A couple years ago I raised meat rabbits. Mostly NZ, Cali and Rex mixes. I had about ten 5 cage rows and did a pretty good business. Then I had to stop (health reasons).
Now I want to get back into raising meat rabbits but not on that big of a scale. Just a handful of does and a couple bucks. I raise them for dog food - for my dogs and a couple friends.
I've been researching raising free range rabbits (no cages, just a set area for them) and how to feed using more natural means.
We live on 3 acres so I have plenty of room to grow some stuff and we have a large field next to us that is left to go wild. I can get in there to pick whatever I want.
I saw the list of safe plants for rabbits - that's going to be a BIG help!! I do have a couple questions.
First, can someone outline a good diet for rabbits for me? For example, what MUST they in their diet? Since I live in WI I'll be limited to what I can get during the winter. I do have access to locally grown hay (might be able to find alfalfa) and a barn to store it in (old hay barn).
What would be the best thing for me to plant to give me the best bang for my buck (and sweat and hard work)?
Can I harvest green things and freeze them for later use or would drying be better? We have TONS of dandelions on our property. I used to pick the flowers and give them to the rabbits as treats. I don't mind spending an hour or two harvesting the leaves as well!
Any help for a beginner would be greatly appreciated!!
Now I want to get back into raising meat rabbits but not on that big of a scale. Just a handful of does and a couple bucks. I raise them for dog food - for my dogs and a couple friends.
I've been researching raising free range rabbits (no cages, just a set area for them) and how to feed using more natural means.
We live on 3 acres so I have plenty of room to grow some stuff and we have a large field next to us that is left to go wild. I can get in there to pick whatever I want.
I saw the list of safe plants for rabbits - that's going to be a BIG help!! I do have a couple questions.
First, can someone outline a good diet for rabbits for me? For example, what MUST they in their diet? Since I live in WI I'll be limited to what I can get during the winter. I do have access to locally grown hay (might be able to find alfalfa) and a barn to store it in (old hay barn).
What would be the best thing for me to plant to give me the best bang for my buck (and sweat and hard work)?
Can I harvest green things and freeze them for later use or would drying be better? We have TONS of dandelions on our property. I used to pick the flowers and give them to the rabbits as treats. I don't mind spending an hour or two harvesting the leaves as well!
Any help for a beginner would be greatly appreciated!!