What age to dispatch?
- Thread starter Spitzfire
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TroubleMakerAcres
Well-known member
Hello,
I start slaughtering at 12 weeks old. I typically weight them then and if they’re 5lbs or over at that age they are ready. If they grew particularly quickly and are a good size then I might keep them as a breeder. If they aren’t 5lbs, you can keep them around a bit longer, or just slaughter them then, they’ll still make a fine carcass. Once you get much past 12 weeks I think they are no longer considered a fryer.
It really depends on your line of rabbits, what you feed, and your preferences. Above mentioned way to do it is imho quite common I reckon, I do it differently since I feed mostly forage and it takes about 16-20 weeks to get to a decent weight, I also prefer them to be bigger than fryers.
I rather like to have small litters that i feed longer than many growouts to get the same amount of meat. texture, tenderness etc. doesn't matter to me, don't see that much difference anyway.
I rather like to have small litters that i feed longer than many growouts to get the same amount of meat. texture, tenderness etc. doesn't matter to me, don't see that much difference anyway.
You will not get a concise answer. Just like you won't get a concise answer on how to cook your steak! Different for different use or different person.
With that said, on most meat breeds a fryer (young tender frying meat) 4 to 6 pounds is ideal. The old standard used to be 4 pounds at 8 weeks. Now most people want a little bigger fryer (commercial is 5 to 6.8 pounds).
Age wise - depending on genetics, feed, watering, etc, etc.
For me, 8 to 10 weeks.
With that said, on most meat breeds a fryer (young tender frying meat) 4 to 6 pounds is ideal. The old standard used to be 4 pounds at 8 weeks. Now most people want a little bigger fryer (commercial is 5 to 6.8 pounds).
Age wise - depending on genetics, feed, watering, etc, etc.
For me, 8 to 10 weeks.
Wow! I never even thought to weigh them. Lol. I was aiming for 10-12 weeks. How in the world do you weigh them without them hopping away!?!ROFL
Sometimes that is a trick! I use a digital scale like found in a deli or sometimes a produce area. A platform to set the rabbit on or bowl/basket to set them in. If you do this type, make sure you zero out the scale with the bowl or basket on it so you get a good weight of just the rabbit.
TroubleMakerAcres
Well-known member
I use a hanging fish scale, with a basket hung off of it. Got it on Amazon for like $20 I think.
What an awesome idea!
It also depends on how you want to eat them. I like to keep an occasional rabbit to around 6 months so they get heavy and fat and then make breakfast sausage out of them. Of course, an older rabbit also makes great stew.
