Rabbits on a homestead are a great addition due to their small nature, prolific breeding, natural fertilizer, and lean meat. These small animals are very useful for multiple reasons. From fertilizer, to meat, to pelts and furs, rabbits provide in multiple areas on a homestead.
Are Homestead Rabbits Easy to Care For?
In general, rabbits are easy to care for like chickens are easy to care for. They are small animals that require minimal space, in addition to daily food, and water. To prevent smell, their cages or coops will need to be cleaned of feces.
Rabbit manure is great for fertilizing gardens and landscapes. For the best care of rabbits, using a “rabbit tractor” or moveable coop open to grass will create good muscle tone and allow for natural foraging.
Rabbits are Quiet and Don’t Require a Lot of Space
According to https://rabbit.org, 8 square feet of enclosure space with 24 square feet of exercise space is needed. However, a good rule of thumb is a rabbit hutch should be 4 times the size of the rabbit. Rabbits on a homestead do not make a lot of noise, except for the occasional squeak. Their silence makes them ideal for homesteads that are in more urban areas.
Can I let a homestead rabbit run free in my backyard?
In general, rabbits are not recommended to be “free” in a backyard setting due to predators and their natural nature to explore and find mates. In addition, rabbits released into the wild of the yard may breed with rabbit’s native to your area. If raising these animals to keep a good breed, mixing with wild rabbits will change the taste and composition of the rabbits.
Rabbits are Prolific Breeders
Two female rabbits (does) and one male rabbit (buck) may produce up to four litters per year per female (approximately 32 babies or kits). For 2lb of meat you will need a 4lb rabbit. Rabbits that are being processed for meat are called fryers. Typically, one fryer is used per meal, therefore, if having rabbit with your family, raising at least 2 does will be necessary to have one rabbit meal a week.
Rabbit Meat is Not for Everyone
Rabbit meat is considered white meat and is very lean. Considered similar to chicken meat, rabbit can be cooked in similar ways. Rabbit stew is a common way to consume rabbit meat, but fajitas, fried nuggets, or even barbequed.
Slaughtering rabbits is part of the process in raising them, if you are consuming them for meat. To learn how to process a rabbit, you can watch this YouTube video here.
How much meat can I get from one rabbit?
An adult rabbit will yield 50% of their weight in meat, once bones and organs removed. Therefore, a 4lb animal will provide 2lbs of very lean meat. Two rabbits may be processed for a meal for a larger family.
State Law for Raising Rabbits
In certain states, raising rabbits for the sale of meat is not approved. To see if your state is able to sell rabbit meat, check with local state agricultural laws. For Texas, there is no regulation. Visit the Texas Department of State Health Services to look at frequently asked questions.
Use of Fiber and Pelts
While rabbit fur or fiber, can be sheared twice a year, a pelt is obtained after a rabbit has been killed or died. Rabbits will give 2 to 3 ounces of fur every shearing. The fiber can be spun into yarn/fine string to be made into various garments and linens.
What can I use rabbit fur for?
Rabbit fur and hides can be used for boot covers, hats, gloves, blankets, bedspreads, pillow covers, and more. These pelts are exceptionally warm and great for hunting in cold environments. Rabbit fur is also very soft and great for use with children to keep them warm.
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