The Best Breed of Rabbit to Raise for Meat: The SR Rabbit Update 11-8-16

[@tompowell6723]

Thank You, Sir. Your information was exactly the way I like it: straight forward, consice, and factual. Having prior experience with breeding dogs I had been thinking of Flemish Giants. Thank You so much for setting me straight. Be well, Tom.

[@dariend6368]

Love you're rabbits, had a bunch years ago, I'm now hooked on the champagne d'argent . Love them for raising for meat, pets, and show stock. I know I'm partial to them, but to me, the meats actually better.

[@JR-3030]

Just getting started too. Picked up 3 (2 does 1 buck) Silver Fox, 2 blacks and a lavender doe. Very calm and good tempered rabbits.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Nice. Sounds like you have some good breeding stock. Hope it goes well.

[@TrapperTVFoss]

Hey buddy, love your channel. Which rabbit would you suggest for a colder climate?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thanks so much for the kind comments. really any rabbit should do fine in colder climates. So the breeds I mentioned in this video would all be good choices. It is pretty hard to beat a good New Zealand.

[@far-maracreshomesteadingan7777]

I agree with Chris. I raise NZ Whites and California. Believe it or not a friend of mine bred a NZ Red with a NZ White and she had 13 NZ Chestnut Colored babies. I ended up with a brother and sister from that liter and I'm going to cross them with one of my white NZ buck and NZ doe. Should be interesting. Lol.

[@kidsplayrabbitry4930]

We decided on havana for a medium size easy to house in smaller spaces. They are supposed to have excellent meat to bone ratio in 4-5lb rabbit. Our 2 does have 10 4wk old kits and we know they will grow out to at least 12 wks but we are excited to see them at processing. We also have 1 rex doe who is 9.2lbs! But her breeder said she'd still be great to mix with my havana buck. And we really enjoy the breeders personalities. Havana are so calm even a bit shy and easy for the kids to handle.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

awesome. Sounds like you have a nice set up indeed.

[@kidsplayrabbitry4930]

@@Slightlyrednecked hopefully. We only have a 1/4acre and have chickens too. So limited on space😕 i watch you videos to figure all this stuff out, thank you!!

[@RodgersHaftacreHomestead]

I live in South East Missouri, and I just started my mini suburban farm, I started with chickens then quail then rabbits. I was tempted to go all quail but other family members wanted me to keep all 3. Every since I got the rabbits and quail i’ve been watching your videos and they had helped me a lot and alone with many other KZbinrs. The reason I want rabbits is mainly for meat. I started with 5 Rex’s which was free. The dad (passed) mom and 3 daughters. The dad was a drown beautiful rex, The mom is calico and the 2 girls is brown and white and one girl is marble. Then I bought 6 rabbits Checked giant and English spot mixed. 1 buck young adult , then 3 younger rabbits that has the same mom and dad as the buck ( not born the same time), 2 more young rabbits (not born the same time). So they all are siblings but not born at the same time. This is what I got, now what should I do? should I breed this young adult buck with my rex girls.

[@pobo6113]

I had rabbits before and would like to raise them again. I did not know all the information that you shared so thank you. I had Californians before and liked them. However, after hearing you talk I’m going to think about it. Thanks again.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thank you so much for watching my videos. I am glad that you are finding them helpful. Good luck with you new rabbits.

[@Gyatpoop]

Great info! you are my go to source for meat rabbits and quail breeding

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thank you so much. I am honored that you feel that way.

[@brendakaye34]

Great suggestions! We raise French Angora (meat and fiber rabbit), NZW and Cali's for meat and pets. All are purebred, but we do cross-breed. The FA are pedigreed, so some do qualify to sell as show rabbits, with most being wool or pet quality (strict guidelines here) and whatever doesn't sell on those avenues become dinner. I have crossed FA bucks to NZW does and the kits have the softest pelts and all have stayed short like the NZW. Another breed I would have again is the standard size Rex as a meat rabbit. If a person is into tanning hides, the standard Rex and the crosses I get with FA and NZW would both be amazing for that. Thanks for all the great videos, I'm hooked on this channel, have been for a while! lol

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thank you so much for the kind comments. I would have to agree that it is hard to beat rex for the pelts.

[@JackOfAllTrades0404]

A month after Easter, years back, I found a NZ white/Flemish Giant just hanging out in my yard: dumped by someone who didn't know what they were getting into when they got him. He ended up being the best rabbit I've ever owned, and I bred and kept show rabbits for years, so that's saying something.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Nice. Sometimes you get incredibly lucky. :)

[@dennisw47150]

Hey Chris, I am just about ready to start raising rabbits. Is there a best month to start? I live in southern Indiana. If I was going to use NZ, Californian and a Silver fox, which one would you use as the buck? Thanks and I love your videos.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I would use the California as the buck if it were me. As far as best month to start, rabbits do much better in the cold of winter than the heat of summer so I would start in the fall or winter if possible.

[@eltee9547]

Hello, I live in South Florida and I'm in the process of getting some more animals for my back yard. I currently have about 50 chickens (Rhode Island reds). I have about 100 quail eggs being delivered today for incubation. I'm glad I found your channel and have been watching and learning a lot from your videos. Eventually, I'd like to raise meat rabbits as well. But, because of the heat of South Florida, I don't want to raise meat rabbits only to have them suffer in South Florida sun. Which meat rabbits do you know of that do well in hot weather? Love your channel... very informative. Cheers!

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thanks for the kind comments. As far as rabbits that do well in the heat, I would just look for someone local that breeds them. The breed doesn't really matter that much but local breeders will have rabbits that are well acclimated to your local climate. I hope that helps.

[@eltee9547]

Slightly Rednecked Thank you and please continue to produce those informative videos.

[@zone4garlicfarm]

I raised meat rabbits for 10 years. For the first few years I had NZs and had good results with minimal health problems. I did a trade for some Californians a buck and a bred doe. The Cals had a much better temperament than ther New Zealands so I switched my whole rabbitry. The growout was the same as the NZs with no health problems. The Cals had thicker coats than the NZs which might be better for crafts. Later I found a market for Rex pelts so I changed half of the rabbitry. The meat production was acceptable but not as good as the NZs or Cals. Selling the pelts more than made up for it. If you are only interested in raising meat go with NZs or Cals. If you have a market for pelts or breeding stock Rex, Satin or Silver Fox might be the breed for you.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That is pretty much what I have found too. My newest doe is a silver fox and her first litter did fantastic. I am holding out high hopes for her bread to my California buck.

[@saintmichael3879]

My head is spinning, slow down.

[@5herpsandadog]

Planning on getting some silver fox at the end of this month, hoping to also find American chinchillas at some point. Aiming for the rare breeds that are on the Livestock conservancy’s lists so I can also sell breeding stock. Wanting to bring awareness to the breeds that are in need of conservation!

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That sounds like a good plan. Good luck with your operation. I am sure it will do well.

[@midwestmatthew]

Best grow outs I ever had were from a Broken New Zealand buck and a Silver Fox doe. Those kits grew fast and big, and *very* meaty.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Silver Fox are great meat rabbits and so are New Zealands. I could see why that would be a great combination.

[@lyndacompton1846]

Just thinking about it good information you did really well about explaining thank you

[@Slightlyrednecked]

thanks so much. I am glad you liked it.

[@MrSteveo0088]

Thank you very much for this video. We are just getting started in this and need all the advice we can get. I have a few questions for you. If you don't mind. I started building a rabbit tractor (a huge hutch on wheels) so I could spend less on food and they could run around. I heard that is not good for many reasons. One being worms, ticks, fleas, etc. The other is that I heard meat rabbits taste a lot better on a grain diet. Second question. Which meat rabbit would be best for pelts as well? Thanks for your time. Steve

[@rubygray7749]

In Australia, there are nasty rabbit diseases spread by mosquitoes and other insects - myxomatosis and calici viruses. These hideous [lagues were released by the authorities to kill the wild rabbits which re such a pest here, but they can kill healthy outdoor pets and meat rabbits in hours or days. Even if they have been vaccinated sometimes, which is tremendously expensive. Giving rabbits the most natural life you can is excellent. They love to forage, it is good for them, and cheaper. You can still give supplementary grains, and they will grow faster than on forage alone.

[@MrSteveo0088]

Thank you for your reply. I am building my first rabbit, chicken and quail housing with a run. 3 separate housings. We shall see what happens. Right now I have 3 angora rabbits. I am going to see how that goes then start with meat rabbits.

[@WhoisMichelleCollie]

chris, what is the smallest meat rabbit? can you use dwarfs. just need enough for me.

[@achillesmex4112]

Florida White @ "what is the smallest meat rabbit?"

[@elliottbrodzinski312]

Awesome video and I agree totally! ….have bred new zelands and Californians.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

They are hard to beat for sure.

[@journeywithcerney-stockvid3563]

Like watching your content. Do you eat mostly your own food from your homestead?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thank you so much. I do still buy a lot of food but i supply about 40% of what I eat.

[@sansomspressurecleaningpoo9519]

If you’re looking for purebred contact American rabbit breeders Association. (ARBA) become a member. You’ll get a membership book listing all of the names of the members andbreeders they carry. Make sure you get papers and make sure that they tattoo the rabbits before you get them.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Good suggestions.

[@susannah_hb4388]

What about the Champagne d’Argent, I think I’ve heard that it’s a good fur and meat rabbit.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Yup, I don't have personal experience with them but they are a great meat rabbit breed.

[@birddogone9716]

How long can you keep the buck and does, before you replace them with younger ones

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Good question. I am actually addressing that in this week's rabbit video so stay tuned. :)

[@aidacapangpangan6054]

I moved from United States to Philippines in october and i just bought 2 female rabbits and 1 male yesterday, it was really difficult finding rabbits in southern philippines, bought new zealand but i dont think they are pure blood, there is one breeder in northern philippines that sell pure breed new zealand and californian rabbits but they are 8000 peso's which is $160, i will get a pair of these later and see what difference there is in litters from the crossed rabbits i got now and pure blooded litters. Going to try different breeding crosses and see how it goes.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Those sure are some expensive rabbits but it may be worth it if you current rabbits are producing big litters. Hope it goes well.

[@allenmcclure9157]

Where in the Philippines are you. I'm in olongapo looking for some soon

[@NordeggSonya]

I have been watching a few of your different videos (very informative!!) Do you know of a place for the hide's? I haven`t found any yet but I do fly fish so I could make use of them in that way. I have also heard that rabbit hides aren't as long lasting as say beaver or coyote fur/hide but okay for hats and trims on boots and gloves. Any ideas??

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I haven't really found a good use for them. The problem is that you are processing them pretty young and they don't really have good hides at that point. To be really useful they must be older rabbits and have their winter coat.

[@jenniferstanley163]

I am just getting into rabbits and just got 2 Californian doe, and a chinchilla buck. I bought them from a breeder as a trio. what do you think of the chinchilla bread?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I have heard good things about them but don't have any personal experience. Let me know how things go with them.

[@stellasewagaba8446]

I was having a hard time deciding on initial breed. I now think I will start with the pure breed Newzland white for both the buck and does.. Someobe was recommending I get French does.....am sceptical. What are your thoughts?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I am not sure what they mean by French. If they are suggesting French Lops and you are breeding for meet, then no, that is not a good choice. If you are breeding rabbits to sell, that would be a good choice though. You can't go wrong with New Zealand Whites.

[@baqe4648]

Hi Chris, excuse me, but what is your opinion of "English Spots" for a meat rabbit?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I don't have personal experience with them but I believe that they are a little on the small side. They would make fine meat rabbits if you are ok with smaller rabbits though.

[@larrystead7208]

Giant chinchilla, the million dollar rabbit. Small boned rabbit unlike what was said. 5 lb carcass after 4 months. They are not picky eaters. Mine even eat pine trees.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I had a giant chinchilla once. it wasn't a bad rabbit at all. But it did grow out slow. To me, 4 months to get to 5 pounds is slow growing. I want to get them to 5 pounds in 8 weeks. But nothing wrong with them if that is what you are after.

[@jessewilson8676]

Are the hides worth more with this type of rabbit then NZ?

[@larrystead6464]

@@jessewilson8676 sorry about getting back to you late. China has a monopoly on rabbit hides. We can't compete with $1.00 per hour. The NZ rabbit is white and prefered because it can be dyed to the color of choice. A young rabbit hide is thin therefore they need to age for a good hide. Hope this helped.

[@DjehutimasAsarRa]

What do you think about American Blues. I have a couple of videos on them.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I am not real familiar with them but have heard good things about them.

[@balanced4harvest552]

I have been Pruning some apple tree's that were never Sprayed with Pesticides and the Rex Rabbits are just loving the branches, especially the leaves. Apparently, it keeps their teeth ground down also, eliminating the need to trim their teeth.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Nice. I give my rabbits untreated 2X4s to chew on. They love having something to chew on for sure.

[@aidacapangpangan6054]

What do you fo with your rabbit hides? I was told there was a market for rabbit fur but haven't checked. Plus the rabbit pills or (poop) makes great fertilizer.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

There is a market for fur but not really for young rabbits like this. The fur market wants more mature pelts so it doesn't really work out to raise them for the fur.

[@dirtywhitehorse]

is that 8 weeks after weaning ? how much meat is that at 8 weeks/rabbit . I could not butcher a just weaned bunny they are too small I raise silver fox and butcher at 5-6 months so I get good fur and 5 # of meat /rabbit

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I generally butcher at 8 weeks old or about 5 pounds whichever comes first. if you have good bloodlines they generally reach 5 pounds by 8 weeks old. Hope that clears it up.

[@rjbrianclavel98]

Thanks man! This is amazing. I subbed 👏🏼

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thanks so much. I am so glad you found it helpful.

[@dez440]

I also have silver fox , california , and just picked up new Zealond. Now you said its ok to mix a purebread one line down is that it or can you keep breeding them. Example. 2 dif litters of silver fox / cal mix can you breed a doe to the buck or should you start all over again with the purebreads ? I hope I'm making sence here. Lol

[@dez440]

And thank you in advance! Love the videos. Learning alot

[@cannonbulldogs]

I want to get into rabbits strictly for dog food. I have 8 large dogs and alot of land. Would it be a good idea to raise a large mixed herd? Some new Zealands, some Flemish giants, and crosses of the two? My dogs need roughly 2.5 pounds of meat per day.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

New Zealands are great but my experience with Flemish Giants is that they grow out very slow. Even when crossed with other breeds. I would go with two New Zealands or even New Zealand crossed with California or Sliver Fox, or even Standard Rex to get faster growth out of the young rabbits.

[@bolletjebruin7678]

My rabbits , will, never, ever forced to live on a gaze metal wire floor.......

[@angxl6622]

That’s cool but who asked

[@williamwilson4642]

No one asked you

[@reyesfarm4054]

Thanks for the awesome content

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thanks so much. I am glad you like it.

[@Constitutionalapologist]

I have a question: What do you think about dutch rabbits for meat? Please excuse my ignorance.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

They aren't the best meat rabbit because they tend to be a little on the smaller side. But they are nice and compact so you get a lot of meat for no bigger than they are. They would work just fine if that is all that you have.

[@Constitutionalapologist]

@@Slightlyrednecked Thank you for the knowledgeable answer. Much appreciated.

[@Soulman-lb3gg]

From watching a few of your rabbit videos, I'm going to guess you read Storey's Guide to Raising Rabbits as well. I'm about to get started with my rabbits and I'm going to follow the author's advice and start with two does and two bucks. Going on what might be available in my area I'd like to try ans get a pair of TAMUK NZW's, a Californian Doe, and an American Blue buck. Hopefully those breeds/sexes will be available from the breeder's listed in my area that say they have them. I think with those rabbits I can make some great meat rabbits and that will have some interesting colors.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I have read that book. it is a great resource. Sounds like you have a good plan.

[@kmundwiller3936]

Before our house fire, my DD decided to buy her brother a rabbit from Orshelns cause his Guinea pig had died. The fire happened, and that DD was home, and saved ALL the animals; 3 dogs, rabbit, Guinea pig, and 2 pet rats. I told the kids to expect they may not make it due to smoke inhalation. They all did great, and we still have the male rabbit. He's almost 2 now. My son really didn't ask for him or have much interest in him, but he's still part of the family. My goal, since finding out that we'd relocate to HOMESTEAD, I was hoping to use "White Lightning" as our buck, and get does for him. We figured out that he's a Champagne D'Argent. Should I just get more Champagnes, or could I get a "better breed" like the NZW or California to put with him. Or should we just leave him as a pet? (We'd not eat him) And find "real stock"? Thank you!

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Champagne D'Argent are actually known as pretty good meet rabbits so he should make a fine breeder. As long as he hasn't been neutered of course. I would go with a NZW or California doe myself but you could do it any way you wanted to really.

[@dawn9869]

Chris, do you do anything with the skins?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

not usually. The young rabbits don't really have pelts mature enough to be used for anything but crafts.

[@dawn9869]

Ah. So if you were going to sell pelts you'd have to raise them out longer?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

There are some people that buy raw pelts depending on what you have but I didn't find it worth it for me personally to mess with. If you were producing a lot more rabbit it might be different. I might discuss that in an upcoming video.

[@dawn9869]

Thanks for your input. As always, love the information you give and the videos. Blessings!

[@Slightlyrednecked]

thank you for the kind comments. Glad to help.

[@learnTableTenis]

There are a lot of rabbit farms in France, UK and China are using Hycole rabbit, owned by the Hycole company. Some video shows this variety can have litter as big as 21 with an average of 13. But I can't find any of this in the US yet. New Zealand white would be my best bet at this point.

[@Emanemoston]

The Silver fox doe, I notice the poop pellets hanging on the wire. I have three does and a buck, one of my does also has poop hang like this but none of the others, why is that? She can't eat "greens" without getting watery stools also, so I keep her on pellets and some hay.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That is mostly due to her shedding hair and probably ingesting some when she is cleaning herself. It isn't anything to worry about and will usually improve on it's own as the season changes.

[@faithacosta9656]

I'm trying to get my husband to start raising meat rabbits like I use to, But that was 25yrs ago. We live in Wyoming and the winters get pretty bad. Is there a couple breeds you could suggest or tips so we can have a higher success rate?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Rabbits do really well int he cold so really any of the meat breeds are going to be fine. YOu can't go wrong with a good New Zealand white or a California. I hope that helps.

[@robertrichardson8859]

I breed and raise silver fox. Well just starting not expecting my first litter until April 18th.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Nice. I just got my silver fox a few months back. I like her. She is a little skittish but pretty easy to handle a great mother. Babies grew out to butcher weight in 8 weeks. Winner in my book.

[@dirtywhitehorse]

what is butcher weight?

[@susigirl1920]

What do you think about the Palomino Rabbit as a meat rabbit...I have a male rabbit free...The person I got him from, said he's a mix...but what is the mix...he's turning like a silver colored rabbit...I have no idea what breed he is...this person said the mom was about 10 to 12 pounds and the dad was about 8/9 pounds...I hope I have good luck...Thank You.....

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Should be a fine meat rabbit. Give it a try. The worse that can happen is that you have to replace it if the babies don't grow out fast enough or aren't big and meaty enough.

[@StringfieldRidgeFarm]

Great info we are wanting to get rabbits this year- well I’m still trying to convince him lol Thanks

[@Slightlyrednecked]

lol. Good luck I hope it works out. Thanks for watching and I am glad you liked the video.

[@Delkolovr2]

Thanks for your great video on hatching eggs!I did a hatch of 7,5 hatched!One got stuck and other stopped growing.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That is pretty good results though. Well done and congratulations on your hatch.

[@tigger6186]

I love your shirt, where did you get it from?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

lol. thanks. found it on amazon.

[@ledakerrigan8403]

where can you buys these rabits. The florida white? Can you buy online ? Any suggestions?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That is a good question. I have not been able to find any good reliable online sources. You can check for rabbit breeders in your area online and see what you can find. I usually find my rabbits on craigslist though. Local poultry swaps or county fairs are a good place to look too.

[@kamolergashev2346]

I really like your videos Mr Chris Thank you

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thank you so much for the kind comments.

[@ImASurvivorNThriver]

You're right about the Florida Whites. Those are the ones that I raise. :-)

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I haven't seen many of them around here but I hear that they are pretty much just a block of meat with ears. :)

[@waynejedynak9443]

I was given a buck and doe to breed. I was told they were Dutch rabbits, but they are white with small patches of orange and black sort of like a calico cat. The pics of Dutch I have seen so far shows them witha lot of black on their faces. Have any idea of what breed they might be?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Doesn't sound like Dutch. But I think there might be a strain of tri colored dutch so they could be that or even mixed with Dutch rabbits. It is hard for me to say for sure. Sorry I can't help more.

[@waynejedynak9443]

Slightly Rednecked, thank you much for the info.

[@sharonpace497]

Harlequin?

[@brianhanrahan7561]

am I mistaken , or is a hybrid ,by definition, sterile? is this what you meant in refering to a cross of two pure bred rabbits as a hybred

[@brycewaltman7836]

No a hybrid is not sterile. He's just using another word for mutt.

[@brianhanrahan7561]

@@brycewaltman7836 mutt is.not a hybrid a hybrid is a cross of two different species ANDIS STERILE if it is not sterile then it would be a new species. TWO DIFFERENT BREED OF RABBITS HAVING OFFSPRING TOGETHER IS NOT A HYBRID you can call it a mutt if you like

[@randallsullivan3692]

Not necessarily sterile but will not reproduce true to kind. Hybrid tomatoes for example will reproduce, but will generally produce only small salad type tomatoes.

[@brianhanrahan7561]

@@randallsullivan3692 You do not know what a hybrid is Cross pollination of two tomato's is not a hybrid A cross pollination of a tomato and tobacco would be a STERILE hybrid OR WOULD BE A NEW SPECIES .

[@randallsullivan3692]

@@brianhanrahan7561 Well, ONE OF US DOESN'T KNOW.

[@jond7754]

Ever cross a Giant with something like a New Zealand? Did it grow out quicker? meatier? Or just awkward and waste of time?

[@All-Those-Rosenbergers]

The Giants have more bone ratio, so although they are bigger, but not necessarily more meat. They also take more feed to get to butcher size

[@rosemaytin8623]

Where can you get some Florida whites, new Zealand, or Calif giants? I'm in a Florida?

[@mychannelrace]

Sir, nice videos.. Please tell, which breed is suitable for meat 🥩 in pakistan? How can i get it? Thanks and stay blessed..

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I wish I could help but I don't know anything about the rabbits that are available to you in Pakistan. If it were me I would look around and see what I could find. As long as they are fairly large rabbits (about 10 pounds fully grown) they will probably work just fine as meat rabbits. I am sorry I can't be more specific.

[@mychannelrace]

@@Slightlyrednecked, sir, thanks a lot for your kind reply.. Love from Pakistan 🇵🇰.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

No problem. Glad to help. Good luck.

[@vuyanevayeke4889]

Lol

[@johnboy7550]

What is the cage size of your pen's. My rabbits are a cross between New Zealand and California

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I use a 30 by 36 inch cage that is 24 inches tall. It works well for all of my rabbits.

[@johnboy7550]

Thank for the information I appreciate it.

[@gregorysagegreene]

I knew generally about rabbits for a long time, because I hunted them as a kid. But I'm curious about this latter-day adjective now attached to them. Does that mean, reciprocally, that you can also get 'milk' rabbits? 🤣 Btw, nothing wrong with a good 'ole Aussie Wild Rabbit, and free as well.

[@stevekilpatrick7105]

have you ever had like 3 or 4 new zealand does and a california buck?

[@brownsbounty]

Thanks for a great video. I personally have Silver Fox rabbits.... in Maryland.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Nice. I had a Silver fox for a while. I liked her quite a bit.

[@natureboy6410]

What breed do you recommend in the high desert, where it can get up to 110°+?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

New Zealand whites tend to be the most heat-tolerant in my experience. If you can find some TAMUK (a special breed of New Zealand White) get those. Other than that, I would just look for a local breeder. They probably have rabbits that are well acclimated to your environment.

[@natureboy6410]

@@Slightlyrednecked thank for the reply. LOL no such thing as a local anything out here. ;-) nearest feed store is 60 miles south, the nearest town, Vegas, is 75 miles north.

[@NorthForkFisherman]

@@natureboy6410 What kind of colony set up do you have? Hutch or do you have them on the ground?

[@natureboy6410]

@@NorthForkFisherman combo. Hutches, surrounded by four foot fence, that is sunk in the ground 18 inches. Roughly a 25×25 foot area that almost half of is covered by a large desert ash tree.

[@NorthForkFisherman]

@@natureboy6410 Ever thought about using empty drums as an underground warren / burrow system? Just provide regular water and feed and the soil keeps the colony cool and protected.

[@landohometech2854]

I'm just invested in 3 new Zealand white does and I've got a giant lop doe,what results should I expect cross breeding NZW doe with giant Flemish buck?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

In my experience the Flemish don't make great meat rabbits. The babies tend to grow out very slowly. Your experience might be different though.

[@realcookin3720]

Actually you are right they do grow out a little slower but flemish/zealand crosses have a great meat to bone ratio, i do exactly this breeding mix. Mine pick up bone structure of mom and size of dad. Yours might be different. Good luck

[@kaybaker8467]

I have a Californian doe and rex buck I just had my first litter my doe was 6 months and had 9 babies I’m excited to see my grow out Rates hopefully they are good 🤞🏻

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Awesome. Congrats on your litter and good luck with them.

[@kaybaker8467]

Slightly Rednecked thank you! I’m so nervous about when we have to “cull” them we bought 5 live rabbits to butcher ourself but it’s different with a litter you raise :/ thank god my husband will be doing all the dirty work!

[@realcookin3720]

Kay baker, don't name them remember you are doing this for your family. And treat them good they are giving a lot. they only have one bad day and They won't remember it.

[@christinagardener1889]

Good info. Thanks

[@saintmichael3879]

Dyiing to know. What is a good meat rabbit for the desert? I know rabbits hate the heat.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

good question. There really isn't a specific breed. I would look around for a local breeder that has been able to keep rabbits. Their bloodlines should be well acclimated to your local climate and i think that would be the best bet. I hope that helps.

[@michellemellis]

Search the internet for TAMUK Composites - they have been specially bred to produce large litters year round and are very heat tolerant. I think they are the best meat rabbits for hot climates.

[@saintmichael3879]

Thank you so much Michelle. Tamuk... ...I'm all over it. Thanks again cutie pie.

[@saintmichael3879]

Thanks, yeah I do know someone local here. I never considered asking them for stock.

[@michellemellis]

Awesome :-)

[@paladanrabbitry4638]

How much is a new zealand white and californian white in your area?

[@sheldoncaldwell382]

I have raised a lot of rabbits. California/New Zealand cross is my preference.

[@bobnewhart4318]

How do you cross those breeds to make hybrids for the best meat? What does do you cross to what bucks

[@mr.skeptical3071]

You missed satins, and campaign

[@passionsofacowgirl7048]

we have acquired California, New Zealand and Silver Fox

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Awesome. Those are all great meat rabbits.

[@realcookin3720]

I was gifted a chinchilla/lionhead cross he was some ones pet cant eat that one too cute(i know they are all cute) and today gifted 2 lop/lionheads again pets cant eat them. The chinchilla is a buck and i bred him with one of my cally giants. Now they seam to be growing great rate only one looks like a lion head with cali markings(cute) yes i say cute babies,and yes many hit my table. My rabbits are treated great til their last day. Most people treat there animals great. I have to sets of cages summer cages and winter cages my winters go in garage (michigan is cold) summers have huts and are big enough for does and kits to have room. Your cages are not small(my opinion

[@realcookin3720]

Oops hit send Anyway they are not small that's about the size of my winter cages. Except my giants get a little bigger cage Do you have huts in winter? Just wondering i have no clue of where you're located. No worries on these keyboard warriors they honestly know nothing. Vid us great

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thanks so much for the kind comments. I don't let the hateful people bother me. I don't have a separate winter set up. I am in Southwest Missouri. We get down to -5 or so in the winter but not for extended periods of time. I just pull the tarps down in front of the hutch to provide them with a windbreak and they do just fine.

[@jessereyes3417]

What about Holland lion rabbits? How is the bone to meat ratio?

[@1roundleft821]

Those are domestic. Not really good for meat, more so for pet.

[@giantandgermanangorarabbit5265]

I like the newzeland whites .I looked up on Google : best meat rabbit breed .and vewzealand white was number 1

[@Slightlyrednecked]

You can't go wrong with New Zealand Whites. They are the most popular breed for sure.

[@kiyengasarah3167]

Am just starting the rabbit farm, is it possible if I need those brides on my farm ,if so what will be the change s to my mother Ugandan?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I am sorry but I am not sure what you are asking exactly.

[@orianaspiderowl769]

I wonder what a chinchilla silver fox cross would look like...good fur coat?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Probably. I have never tried it but I don't see why it wouldn't work.

[@brianphilbrook5262]

I raise silver fox and creme D'Argent mixes. I've got some Californians from a breeder I'm just waiting til there weaned. When I first started raising rabbits I had a Californian doe and a lion head buck.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I am now at two silver fox does and a california buck myself. I kind of like the silver foxes.....but I also like my california buck. :)

[@ajsrabbitry103]

Brian Philbrook nice

[@dirtywhitehorse]

That is what I have .I sell enough rabbits to cover pellet cost and am just raising them for my own meat.I feed a lot of greens and tree branches honeysuckle ect but it does cost some# for pellets I wish I could trade for someone to butcher for me . I plan to tan the hides naturally and make something with the hides .How much weight is lost in the rabbit when it is butchered . I am actually trading someone a breeding pair to come and do a rabbit butchering workshop here since I can't find anyone to do it locally .

[@brianphilbrook5262]

Sharon Carson according to my hobby farms magazine it says you get 60% yield from a rabbit.

[@randomcuriosities8441]

What does that shirt say?

[@stellasewagaba8446]

Great Information. Tnx.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thank you for watching.

[@rhondasnair9304]

I have 1 New Zealand for sure and 2 California's the rest I'm not sure. I got them from different places and the people had no clue. The one They claimed was a mini rex and she's huge. Bigger than the 1 of my California. The 8 were starting off with all have names because of the kids and will never be food

[@Slightlyrednecked]

lol, yup, you can't name your food. :)

[@larrypatterson326]

What do you think about champagnes

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I don't have personal experience with them but I have heard good things about them.

[@dougelgin3771]

i'm raising mini lops not for meat but to sell as pets. once i get the property i need then i'll be going into the meat category plus keep raising the mini lops for pets.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

nice. I don't raise anything but meat rabbits myself but i do like seeing the pet rabbits on occasion.

[@allthingsmaloney5634]

how do you feel about rex rabbits?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

They have really nice fur. A standard Rex would make a decent meat rabbit too. I would stay away from mini rexes though, unless you are breeding for pets.

[@allthingsmaloney5634]

@Margot Cavanaugh I'm having a difficulty finding standard rex too. Everyone has minis. And I dont like NZ with the red eyes. I've got someone who breeds NZ reds with black eyes though. I was hoping for rex ... oh well maybe in the future! Plus I wont be getting any for about 6 months. Gotta go on vacation first haha

[@ketocutie]

@@allthingsmaloney5634 my entire area is only mini rex's. I wouldnt mind a smaller rabbit since I have young nephews that'd probably want to handle them but I have heard mixed opinions on meat yield

[@allthingsmaloney5634]

@@ketocutie I wouldn't bother raising a small sized rabbit for meat... just seems like a waste! But if you buy a little rabbit for your family to enjoy then including them in the rabbitry set up would make it easy :) if my kids want a rabbit of their own one day I'd let them keep em out there (or keep a kit of the meat rabbit litter). The smallest I'd go is standard rex. Imo larger rabbits are much friendlier too for children anyways (not including the mini lop I love those). My good friend had a netherland dwarf and it was nasty mean!

[@kimrunyon9191]

what about American chinchillas?

[@scottreese4854]

what size is your breeding cages Chris

[@Slightlyrednecked]

all of my cages are 36 by 30.

[@scottreese4854]

Thank you Chris for getting back to me

[@Slightlyrednecked]

no problem. Glad to help.

[@vishalrajak5176]

my rabbit has given birth to a count of 7 baby rabbit but she is not feed milk to the babies. i just want to know will she feed or i may help her to feed

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I think I already answered this for you. You probably won't ever see her feeding them but that doesn't mean that she isn't. As long as the babies aren't overly skinny and are still alive after a few days she is feeding them. Hope that helps.

[@rubygray7749]

You can see whether the babies have had a feed by looking at their left sides. If they are full of milk, there will be a creamy patch there on the abdomen that you can see through their fine skin, and they will be a bit distended on that side.

[@52blue7]

Usually rabbits feed at night so you won’t see the mother feed during the day. If the babies’ bellies aren’t full and round, that’s when you should start to worry.

[@JMINDIANA487]

I breed pure Californian does to a pure Chinchilla buck right now, 10 weeks seems to be the correct for a grow out weight. This combination seems to be very winter hardy of which I like. 8 to10 litter size. Odd thing is that they wean themselves early and become quite independent . Also out of 4 california does I have not had one offspring that is california colored or even have white on it. All have been chinchilla gray to an almost black in color.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I had a chinchilla doe once. That does seem to be the dominant gene, all the babies looked like the mother. They were good meat rabbits and I would consider getting another one. The only problem I had was that the babies are just so darn cute it is hard not to get attached to them.

[@Smallpotato1965]

..love the t-shirt

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thanks. One of my favorites too. :)

[@bolletjebruin7678]

I will never ever force my rabbits to live on dread wire metal gaze floor.

[@suebakafarmgirl4046]

Do you know of any silver fox breeders near Missouri? Thanks

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I think there is one in Tulsa but I don't know for sure.

[@easternrabbitfarm4561]

How to prepare a doe for breeding and at what age?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

There isn't much you need to do to prepare them. Generally, 6 months is considered a good age to start breeding them. Unless you have giant rabbits like Flemish Giants. They usually need 8 months to reach maturity.

[@easternrabbitfarm4561]

I have gaisnt angora

[@alliescott5598]

I have a question if a rex rabbit and a Californian rabbit bred would it be a californian with rex fur or what? Because i show rex and i was wondering because i love californian but I'm trying to keep to rex could i get a rex that looks like a Californian

[@karlkolumbus8357]

allie scott you are really dumb fucking American Idiot

[@alliescott5598]

Sexy Nudel uhhh no need for the rude comments i was just wondering so i could get rex rabbits in the future i don't do meat rabbits just show rabbits so i was simply just asking so i could know so if so i could get one

[@SheWolf6701]

allie scott It would be a larger rabbit but tpRex fur is recessive the only way to get it is to breed a Rex to a Rex or a Rex mix to a full Rex or Rex mix.

[@SheWolf6701]

allie scott Rex*

[@alliescott5598]

Forbidden Wolf okay thanks

[@veneshpillay2988]

Great video, only have chickens at the moment. Want to keep rabbits but dont have the balls to butcher a bunny.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That is the worst part of raising rabbits for meat for sure.

[@keithmahler4236]

I'll take silver foxes

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I live silver foxes too. They are a great choice.

[@sharonpace497]

American Chinchilla

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That is a great choice too.

[@bunsonhoneydew9099]

Excellent shirt

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thank you. it is one of my favorites too.

[@Jamiek485]

Love monte python

[@colene77]

What is their dressed weight at 8 weeks

[@Slightlyrednecked]

it varies but i usually get about 3 pounds dressed out at 8 weeks.

[@stevekettelson7368]

Hey boss, you ever thought of raising in a colony?

[@stevekettelson7368]

LooksForLogos how much loss are we talking?

[@All-Those-Rosenbergers]

Also, rabbits are not colony animals in nature. Does are VERY territorial.

[@samnikole1643]

Which breed of rabbits make the best moms?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

It varies by individual rabbit and I think it has more to do with that than with the breed.

[@spicy7695]

There's no problem with eating rabbits, but those cages are way too small and cruel. They need free space.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

actually, they are well acclimated to these cages. They don't pace around or act agitated at all. I understand your concern and there is nothing wrong with giving them more space but these cages are in no way cruel.

[@alliescott5598]

Spicy well guess what bitch i have the same cage

[@karlkolumbus8357]

allie scott Yeah you should burn in hell dumb American

[@alliescott5598]

Sexy Nudel and what's wrong with being an american in my opinion I'm pretty great full to be one because i have rights so i don't know why you keep going on and on about "stupid Americans"

[@isthisrealenoughdaddy74]

I hate these people 😐 you know what a smart human would do you stupid fuck if you don't like something don't watch it omg did I just blow your little mind

[@benbutler2083]

How are Rex rabbits for meat?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Standard Rex make very good meat rabbits.