New here

[shenanigans]

So I have been planning to raise rabbits for meat for a couple of years, but was stuck in an apartment that doesn't allow pets. I finally found a place where I can have chickens and rabbits and I'm really excited to finally do this. I've read so much, but still feel like I know nothing. So I have a few questions.

When I first started thinking about this, I didn't really care about what breed of rabbits I had (was just going to go with the typical cali or NZ), or if they had a pedigree or not. But now I'm reconsidering it. I would like to be able to sell them to help pay for their upkeep. I'm on a very limited income and in order to be able to do this, I would need to at least have help with feed. So I was thinking I should go with a breed that can be used for showing or 4H so they would not only be easier to sell, but might also sell for a little more than a typical meat mutt.

I had also planned to feed them entirely from my garden, but I think until I really get used to having rabbits and learn a little more about them, I will go with a pellet feed. What feeds do I want to avoid? I know some brands are better than others and some aren't good at all, so I want to avoid any mistakes in the beginning.

And lastly, I'm going to be living in Indiana, near Terre Haute. Does anyone know of a good rabbit breeder that I could buy a breeding trio from? Money is tight, so I don't want to pay hundreds of dollars, and it will probably be a couple of months before I have everything ready, but I would like to have all my ducks in a row now so that I can plan everything a little easier.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

 

[A&BRabbitry]

They have a rabbit show in terra haute in the fall that I ussually attend. I would suggest attending if possible. Their would be a wide range of rabbits and breeds available there and quite a few breeders you could speak with as well and of course the vendors will be their with anything you can think of rabbit that maybe you can't get at farm store.

 

[Miss M]

I think you are wise to start with pelleted feed. There's a pretty respectable learning curve with rabbits, and you're right, you need to get familiar with raising them first. Then mosey over to the Natural Feeding section, and you can see what's what with that.

I don't know what meat breeds would be easier to sell in your area, so maybe some others can help you out with that. You can show NZW and Calis, and they're popular with 4H-ers as well. I don't know if they need to be pedigreed.

Most people don't care for Purina, but I use it because it's what I can get right now. Purina Complete, ~$15/50lb. Also, some type of hay is good to have for them. It isn't necessary with pellets, but it does help keep things moving in the gut, and helps prevent problems. Plus, they like munching on it. And it can help stretch the pellets, as sometimes the rabbits would rather eat the hay. I see that especially on hot days. Don't get alfalfa hay if you're feeding pellets, as you'll be giving them too much protein. Timothy hay is $$$$$.

If you have extra wire, especially floor wire, you can make a hay dispenser that will attach to the outside of the cage, and the rabbit can pull the hay through. You don't want to put the hay on the floor if you can help it; putting it on top of the cage is a good option if you have no dispenser.

Anyway, I'm rambling. Welcome to RabbitTalk, the wonderful world of rabbits, and bringing up some of your own meat! It's very rewarding.

Oh -- and that feeling like you know nothing bit? That'll last for a while... it'll start fading after you've raised a couple of litters successfully.

 

[6riversfarms]

Hey shenanigans.

You came to a good place to learn. I'm new to raising rabbits myself. The best way to help straighten the learning curve, for me at least, has been to listen to experienced breeders, as many as you can talk with, and then use the advice you get as a foundation to find out what works for you and your rabbits.

 

[3mina]

Welcome shenanigans, I've just gotten here myself. I've raised rabbits before but it's been years (too many) & I've learned a ton here already. You'll like it here

 

[skysthelimit]

Welcome. I've been here for a few months, and it's nice to be around people who don't think my bunny fascination is strange. I am a informational sponge, and I love to learn, especially about nature and animals. It's one thing to research on line and read books. it's a whole another thing to get first hand experiences from actual people.

I can't begin to tell you how much trouble has been saved by listening to the people in these forums. It's moved my breeding program by leaps and bounds.

 

[toastedoat37]

sky, you dont think your bunny fascination is strange?,,,,,I think our bunny fascination is strange.,,I dont talk about it much with Normal people. I was explaining to my helper what i wanted him to weld for me.(making a rabbit wringer).He asked what it was. He was like "OMG your having me build a device to kill bunnys". He thought i was having him make something for a boat.

__________ Sun Jun 10, 2012 10:33 am __________

welcome shenanigans.

 

[Saiyuri]

I must admit I find it hard to stop myself when people ask me about my plans with the rabbits or why I do certain things and I do tend to bore them to death (or completely gross them out) so working on self control ^^

 

[Mary Ann's Rabbitry]

I must admit I find it hard to stop myself when people ask me about my plans with the rabbits or why I do certain things and I do tend to bore them to death (or completely gross them out) so working on self control ^^

I notice this same thing. They will ask one question. Then i go on and on ...This is about rabbits. Anything else. I just sit there.

 

[skysthelimit]

sky, you dont think your bunny fascination is strange?,,,,,I think our bunny fascination is strange.,,I dont talk about it much with Normal people. I was explaining to my helper what i wanted him to weld for me.(making a rabbit wringer).He asked what it was. He was like "OMG your having me build a device to kill bunnys". He thought i was having him make something for a boat.

__________ Sun Jun 10, 2012 10:33 am __________

welcome shenanigans.

I think everything about me is strange. Ever see the Shadow, where she tells him he had issues, and he replies "I'm aware of that", in a very nonchalant way. I just can't figure out why people who are acquainted with me have not come to that conclusion, and haven't learned to expect that from me.

I just tell them --I'm a girl, and girls like fur, I just prefer my fur on warm live bodies.