I simply try to cover my feed costs.... of course it would be nice to actually make some money once in a while. They won't be ready for at least 6 weeks or so. I guess the question is, does the person want them for resale, or for her own use? It might be nice to explore that a bit with her. If she is going to purchase them for resale, or to fatten for her own consumption, it might be good not to ask too much, in hopes of establishing steady business. Most of the breeders I have talked to around here do much better with repeat customers than with advertising and individual sales. I just got to know a fellow in the next town over and he has a foreign fellow that only wants older rabbits. That works great as he can always be bring a few up for breeding and then have a good market for the ones that don't perform as well. The guy gives him "top" dollar for 10-12 lb (live) rabbits.
Top dollar here is probably not what it is around a more metropolitan area. I think he gets 10-12 dollars for older rabbits, but they are breeding culls, and most people don't want older rabbits.. I usually try to get at least $6.50 for young (live) meat rabbits, but often I will take as low as $5 if someone takes 5 to 10. In this area, that is about what it is going to cost to feed them and cover the expenses of raising their parents.
Many places one can get a lot more, especially if they are willing to butcher. When I sell 12 week old breeding stock, I usually get $12.... but these are mixed meat rabbits, and I am not trying to sell, just cover expenses.
What ever you charge, it might be best to be on the low side, with a disclaimer that you might have to change the price for later rabbits, once you get your cost figured. Hopefully, there are some more breeders in the area that can advise you on what meat rabbits sell for there.
