Rabbits

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Permalink Reply by Michelle W. Flannery on May 9, 2009 at 1:44pm

Hi Darcy. KGI member, Ilex has rabbits. She raises hers as pets, and for the poo. You might check with her. I'm not sure which other members are raising rabbits, but I think this is a good discussion.

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Permalink Reply by Michelle W. Flannery on May 9, 2009 at 5:33pm

Oh yeah, and pen them separately unless you want a whole lot of rabbits! We had rabbits when I was a young child.

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Permalink Reply by Clarence on May 10, 2009 at 6:35am

Darcy,

I have rabbits... I started out raising them for F&P, but most that I have left are now pets or too old for F or P. I am the only member of my family who will eat rabbit so that kind of put a damper on the ''home grown meat'' idea.

I had a net work for selling ''dressed'' rabbit and did so for many years. As far as making much profit, I am not sure I always broke even. I still get inquiries now that the rabbits are retired and have been encouraged to resume but I have more things competing for my time these days.

I use the poo, that alone is worth keeping a few rabbits. If you can let them graze in your yard you can keep some of the cost down. Ragnor (KGI member) has a photo of his system which looks like it works well. I also share my garden weeds between the rabbits and hens... I always have extra weeds.

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Permalink Reply by David Brownlee on May 10, 2009 at 7:57am

I know I'm new to this forum so take this with a grain of salt.

"Romancing the idea" is well put IMO. My fav breakfasts have been free range (meaning they get out of their cages and get to run around some) and bacon (essential) and eggs. I get mine from a friend who knows people in Louisianna. Nice big ones. I only have them twice a year or so.

I usta hunt (wild) rabbits as a youngster with a friend - we never got many but any shot got eaten. Then one day we were hunting on the coal flats...slag from the old stripmines...fast track....and one took off from my right...he/she was fast and I couldn't get the shotgun around in time to lead her. Hit her with the last couple pellets in the rear. It stopped her but didn't kill her - the squeal I heard from that animal cured me from rabbit hunting for awhile. Of course my buddy finished her off and we ate her and I have since hunted Elk in the Rockies - but I'll never forget that squeal. I'm a VFW member 20 years in the military- but that still brings back an unpleasant memory.

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Permalink Reply by TAR HEEL on May 10, 2009 at 11:57am

David,the debt myself, and family owe you and other warriors can never be paid. Thank you for your service. I also have been a supporter of VFW,DAV,PVA, and USO for years. I mean what I say. good-luck sir.

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Permalink Reply by TAR HEEL on May 10, 2009 at 12:08pm

..oh yeah, rabbits....I like mine with rice/gravy.

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Permalink Reply by sandra anderson on May 10, 2009 at 12:37pm

My mom used to shake and bake them...
Had Grandma over once (along with other "squeamish" members of the extended family), and they couldn't figure out why the "chicken" had so many legs. They all thouoght it was great until they realized what they were eating.

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Permalink Reply by David Brownlee on May 10, 2009 at 1:24pm

First squirrel I ever shot was an Illinois Red - big as a fat cat. I was by myself and nervous so I just blasted him in the middle with a full load of 20 guage shot. It was quite a trophy for a 12 year old. Uncle George showed me how to skin him and we had him for dinner.

Nobody chewed fast at that table...chew tink chew tink...as they spit out the lead shot onto the china :-)

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Permalink Reply by David Brownlee on May 10, 2009 at 1:31pm

I loved the old "shake and bake" commercials..the little girl would say.....".and I hellupped!."

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Permalink Reply by sandra anderson on May 10, 2009 at 9:39am

My family used to raise rabbits for food and profit. Rabbit meat is a fantastic alternative to other meat sources and if you can guarantee an organic, humanely raised animal, you'll probably do great. We had about 100 rabbits at a time. We raised New Zealand Whites. They are a very, heavy large meat breed.
Check your zoning. Also figure out what types of licensing you need to sell meat (unless you just sell to friends and family).
Are you going to do your own butchering? I think it is almost necessary to do it yourself in order to keep your costs down, and to ensure a totally quality product.
Also, what are you going to do with the pelts? Another avenue for income if you have someone around that wants them.
What else?
I have lot's of gorey details, that may not be appropriate for a Sunday morning chat!!

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Permalink Reply by Martha Hill on May 10, 2009 at 2:52pm

Yes !!! Make sure you have a ready market before breeding them !!

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Permalink Reply by sandra anderson on May 10, 2009 at 7:33pm

I don't know what type of licensing you need, but I've seen "specialty meats" at our local farmers market.
It's funny how something that was once everyday fare, is now considered "specialty".

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