We don’t just want to sell you a rabbit or two. We want you to enjoy your experience and have happy and healthy rabbits. That’s why we have created a tool to help you learn more about rabbits and how to care for your rabbit.
If you have any other questions we have not covered, please feel free to contact us for help. For additional information you might go to Homestead Rabbits at Meat Rabbit Quick Start Guide.
Answer: Rabbits should be fed a hay-based diet with a small balanced rabbit pellet. A mature rabbit should be fed 6 to 8 ounces of pellets daily. A nursing doe can have a free choice of feed and young bunnies all that they can eat. A rabbit can eat approximately its own body volume in hay every day. Caution should be given to feeding your rabbit vegetables as their digestive system is very fragile. Your rabbit is not Bugs Bunny living on a diet of carrots. Rabbits do not have an instinct for what plants are safe to eat and as a general rule of thumb, should be kept away from any plants grown from bulb and evergreen shrubs and trees.
Answer: Yes, as long as both rabbits are de-sexed and are introduced correctly. They are best kept in pairs of neutered males and spayed females. Rabbits are very social, and companionship is vital to their emotional well-being. If not de-sexed, as they mature, it’s a good idea to separate them as they become territorial and likely to fight for their turf.
Answer: Your baby bunnies will begin nibbling on their mother's feed at about three weeks of age. They can be weaned when they are about six-weeks. However, we at Little Creek Farms are relucant to take them away from their mother until they are about eight-weeks of age. This seems to us to be a better age for them to be off on their own.
Answer: A TAMUK (pronounced TAM-UK) is a rabbit developed by Texas A&M University at Kingston (thus the name) to withstand the Texas summer heat. Genetically it was developed from seven different breeds of rabbits, so a litter of TAMUK babies may be a variety of colors depending on the dominant gene.
Answer: A meat pen show is a show where the emphasis is on the consistency of the rabbit. So three rabbits are shown at the same time and are judged on how identical they are in looks, size, and condition. Most often there are show regulations to the size of the rabbits shown. Usually there is a weight limitation typically between 3 to 5 pounds and/or an age limit of no more than twelve weeks.
Answer: Assuming they live to die naturally, a rabbit's longevity is ten to twelve years, although some have been known to live beyond fifteen years.
Answer: Young rabbits should be ready to slaughter at 8 to 12 weeks and 3 to 4 pounds for fryer weight (2 to 2 1/2 pounds dressed weight). Roasters are 10 weeks to 6 months old and weigh in between 5 1/2 and 8 pounds ( 3 to 4 pounds dressed weight).
Answer: Yes. Rabbit meat is an excellent source of protein and is low in cholesterol. Protein also keeps us healthy by building and repairing our muscles, skin, and blood. Rabbit meat is also an excellent source of iron which helps make healthy blood and gives us the energy to be active.
Answer: Gestation for rabbits is typically 30-32 days. On average, five to eight babies are born in each litter.
Answer: If handled properly, rabbits make excellent pets. Rabbits are very loving, social animals. Some can be litter box trained just like a cat. However, a word of caution, rabbits chew on things to keep their teeth short, which means if they are not contained, they will need chewable toys, or else they will likely chew on your household furniture. In short, rabbits are wonderful, fun, and loving companions.