Rabbits: Pros & Cons

Okay, so for most people, this will be an ICKY subject that they may have issues with in reading. I am talking about killing rabbits for meat production. If this isn't something you want to read about, STOP HERE...

Still here? Okay good. Let's get down to business. Rabbits have been a delicacy all over the world for centuries. Why? Because they are tender... and no, they don't taste like chicken. My DH and I are currently about to build a connected rabbit hutch that will hold 3 rabbits. The center hutch will hold a male while the 2 sides will hold a female each with extra room for when they kindle (have their kits). We intend to breed them and once the babies are 8 weeks old, we will slaughter them for our freezer. This might sound mean to lots of people (rabbits have a huge following with their own pedigrees) BUT they are a meat production animal and much better for your digestion. Lets get started on the pros vs. cons...

PROS:

1. Rabbits are GREAT for people with digestion issues such as acid reflux or IBS, etc... It doesn't have the harshness that other meats can have and is easier for the stomach to digest.

2. Even though they do NOT taste like chicken, rabbit meat can be substituted for chicken in your recipes. This is great in that you don't have to worry about having "special" recipes just to use. It is a versatile meat.

3. Rabbits do NOT take up much room and are quiet animals. So you can have them in your backyard and they won't disturb the neighbors.

4. Each rabbit only eats about 1/2 cup of rabbit food daily. Now, they still need treats (even if you plan on eating them, a quality life is still very important) but they aren't as expensive to feed as other animals.

CONS:

1. They are CUTE. Really. Really. Cute. This can be an issue if you have small kids or (like me) pick up any animal that looks like it needs a good home.

2. They bite & scratch and believe in doing their jobs well. Even though rabbits get used to being around people, they have very sharp claws and will leave a nasty gash. Always have antibacterial soap AND germ x when dealing with them.

3. Even though it is super easy to kill the rabbit quickly and humanely... it is difficult to do. They really play the cute card. (Not that I blame them.. use what you got!)

4. Don't breed them unless you are going to put them in your freezer or can the meat (grinding the meat is GREAT for canning) OR you have homes for the babies. Each doe will have 6 to 15 kits... at a time. Really. There is a reason why the ol' saying goes "breeds like rabbits". lol

That's all I have got so far when it comes to pros vs. cons. Being on a farm, whether homesteading, prepping or going "green" means going back to the old school ways. To me, that means living off the animals and gardens that we have ourselves - living off the land and taking care of reproduction and the disbursement of what we have. Next time, I will discuss types of rabbits to use for meat production - the breeds who have the quickest growing time along with best meat.