The Best Breeds for Meat Rabbits on the Homestead | Meat Rabbits 102

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This is the second video on our series about raising rabbits. Our first video described why to raise rabbits for meat. This video is about our favorite breeds and what we recommend for new families looking to raise rabbits for meat.
We mention three larger rabbit breeds for meat:
- New Zealand
- Californian
- Satin (all colors)
For families that have children, we recommend these four breeds:
- Florida White
- Thrianta
- Standard Chinchilla
- Lilac
The next video in our series will be on housing and equipment. if you have specific questions, please drop us a comment or a message.
We are a small homestead in south central Oregon living the best sustainable life as possible. We raise goats, rabbits, and heritage birds. Follow along as we divulge our secrets to surviving off-grid on solar power and growing our own food.
Keep up with us between uploads on Instagram: @spragueriverhomestead
We're also on Facebook: / spragueriverhomestead

[@mamatriedhomestead8598]

Silver fox were my favorite meat rabbits to raise. They were just as meaty as our New Zealand, much calmer, and had a beautiful hide. Great informative video!

[@MotoMarta]

I wish they were easier to find. They really sound like the perfect rabbits to raise.

[@Anonymous-vr9hp]

I have a pair. Don't know if I like them as much as my american chinchillas. Mine aren't as large, don't grow as fast, they eat more feed and their really messy, going in their dishes and all over the cage. I'm sure it could just be the ones I have but their kits have all the same traits so I think I'll be moving on to others like the red new Zealand I picked up. Edit: they do have the best personalities of any I have but that can actually make the meat rabbit deal harder

[@VideoconferencingUSA]

Nice job doing this video, you are a natural behind the camera.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Thank you! It's something I have to work at as I'm not comfortable doing videoing at all, LOL.

[@lushpuppy21]

i just bought my first trio of breeding rabbits today at a animal swap. i followed your video and got 3 nz/cali mixed meat mutts. as a beginner i didnt want to go overboard in expenses as this is still a trial run. thank you i plan of binge watching your videos for more information

[@charleyarchuleta4932]

How’d it go?

[@josephrodrick6451]

I personally raised meat rabbits in the past, and managed a 250 head herd, ARBA member for some 25+ years . . . I had always followed the guidelines suggested by ARBA for raising meat rabbits, and I have to say was pretty successful in meeting my goals/expectations, but even with that said, and aside, I really like what you guys offer here as advice/suggestions . . . Awesome presentation, and I looked up some serious food for thought. Thank you for your post

[@Sajan.kapali]

What kind of guidelines , can you share ?

[@laurablanton703]

This is such good information for a total rabbit novice. Thanks so much!

[@timgreen3770]

Yes. Very well done, good information!

[@deasiaburgess6500]

Where can I get some meat rabbits say that somebody is not gonna rip me off

[@MotoMarta]

Fantastic overview, and lots of great points to consider. Especially why to stay away from the giants. My first instinct was the opposite, thinking that a bigger bunny would mean more meat. Did not think of growth rates or that a bigger animal would have more bone, but that makes perfect sense. Thank you!

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

It's the number one thing I hear from people who get started - giants have to have more meat, they're giant! 😊 We've had some Flemish crosses and learned the hard way for sure. Bigger is definitely not always better. Thanks for watching!

[@maineiachomestead7550]

At age 10/11 my brother and I raised NZs for the family table back in the late 60s. We had no issues with handling at all. Dad built the hutches and bought the feed and bro & I did all the rest. 6 does and a buck produced more than enough meat for our family of 6 -3 of us ate for 6, btw so mom had to cook for 10 or 12. lol Now I'm building a small home on our 6.5 fallow hay field. Very seriously thinking Salatin style raken house for our meat and eggs. Great info guys, SUBBED

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Thanks for joining with us!

[@noahriding5780]

I'm wondering if you could maybe do a quick bit on these same ones, but include the disease resistance traits, and hot or cold resistance? And if some of them won't work if not in full sheltered very closed in barns. Some of us live in colder winters, hot summers for example.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

We can work on that idea for a future video. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@KittyMama61]

When I raised New Zealands, my first rabbits were rescues. I kept them, of course, but some of their personalities were, well, not so good. So I chose replacements from the rabbits with good personalities, good moms, most kits with good weight gain. I ended up with a pretty good herd.

[@brucecampbell6133]

You've created a great source of information! Thank you!

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@MotoMarta]

Not really specifically related to this vid but thought you might get a kick out of this. I've been down the rabbit hole of researching rabbits and was looking at a Polish website. Here are a few breed names in Polish. Some are pretty much direct translations, like a New Zeland is a New Zeland but in Polish. All of the Lop breeds are called "Barany" which translates to rams (guess they kinda look like sheep). There's the French Ram, English Ram, and the Little Ram. Champagnes are just called the Silver French Rabbits. There's also the Burgundy (the region not color) Rabbit, listed as another French breed (it's sort of rusty/cinnamon?). The Tan, my fave here, is called touched by flame/burned (rough translation). The German Angora is called the Danish Rabbit, English Angora is just the Angora. The Himalayan is called the Russian Rabbit. Oh and finally, the tri Rexes are called leopard rexes and the mostly white with dots are the Dalmatian Rexes.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

It's always interesting how words and names translate. Sometimes they are good, others are comical!

[@CPark-qf5bt]

Great information on this video, thanks. I raise New Zealand Whites and wondered why I kept seeing many colors and people claiming they were NZ. I guess there are!

[@laylabono4035]

I was born in Italy I had a lots rabbit's meat on my young age ,Fry or made in tomato sauces with Polenta and Porcini mushrooms. Miss the days in Tuscany walley.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

That sounds delicious!

[@jasmer6754]

We had a champaign d'argent buck. He was such a cool little dude that left enough of an impression on us that as we get back into rabbits we are going to try a few champaigns.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

I loved my Champagne bucks. The does build internal fat faster than almost any breed I've ever had, which proved frustrated since we take the hottest parts of the summer off. Good luck with them though. They are beautiful rabbits!

[@tankscrittersandurbanhomes5579]

I have a blue and a silver breeding set, a California and chinchilla breeding pair, and a broken red and blue breeding pair. Getting 8 pound at 10 weeks regularly. Loving the hobby and the food

[@joanijimison3441]

Thank you for all your videos on raising and caring for rabbits. You are a great well of information.

[@punesherrangers2752]

I just got my first breeding pair. NZ/Californian crosses. They should be mature for breeding this summer.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

How did they preform for you? I've read about crosses but it seems like the hybrid vigor can wane pretty quickly down the lines. What was your experience?

[@dwaynecain5608]

Good morning young lady. I just found your channel this morning. I appreciate your videos. I have wanted and am planning on getting into raising rabbits for some time now. There just seems to be more to consider than I ever imagined. Your videos along with a few others are packed with great information. I’m looking forward to raising my own meat and some pelts. Thanks. I hope you have a Blessed day.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

There is a lot to consider depending on what you want to do with them. Glad we can help with information.

[@MsCBash1]

I have a Californian rabbit and I’m breeding her in April. I am going to sell her babies at the fair, keep one, and give the people who own the buck half of the babies if they want. This video was very helpful🐰Also how much would a Californian cost at the fair?

[@rodneyedward1064]

@Darius Ricky i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm trying it out now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@GraceHomesteadFarm]

Hello, New to the channel. We got 3 California does at 10 weeks old and they are now ready to breed. Problem was we couldn't find a California or even a NZ buck in our area. So a friend of ours was getting out of rabbits all together and had 2 magpie Harliquins (1 chocolate doe and 1 black buck) So we are going to try the cross of California/harlequin....We shall see what we get. So very new to this. The guy we got the California's from also sold us a Pregnant NZ and she had her littler of 7 and everything looked fine but at 2 weeks they were all dead. Found them scatteres out of the nest all over the cage. :( She died that next week so not sure what was going on with her. :/ Hope next round goes better. Thanks for all the info! Going to go catch up on the series. :D Happy Homesteading! ~Shaina~

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Sorry to hear you lost the doe. That's always tough. A Cal/Harlie cross should yield good meat animals. They may grow a bit slower than a pure Cal, but they should be beautiful! Usually with that cross you'll get the Harlie markings with some displaying the Cal pointing through the Harlequin pattern. Good luck, and welcome to the channel!

[@GraceHomesteadFarm]

@@SpragueRiverHomestead Thanks so much! I looked at the male yesterday and he is def a black with a half split face and what looks to be 5 stripes down the back. The female looks to be a chocolate but there are two shades of brown. No viable face split but a chest split and 3 bands on back. If I breed her and the black together would they make good pet babies? Thanks so much.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

@@GraceHomesteadFarm if she is two shades of brown it sounds like she might be a Chocolate Japanese and not a Magpie? I'm not a proponent of breeding to make pets. Unless you plan to personally keep them all the pet market for rabbits is very saturated. On top of that, most rabbits sold as pets don't make it to one year of age due to insufficient care (last figure I saw was 90%!).

[@ladyluckbug6202]

I'm looking to start raising meat rabbits. So far in my area I have only found the Flemish Giants. Thank you for education me before I committed to something that wasn't suited!! I am finding it challenging to find any rabbits for sale in Western Canada.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Right now finding good rabbits anywhere is a challenge. Hang in there. The market should stabilize here in the coming months and most likely a huge amount of stock will come available by fall. Lots of people panic bought juniors early this spring and should be starting to produce litters soon.

[@nh978]

We had a hutch of Flemish giants when I was young. Those are some imposing sized creatures to a kid or teen. Plus if they choose to kick out at you... wow. I'll admit. They scared the hell out of me back then.

[@mastercommanderdragonsir679]

N H you must’ve been a really small kid or a total pussy, aha.

[@briancatley2110]

Great job on the informational video 10/10!

[@ottohesslein3230]

I thought you just throw 2 rabbits in a cage, then came back in a couple months with your Weber grill. Had no idea rabbit raising is such a managed endeavor.

[@lizfletcher2685]

Excellent video! I've just got 2 giant continental does which I'm hoping to breed with ny silver fox buck. Wish I'd seen this video first. :( Ive since found out that giant continentals have smaller litters so now I'm hoping the kits from my does can be bread with another silver fox buck and have larger litters that grow out faster than giants...? Trial and error i guess... thanks for all the info- much appreciated!

[@anrabbitry493]

i wish i could have that californian 😍 im from phillipines i raise rabbit for our own consumption,but the breed im raising is what we call here local new zealand. 3 months old only 1 kilo - 1.5 kilo live weight.

[@nancylitton390]

Wow! I didn't know there were so many different breeds! Sound information. Thank you. What are your thoughts on Rex rabbits?

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

Find and attend a rabbit show in your area. You'll be amazed at the range of sizes, shapes, and colors of bunnies on display!

[@zainudinaja3194]

Rabbit meat is very runny, clean, almost without fat. The meat is chewy and red. I like to eat rabbit meat. I am Indonesian

[@israeljeruzalem6465]

New zealand buck with a blanc de termonde doe, big litters and verry fast Growing. 6lbs by 10 to 12 weeks

[@mountainmenofamerica6546]

Hey hope all is well I was just wondering if you could do a video on raising newborn kits the dos and donts and what to do when Mommas not caring for the babies

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

I can do that. Let me see what I can come up with. 😊

[@TranquilSequoia]

@@SpragueRiverHomestead I'd watch it, we've raised rabbits off and on but never had success with orphaned babies(no orphaned /runts survived 😔 ). (Learning how to increase the survival rate for these orphans if possible, would really help our future homestead)

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

@@TranquilSequoia I haven't started my fall breeding yet, but have it on my list to make a video on how to deal with newborns. Hopefully in another month or so

[@jiggyjongles]

Just discovered this playlist. so excited.

[@southafricanrhino]

This answers all my questions thank you!

[@lambertguimond2227]

Hi there, just fell on your channel vids, good job & info, from Montreal, many thanks.

[@lindamyers1386]

We just bought 3 rabbits to try to begin raising meat. It was difficult for us to find rabbits for sale so we got what we could find. Years ago we has NZ rabbits. They did well. I've had a friend who has raised thousands of rabbits and used to judge them to look at our 3 rabbits. It looks like we have bought 3 very young females. 🤨 anyway, my friend doesn't say what breed he thinks the agouti colored rabbit is yet (probably mixed with California. He says we have one California and one "giant" breed rabbit which we purchased at a farm store. Probably a checkered giant. I wasn't intimidated by my large Nubian goats. I'm not afraid of our cows. I don't think that a large rabbit is going to bother me much. But you say the giants take a long time and grow a lot of bone eh? Well darn. That giant one is super sweet as just a pet though. (I recently lost my dog. I miss my pet) she loves cuddles. My friend raised rabbits commercially. He told me to keep looking for some NZ. I will. Thanks for such great information. I'll be watching more by you. 😉

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Good meat breeding quality rabbits have been tough to come by this spring and early summer. Demand has been high, and I've seen a lot of critters that would be better off in a crockpot being sold to newbies for way too much money. Without a pedigree I always assume a rabbit is a mutt. You can breed a lot of crazy stuff together and end up with one that looks like a Californian. A friend of mine had a Rex/Satin cross that he showed as a NZ and kept winning Best of Breed! If one of them is a giant you definitely don't want to use it for meat breeding, unless you are okay with a lower meat to bone ratio. Bummer on all of them being girls, although it's usually far easier to come up with a male rabbit.

[@jessegarcia8156]

Hey my parents own a ranch in Sprague River. Small world. Cool video.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Small world indeed! What part of Sprague River do they live in? We're only about 3 miles out of town ourselves. Thanks for watching!

[@jessegarcia8156]

In the woods lol. On a red cinder rd off Sprague River rd.

[@AngSarapNgPutahemo]

Mega love shout out watching from the Philippine

[@cubanocowboy781]

Very helpful. I was having a lot of questions about this subject.

[@violetwaterford9381]

I love your channel. I learn so much from your videos. I think you give more details and information on rabbits then any other channel I have watched....thank you!

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Thanks for watching. Our intent is to offer what we have learned so that you can jump in the homesteading at your own pace.

[@r11hno]

Enjoyed watching - new friends from France - looking to start raising rabbits and found this all very helpfull - enjoy cooking rabbit all the best Naomi & Mark

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@mystwolfe7791]

I raise silver fox. They are great meat plus fur and they are super friendly and gentle. Plus big.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Yes they are! The biggest issue with Fox is just finding stock.

[@No_one1776]

The wife and want to see what they taste like before we invest. Where can we get a taste?

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

You can usually find rabbit in butcher shops. We've seen frozen rabbit in Fresh Market's and some other high end grocery stores.

[@No_one1776]

@@SpragueRiverHomestead Thanks for the reply. We have looked at every butcher in 40 mile radius. They all say, we did a few years ago but there is no demand for it. Guess well keep looking.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

@@No_one1776 that's a bummer. Where are you located?

[@No_one1776]

@@SpragueRiverHomestead SLC, Utah.

[@FrugalFarmerChannel]

Some speciality grocers carry rabbit. I slow cook my rabbit wrapped in bacon, mushroom soup, w/ carrots, potatoes, celery and onions. I season w/ garlic, pepper (I don't use salt but you can season to taste.) Enjoy! :)

[@ClareAndAlec]

I'm certainly not disagreeing with your expertise but I find it kinda funny how, while this is true for the breeds as a whole, individuals and lines can always vary wildly. I have three breeds, New Zealand Red, American Chinchilla, and Rex. The NZ Red is the most personable by a ridiculous margin and the Rex is definitely the most skittish.

[@johnboy7550]

Thanks for the information, I appreciate it very much.

[@oliviamarsh6059]

Thank you very much

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevejacoby5512]

Thanks to both of you for sharing your knowledge. I enjoy your channel. I am starting with a Tamuk doe and a unrelated pair of rex rabbits. Would you add another meat rabbit to this mix? Cals are abundant here in central Texas. Both two legged and four legged :-)

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Being that the TAMUK is a composite breed (aka mix), I wouldn't breed her to anything but either a Champagne or a Cal buck, as that is what they were developed from. Breeding her to a Rex is likely to give you inconsistent results. I think you can pretty safely add Cal's to your program. I don't know that I would use anything else. Glad you are enjoying our videos, and thanks for watching!

[@stevejacoby5512]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts I appreciate your opinion.

[@gennellethurman5790]

can you recommend a resource for purchasing the big rabbits?

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

If you have a breed in mind, reach out to the national breed club. All breeds have one. Some clubs have breeder directories and some don't, so for the breeds that don't you can usually email the club Secretary and they can put you in contact with breeders nearest to you.

[@gennellethurman5790]

@@SpragueRiverHomestead Thank you!!

[@gennellethurman5790]

@@SpragueRiverHomestead I have decided on Silver Fox. I have found a breeder in the same town as me! They have kits available for sale. Do you have any suggestions/advice on buying kits to start breeding? How would I start to handle them so they get used to me?

[@chrismercer7974]

You’re my rabbit channel 👍🏻👍🏻

[@StatmanRN]

"Meat Rabbits" would be a great name for a band.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

It may get confusing as there is a band called Meat Puppets that has been around since the 1980s. But, imagine if meat Rabbits opened for Meat Puppets? Like "The Meat Tour 2020"...

[@ripvangu]

thanks for the info,watching from Kenya

[@katim3111]

How do I find certain breeds? And are babies shipped if I can't find them near me? I want the Satins and I'm in East TN near Knoxville. If you have any info, please let me know.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Rabbits don't ship well, and with COVID and RHDV2 all of the responsible transporters aren't really running. I would suggest you go to www.asrba.org/officers.htm and send an email to the secretary of the club asking for breeders nearby. They are usually pretty helpful and should be able to put you in touch with a breeder nearby.

[@HalfAHandyman]

Thanks for the information. I need to try some other breeds.

[@lunar1135]

Thank you so much for mentioning the fur colors as well! I want to keep the pelt and want to have agouti and chinchilla pelts and the meat doesnt have to be overly much as it is mostly for my dog... any suggestions for what breed i could keep?

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

I like the chin breeds myself as they have the best chin colors - American and Standard Chinchillas in particular as the Giants take a while to grow out (lots of bone). They can be harder to find since they are both considered rare breeds. Rex also come in chinchilla, which are lovely with that short, plushy fur. Copper Satins are a really pretty agouti option. You can also find Agoutis in the NZ, though it's not a recognized color so it can be harder to come by.

[@recoveringsoul755]

@@SpragueRiverHomestead At county fairs, I am always drawn to the Rex for their fur density and wide array of colors. I know at least one channel raises them for meat, says they have a good disposition. I was really only looking for a pet. Still don't have one though. For survival though, I am thinking double duty. I know Angora rabbits can be sheared several times a year to make yarn and knit your own scarves, hats and stuff. I don't know how to do that either. But do you know of anyone who eats Angora rabbits? I have no clue the difference in taste, or growth rate etc.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

@@recoveringsoul755 I do know a few Angora breeders who use their cull animals for meat. Angoras tend to grow much more slowly than other breeds, as they expend more of their nutrients to wool production. If harvested at a young enough age (no later than 4mo) the flavor will be the same as any other domestic rabbit breed. The three Angora breeds that would be large enough for meat purposes would be the French, the Satin or the Giant (not so large boned as other giant breeds). Rex can be good meat animals, and they do have great temperaments. Overall though, they grow more slowly and require a lot more work for upkeep, as the dense fur is more likely to pick up fur and ear mites. They also have nails that grow 2-3x faster than a standard furred breed.

[@recoveringsoul755]

@@SpragueRiverHomestead Wow thanks for the speedy and informative reply. I visited an angora rabbit farm with a friend a long time ago. I think they were only raised for the fur. The woman had samples of the yarn at various stages all the way up to scarves and mittens she was selling. It is such a light weight wool, not like actual sheep wool. But much more convenient sized animals. The lady I saw who raised Rex for meat did have a video about clipping toenails. I haven't run across one about fur problems. So thanks for that info. She had some about tanning their hides, and I guess she has a place she can sell them, mostly for craft supplies I think.

[@nh978]

Agreed. Thank you. I'm basically new to this. And I'll want to try a couple breeds before I settle on main producer. Fur color and density is good to know. Thanks for helping with the short list.

[@soaronwingslikeeagles7982]

Thank you. Helpful. I agree too aggressive but good to understand the numbers so can adjust favorably for rabbit condition and profitability. Your thoughts on rabbits on pasture?

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

We don't have the option for pasture raising rabbits where we live, but it can be done in some places. It's an option if done correctly.

[@bethanyprior60]

Is it normal for does to bite when you reach in their cage? Mine is California/NZ mix, six months old and has suddenly started being very aggressive in her cage. Does that behavior exclude her from being breeding stock?

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

If she's actually biting you, yes, I would cull her. If she's lunging, slapping and acting like she'd bite you it's probably runaway hormones. In that case, breeding should mellow her out.

[@bethanyprior60]

@@SpragueRiverHomestead thank you! She lost her bad attitude after she was bred. She kindled a litter of 9 and she's still being reasonable. Hopefully she'll stay that way! I can't thank you enough for all of the info!

[@markleyfour]

I'm wanting to start raising raising meat rabbits and I live in New Mexico and I'm just wondering where to start and where would I get the rabbits I do have one feed store in town that said that they will have rabbits around this time of year which is Easter but if they're not to my liking can you suggest where I would go to get a good doe and a buck thanks I really like your Channel

[@tammiechacra6967]

Looking at a cross of a new Zealand and a Florida white but the book I was reading and every thing I have seen dose not say what they will dress out at? You also didn't mention size of liter for this cross. I will go to get the best rabbets from breaders.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Dress out percentage with both breeds tends to be 60%, so if you butcher them at 5# you'll be looking at a carcass around 3.5#. With using a cross of such differing breeds I have no idea how long it would take to reach 5#. As for litter size, it's an odd cross so I really couldn't say. NZ are 10-12# rabbits and average 8 per litter. FW are 5-6# rabbits and average 5 per litter.

[@stone1c]

I don't have rabbits for meat, just selling them. I have Meklenbur. Breed. I would want to cross them with kaliforn.

[@cashfamilyfarm9637]

I just bought my first rabbits with the idea of raising the kits for meat. I bought an adult pair of Lilacs that were a girl's show rabbits. I was thinking about crossing them with californians since that is a breed I used to raise ( so not my first rabbits as I had californians for years that I raised and sold the babies, but my first rabbits I bought with a thought to raising for meat) and I have an order in for a trio of californian babies, but now you have me thinking I should maybe just stick with the Lilacs if they are a decent meat rabbit anyway. I will need to look into how difficult it will be to find more lilacs, and ones of good quality. I like purebred animals. I raise Araucana chickens ( they are my passion) while not being a perfect meat bird, for me they are a complete package. Anyway, thank you for your videos. I am enjoying watching them.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Cash Family Farm - Lilacs are a smaller breed, but have a good dress out percentage. A friend of mine breeds and shows them here in Oregon, and while not huge rabbits they can be very well muscled.

[@cashfamilyfarm9637]

Thank you. I will ask the 4H lady here is there is anyone in Northern CA that has lilacs. I think I will stick with one breed. I do notice already in just the two days I have had them that they are way less stand off-ish than the californians I had. I like that about them for sure. And they really don't appear to be too much smaller than my californians but maybe I had small californians.

[@seraph8258]

Great Information!

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Thanks for watching!

[@FrugalFarmerChannel]

Thanks for sharing!

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Thanks for watching!

[@georgewashington938]

good info. I guess if you are going to butcher them, a good personality might make things more difficult

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

In the beginning that might be true. Having fought my share of aggressive or high strung breeds on the way to the wringer though, I'll take good personality any day. Consider the big picture as well - while the kits are only with you for a short time before heading to freezer camp, do you really want to have to deal with obnoxious or aggressive breeders? An angry 10-12# is no joke. Thanks for watching.

[@gingerbee6660]

really informative. thanks!

[@lucasgareau4105]

A BIG RABBIT at 11 pounds and are 5 pounds at 10 weeks. I have a new zealand flemish giant cross and she is 20 pounds on a diet. Her kits are 8 pounds at 10-11 weeks.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

The Real Way To Live - I'm not really sure what you are trying to say there. The average size of a rabbit used in meat breeding operations and by backyard growers is 10# for a doe. There are exceptions to everything. Some lines will produce a 5# rabbit at 8 weeks, but again, the average is 10 weeks. Some of my 13# American does produce 6-7# babies at 10 weeks. It's a relative. I do my best to provide information for the situation a Homesteader is most likely to encounter. I'm really surprised a Flem/NZ cross is that large. The average size of Flemish in the US is 15#. The largest I've seen is 18#, and I see a lot of them at shows. Sounds like she's a very big girl. Thanks for watching.

[@lucasgareau4105]

Sprague River Homestead yea I'm not attacking you I was just recommending this cross. I have many flemish new zealand crosses as well as many other breeders from where I'm from and they are all this size. Thank you for the info you have provided in your videos!

[@stephendekoning5689]

I think she is hinting partly at dress out weight usable meat maybe? That said I had two sister mixes that an Abra breeder and judge said looked enough like giant chinchilla to pass and breed in colony with her pure buck that my probably mixes fixed his slight faults in kits.. they were rescues from beagle hunt some young bloods were on road to use for training snacks, and I bought for five dollars as babies, but they grew to be forty two pounds and forty four pounds, which I've never heard of in USA rabbits, and my back got too bad to lift them inside in extreme heat in summer and they couldn't hop or climb just walked around cage and yard playing with the dogs, and the lady had an air conditioned barn with stalls for them. They were all bone thick hide and tough sinew with fat, nothing like a real meat rabbit is like once you've found good one. Great pets, but for best meat cage raising individually housed easy keeping, stick with nzs. for group or ground/pen/free range (no fences needed they are like puppies) and house pets with decent tender sweet meat, get Dutch bunnies.

[@robertlawton7991]

Can the Rex be a good rabbit for meat? I've seen vids of people raising them for harvest.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Rex do provide a similar dress out percentage to the other large breeds. The biggest issues with the Rex is that they grow much more slowly and are more upkeep due to the fast growing toenails. Generally they finish 3-4 weeks behind some of the other breeds. They are a good choice if you are wanting pelt animals. They'll do fine for meat, just be prepared for them to cost more to raise for meat purposes than breeds like the NZ, Cal, American or Satin due to growth rate.

[@robertlawton7991]

@@SpragueRiverHomestead thanks for the good information. I'm still figuring things out before I jump forward .

[@tatumaston6675]

What are ur thoughts on STANDARD REX rabbits for meat and pelts?

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

First, there is no such thing as standard Rex. Only Rex, or Mini Rex. We talk about Rex in quite a few videos. I don't recommend them, as they grow quite a bit more slowly than other breeds. (Think 12-16 weeks to hit the 5# fryer weights). They are also more maintenance as their nails grow faster than other breeds. Any rabbit used for pelts needs to be harvested when the pelt is prime. That's around 9months in all larger breeds. Before that the skin is thin and the fur not grown in enough for long term usage. They are sweet rabbits for the most part. We had a few but the upkeep and slow growth were deal breakers for me.

[@katiecope8889]

what do you know about texas A&m tamkin new zealand rabbit ?

[@iiinsaiii]

Can I ask, what would you feed them if you couldn’t get feed for them from the store?

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

We can grow in the garden to feed them. We have a video in the complete series discussing what you can grow to feed them.

[@pennyjohoc]

Somebody might've already asked but can you give the name to us of the friend that raises the lilacs so we could maybe purchase one or reply back and so I may ask

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

I'll have a video with her on Lilacs out in two weeks, but in the meantime her name is Heather Keller of Rock Hill Rabbitry. She's on Facebook and MeWe.

[@dignitas1980]

What about giant german breed?

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

All giant breeds grow bone before muscling and have horrible feed conversion. Also, feeding the adults between litters raises the overall cost of raising them and makes them far too expensive overall.

[@williesko]

Have you ever come across English Sopts (pure breeds)? and if you have, would you have any comments advice? We just got a pure breed pair, and would like to learn more about them. TYIA

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

They are a small running breeding. I don't raise anything that I can't use for meat so have never owned one. They are higherstrung, and the ones I see it shows spray. A lot. You might want to join their national breed club to learn more about them.

[@johnkowall2629]

Thank You.

[@Tomahawk8297]

Thanks for the tips!

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Happy to help!

[@VashtiPerry]

Thank you!!

[@jeguim123]

Hi, I don’t know if anyone have asked before but that’s why I am gonna ask . Would you please indicate any breeders for the breeds you have showed us ? Thank you

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

I always recommend you contact the national breed club (all breeds have them). Breeders often change breeds so it's impossible to keep a list.

[@dustinpaul8968]

Great info. Thanks

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PortCanon]

Fantastic information! New sub, here. Thanks! 😊

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Welcome to the channel!

[@PortCanon]

Sprague River Homestead, Lol, I’m systematically watching all of your rabbit videos. And to see your ‘Welcome’ reply, it feels like you dropped by for a quick visit here in Florida. 😄 We wish you guys the best, and THANK YOU for your expertise! 💕

[@wascopI]

what is the average age of butcher for harlequins?

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Harlies vary wildly by bloodline. Most of mine hit 5# by 10-12 weeks. A few of my magpie lines are very slow growers and are more like 12-16 weeks. Thanks for the question!

[@backtobasicstipswithtomrib19]

We raise standard Rex

[@backtobasicstipswithtomrib19]

the meat is excellent and the hides sell good

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

@@backtobasicstipswithtomrib19 that's great that you've got a hide outlet. Sadly there isn't much market in most of the country any more.

[@bellesparks4374]

I am about to start trying to breed Standard Rex Rabbits because they have great personalities, perfect size and their coats are unbelievably soft and come in so many colors:)!

[@MustangNancy55]

I want to get onto meat rabbits and while a friend is in the hospital for 6 weeks im taking care of his rabbits 3 does have birth to 3 litters in november 5 kits 7 kits 9 kits the kits of the 5 kits litter are now half as big as there mothers ... I think they are about 10 weeks old but the kits of the 9 kits litter are only half some 1/3rd of the size of a 5 kits litter kit they still fit into my hand cut and they are probably about 8 weeks old I need to get him some good races for meat rabbits his rabbits are a cross of a dozen differnt breeds usually you'd say farmers have the best meat rabbits, you dont have to get a specific breed but this rabbit just don't want to grow

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

That is very tiny. What you are describing is exactly why we don't recommend "meat mutt" rabbits. Simply too many variables to know how a litter will turn out. You'll get far more consistency in size with a pure, or even crossbred rabbit. Thank you for watching!

[@chantelpearson1172]

Very informative

[@valeriehaertl9218]

Could you show us how to safely clip the rabbit’s nails

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Yes. We did a video on it awhile back which should be part of our Ultimate Homestead Rabbit Guide playlist. Here's a link kzbin.info/www/bejne/goSsqKp3etCqgZo

[@diananore5528]

Just hit the sub button. I will go back and check others. You sound very knowledgeable. How long have you been rabbit farming? I feel like I went to rabbit class...need to go back and take class notes!

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Diana Nore - Thank you! I (Nikki) had pet rabbits as a kid but have been breeding for just over 5 years now. We've done several breeds and have around 70 breeders right now. Rabbits are definitely my passion and we raise them for meat and show. Such amazing and underrated animals for Homestead use!

[@cainsholisticapothecary4083]

I have never raised meat rabbits or any for that matter. I would just start out with two very small because I live in the city for now. Which two male and female would you recommend breeding?

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

For utilitarian purposes you can't go wrong with New Zealand or Californian. Just know that neither of them are particularly friendly breeds. I would see what you can find locally and pick the breed that best appeals to you. Most of the big breeds (not Giants) make fine meat animals.

[@rrhobbytohomestead6465]

Can you tell me your thoughts on the Cinnamon rabbit breed?

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

I should have a video on them out later this month. They are a beautiful breed, but remember that they are developed from NZ (amongst other things) and can be temperamental. The biggest issue you have with them is availability. There are small knots of breeders scattered across the country, and when that happens you see different characteristics emerge as breeder groups tend to focus on different things. I know size has been an issue with the breed in recent years as well. We had a local woman that was raising a small group of them. I was tempted, as I love all the rarer breeds, but neither the buck nor the two does were even 9#! Otherwise they were lovely typed animals, but size, especially when off by a pound or more, can be very hard to overcome. They also produced offspring that didn't reach 5# until almost 14 weeks. Very slow growth.

[@mindibrake8203]

What do you think of the Rex breed (standard size, not the mini)

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

They are a fair choice. They grow more slowly than a lot of the other breeds I mentioned. Most of the lines you see sold for backyard meat production don't have the fullness in the loin and rear legs that I'd like to see. They also are a lot more maintenance as their nails grow at 2x the rate of a standard furred rabbit (due to the been that causes the short, plushy fur). From the people I know that raise them there seems to be a much higher incidence of ear and fur mites and sore hocks in them as well. The hocks are most likely attributed to nails getting too long, but could also be thin/improper furring on the hocks themselves. On the plus side the ones I've had and *most* of the ones I've dealt with have had awesome temperaments. They also tend to be good mothers, and fairly good breeders and make a nice pelt should you decide to grow them out that long. Hope that helps 😊

[@fatcatdan65]

my question may sound silly but what does rabbit tast like i have never eaten rabbit kind of afraid to

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Very similar to chicken. In fact, you can use rabbit in place of chicken in any recipe.

[@dwaynelejeune3508]

Just getting started with rabbits, I live in SW Louisiana so what would be a good breed for my area?

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Whatever you can find within a couple of hours. The SE and SW are both challenging. See what breeds are around you and select that which appeals to you most. By staying local you'll get animals more adapted to your region.

[@loism1965]

Thank you, I learned so much from you.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@pinkygalvez]

Which breed do you recommend for fur? Thanks...

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Depends a bit on what you want to do with the fur. Rex are very good for fur that is short and velvety. Satins have longer fur that has a beautiful shine to it and the breed is available in a good array of colors.. New Zealands make very nice pelts, but of the three come in less recognized colors.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

We just posted a video on pelt breeds. If you are still looking for info be sure to check it out!😊

[@rabbithomesteading3797]

thanks!

[@annjones1521]

Im raising NZ for meat. I have a doe that kindled 6 weeks ago. I've put the kits in a grow out cage. The Doe absolutely refuses to be breed again. I've tried 4 days in a row. Any suggestions?

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Give her two week and then try. There's three things that could be the issue here - 1. Not all does wean their offspring early. If she is still lactating and you've pulled her babies she's uncomfortable. An uncomfortable doe isn't going to breed. 2. She also may be in a low spot hormonally. While rabbits are induced ovulators their hormone levels do still fluctuate by times. 3. It could be a low light issue. We are very close to the shortest day of the year, and biology tells them this is not a good time for breeding. Some does aren't as sensitive to this, but others won't breed at all in December. I have this issue with some of my American girls as well.

[@annjones1521]

Thank you. I think I'll just wait until mid Jan. I'll give all the does a break

[@Gettingstartedonhomesteading]

Yap my rabbits are not good for meat but its alright we are getting about 15$ a piece for them. But am going to try meat rabbits this year. Thanks for the Info.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Getting started on homesteading What kind of rabbits are you raising? Thanks for watching ☺

[@rushellealexandra5243]

I have Rex, Rex cross, NZ, and a cal.

[@stephendekoning5689]

Getting Started On Homesteading, disposable pets and feeder rabbit prices are great for two to six kits in litter every so often, but good newzealands consistent ten to twelve kit litters growing out in half the time here bring twenty to fifty dollars apiece, many times a year, costing lot less to feed ect, besides low bone density does better with heat stress in our area. Then again sickly runty boney barely weaned babies ect can be bought for five to fifteen dollars. Show rabbits bring same or more but they need pampering, I find dutch and newzealand do best here at least consistently.

[@nealhall6927]

Hi love your videos, very educational. Can you please tell me the closest exact cost of rasing meat rabbits from Mom Dad to the dinner table I did the math came up around 98 cents a rabbit am I close???

[@beatraveler]

I was curious if you know of anyone that breeds rabbits in a tropical environment? Pros and Cons other than keeping them cool. Another KZbinr?

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Honestly, I don't. Quite a few breeds can be adapted. I know we had NZ and NZ cross in the hot and humid summers of Mississippi and they did just fine. Another person I know raises Americans in the heat and humidity of Texas. There are quite a few breeders getting going in Indonesia right now, and they are importing a whole array of breeds.

[@KetilFroyn]

The videos I've seen on this subject discuss yield and efficiency, but not flavor or quality of meat. Do you have any info to share on that?

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Best quality will be if harvested before 12 weeks of age for all breeds. After that time the muscles start to get stringier and tougher, requiring slower cooking. As far as flavor, that varies a bit by feed. A wilder, greener diet will yield gamier, stronger meat. Feed a commercial ration, or commercial/grain mix with or without hay (not Alfalfa) will produce mild, almost chicken like flavor.

[@littledrabbitry9410]

What are your thoughts on Champagne De Argent for meat breeds. Haven't heard a lot about their temperament and want to make sure that we don't get a bunny that has traits of temperament issues. Thanks Nikki

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

I raised them for several years. My bucks were always good natured but horrible pee sprayers. The does weren't friendly by any means, but only a few were truly nasty creatures. I don't recommend Champagnes as a starter breed though. They can be extremely finicky breeders, are prone to fat build up and have to be monitored for weight FAR more closely than others to keep them breeding. I've also seen a ton of lines that are on the small side (as in 8# bucks and does that don't reach 10#).

[@corbyrobinson3640]

Does anyone have experience they can share with me with Rex rabbits as a meat rabbit?

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

We talk about Rex in a lot of videos. Slow growth is the biggest issue you'll find with Rex, along with more maintenance since their nails grow faster. I raised some for awhile. They don't have good feed conversion because of the growth rates, and aren't as meaty as some other breeds generally.

[@annabellavetra]

can you make a video about rabbits for meat and hide?

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Done! Finally ☺️ We just posted a video about the best breeds for pelts. All of them are also excellent meat rabbits.

[@wolfy1]

Is the rex good to raise for meat and pelt?

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

They wouldn't be a top pick but they will work. Some lines have better growth rates than other, but overall they are fairly slow. They also are more upkeep as their nails growth 2x faster than standard furred breeds. Fur and ear mites can also be a bigger deal for them due to the density of their fur. Rex do have wonderful personalities and really nice fur if you plan to do pelts.

[@wolfy1]

@@SpragueRiverHomestead Thank you. I'm more interested in the meat so I'll look to another breed.

[@13daniel1974]

Are you still raising your rabbits? I am just getting started and this is very informative

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

Yes. We currently breed Harlequin, American and Thrianta. We have over 40 videos in our rabbit playlist alone. If you have questions about anything we don't have a video on, just holler! 🙂

[@13daniel1974]

@@SpragueRiverHomestead I'm watching like mad... LOL

[@13daniel1974]

@@SpragueRiverHomestead where are you located? Just out of curiosity.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

@@13daniel1974 Sprague River, OR. About 30 minutes north of the OR/CA line.

[@elizabethstephens662]

Thank you for the video. What is your opinion of the american chinchilla? I read they were good moms and very gentle. I'm having trouble finding any, but would like to know if they are a good homestead rabbit.

[@SpragueRiverHomestead]

I like the American Chinchilla overall. They are good moms, good temperaments and have decent litter sizes. They do grow more slowly than some other breeds and are really hard to find. They also have a gamier flavor (according to several people I know who own them). In recent years there have been several breeds bred into them to improve type, so you do have to watch out for animals that produce off colors or have temperament issues. I know of several breeders who have crossed New Zealands in to them.