HOW MANY RABBITS SHOULD I START WITH?

[@SgtSnausages]

For Consideration : we feed almost exclusively from what we can grow on the homestead these days. As such, we try to NOT have a bunch of growouts running around lookin' for lunch in Nov Dec, Jan, Feb, March where we"d have to store up hay and food to feed them over Winter. We only want growouts when there's food freely available. Since we're only breeding roughly half as many months of the year, we need twice as many Mommas to push the numbers on yield to hit our targets. Keeping 3 or 4 extra Mommas alive over Winter is HELLA easier than tryin' to grow out 80 or 100 growouts over Winter.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

That makes sense, thank you for taking the time to share your system!

[@dallasburgess5329]

I'll throw a quick comment on my Netherland dwarfs. Routinely get 4 kits per litter (following Bobby's advice), which is a pretty high rate for that breed. (Thanks Bobby 👍) So keep in mind, his comments on litter size should be tempered to the breed you have.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Your absolutely right. They very different. Thank you very much for clarifying. Our channel specializes in Medium size Rabbit breeds and small or Giant breeds will be bred with different expectations. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@tanyaj.8736]

Greetings from Oklahoma! I started with rabbits last Spring. We have such hot summers here that I didn't breed my does during the intense heat of summer ie. July, August, and early September. I'm making up the difference by adding a couple of does to my rabbitry. Having some hiccups with first-time rabbit mama's. Your recent video on the subject was very helpful! Enjoy your channel!!

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thanks for watching Im so glad you find the videos helpful. I have family in Oklahoma and your summers are very hot Which makes it challenging. Best of luck this summer with your new doe's!

[@stevesadnick204]

Happy New Year Bobby and family. Great info. The one thing you could explain is how important having a goal in mind BEFORE they start out is. If it's just for personal food or selling kits like you said. Or breeding for show. Or a combination of these. I know you have done videos on how to market and sell rabbits. Maybe mention that for those that are new to watching you. Keep up the great videos. Looking forward to what you bring us in 2023.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

You're right. I very much appreciate video content ideas. I'll be sure to mention that Steve. Thanks!

[@mtprepsteader7550]

Thank you so much for you time and information!! Happy new year!!

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

You're very welcome. Happy new year!

[@victorbenner539]

Great first video of the year. I subscribed last year, been thinking about raising rabbits for some time now. So glad you're starting the year for first timers. I'm happy you also started with how many rabbits to start out with. The interesting thing about this size of livestock is compared to large livestock is not near as much start up cost. Kinda like HoneyBees. It doesn't take much more time to take care of three hives vs one. I see a similar situation with rabbits. I was thinking starting out with 4 females and 1 or two males. Also I remember it was so hot across most of the USA last summer seems most folks let the Does rest through the hottest days of summer so that would bring the breeding cycles down to 4. Anyway great video, looking forward to seeing your next. Have a great day 🌤 😀 🐇

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Very true. I agree. Thanks for subscribing and taking the time to write your comment! Happy new year!

[@stevesadnick204]

I find the bucks going sterile more so then the does having issues woth heat. Except of course those that saw extreme heat. I only saw a few days of 80's and low 90's and fans kept my shed below 80 except for a few hours during the main heat of those days hot days. I see people struggle to get their does to breed during the shorter winter days. Lack of light makes the does not ovulate. So I have read. I use BRIGHT led lighting on my does a week or so before I plan to breed them year round. And no matter the temp they lift for my bucks. If getting 2 bucks and 2 does you can create trio's to sell to offset food costs. If only for personal use you could get two different breeds and breed for hybrid vigor.

[@victorbenner539]

@@stevesadnick204 I was thinking of getting some New Zealand' and some California whites.

[@stevesadnick204]

@Victor Benner that's what I started out with. Both great meat producers. And make great fast growing hybrid kits.

[@victorbenner539]

@@stevesadnick204 this might be a not so smart question but I'm figuring you did some cross breeding so here's my question. Witch breed did you use in the cross. NZ buck to Cali White doe ? Or Cali White buck to NZ to NZ doe? Did it seem to matter in anyway?

[@uprightfossil6673]

Your advice has been of great value to me. I jumped into rabbitry on the fly and have made my own adjustments to accommodate my situation. 😊Oh, never have a plan either. Just let nature be nature. So I have 2 does and 2 bucks I bought as pairs and a New Zealand doe for variety. Almost time to plant that food plot. I just have to figure out where it will go…since I didn’t plan. 😮 cheers

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. Best of luck with your foodplot

[@PineRidgeHomestead]

Great video. You inspired me.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

i’m so glad to hear that!

[@odonnellsaussiehomestead8257]

I totally agree with u Bobbie

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thanks for commenting and happy new year!

[@THEOFFGRIDMOUNTAINHOMESTEAD]

Thanks for sharing Bobby! I call my rabbits “poor man’s cattle”😂 Seriously, rabbits are very enjoyable and efficient livestock. Keep up the good work!

[@victorbenner539]

I meant "buddy" not "Bobby" Damm autocorrect.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. -Bobby/Buddy

[@jasonwhite7350]

Great video. Thanks Bobby!

[@ChesterHickman]

How good are the Dumor cages from tractor supply. And is 18 inches high enough for rabbits

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

18 inches is more than sufficient running those cages outdoors will last approximately three years before the condensation and oxidation causes them to crumble Where is if you were to purchase galvanized cage wire it will last nearly the lifetime of your rabbitry.

[@sovereignprovisions]

Thanks for the video. We recently moved from Michigan to Arkansas. Our rabbits our outdoors and we plan to stop the breeding come summer due to the heat and to give the mamas a break as we focus on trying to keep them cool. Is this what you would do?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

If you don't have a system where your rabbits can escape the elements than it's best to only breed in the spring and fall. How We breed through the winter and summer is We keep our bucks cool(fertile)using totes. And our doe's use them to kindle in the coldest times of the year and the hottest times of the year. Here's a video that shares more. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqTYmHuHrc56iKM

[@winfieldagonoy]

Unique contents. Thank you very much!

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

So Glad you enjoyed it!

[@laneclaypool8005]

When you dress rabbits, push the manure out of the dead rabbit, then dip it in a 5 gallon bucket of water. Soak the fur of the back half of the rabbit. This will practically eliminate loose hair flying around getting up your nose and sticking to the meat when you pull the hide off.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thanks for sharing we have several processing videos you may enjoy kzbin.info/aero/PLNYLb_YcNZX1KCAEr818BWNb1k4YKHOzp

[@tracybruring7560]

the link to the map is broken in your show more

[@batpherlangkharkrang7976]

Hi..... Thank you for showing your video 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 👕🐇🌱🏡🎥👍👍👍

[@melaniewilliams6499]

I had a rabbit die giving birth. My only rabbit that adopts had babies one week prior. . That rabbit that adopted the babies had eightsand adopted four more babies. Shes successfully feeding all the babies

[@lawrenceearle4134]

Hi, So you said you recommend two does and one buck. that's great because that is what I have been able to purchase. You have another video about starting with 2 pairs and breeding lines from there, I am wondering if you have something similar for starting with a trio?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

I do but it’s on our course. Half off in a couple days… therabbitrycenter.com/easter-sale-countdown/ I’ll be sure to share more trio strategies in future videos. You may enjoy our breeding playlist. kzbin.info/aero/PLNYLb_YcNZX1MYePcHZVDL2L3K0ae5G9_ Thanks for asking

[@archangel20031]

How long does it take for a newborn rabbit to be old enough to breed? On that timeline, when will the rabbits from the first litter be old enough to join in on the process of making meat?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Six months is a good target I’d recommend putting into the search engine for KZbin the rabbitry center -breeding rabbits

[@BethOvertonCPMmidwife]

We have just begun and we bought two does and one buck, all TAMUKS. Well, one of the does is very aggressive with the buck. She is one year old and we were told she was pregnant when we bought her but she was not. Now, she won't breed after multiple tries. After a few minutes she gets agressive. Our other doe is gentle but she is 7 months and the buck (8 months) has tried only a little but never had a fall off. What do I do now? Should we cull the aggressive doe and buy another one?

[@vallaryamato4640]

I bought a female rabbit n shes nesting n i see babies moving i tried nesting boxs she just moves them n builds a new nest shes due any day shes inside pet is it ok if no box? She gets very upset with a box in cage

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

A nesting box will help create a pocket and keep your rabbits clustered so they stay warm and survive. If she tears up the nest and makes the nest outside of the box just repair the shavings and straw. Your rabbit may kindle outside of the nesting box. Gather them up and place them in the nesting box so they can cluster together in the box. Here's a video that shows how we make up our nesting box kzbin.info/www/bejne/jou1nKGvqtCtqadq08s

[@ACOhio]

Great info. How is it possible to add our rabbitry to your site? Thanks!

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Hello thanks for asking. The directory is free to use but adding a Rabbitry is a small one time fee. You can register your Rabbitry on our website. Here’s a link checkout.square.site/buy/27EQUWXVLIYVXB7JB4XVINPG

[@tom-ss2mn]

Great video

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

I'm so glad you liked it!

[@midnight2hope]

I have 3 does and 2 bucks, I'm breeding to sale the kits, meat some, and for my kid's 4h. Is this to much for a starter?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

If you're enjoying yourself and keeping up with things. It's just right. When you're backed up ,stacked up it's time to reevaluate things. Best of luck!

[@midnight2hope]

@@TheRabbitryCenter nobody has had any litters in a little concerned, but both my bucks and one of my does are cuddle buddies while the last two rather just be left alone by humans (won't attack when I clean, pick up, nor clean so that's good)

[@sngehl01]

I started with about 30 (24 does 6 bucks) but I have a problem with compulsion, don't do that.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thanks for taking the time to comment

[@carlosdanielgarridomurillo8373]

Hello, how much does a rabbit that is already clean ready to eat cost? Best regards from Baja California Sur, Mexico. I am starting a farm and I want to have an idea of ​​the cost to sell

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Rabbit meat will sell at a different price based on your area here in Michigan at the market we will sell rabbit meat for 7 to 8 dollars a pound

[@carlosdanielgarridomurillo8373]

@@TheRabbitryCenter Thank you for answering me. I will subscribe to your channel.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

@@carlosdanielgarridomurillo8373 you're very welcome. Best of luck!

[@PinkinPA]

Do we need to purchase the course to add a rabbitry?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

The directory is free to use but to add your Rabbitry to the US Map listing it's a small one time fee which is currently on sale. Here's a link with more info. Thanks for asking! checkout.square.site/buy/27EQUWXVLIYVXB7JB4XVINPG

[@stevengrange1584]

If I have a doe and a buck that are borther and sister. 1 year old. What best way to breed . Purchase another doe. Or did I. Ess up by getting brother and sister.

[@stevengrange1584]

Did I mess up. I know have doe hopefully pregnant from daddy a year later.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

They'll make more rabbits but when your ready to offer rabbits to folks to supplement feed costs just be prepared that folks will request unrelated. Thanks for asking and best of luck!

[@stevengrange1584]

I built a hutch like yours . I have a brother and sister and one separate buck. How far apart do they have to be? I'm planing on getting one more doe.

[@stevengrange1584]

?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

(How far apart do they have to be-)Can you expand on that question please?

[@stevengrange1584]

Talking about false litters . . Can cages be by each other. As of now I have a small buck in secret pen then I have hutch I built like you're with buck on left by other sml buck and doe on other side of hutch . . Not sure if I should get another doe or buck or both

[@profanetruth17]

did you know, if all you have to eat is rabbit, you will starve within a month or 2 no matter how many rabbits you eat ... it costs more calories to eat and digest rabbit meat than the meat supplies ... they're high in proteins so a good supplement to diet. My grandfather made the best rabbit stew.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

You're referring to protein poisoning and this is a problem when it comes to survival because you don't have enough fat intake but when adding sides on the dinner table rabbit meat is incredibly healthy. It's high in protein, very much like turkey. Compared to beef, lamb, chicken, and pork It's lower in calories, sodium, cholesterol and like you mentioned "fat" as well. Thanks for sharing! Rabbit stew is very tasty!

[@dallasburgess5329]

Wouldn't you starve in a month or two if you had zero food? I might think meat protein of any source would extend the length of time until possible starvation...Please provide information source.

[@profanetruth17]

@@dallasburgess5329 yes you would, but if you're in a survival situation don't think you'll survive by eating only rabbit ... you must also find fat and vitamin sources which rabbits don't supply well. In stew rabbit will get you through, on its own you will croak sooner than by not eating at all.

[@hillockfarm8404]

Same happens if all you eat is carrot, or ... The story this comes from is a situation where the rabbits also where starving. You can feed a rabbit to obesity (providing the fat), but it tastes bad and is not healthy for the bunny. You need a varied diet to not starve/die of illness due to malnutrition i.e. shortages in the diet.

[@profanetruth17]

@@hillockfarm8404 yup ... my gramps kept rabbits .. only a dozen or so - about once a month we had rabbit stew to change things up - after 8 months they're more gamey ..

[@lostmoose7352]

Thanks, great info. But: Shifting down a gear would be nicer to listen, esp. for us French Canadians

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thanks I'll give it a try

[@mariaelenavecchione2213]

Nowadays you only need 1. Make sure it is gender fluid though !

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thanks for taking the time to comment