What age to slaughter?

[Attal.Rabbits]

How old should new ziland rabbits be to slaughter them? how old is to old and how young is to young? what age is the meat best at? :bunnyhop:

 

[Dood]

Most people slaughter at 5 pounds and in commercial rabbitries that is usually at 8 to 10 weeks.

I have found that rabbits over 16 weeks have a stronger flavor, more 'gamey', probably due to their hormones starting to kick in and the pelt is better attached and harder to remove so I butcher before 16 weeks regardles of how much they weigh.

 

[bigbrologan]

I've butchered a several year old buck before, and the meat was awful. 8-12 weeks is usually when you are wanting to butcher.

 

[3mina]

I am the weird one here cause I don't find any difference in taste at whatever age I process. I do agree the pelts are a bit more difficult to remove when the rabbit is older but not awful.

 

[bowbuild]

I kill bucks before they drop, or my dog can eat them! I like between 10-12 weeks.

 

[Attal.Rabbits]

Thank you so much everyone you have been a great help I probably will do them about 10 weeks. i really hope me and my house hold will like rabbit meat!