Backyard meat rabbits are nothing new. During both world wars the raising of backyard meat rabbits was encouraged (as were hens); as well as the Great Depression. Over the decades the rabbit became more of a pet than a common livestock but recently that has begun to change.
I’ve written about raising meat rabbits in other articles and I’ll share those at the end of this one.
10 Reasons You Need to Raise Backyard Meat Rabbits
When it comes to raising backyard meat rabbits or urban meat rabbits, I could go on and on about sustainability, historical precedence and self-sufficiency. Because, frankly, the rabbit as livestock hits all those points. But lets, for today, just get down to the nitty-gritty basics of why you need to be raising meat rabbits on your homestead (not matter your location).
Let me start by saying that meat rabbits can be for everyone but you will face the cuteness factor and some pet owners that won’t take kindly to your choice. You’ll need to strengthen your resolve and possibly just keep it to yourself. 😉
10 Reasons You Need to Raise Backyard Meat Rabbits
- Backyard Meat Rabbits Require Very Little Space
The exact space will depend a bit on the breed you choose. But rabbits will never require acres of land like cattle or even meat goats. Generally most will require a well-built enclosure. I like to offer my rabbits enough space to hop twice and to stand. This is something that I’ve decided after a few years of raising; not all meat breeders feel like that is a necessity; but in my mind a good life is important to the quality of the meat produced.
See: Top 10 Meat Rabbits and Cages vs Colonies
- Start-Up Costs Are Fairly Low
You are not going to need to build a barn or stalls to raise your meat rabbits.
You will need:
*A enclosure / cage system ( I purchased mine from Hostile Hare )
* A trio (2 does & 1 buck) of breeding rabbits
*Water Bottles
*Feeders
*Feed
*I recommend a tile in the cage so your rabbits can get off the wire in their enclosures.
*Nesting Boxes – I recommend these.
See: Getting Started with Meat Rabbits - Backyard Meat Rabbits Will Help Your Garden (little waste)
I love how little waste is produced by raising rabbits as meat. One of the best things is having rabbit droppings for my garden and/or compost. It is an absolutely amazing fertilizer!
See The Scoop on Poop – Using Rabbit Poop Fertilizer For a Better Garden - They Are Low Maintenance With The Right Plan
Your backyard meat rabbits won’t require much from you.
-You’ll need to provide them a safe area, free from predators.
-Clean enclosures with room to move and raise kits.
-Fresh food and water daily (you can even grow their food)
-A plan to deal with heat if you live in a warm climate (they are not very heat tolerant).
-A breeding plan that allows the does to rest and recoup.
See Growing a Rabbit Garden Breeding Meat Rabbits 101 - Your Neighbors Will Never Know You Have Them
Being a true backyard or urban homesteader often means doing it on the down-low. Raising most livestock would be difficult if not impossible to keep quiet and not alert your neighbors. But that isn’t so with rabbits! Rabbits virtually make no noise and if kept clean they attract very little flies. They are the perfect under-the-radar livestock. I even know of apartment dwellers raising a trio for their family. - Heritage Breeds Still Available
There are several heritage breeds that are still being raised for meat and show. Some of my personal favorites is the American Rabbit and the Champagne D Argent. Raising heritage breeds keeps these breeds viable and were created for the purpose of meat production. - High Production Rate
Rabbits, well the produce like rabbits. A trio of rabbits can produce upwards of 600 lbs of meat per year, depending on your breeding schedule. - Short Grow-Out Period
Your grow outs will generally take about 12 weeks from birth to butcher. Some hybrids will be ready as early as 8 weeks. The only urban livestock I know that comes close to that is quail. - Butchering Doesn’t Require Special Equipment
There are several methods to harvesting your meat rabbits. The one that has been used for years is the broomstick method and very quiet. You can use a pellet gun as well. Check out The Elliot Homestead’s post on harvesting rabbits. - Meat Is Nutritious & Delicious
When I’m asked what rabbit tastes like I usually respond that it is like a cross of chicken breast and a pork chop. You can cook it using just about any chicken recipe. Nutritionally rabbit meat has the highest protein of any livestock. It is low in calories and fat (I like it with bacon). It has a very mild flavor that does well in a variety of recipes and cooking styles.
See Rosemary Honey Baked Rabbit Recipe and Slow Roasted Rabbit in the Sun Oven
So there you have it, 10 great reasons to raise backyard meat rabbits. Here are a list of other articles you may want to read on raising meat rabbits.
- Getting Started with Meat Rabbits
- Breeding Meat Rabbits 101
- Top 10 Meat Rabbit Breeds
- Colonies vs Cages
- Making Money With Meat Rabbits
- Rabbit Poop Fertilizer for a Better Garden
- Growing a Garden for Your Meat Rabbit
