into the cage for them to stand on will lessen the problem. Lynx Rex rabbits should be brushed regularly but in general they do not require long hours of brushing or extra care to maintain their beautiful fur. This makes the Lynx Rex rabbit a truly exceptional breed for fur producers. Plus they get a great meat by-product. It has a slightly broader head than other breeds of rabbit, proportionate and upright ears as well as toe nails that match the color of its fur.

Lynx Rex rabbits are very docile, intelligent and can be very affectionate. They are great foster mothers and pairs of them can actually be housed together, allowing them to be bred in very small areas.

The Lynx Variety is genetically a Dilute Chocolate Agouti (A_ bb C_ dd E_). Agouti is the color pattern seen in wild rabbits. The hair-shaft usually has three or more bands of color, with a dark gray base. The head, ears, feet are usually ticked while the eye rings, belly and chin are a lighter color. Any coloring within the white areas of a Lynx Rex rabbit’s fur is unfavorable in the show ring.

Breeders with Lynx Rex Rabbits are not that easy to find online, but you can start with JT Rabbitry in Pennsylvania, a nice little rabbitry focusing on beautiful Rex rabbits.