Discover why rabbit meat is a valuable addition to your homestead. Learn about the nutritional benefits, space efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of raising meat rabbits. Find out why breeds like New Zealand and Californian rabbits are top choices for meat production and how they can enhance your self-sufficient lifestyle.
Raising meat rabbits was never something I saw myself doing. After all, I didn’t grow up on a homestead or farm so for most of my life, I envisioned life in the city as where I would end up. Turns out, there is nothing I wanted more as an adult than a few chickens, goats and sheep; a garden where I could grow my own potatoes and cabbage, homemade butter and other ways to feed myself and my family that weren’t overly processed and somewhat toxic foods.
And that is why rabbits for meat entered the arena of my life.
Here in the US, rabbit meat isn’t a commonly consumed item. We tend to see rabbits as pets – and yes, they do make great pets – but by labeling them as such, we are missing out on an amazing meat that we can feed our families for (usually) much cheaper than the grocery store is going to provide.
Is Rabbit Legal to Eat in the US?
Yes, rabbit meat is legal to eat in the US. This is true whether you are hunting wild rabbits for your table or if you – like this post talks about – raise rabbits for their meat. However, laws regarding the butcher and sale of rabbit meat do vary from state to state.
If you plan to sell your excess rabbit meat, you will want to check your states cottage laws. Some may require you to have a commercial license or other permits to do so.
For personal consumption, raising and butchering rabbits on your property is generally allowed, making them a practical and legal addition to your self-sufficient lifestyle.
Rabbit Meat is Nutritious
Rabbit meat is incredibly nutritious. It’s not only lean and low in fat, but it’s also packed with protein, making it a great choice for a growing family. A three-ounce serving of rabbit meat provides around 28 grams of protein, which is higher than most other meats.
It’s also rich in essential vitamins and minerals like B12, iron, and zinc. Vitamin B12 is vital for maintaining healthy nerve cells and producing DNA. Iron is crucial for making hemoglobin, which helps carry oxygen in the blood. Zinc supports immune function and wound healing.
I eat a ketovore style diet these days and rabbit meat is a staple because of the high nutrients.
Can You Live Solely on Rabbit Meat?
While it is highly nutritious, relying solely on rabbits for your diet is not recommended. Rabbit meat is extremely lean so consuming only rabbit can lead to a condition known as “rabbit starvation syndrome” or protein poisoning.
A diet solely based on rabbit meat would lack sufficient fats and other essential nutrients needed for a balanced diet. Because of this, use rabbit to supplement meats like farm fresh chicken and beef in your diet.
Rabbits Don’t Take Much Space
One of the most significant advantages of raising rabbits for meat is how little space they take up. Rabbits don’t require much room to thrive, making them ideal for homesteaders with limited space. They are also a fantastic option for urban homesteaders who are working with a small backyard or patio area.
A basic setup with a few simple rabbit hutches can fit into a small corner of your yard. Additionally, rabbits can be housed in stacked cages, making use of vertical space. This makes rabbit farming accessible to people who may not have the land or resources to raise larger livestock.
They Reproduce Quickly
Rabbits, especially those used as breeding stock for meat, are known for their breeding habits, which makes them a reliable source of meat. A single doe (female rabbit) can produce several litters of kits (baby rabbits) each year. Typically, a doe can have between 5 to 10 kits per litter and can breed up to six times a year. This means one doe can potentially produce 30 to 60 rabbits annually.
This rapid reproduction rate ensures a steady supply of meat for your family and provides the opportunity to sell surplus rabbits, generating additional income. The gestation period of a doe is around 30 days and the ability of rabbits to reach butcher weight within 8 to 12 weeks contribute to their brilliance as a sustainable meat source.
A buck (male rabbit) can reproduce with multiple does. This helps with any space issues since you won’t need to keep a lot of rabbits on hand to have meat.
Rabbits are Cheap to Raise
Compared to other livestock, rabbits are relatively inexpensive to raise. They require very little equipment to get started with your own rabbitry. All you really need is a rabbit hutch and feeding equipment to start.
They also have low feed requirements and can thrive on a diet of hay, pellets, and fresh greens, which can often be sourced inexpensively or even grown in your garden. They are highly efficient at converting feed into meat, which means they require less feed per pound of body weight; especially when compared to larger livestock.
They’re Also Easy to Raise
Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or just starting out, rabbits are an excellent choice for beginners. They’re are extremely docile animals that are easy to handle and require far less maintenance compared to larger livestock like cows or pigs.
They’re also relatively disease-resistant and can be managed with minimal care. They don’t require specialized skills or vet equipment other than any butchering equipment you may need when you cull them for their meat.
Meat rabbits also groom themselves meaning you typically don’t have to do it for them to keep them clean. This goes a long way when you don’t have to figure out how to bathe a rabbit.
Rabbit Meat Can Be Used in Many Ways
Rabbit meat is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of recipes. Its mild flavor and tender texture make it suitable for various culinary applications.
You can use rabbit meat in stews such as my one of my favorite rabbit recipes – Sardinian hare stew – , roasts, stir-fries, grilling, and even to make rabbit sausage.
It substitutes in most chicken recipes amazingly and pairs well with most basic spices that you have in your kitchen (and them some). Saffron and turmeric are fantastic with rabbit.
Additionally, rabbit meat is ideal for making broth and stock and if you’ve never cooked with rabbit stock, you are truly missing out. The process is the same as making any other meat stock.
Meat Rabbits are a Sustainable Meat Source
Most people who live a self-reliant lifestyle are concerned about sustainability in some way. Whether it’s that their homestead is sustainable or they’re concerned about something such as climate change, raising rabbits as a food source is very sustainable.
Rabbits have a very low carbon footprint, but did you know that they convert plants into a more environmentally friendly product? Yes. More environmentally friendly. Rabbit manure and urine both make high quality fertilizers that will help everything from your garden soil to your lawn grow amazingly. Plus, since rabbit droppings make such a great fertilizer, you can actually sell them to other gardeners who need fertilizer for their own garden if you have excess – and you likely will.
They are Quiet and Odor-Free
Unlike some other livestock, rabbits are quiet animals that won’t cause your neighbors to hate you. They make very little sound. They also produce very little odor when you compare them to other animals.
Their waste is dry and can be easily managed with regular cleaning of their hutch. This makes rabbits a great option for those with close neighbors or are urban homesteading.
Dual-Purpose Breeds Make Raising Meat Rabbits Easy
Some rabbit breeds are used specifically for meat production, but in my opinion, a rabbit that can be used as a meat rabbit and have thick pelts that can be sold are the best options. Raising dual purpose rabbits allows you to really maximize what you get out of each bunny.
Breeds like the New Zealand, Californian, and Champagne d’Argent are popular for meat production due to their size and growth rate. While breeds like the Rex and Angora offer valuable fur that can be used for crafting or sold.
Whether you’re looking to produce meat, fur, or participate in rabbit shows, there’s a breed that fits what you need. Dual purpose rabbits do that in more ways than one.
What Kind of Rabbit is Best for Meat?
For most who raise meat rabbits, New Zealand and Californian rabbits are usually top choices. New Zealand rabbits are known for their rapid growth rate and large size, typically reaching 9-12 pounds at maturity. They are very active breeders who have large litters of kits making them great for food production.
Californian rabbits are another excellent option for meat production though they are slightly smaller than New Zealand rabbits. Californians mature between 8 and 10 lbs. This breed is known for their feed conversion and high dress-out percentage. This means you get more meat with less feed. They grow fast and are generally a healthy breed making them perfect for raising meat rabbits.
Raising Meat Rabbits Helps You Be More Self Reliant
I’ve talked before about how being self reliant is the only way to be truly frugal and I absolutely still think that. Raising your own food is one of the very first steps you can take toward self-sufficiency. Meat rabbits can help with that without needing a large piece of land.
By raising your own food, you can take control of your food supply and reduce your reliance on store-bought meat. Being your own grocery store creates a sense of self-sufficiency that is not only empowering but also ensures that you’re providing your family with high-quality, ethically raised meat.
Knowing where your food comes from and how it was raised adds a level of transparency and trust that’s often lacking in commercial meat production. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment as you contribute to your family’s food security.
The Whole Family Can Help
Raising meat rabbits can be a fun and educational activity for the whole family. Children can learn useful skills like animal husbandry, responsibility, and self-reliance while caring for the rabbits and helping with chores around the rabbitry. Daily tasks of feeding, watering, and cleaning teach help to kids about the importance of routine and care in animal management.
Not only that but interacting with rabbits can foster a sense of compassion and respect for animals. This hands-on experience can be both rewarding and educational, giving them lifelong lessons and skills. Raising rabbits can be a family bonding activity that brings everyone together with a common purpose.
