Raising your own protein on a small homestead can be a rewarding experience, and rabbits might just be the perfect fit. In this video, I dive into the pros and cons of raising meat rabbits, including why we chose to add them to our homestead alongside chickens and other livestock.

One of the biggest advantages of raising meat rabbits is their efficiency. Rabbits have a high reproductive rate, with each doe capable of producing six to eight litters per year. That means a quick turnaround from birth to harvest (typically around 12 weeks). Their feed conversion is also impressive, requiring only 2.5 to 3.5 pounds of feed to produce a pound of meat. This makes them more sustainable than larger livestock like cattle, and even some types of chickens.

Space is another critical factor. Rabbits require significantly less room than other livestock, making them ideal for small properties or even urban backyards. We raise ours in a colony setup, which gives them more space to burrow and exhibit natural behaviors, yet still keeps the footprint small compared to raising chickens or other animals.

Economically, rabbits can be a smart choice too. There’s a niche market for rabbit meat, which often commands a higher price than more common meats like chicken. Plus, their fur can be sold or used for personal projects, adding another layer of value.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Public perception can be a challenge, as many people see rabbits as pets rather than livestock. Additionally, rabbits are sensitive to certain diseases and require careful management to ensure they stay healthy. Processing can also be a hurdle, as it’s often something you’ll need to do yourself since finding a processor that handles rabbits can be difficult.

For us, rabbits are a practical choice given our current space limitations. They provide a steady supply of high-protein meat that we can raise sustainably on our one-acre property. As we prepare to move to a larger property, we’ll reassess our livestock choices, but for now, rabbits are a key part of our homestead.

In this video:

00:00 - Intro
00:23 - Pros of raising meat rabbits
01:50 - Feed conversion ratio explained
02:45 - Space requirements for rabbits
03:20 - Economic viability of raising rabbits
04:10 - Cost of rabbit dog food
04:30 - Regulations and legal aspects
05:16 - Environmental impact of raising rabbits
05:52 - Health benefits and concerns
06:33 - Cons of raising meat rabbits
09:34 - Why we raise meat rabbits

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Learn more:

How to Dispatch a Rabbit Humanely: 4 Effective Techniques: [ Ссылка ]

Why We Broke Up Our Rabbit Colony [Lessons Learned and New Strategy]: [ Ссылка ]

Raising Rabbits in Colonies [7 Myths Busted]: [ Ссылка ]

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#Homestead #MeatRabbits #SustainableLiving #Livestock #ProteinSource

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