People have been raising rabbits as a meat source for thousands of years. In fact archaeologists have discovered evidence that shows Romans raised rabbits nearly 2,000 years ago. Rabbit continues to be raised and eaten regularly in many countries; even considered a delicacy by some.
However in the United States the rabbit is considered a pet by many and the idea of eating one would be like suggesting eating a cat. But it was not far back in our history that the rabbit was raised as a livestock and kept my American families fed and healthy in our nation’s leanest times.
The Great Depression found many families raised rabbits for consumption. During World War II governments encouraged their raising as a meat source to supplement rations.
Rabbits are clean, quiet and produce quickly and efficiently. Not to mention they’ll improve your compost with their waste.
They are a perfect addition to a urban or backyard homestead.
On today’s Imperfectly Happy Homesteader I talk to Nick Klein of Hostile Hare about the benefits and ease
of raising rabbits in your own backyard.
Raising Meat Rabbits – the whys and hows.
