are new zealand rabbits good for meat

Do New Zealand rabbits make good pets?

Yes, New Zealands are great pets. They were developed as a meat rabbit but more people are gradually loving them as pets. New Zealand Rabbits are particularly good for families with children. They are bigger in size and not as delicate as other pets. This makes them good pets for those looking for pets.

Why were rabbits introduced to New Zealand?

Rabbits were introduced to New Zealand in the 19th century for food and sport. But they soon became a pest, reaching plague proportions in some areas. Rabbits have cost the country millions of dollars – through attempts to control them and lost production on farmland.

What are facts about New Zealand rabbits?

New Zealand Rabbit Facts

• There are very good facts about the New Zealand Rabbits including one that they can grow up to be big bunnies.
• As these rabbits are good meat producers, they are greatly used for trade purposes.
• They require a large space which means large cages.
• These rabbits do not bite, that’s why they are said to be friendly and calm.

Is rabbit the new ethical meat?

The wild European rabbit domesticated rabbits are based on is more social than North American species but spends much of its time scurrying from dark corner to dark corner. This one trait more than anything has led to its being championed as an ethical meat – its fundamental adaptability to confinement. Evolved for confinement?

How much meat can you get from a New Zealand rabbit?

A good New Zealand or Californian doe should be able to produce fryers that weigh four pounds at eight weeks of age. Butcher them as young as possible for the best meat. A four-pound animal produces about two pounds of meat.

When should I butcher my New Zealand rabbit?

So week ten is the optimal time to slaughter a rabbit. The reason people raise California and New Zealand rabbits for meat is that they are very good at growing to five pounds in 10-11 weeks.

What rabbits are best for meat?

The New Zealand rabbit breed is by far the most common and the most popular best meat rabbit. It's estimated that 90% of the rabbits raised for meat are New Zealand rabbits. One reason may be that this rabbit breed puts on weight quickly and has an exceptional meat-to-bone ratio.

Is raising rabbits for meat worth it?

They're not worth the effort. If you're serious about keeping rabbits for meat, you need a breed built for the job. Meat rabbits are longer, fatter, and fluffier than your typical wild bunny. These are generally regarded as the best rabbits for eating – though some make good house pets as well.

When should you not eat rabbit?

It's unsafe to eat wild rabbits or hares before the first hard frost of the year. If you eat a wild rabbit sooner, the meat will have parasites. The exact source is unknown, but this a commonly held belief that goes back several generations.

What is the most humane way to slaughter a rabbit?

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.

Why is rabbit meat not popular?

Rabbit meat is not popular meat because it's not profitable to produce, as the rabbits are small and lean. They need a very specific feed, which is more expensive than chicken or cattle feed.

Are New Zealand Red rabbits good for meat?

The New Zealand is commonly used as a meat rabbit with a high feed to meat ratio with fine bones, and are considered one of the best breeds for meat production.

Why can't you eat rabbit all the time?

The term rabbit starvation originates from the fact that rabbit meat is very lean, with almost all of its caloric content from protein rather than fat, and therefore a food which, if consumed exclusively, would cause protein poisoning.

What breed of rabbit is most profitable?

Most Profitable Rabbit BreedsFrench Lop.English Lop.Flemish Giant.English Angora.French Angora.Specific colors of Mini Rex.Thrianta.Harlequin (you want to make sure you purchase good quality animals to do this breed otherwise they don't sell for much)More items...

How much meat will 2 rabbits produce?

Rabbits breed and grow so quickly that one pair of healthy does (females) can produce more than 600 pounds of meat in a year. Compare that to the dressed yield of 400 pounds for an average year-old beef steer.

Do rabbit farms make money?

They can supply multiple income streams. They can be sold as meat, pets, or breeding stock. Their pelts and droppings are also popular products. The ability to easily raise large numbers of rabbits that can be sold in many different ways makes rabbits one of the most profitable animals to keep.

How long before a rabbit can be slaughtered?

Rabbits are typically slaughtered as fryers at 5 pounds (about 10 weeks of age). Often considered a delicacy, rabbit meat is white, fine grained, and delicately flavored.

When should rabbits be vaccinated NZ?

10 to 12 weeksIt's recommended you vaccinate rabbits with the Cylap RCD Vaccine at 10 to 12 weeks of age, with an annual booster vaccination to keep them protected.

How long do New Zealand meat rabbits live?

Coat: Thick, snowy fur with minimal grooming needed. Life span: 7-10 years.

How long do rabbits take to butcher?

Meat rabbits will need 10 weeks to go from birth to processing. If you are counting the gestation period of the doe then you need to add 30 days to the total. This will take the total from breeding to butchering time to 14 weeks.

How to keep rabbits from getting worms?

De-worming paste is also a must for indoor or outdoor rabbits to keep them worm-free. A pea-sized amount twice a year should be sufficient. Indoor/outdoor New Zealand rabbit owners should also check its ears weekly, as ear mites can develop. There is a also painful condition called flystrike that can occur (mostly with outdoor rabbits) that happens when flies lay their eggs in soiled fur (mostly around their bottoms). Once the eggs hatch, their main source of nutrition is your rabbit’s insides and this causes them excruciating pain. Should you suspect your rabbit is suffering from flystrike, take them to your local veterinarian immediately to get treated.

How many breeds of New Zealand rabbits are there?

Many breeders tried to improve upon their qualities or selectively breed them for different purposes. Today, there are 5 distinct New Zealand Rabbit breeds that are recognized by ARBA.

Why sterilize a New Zealand rabbit?

The New Zealanders are docile and calm rabbits to start with, so the main benefit of fixing them is not to minimize aggressiveness. If your rabbit is not going to be used for breeding, sterilization has other important consequences besi des preventing your pets to produce more rabbits.

How big should a New Zealand rabbit cage be?

Considering this rabbit’s size, their habitat needs to be rather large. As a rule of thumb, any New Zealand Rabbit will need an enclosure that’s 30” by 36”. Indoor rabbit enclosures should be made of sturdy wire all around, have a plastic or metal bottom and be large enough for the New Zealand rabbit to stretch out, just like outdoor enclosures. The bottom of their cages should be covered in rabbit-safe bedding, and it needs to be spot-cleaned every day and completely replaced at the end of every week. Hay, wood pellets, shredded paper, and sawdust are some of the most common choices for rabbit cage bedding.

How big of an enclosure do New Zealand rabbits need?

As a rule of thumb, any New Zealand Rabbit will need an enclosure that’s 30 ” by 36”. Indoor rabbit enclosures should be made of sturdy wire all around, have a plastic or metal bottom and be large enough for the New Zealand rabbit to stretch out, just like outdoor enclosures.

What is a New Zealand rabbit?

From hips to loins to ribs, the New Zealand rabbit is a well-filled animal. Their head is moderately rounded, and in proportion with the rest of their body. Ears are thick, well-furred with rounded tips and carried erect.

When were New Zealand red rabbits recognized?

New Zealand Reds were recognized in 1916, New Zealand White Rabbit in 1920 and Black New Zealands in 1958. The newest additions to the breed are the broken variety, which was accepted by ARBA in 2010 and the blue variety which had the same luck in late 2016.

How long do New Zealand bunnies live?

The New Zealand rabbit breed has an average lifespan of five to eight years. Some bunnies may even live longer when taken to regular veterinary checkups and cared for properly.

How big should a New Zealand rabbit enclosure be?

When setting up an enclosure for your New Zealand rabbit look for those that are at least 30” by 36” to make your bunny feel comfortable at home.

Why are white rabbits so popular?

While the red variety remained popular, the White New Zealand rabbits quickly became sought-after due to their white fur which can easily be dyed and is more in demand in the fur trade.

What is a New Zealand rabbit?

Large in size and originally bred for meat, the New Zealand rabbit is becoming a popular show rabbit and family pet. Best known for their calm, gentle, and docile nature, these bunnies are primarily bred for meat, pelts, show, and laboratory uses.

Why do rabbits have overgrown teeth?

Eating hay naturally files a rabbit’s teeth, keeping them at a normal length and preventing them from growing into their jaws and cheeks.

How many different colors of New Zealand rabbits are there?

The New Zealand rabbit is popular across the United States and today there are five distinctive color varieties of this breed.

Where did the New Zealand bunny originate?

Despite its name, the New Zealand bunny is an American rabbit breed, originally developed in California. This breed was most likely created by mixing several breeds, including the Flemish giants and Belgian hares.

What rabbit is the last?

Last, but most certainly not least, is the Altex rabbit.

Which is the best meat rabbit?

Whereas, if you’re concerned with cost-efficiency and high turnaround, then the Altex rabbit is the best meat rabbit for you.

What is a rabbit wringer?

A “rabbit wringer” is a wall-mounted bracket, shaped so as to allow you to slide your rabbit into the vice at the neck. You then pull sharp and hard on the back legs to quickly and humanely break the rabbit’s neck.

What is the meat rabbit?

If you’re into smoking your meat (as we at Meat Sumo are), then the Chinchilla is the meat rabbit for you.

How long does it take for a rabbit to reach 5lbs?

Calm, friendly, and good-natured, they can reach 5lbs for use as fryer rabbits in just 8 weeks.

What is the color of a Californian rabbit?

With white fur covering the body, and black detailing on the ears, nose, and legs, the Californian rabbit is strikingly attractive.

What is the most humane way to raise meat rabbits?

Colony-raising is by far the most humane way to raise meat rabbits.

Are they good pets?

So do New Zealand rabbits make good pets? Despite being originally developed as a meat rabbit, New Zealands make great pets! They enjoy being part of a family due to their social nature and do well with children and other pets. Because of their calm temperament, they can be housed together with other rabbits, but be sure that each rabbit has enough space to prevent bickering. New Zealand rabbits are an especially good choice for anyone who is new to rabbits or for homes with children. Because they are big, they are not as delicate as small breeds, and their hardiness makes them easy to care for. Their short fur requires no special grooming unlike long-haired breeds, and they have very few breed specific diseases.

What do New Zealand rabbits eat?

When raised as pets, another factor to consider is diet. Big rabbits will obviously eat more than smaller breeds, and because New Zealand rabbits have been specially bred over the years to put on lots of weight quickly, special attention should be given to the food they are offered. They should be offered a measured quantity of high-quality rabbit pellet and unlimited timothy hay every day. They can be given leafy vegetables daily, and occasionally can be given special treats like fruit or carrots. More information on basic rabbit dietary requirements can be found here.

How long do New Zealand rabbits live?

Rabbits should be brushed once a week. Rabbits are social animals, need daily attention, and may benefit from having a companion. New Zealands can live for 5-8 years if well cared for.

What are the ancestors of the New Zealand rabbit?

Likely ancestors include the Belgian Hare and Flemish Giant. Over the last 100 years the New Zealand has been bred for size and to a lesser extent for color. There are both meat ‘production’ lines as well as show lines, but all New Zealand rabbits share a few key characteristics.

What is the most common color in meat?

They are known as good mothers and are fast to mature. White tends to be the most common color in commercial meat lines, but red was the original breed color. Black and ‘broken’ (red or black with white patches) are also acceptable colors.

Do New Zealand rabbits gain weight?

Because New Zealands are large, fast-growing rabbits with a tendency to gain weight quickly, there are a few things to keep in mind when raising these rabbits as pets.

Can you keep a New Zealand rabbit as a pet?

As a breed New Zealand rabbits are relatively healthy and vigorous and so they are generally healthy pets, but there are some things to keep in mind if you are planning on keeping a New Zealand rabbit. Overfeeding can be a big issue for New Zealand rabbits because they are bred to grow to a large size. Too many treats can cause these rabbits to become overweight and can shorten their lifespan. This is especially true of New Zealands that come from ‘production’ lines. New Zealand rabbits can also suffer from infrequent genetic disorders. One such defect causes some rabbits to develop cataracts. It’s important to know, however, that genetic diseases are comparatively rare in this breed, and are avoidable if you plan to buy your rabbit from a reputable breeder.

What is the best rabbit breed for meat production?

New Zealand rabbits are the top breed for meat production. They produce well in a commercial setting and are the most popular rabbit around the world. New Zealands are an easy choice for anyone looking to get into raising meat rabbits.

What is the name of the rabbit that has fur?

Known for: American Chinchilla rabbits are famous for their fur.

What is the most popular rabbit breed?

New Zealand rabbits are popular. This Ruby Eyed New Zealand White is one of my daughter’s rabbits. Known for: New Zealand rabbits are a meaty and very productive rabbit. New Zealand rabbits are the top breed for meat production. They produce well in a commercial setting and are the most popular rabbit around the world.

What is cinnamon rabbit?

Known for: Cinnamon rabbits are known for their brown tipped coloration. Cinnamons are a much less common rabbit than many of the other on the list. Cinnamons are tan with brown points, like a Siamese cat. This is a relatively new breed that is located in pockets of breeders scattered through out the county.

How much does a lilac bunny weigh?

Mature weight: 8 pounds. Known for: Lilac’s are friendly, mid size rabbits that are great for kids. The Lilac is a bit smaller of a breed than some of the others on the list. If you are looking for a meat rabbit with a bit less size as an adult, the Lilac may be just what you are looking for.

What breed of rabbit is Creme?

Known for: Creme’s are one section of the Argent breed of rabbits, famous for their meat qualities.

How much does a Californian rabbit weigh?

Mature weight: 10.5 pounds. Known for: Californian rabbits are meaty and have a white body with black points. Californian rabbits are the second most popular meat rabbit. They have the same meaty white body you have come to associate with a meat rabbit, but with a twist, black points!

What is a place where rabbits are kept?

The wire hutches can cause sore feet, so a plank or a piece of carpet can provide a place for your rabbits to rest. Rabbitry: A rabbitry is a place where domestic rabbits are kept, or a rabbit farm.

What are rabbits good for?

Meat rabbits are an excellent animal to teach you about a life of animal husbandry. According to RabbitBreeders.us, a single commercial doe can produce offspring to yield 300 # of meat per year! Rabbits have excellent feed conversion rates, low startup costs, healthy meat and don't require much space. We'll walk you through rabbit hutches, watering ...

How do bunnies live?

Think about housing BEFORE you start looking at bunnies. Rabbits are usually raised in metal cages or hutches. This protects them from predators and improves sanitation.

Why do doe nest boxes have lip?

The lip on the nest boxes kept the babies from accidentally ending up on the cage floor, and the nest boxes were much easier to clean. When breeding, bring your doe to the buck. Does are territorial and can become aggressive towards the buck, even injuring him.

How long do rabbits leave their nest?

Once born, we usually leave the nest alone for a few days. After that, we generally gently check the box for any dead babies and to check the condition of the litter. A doe with babies should get free choice feed. Making milk is hard work. Milk is mostly water, so always provide a good source of water for mama rabbits.

How often do rabbits nurse?

Milk is mostly water, so always provide a good source of water for mama rabbits. Rabbits have extremely nutritious milk and only nurse two to three times per day. Within a few hours, they will not be in the nest box, but this does not mean that they are rejecting the babies.

Why do old wives tails say you must not handle babies?

Old wives tails say that you must not handle the babies because the mother's will reject them . This is not true for any rabbits, domestic or wild. Kindling: Kindling refers to a rabbit giving birth.

What do rabbits need for shelter?

Rabbits require a hutch for shelter. A rabbit hutch is basically a wooden box divided into two sections. One section has wire mesh on all sides, and the other section is closed in with wooden sides with only the bottom being mesh wire.

How much meat can a rabbit give?

They may seem small, but because they reproduce so quickly one rabbit can give anywhere from 125-250 pounds of meat per year (depending on how frequently the doe is bred and how many kits per litter.) There is much to learn about raising rabbits for meat, but they are a perfect fit for any size homestead.

What is the best bedding for bunnies?

The easiest bedding for your rabbits is paper. Old, shredded paper . When you go through your filing cabinet, receive junk mail, or when you toss the morning paper don’t discard that waste, invest in a shredder, and shred it! Then fill your rabbits’ rabbit holes with shredded paper.

Why do rabbits need wire mesh?

Wire mesh is an essential component of the shelter because it is small enough that the rabbits can stand on without falling through. However, it makes for easier cleaning of the hutch because most of the rabbit’s waste will fall through.

How often do you refill rabbit waterers?

This ensures that the rabbits have plenty of water, and we only have to refill them a few times a week instead of multiple times a day.

How old do rabbits need to be to butcher?

It is important to know that when raising rabbits for meat that the older the rabbit gets, the tougher the meat becomes. The perfect butchering age is around 8 weeks of age. This means you will need a larger breed so it will be a decent size by the 8-week mark.

How do you know if a rabbit is bred?

You will know your female has been bred when you see what is called a “fall off.” This is when you see the male rabbit literally fall off of the female. He will become very stiff and fall over as if he were dead.

How to raise rabbits for meat?

Start by taking down the carcass and placing it on a hard flat surface like a wooden cutting board or tree stump. Flip the rabbit on its side, lifting a front leg up and outward.

How to get rid of hair on rabbits?

Place your offal bucket beneath and let the blood drain out of the carcass. Hose or wash off the carcass to remove any remaining hair.

What is a hopper popper?

Always keep your knives sharp! The Hopper Popper combo is a very useful tool designed specifically for harvesting and butchering meat rabbits.

How to keep rabbits from falling out?

As you cut down the rabbit, organs will start to fall out. As they fall, aim them towards your offal bucket to keep everything tidy and contained in the bucket. Make sure the cavity of the rabbit is empty, and all intestines have been removed. Once you’ve double-checked that, cut the anus out as well.

What to do if you have too many rabbits?

If you have too many rabbits for your family, you may sell some to neighbors and locals, barter rabbit meat for other things, or simply share with those in need.

Why are rabbits so popular?

Raising rabbits for meat is experiencing an increase in popularity due to homesteaders’ ability to generate hundreds of pounds of meat a year with such low costs to produce. Rabbits have a small footprint compared with other types of livestock and reproduce at an incredible rate that helps you sustain a consistent supply of meat for you and your family.

How long can you soak rabbit meat in the fridge?

Let it soak in the fridge for a day, as this helps remove any remaining blood from the body. After soaking for 24 hours , your rabbit will be ready for storing. The easiest and most common way to store rabbit meat involves vacuum sealing it to freeze for extended periods.

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