As an urban homesteader, I know the benefits of raising rabbits for both pleasure and as a source of lean protein that has been utilized in my family for generations.
I grew up with tales from my grandmother of the Nebraska ranch where she grew up in the early 1900s. Born in 1903, my grandmother had stories of living on the plains that were inspiring, practical, and down to earth. Her family each had chores on the ranch; my great-grandfather and his men raised the crops and dealt with the larger livestock, while my grandmother’s brothers cared for the smaller livestock, and my grandmother helped my great-grandmother with the chickens and rabbits.
She would speak to me with pride about the great care she took in raising animals and caring for them well, and instilled in me that same love for animals.
I have found that raising rabbits to be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding experience. Whether you're an animal lover looking for a unique pet, a beginning farmer, or a homesteader looking to explore the world of animal husbandry, rabbits are the answer. They are adorable and fluffy, make excellent pets, and can also provide a sustainable source of meat in a small space. I find nothing more adorable than a 2-week old bunny just learning to hop out of its nest box.Â
This post is your guide to all things rabbit-related. It covers everything from choosing the right breed, setting up a comfortable habitat, and ensuring their health and happiness. Whether you're looking for breeding and nutrition tips or want to learn more about these fascinating creatures, this article is your go-to resource for all your rabbit-raising needs. Get ready to hop into the wonderful world of rabbit care and embark on an exciting journey with these charming and lovable animals!
If you would prefer to read a shorter version of this article, a brief summary of the key points covered in this article can be found at the end.
Choosing the Right Rabbit Breed for You
Depending on what you are looking for in your new rabbit, picking the right breed is the most critical decision. Rabbits have been bred as domesticated animals for generations, and each breed has essential and unique characteristics. Making the right match is the foundation for success, especially since rabbits can live up to 10 years.
Suppose you want to start a rabbitry on a farm or urban homestead to provide a sustainable organic source of lean, high-protein food. In that case, you will want to consider one of the larger meat rabbit breeds, such as New Zealand, White Californian, or one of the other larger breeds. These rabbits are typically housed outside or in an enclosure such as a barn or garage.
On the other hand, if you are looking for an excellent and unique family pet that can be trained to cat litter and will be kept in your home or apartment, a smaller breed such as the Dwarf Netherland, Lionmane, or HotTot may be for you. I recommend you spend some time researching the different breeds, as some are more temperamental than others. When assuming responsibility for any animal, you must be aware of the differences and needs of each breed you are considering. Another consideration is the rabbit's gender. Many people assume a male or buck will naturally be more aggressive, but that is not always the case; many males are very sweet and enjoy cuddling and being petted, while some females or does can sometimes be bossy and standoffish.
Once you have determined the best breed for you and your preferred gender, ensure you get a healthy, well-nourished animal from a reputable breeder. Rabbits should not be sold younger than eight weeks, and purchasing an animal before that age is not recommended. It is also important to note that females are often more expensive than males, as they can reproduce for you if that is something you want and can support.
Feeding and Nutrition
Rabbits need a diet rich in fiber; rabbits' recommended daily nutritional diet is a combination of hay, a few fresh veggies, and alfalfa pellets, commonly called rabbit pellets, with the daily amount of pellets based on their weight. Adult rabbits should be given 1/8 to 1/4 cup of rabbit pellets for every 5 pounds (2.25 kg) of body weight. Many people rely on rabbit pellets to feed their rabbits, but a rabbit's diet is complete with hay. In fact, it is recommended that most or 80% of a rabbit's daily food should consist of unlimited amounts of high-quality grass hay such as timothy, orchard, or brome. Not only is hay excellent for the rabbit's digestive tract, but chewing hay enables rabbits to maintain proper alignment of their cheek teeth through a natural grinding motion. Since alfalfa hay's protein and calcium content is very high, it's OK for young, growing rabbits. Adult rabbits should be fed alfalfa hay in limited amounts.
Many garden vegetables are suitable for outdoor and indoor rabbits, and adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup of a variety of leafy green vegetables to a pet rabbit's daily meal is a good idea. Many people raise a small "rabbit garden" just for their rabbits. Contrary to popular belief, carrots are not the best vegetable for rabbits due to their high carbohydrate count. Save carrots and other high-carb veggies as an occasional treat for your rabbit. Due to their high water content and lack of nutritional value, iceberg lettuce and celery are not best for your rabbit. Certain high-calcium leafy greens such as dandelion and collard greens, parsley, kale, Swiss chard, and escarole should only be fed a few times weekly to prevent kidney stones.
While it is better for rabbits to eat a small amount of a variety of veggies rather than a large amount of just one type, it is recommended to start with small amounts when introducing new vegetables to your rabbit amounts to prevent digestive issues.
Some good fresh vegetable choices for your rabbit include;
Cabbage, romaine lettuce, Bok Choy, mustard greens, beet greens, broccoli greens, basil, kohlrabi, cilantro, and watercress are some of the best veggies to provide additional vitamins and minerals. Green peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, endive, radicchio, squash, and wheat grass are also among the other vegetables that are considered suitable.
Rabbits under the age of seven or eight months should have free access to alfalfa hay and pellets, as the added protein and calcium will help them develop properly. Vegetables of all kinds can be enjoyed by them as well.
Summary:Â
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In this article, I introduce the reader to the world of rabbit raising, which is a fulfilling and rewarding experience. I highlight rabbits' versatility, whether as unique pets, beginner farmer companions, or homesteaders exploring animal husbandry. We examined several crucial aspects of rabbit care, such as breed selection, habitat setup, and nutrition. We also looked at valuable insights for anyone interested in venturing into rabbit raising.
The first key point emphasizes the importance of choosing the right rabbit breed based on your specific goals. Readers are encouraged to consider their goals for rabbit keeping, whether for meat production or as family pets, and examples of suitable breeds for each purpose are provided. Gender considerations were also discussed, debunking the stereotype that males are inherently more aggressive than females.
Moving on to feeding and nutrition, this article stresses the significance of a balanced diet for rabbits, emphasizing the need for fiber, hay, fresh vegetables, and rabbit pellets. It recommended a diet consisting of 80% high-quality grass hay, which aids in digestion and promotes dental health. It wisely advises against relying solely on rabbit pellets and cautions against high-calcium vegetables, advocating for variety in the rabbit's diet.
The article also provides a helpful list of suitable vegetables for rabbits and recommends starting with small amounts when introducing new vegetables to prevent digestive issues. It further explains the dietary requirements for rabbits under the age of seven or eight months, emphasizing the importance of alfalfa hay and pellets to support their growth and development.
Conclusion:
This article offers a comprehensive and personable guide to raising rabbits. It highlights the fulfilling nature of rabbit care while providing practical advice on breed selection and nutrition. Whether you're a potential rabbit owner or someone already immersed in the world of rabbit-raising, this resource offers valuable information to ensure the health and happiness of these charming and lovable animals. So, get ready to embark on an exciting journey into the wonderful world of rabbits!