Found a good "Rabbit Farming" link? Let Us Know!

Free Rabbit Mini-Course: receive one lesson every day or so in your email box. Lots more info on the site as well.

Small Scale Rabbit Husbandry: A proposal for rabbit as a meat source for the family, or: Five Cages, 2 Does and 1 Buck = meat supply for your family!

Integration of rabbit production into populated areas, especially in hot climates. Although being written from one of the few truly temperate climates in North America, this article provides some suggestions for raising and feeding rabbits in hot climates, or in the condition of increasing global warming, by integrating them with other land uses and making use of available agricultural by-products as feed.

Care of Rabbits -Minnesota Branch of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. The domestic rabbit, Oryctotagus cuniculus, is a descendant of wild rabbits living in western Europe and northern Africa In their natural environment, rabbits are gregarious and reproductively successful. They are completely herbivorous (eat only plants) and most actively forage in the twilight or nighttime hours. Rabbits use their claws to dig and burrow into the ground for shelter and protection. They rarely stand their ground when threatened but instead use their considerable speed and maneuverability to escape harm. Domestic rabbits or wild rabbits kept in captivity, however, can display an amazing degree of aggression when upset or threatened.

Codes of Recommendation for the Welfare of Livestock: Rabbits -Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, United Kingdom. The preface to the Code identifies good stockmanship as a key factor in farm animal welfare. We are convinced that this Code is an essential tool for everyone concerned with the rearing of rabbits. We therefore ask you, and all involved with rabbits on your farm, to read it carefully and to bear its recommendations in mind at all times. The note on the opposite page explains the status of the Code in relation to the law of the land.

ABC (and D and E) of Colour Genetics I am not an expert in any genetics, but I have a simple way to explain the principles of color genetics for English Angora. I am not going to use big words, so relax and follow my explanation.

Angora Rabbit Online Technical Manual -Angora Rabbit.com. Breeding, kindling, feeding, grooming, and showing are technical challenges with Angora Rabbits, due to their unique and beautiful wool coats. This web site is dedicated to your success and happiness with Angora Rabbit ownership. We will present tips and techniques which work for us, which might be helpful to you.

Domestic Rabbits and Their Care -Mississippi State University Extension Service. "Domestic rabbit" generally refers to tame rabbits maintained in cages, pens, or other enclosures. They are distinguished from closely related animals existing in the natural or wild state. All breeds and varieties of domestic rabbits were developed from the European rabbit (Oxyctolagus cuniculus). In some areas, European rabbits exist in the wild state, so the term "domestic rabbit" must refer to those maintained in close relation to man. The domestic rabbit is not native to the United States.

The Rabbit - Husbandry, Health and Production Rabbits reared with techniques adapted to specific environments can do much to improve the family diet of many of the neediest rural families, at the same time supplying a regular source of income. The purpose of this work is to bring together as fully and objectively as possible all the available data on rabbit husbandry, health and production. It is also intended as a contribution to the preparation and execution of rabbit development programs, particularly in developing countries. A team of scientists from the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), a world-renowned rabbit authority, was marshaled to cover the many and varied aspects of rabbit production.

Meat Rabbit Farming -CSIRO Livestock Industries, Australia [PDF File] Meat rabbit farming is one of Australia’s fastest growing new industries. While its long term size will never rival that of our traditional meat industries, it is providing a useful source of income diversification for a number of people in regional and rural areas where farm incomes have plummeted in recent years.

Disease resistance in rabbits (PowerPoint file, 131 Kb) (posted 07/06/02)

Which Breed of Rabbit is Best (PDF file) (posted 20/09/01) Surveys of rabbit farmers in NSW in 1999 showed that the predominant breed of meat rabbit being used is the New Zealand White, with a significant number of Flemish Giant and Californian rabbits. There are also other breeds being used but their numbers are small.

Raising Rabbits for Fun and Food by Mary-Frances R. Bartels of Rudolph's Rabbit Ranch A sort of "Online Manual." Very nice.

Raising Rabbits in the Pacific Northwest Basic rabbitry management for home or commercial meat production.

C547 Raising Rabbits [PDF File - Requires Adobe Acrobat] see also: raising rabbits Rabbits are raised for show, fur, home or commercial meat production, laboratory animals, and breeding stock. Space requirements are minimal. Raising rabbits can contribute to family income.

Raising rabbits for food Rabbits are an excellent animal to raise for meat. Not only are they a hardy animal that can be raised in a small amount of space, the meat is delicious and high in protein.

Raising Rabbits The main breeds of meat rabbits have all descended from the wild European rabbit. These include - New Zealand White (4-5 kg), Californian (3.5-4.5 kg), Chinchilla Gigantica (4-5 kg), British & Flemish Giant (5-5.5 kg). When purchasing stock, look for clean, healthy surroundings and animals with shiny coats, bright eyes, clean ears and noses. Their behavior should be neither timid nor aggressive as their attitudes could be passed on to their offspring.

Starting a Rabbit Enterprise discusses the advantages and disadvantages of starting a rabbit raising operation.

Concerns when Building Rabbit Facilities outlines many factors that the beginning rabbit producer should consider when building the first production facility.

Slaughtering and Dressing Rabbits discusses the procedure used by slaughtering plants to process meat rabbits. Treating the pelts is also discussed.

Frequently Asked Questions
Rabbits:
How much investment is necessary to build a rabbitry?
How are rabbit skins tanned?
Why do some rabbit does eat their young?
Where can I obtain housing plans?

Homesteading Today - Raising Rabbits for Profit a message board.

Raising Healthy Rabbits Pet Center @ Southern States Co-op's guide to raising healthy rabbits will help you learn more about rabbit nutrition and health issues.

Raising Rabbits Raising rabbits are much cheaper, more efficient, and more productive than raising chickens. Rabbit meat tastes good too, some people say that it taste much like poultry. Rabbit meat is mild and savory, never gamy. It is extremely lean, making it perfect for cholesterol-reducing diets.

NetVet Rabbit Page. Lots of cute, funny and helpful articles on rabbits.

Raising Rabbits First off, I make no claim as to being any kind of an expert in the field of raising livestock, but noticing little in the files on this subject, decided to give it a shot. We started raising rabbits about 18 months ago as an emergency source of protein if times got tough. There are a number of reasons why rabbits make sense to survivalist’s, among them in no particular order...

Domestic Rabbits and Their Care A discussion of the history, characteristics and needs of the modern commercial domestic rabbit. "Domestic rabbit" generally refers to tame rabbits maintained in cages, pens, or other enclosures. They are distinguished from closely related animals existing in the natural or wild state. All breeds and varieties of domestic rabbits were developed from the European rabbit (Oxyctolagus cuniculus). In some areas, European rabbits exist in the wild state, so the term "domestic rabbit" must refer to those maintained in close relation to man. The domestic rabbit is not native to the United States.

Commercial Rabbit Production A general guide used by the novice rabbit producer to attain top-quality management.

Starting a Rabbit Enterprise A discussion of the advantages, disadvantages and concerns of commercial rabbit production that the prospective producer should consider before investing in the commercial rabbit business.

Concerns to Consider When Building Rabbit Facilities Recommendations and concerns that the rabbit producer should consider when planning new or renovating rabbitry facilities.

Poultry and Rabbit Housing Plans Several plans for building rabbitry equipment and facilities. The Poultry Department offers many plans for the construction of poultry and rabbitry houses. Listed below are only a portion of the many plans available. Blueprint sized copies of the plans shown here and hundreds more are available by contacting your Mississippi County Extension Office. Many are also available from the Mississippi State University Poultry Department.

Slaughtering and Dressing Rabbits A guide for properly slaughtering, processing and packaging rabbits for sale in food stores. Includes procedures for harvesting, storing and tanning rabbit pelts.

Raising Rabbits: Helpful Suggestions for the Beginner -Washington State Cooperative Extension [PDF File - Requires Adobe Acrobat] The rabbit has been domesticated for years and is adaptable to confinement rearing and close association with humans. Persons wishing to raise rabbits for fun, profit, or to supplement the family meat supply should visit other rabbit raisers and observe their housing, feeding, and management methods. Contact and join a local rabbit club as an excellent means of becoming familiar with related rabbit information.

Diseases of Laboratory Rabbits -Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Domestic Rabbits: Diseases and Parasites -Oregon State University

Pathology of the Rabbit [PDF] -Department of Veterinary Pathology; Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington D.C.

How to Feed the Rabbit Gastrointestinal Tract [PDF] -N.A. Irlbeck, Journal of Animal Science Rabbits are found in virtually every country in the world, providing protein, fiber, animal research, and companionship (third to dogs and cats). Because of an ability to utilize low-grain and high roughage diets, they have the potential to be a future protein source. Classified as an herbivorous non-ruminant, rabbits have a simple, non-compartmentalized stomach along with an enlarged cecum and colon inhabited by a microbial population (primarily Bacteroides).

Nutrient Requirements of Rabbits -National Research Council, Second Revised Edition 1977 The literature contains some information, and a number of significant reports have been published since the previous revision of this publication. The requirements summarized and presented in Table 1 reflect published data on intake levels reported to insure normal health and performance.

Raising Rabbits in the Pacific Northwest -Pan-Am Rabbit Science. There are many good reasons for rabbit production: rabbit production as an alternative livestock, rabbit production as a means of utilizing small rural holdings in a profitable manner, rabbit production as more efficient means of converting feed ingredients into a healthy meat for human consumption compared to the traditional farm animals, rabbit production as an excellent learning and enjoyment experience in institutional settings (prisons, long term care facilities, etc.) and rabbit production as a family hobby for semi-rural and urban families while supplementing their meat supply in a nutritious way. Every one of these aspects of rabbit production increases food security since each of them contributes to an increase in the availability of a healthy digestible meat supply at a lower environmental cost; the environmental cost being reduced by the higher feed conversion and the ability to use low grade forage supplies as well as by the different nature of the rabbit droppings compared to normal animal manure. All of these aspects of rabbit production contribute to sustainability and resource management.

4-H Rabbits, Rabbits, Rabbits: Project Record an animal sciences publication suggested for 4-H members ages 9 and up. The purpose of the 4-H rabbit project is to teach members proper ways to feed, manage and show rabbits. This record book is for maintaining records of your rabbit project. The accompanying leaders guide is (4H RAL 20) and the members manual is (4H RAM 10).

Rabbits, Rabbits, Rabbits, Member Manual an animal sciences publication suggested for 4-H members ages 9 and up. The purpose of the 4-H rabbit project is to teach members proper ways to feed, manage and show rabbits. This manual is a tool designed to help members complete the accompanying Rabbits, Rabbits, Rabbits: Record Book (4H RAR 10). The accompanying leaders guide is (4H RAL 20).

Cottontail Rabbit - Quick Reference Sheet & Marsh Rabbit - Quick Reference Sheet

What to do about Orphaned, Injured, and Sick Wildlife At some point in your life, you may find a young wild bird that has fallen from its nest ( Figure 1 ) or a young squirrel that appears to be orphaned or abandoned. Bringing the animal into your home to care for it may be the worst thing you could do. In most cases, the animal's parents are nearby, waiting for you to leave the area. There is a good chance that it does not need your help and you should resist the temptation to provide unnecessary care.

Cottontail Rabbit Management (MO Dept of Conservation) The cottontail rabbit is found practically everywhere in Missouri where habitat needs are met. Supplying food and cover for rabbits is relatively simple, and the rabbit, with its rapid reproduction, responds readily.

Backyard Production of Meat Rabbits (Texas A&M) Raising domesticated meat rabbits can provide nutritious, wholesome meat for the family table, educational experiences for young people, enjoyable activity for family members of all ages, rich manure for gardening, and potential extra income. This publication covers the selection of breeding stock, care and feeding of rabbits, and management of health and environmental problems. It includes rabbit meat recipes. (20 pp., 5 tables, 6 figures--including plans for a rabbit hutch and nest box) Copy maintained ONSITE in case this link goes bad.

Homemade Rabbit Cages (Mississippi State University) The best homemade rabbit cages are built of welded wire. Wire cages are more durable than wooden cages and are less expensive in the long run. Wire cages reduce the incidence of disease because they are easier to clean and disinfect.

Domestic Rabbits and Their Care (Mississippi State University) "Domestic rabbit" generally refers to tame rabbits maintained in cages, pens, or other enclosures. They are distinguished from closely related animals existing in the natural or wild state. All breeds and varieties of domestic rabbits were developed from the European rabbit (Oxyctolagus cuniculus). In some areas, European rabbits exist in the wild state, so the term "domestic rabbit" must refer to those maintained in close relation to man. The domestic rabbit is not native to the United States.

Raising Rabbits [PDF] (Kansas State University)

Raising Rabbits: Helpful Suggestions for Beginners [PDF] (Washington State University)

Rabbit Production [PDF] (Penn State University)

Rabbit Facilities for the Northern Plains (North Dakota State University) Rabbits can tolerate a wide range of temperatures if they are kept dry and draft free. Keeping them draft free during the winter in the Northern Plains is nearly impossible unless a totally enclosed building with a mechanical ventilation system is used. Conditions must be favorable to both the rabbits and those working in the building and caring for the rabbits. Warmer conditions may be needed for those working in the building and for the kits prior to weaning than is needed for mature rabbits.

Slaughtering and Dressing Rabbits (Mississippi State University) Rabbits are killed by one of two methods. The preferred method is dislocation of the neck. The rabbit is held firmly by the rear legs and head; it is stretched full length. Then with a hard, sharp pull, the head is bent backward to dislocate the neck. The rabbit can also be struck a hard, quick blow to the skull behind the ears. A blunt stick or side of the hand is commonly used to incapacitate the rabbit. Both methods quickly render the rabbit unconscious.

Concerns To Consider When Building Rabbit Facilities (Mississippi State University) The following information related to the design and construction of rabbitry facilities. This information is not complete unless a few observations and recommendations are proposed.

Starting A Rabbit Enterprise (Mississippi State University) Listed below are concerns that persons should take in consideration when considering whether to start a commercial rabbitry enterprise. Due to similarities in the methods of production with those of caged laying hens, the responsibility for assisting new rabbit producers has traditionally resided with the Extension Poultry Department in most states.

Commercial Rabbit Production (Mississippi State University) Before investing your money in rabbit production, get all available literature, talk and visit with other producers, visit a rabbit processor, and talk with your county Extension agent. Refer to the information sheet " Starting a Rabbit Enterprise" for additional insight of advantages and disadvantages of producing rabbits.

Rabbit (North Dakota State University) Rabbits are raised world-wide for a variety of reasons. In Europe and Asia they are an important source of food. Rabbits produce white meat that is fine-grained, high in protein, low in fat, highly palatable, low in cholesterol, and that can be substituted for poultry in most recipes. Rabbit carcasses are only 20 percent bone. In the United States rabbits are raised predominantly for nonfood purposes. High quality rabbit skins are used in fur garments and trimmings. Medical and cosmetic research also requires a large number of rabbits each year. Many people raise rabbits for show or as pets.

Raising Rabbits - The Basics. Excellent intro to rabbit farming.

Breeding Rabbits Maybe not ALL you need to know about breeding rabbits, but certainly enough to get you started in the right direction.

Rabbit Genetics Primer. Who would have thought the fuzzy little critters could be so complex?

NetVet Rabbit Page. Lots of cute, funny and helpful articles on rabbits

AGRIC - BF_Rabbits_1  & BF_Rabbits_2 & PC_Rabbits & Rabbits - ( fr de it po es)

Books/Articles for Download:

Goals in Rabbit Raising Author: H Burden; Buy New: $4.95

To each his own ... breed of rabbit, and raising methods. Author: Countryside Publications Ltd.; Buy New: $5.95

The rabbitry Author: Countryside Publications Ltd.; Buy New: $5.95

Start with good stock when raising meat rabbits. Author: Countryside Publications Ltd.; Buy New: $5.95

Raising rabbits for profit. Author: Countryside Publications Ltd.; Buy New: $5.95

Raising rabbits economically. Author: Countryside Publications Ltd.; Buy New: $5.95

Homesteader's handbook to raising small livestock. Author: Countryside Publications Ltd.; Buy New: $5.95

How to become a rabbit millionaire. Author: Countryside Publications Ltd.; Buy New: $5.95

Raising rabbits in colonies. Author: Countryside Publications Ltd.; Buy New: $5.95

Rabbit-raising tips for cold weather. Author: Countryside Publications Ltd.; Buy New: $5.95

Raising Fishworms With Rabbits Author: Howard L. Mays; Buy New: $8.00

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