Any one else have my views on meat rabbits?

[paradox]

We really like rabbit meat. And many of our friends who come over to eat really like it. We generally cook pork or beef along with it in case anyone has a problem with eating rabbit, but the rabbit is always all gone first.

We do pet the bunnies, talk to them, love them. Then when it is time to go we are secure in the knowledge that they had the best life we could have given them and they were under no stress when they died. DH dispatches them while they play in the grass. They never know it is coming, and they do not suffer at all.

All that said - I have not yet even tried to be present when he does it, much less do it myself. I know I need to learn, and I will, eventually. But I am just not there quite yet. I am - a soft hearted coward. Baby steps...

 

[TMTex]

We like rabbit meat as well and we raise ours for the freezer. Most of our breeders are pets, though. I still find it difficult to kill a rabbit, but it's a job that has to be done.

Separating the meat bunnies from the keepers makes it somewhat easier, but it's never a pleasant task. DW doesn't even want to see the quartered carcass, so I have to debone it for her.

 

[Miss M]

We love rabbit, too... cook with it all kinds of ways. The kids love it and participate in caring for and raising them. They play with them less as they get bigger, but they do still give them all sorts of treats, and I make sure they get nose rubs and scritches.

Butchering day is always difficult. The knowledge that we're raising our own meat, and that we've given it a good life and a quick, humane death, makes it easier to do.

 

[stone soup farm]

Just as a suggestion to rabbit meat intro. Step 1: Find a local supplier and try rabbit meat. If you like it then Step 2: Find a way butcher a rabbit. Many people have classes or would be willing to let you help with processing. That way you learn how to do the tricks and if you have the ability (plus there is no attachment to their rabbits).

My first few times we were winging it- basically watched youtube videos and read over books. Processing took a long time and wasn't too easy. We had a friend that has been raising rabbits for a long time come over and give us an instruction on the tricks and now it is much more manageable. Never a joyous task but not bad when it takes way less time and goes easier. We are now hosting a processing class and for helping they each get a dressed rabbit.

As to handling the rabbits I agree with those that do and feel like their food was happy and cared for. Plus it does help with the ones that you keep or sell to not have "wild buns".

I love rabbit meat and that I have healthy meat that I raised and processed myself. It is like farm fresh eggs....can't go back to eating store bought ones ever. They taste anemic.

 

[grumpy]

I've been in this business a loooooooong time. :x

Plus, I was born into a lineage of hunters and trappers
dating back to the mid-1850's. HONEST!! :roll:
So, dispatching animals has never been an issue with me.
EXCEPT.......my first one. It was a squirrel and I was 5 years old.
I bawled my eyes out all the way home....
But it tasted good with taters and gravy than night.

I look at the rabbits just like any other livestock producer.
It may be a little cold-hearted but that's the way it works for me.
Dealing with the numbers I do, emotions can't be a part
of any decisions that need to be made.

grumpy.