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. (Reference "Bunny Beware" below)
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.
Bunny Beware:
As rabbit raisers, we generally determine what the rabbit eats and some people think anything from the yard/garden will be a delicious treat for their bunnies – wrong! Some green supplements are good and can boost your rabbits health while others are harmful and some even fatal. The following mentions ten greens that are good and ten that are bad.
It’s important to be aware of what plants are safe and which ones are harmful to rabbits as their digestive systems can be easily disrupted. Ensuring that your rabbit’s diet is rich and safe is of great concern and hopefully this article will assist in accomplishing this need. Also a word of caution, any greens should be given sparingly and never to young kits. Baby rabbits have underdeveloped digestive systems, lacking the necessary bacteria to properly process certain food until they become older.
This information can be found in the January/February 2025 issue of ARBA’s Domestic Rabbits.
GOOD
Dandelion. Dandelion are like a super-food for rabbits. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and they help support a healthy digestive system. Plus, most rabbits love munching on them.
Parsley. Parsley is packed with vitamin C and helps keep your rabbit’s immune system strong. It’s also a good source of fiber, which is important for digestion.
Mint. Mint can be very soothing for a rabbit’s stomach. It’s also a good way to keep their breath fresh-like a little bunny breath mint.
Basil. Basil is great for rabbits because it’s full of antioxidants that help fight off illness. It’s also a tasty treat that can add variety to their diet.
Cilantro. Cilantro is not only a favorite for its taste but also helps with digestive and provides a good dose of vitamin A, which is great for your rabbit’s health.
Rasberry Leaves. These leaves are excellent for supporting a healthy digestive system. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help if your rabbit is feeling a bit under the weather.
Chamomile. Chamomile is known for its calming effects, not just for humans but for rabbits too. It can help reduce stress and sooth an upset stomach.
Thyme. Thyme is a natural antibiotic and can help keep your rabbit’s immune system strong. It’s also good for respiratory health.
Plantain. Not to be confused with the banana-like fruit, plantain leaves are a green herb for rabbits. They have healing properties and can help with respiratory issues and inflammation.
Comfrey. Comfrey is a great source of vitamins and can help with tissue repair. It’s especially useful if your rabbit has any minor injuries.
BAD :
Foxglove. Foxglove is highly toxic to rabbits, and even a small amount can cause heart problems. It’s best to keep this plant far away from your rabbit.
Lily of the Valley. Lily of the valley is a pretty plant that is dangerous to your rabbit because it contains compounds that can cause heart failure.
Rhubarb Leaves. While the stalks are edible for humans, rhubarb leaves are extremely toxic to rabbits and can cause serious kidney damage.
Buttercups. Buttercups can look harmless, but they can cause irritation, digestive issues, and even convulsions in rabbits.
Ivy. English ivy and other types of ivy are toxic to rabbits. Ingesting ivy can cause breathing difficulties, muscle tremors, and coma.
Hemlock. Hemlock is extremely poisonous and can be fatal to rabbits if ingested. It’s one of those plants you want to ad void at all cost.
Nightshade. This plant is very toxic and can cause symptoms ranging from drooling and diarrhea to seizures and even death in rabbits.
Azalea. Azaleas are beautiful but dangerous to rabbits. They contain toxins that can lead to digestive issues, paralysis and even death.
Yew. All parts of the yew plant are highly toxic to rabbits, especially the seeds and leaves. Yew can cause sudden death due to its effects on the heart.
Onion and Garlic. Both onion and garlic are toxic to rabbits and can cause blood disorders, leading to anemia. They should never be fed to rabbits in any form.