Selecting Meat Rabbit Breeding Stock

I've been considering adding rabbits to the farm for some time now as another meat animal in addition to our poultry.  (I'll be adding a later post about the other whys of raising rabbits soon.) 

 

When first looking into rabbits, a newbie such as myself maybe get a bit bogged down with all the rabbit options.  After months (okay, years) or research, these are the rabbits I feel are the best option for the backyard meat breeder, both in terms of size, but also in terms of availability:

 

1.  New Zealands

• The number one backyard meat rabbit
• A large rabbit, reaching a market size of approximately 5lbs by 8 weeks of age.
• Matures at about 10 lbs and is ready to breed at 6 months of age.
• Typically produces litters of 8+, with 10+ not being uncommon.
• Available in white, red and black, with white being the most common. 

2.  Californians

• Another favorite of the backyard breeder.
• Nearly identical to the New Zealand in terms of other stats.
   
   

3.  Flemish/Checkered Giants

• Officially, these rabbits are not listed as having a maximum size, or even an average size.  Most strains used for backyard production are crossed out with a New Zealand or Californian stock to produce rabbits that mature in the 10-15 lb range.
• These rabbits grow a bit more slowly than some others, and feed conversion is not as good.
• Very laid back and friendly rabbits.  Bucks tend to be a bit easier to deal with than in some other breeds.
• Larger specimens may require sturdier cages due to the larger size of the rabbit.
• Checkered giants especially are not listed as a proper body type for a meat rabbit, so careful selection is crucial.

4.  Standard Rex

• A very popular rabbit for fur/pelt production.  The coat of a Rex is velveteen in feel.
• Mature rabbits weigh in at 7 1/2 - 10 1/2 lbs.
• Friendly, and often listed as one of the most intelligent of rabbit breeds.
• Available in a number of different colors.
• Also available in a miniature version.

5.  Harlequins

• These rabbits were used as meat rabbits during WWII.
• Bold, beautiful color patterns.
• The smallest of the meat rabbits on my list, matures at 6 1/2 - 9 1/2 lbs. 
• More commonly used as an exhibition animal.
 

Of course, crosses of any of the above breeds would be good for the backyard producer.  I'll cover all the things to look for in breeding stock in a later post.