Here on our farm we breed Californian/NewZealand Rabbits which is one of the best breeds for meat. We breed for both the meat market and to sell on to other breeders and the odd one or two as pets.
The domestic rabbit is entirely white meat that is low in fat and cholesterol and has high quality proteins. It compares very favourably to chicken, turkey and some fish for its beneficial health virtues and versatility.
Breeding Rabbits
A healthy mature doe can produce 3 – 4 litters per year of 5 to 10 young (kittens). A buck could service upto 20 to 30 does but to make sure the gene pool is kept healthy upto 5 would be sufficient. As there is no set breeding periods for rabbits a female rabbits will conceive any time she is put with a buck.
The doe is ready to breed again immediately after giving birth but it is advisable to give her a months rest so as not to overtire her and shorten her life span. When the young are about 6 weeks old they should be seperated from the doe.
Feeding
A rabbit needs to have a good diet to stay healthy and live long. A good diet of hay, greens, food pellets, and also an occasional treat. A good quality hay which has a sweet smell and has not become moldy should be given.
They should have clean water each day. The best way is in water bottles so the rabbits cannot contaminate it with their body waste.