The Start of a Rabbitry

I'm a reader.  Always have been, and most likely always will be.  I don't embark on any journey without adding a book to my (considerable) library. 

A couple of years ago I read an article in (I think) Backwoods Home magazine.  It was all about raising rabbits.  Now, I had rabbits a time or two during childhood, and prior to the article they had always been just cute fuzzy pets.  After reading, I realized that for the homesteader, rabbits are truly a wonderful addition.

Since that first article I've read a ton of articles online, and bought a few books.  I've also talked to rabbit owners and breeders.  Not only are rabbits a great source of low fat meat, but they breed quickly and provide excellent fertilizer.  A definite win for this gardener!

I have plans to build a 9x9, 12 hole rabbit house sometime this year.  As I have a million other projects that also need to be done, this one is on the list but not near the top. 

Of course, I'm always a little nervous about adding a new critter to the farm, and so I try to always start small and get a feel for it first.

So, I'm sure you're thinking that a 12 hole rabbitry is probably not starting small, and you're right!

Instead I've started with something more reasonable.  Today on Craig's List I found two female rabbits and a hutch for a price that I felt was plenty reasonable. 

The hutch itself isn't exactly a jewel, in fact it'll need some work before I feel truly confident in using it long term.  The does are another story.  One is a lovely young New Zealand that will eventually make a meat breeding doe.  The other is a small lop eared bunny, that we may just keep as a pet (mostly because she is such a sweetie!).

By starting small we have ample opportunity to get to know the ins and outs of rabbits before adding breeding to the mix.  This also gives me plenty of time to get a feel for the extra chores, and when you are already dealing with 2 donkeys, 8 llamas, 70 chickens, 5 ducks, 11 turkeys and a VERY large puppy, chore time is everything!

Raising Rabbits Essentials e-books

For the beginners and experienced alike!