Why You Should Raise Meat Rabbits Instead Of Chickens

So you've decided you want to raise some of your own meat, but what animal should you choose? Many new small farmers, homesteaders, and backyard growers often lean towards raising chickens for meat. After all, they're small, inexpensive, and commonly eaten.
But before you jump in, watch this video! I believe that that rabbits are actually the better meat animal (for most people). Whether you are worried about cost, space, ease of care, sustainability, or prepping - the meat rabbit wins every time.
Thanks so much for watching!
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
2:18 Caveats
3:34 The First Weeks of Life
5:59 Control of Your Breeding Program
10:10 Easier Processing
11:15 The Many Little Ways Rabbits Are Better
16:10 Feed Efficiency
24:55 Sustainability
26:10 Closing Thoughts
#meatrabbits #chicken #homestead #backyardchickens

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Concerned rabbits don't have enough fat? Worried about rabbit starvation? Watch this video before commenting! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYjai2qqbJ6cp6s

[@YouTubePurgetheblackplague]

How do fatten the rabbits up? Rabbit meat starvation exists.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

@@KZbinPurgetheblackplague You'll have to watch the video next week!

[@ColtonBrummell]

I used to raise Cornish Cross, at the Kendall Co Fair in Illinois, for 4-H. I got Grand or Reserve Champion 7 of the 10 years that I showed. fyi for reference on my perspective. This is a truly fascinating video, I'm glad to have discovered your wisdom, here, just now.

[@MajorMalfunction]

"Rabbit starvation" isn't due to lack of fat. It's because rodents lack one particular amino acid humans require to produce certain proteins. But if you're eating other proteins like dairy, eggs, and other meats, rabbits are a perfectly fine addition to a balanced and varied diet.

[@dealarr]

Some of us are starting to wake up to the presence of an Almighty overlooking everything we are doing. For generations our Maker had endured us slaughtering His Creations and stuffing into our mouths. This latest bout of angry "natural disasters" worldwide, is because the world had gone after her, the harlot of babylon. Delving into eating dead bodies, corruption, no justice in the courts and same sex marriages are just some of the things the Almighty hates. So before it's too late, turn back and farm things that don't need to bleed bro. This is an uncorrupted verse for the corrupted Sunday book called the "holy bible" that had stolen Truth from the Israelites and a bunch of corruptions and Law relaxation in the "New Testament". Proverbs 12:10 10 The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

[@edbradley6815]

Rabbit eggs have too much sugar in them for me and they only come around once a year😂

[@wigster600]

They also aren't laid in the same place like a nest, they tend to get hidden all over.

[@3nertia]

🤣 You win the internet!

[@VOIDSTRANGER2099]

It’s a real pain getting the rabbits to lay eggs in the same spot

[@Agapy8888]

Lol

[@RaeHadzega]

They're also smaller than they used to be. I have to supplement my diet with more squishy chicks.

[@eddieknapp6796]

Now I live in a city of 10 million people in Southeast Asia. It is common for people to have roosters and chickens for their own consumption. In my view it is immoral that citiies in the USA won't allow people to raise the animals of their choice.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Don't even get me started. It's a combination of corruption, and decadence. In many places in the US it's illegal to turn your yard into a garden, let alone raise animals.

[@SpecialSoldier109]

Big business 🤝 government

[@John-100]

We have our rulers living in another country. They treat us like shit. But if there is a war they want to get going, they are more than happy to send my people to die in that war. Don't let anyone tell you different American peasants don't run their country. I can not identify who rules over us because of censorship...

[@ellencox8415]

​@@westmeadowrabbitsyep, my HOA won't allow a "garden", but every time I replace something in my "landscaping", it's with something edible. The HOA is strict about raised beds "look awful". If I didn't have grade school children who LOVE being able to ride their bike to their friend's house.... I would live in the middle of nowhere, so I would be less likely to get the "letters".

[@hmr1122]

When did the US become the USSR of the 70s?

[@burhanrasul9592]

24:40 nope. I live in an apartment in nyc and have never had any thought of raising rabbits or chickens. And yet I sat here for 30 minutes like I was a survivalist. You just explain things great man, keep at it

[@thehairywoodsman5644]

when/if there's a civil war, or WW3 for just the grid goes down , or there's another Great Depression...people living in apartments in huge cities, will first eat their cats and dogs..then each other. where I live there are wild pigs, deer, squirrels, rabbits, fish, ducks, geese alligators, turtles ....all these things are food, for me and my cats and dogs........

[@OLskewL]

@@thehairywoodsman5644 Calm down, Jesus Christ is Lord. God Loves you ❤

[@aszul7750]

@@thehairywoodsman5644 high horse

[@thehairywoodsman5644]

@@aszul7750 not on a high horse, trying to warn people that cities are a death trap....

[@reapersritehand]

​@aszul7750 the horse will be eaten too

[@BonnieAndClydeAquatics]

I have no desire whatsoever to raise meat rabbits but I watched this because you made a fantastic video. Obviously took time to put together a very well informed video.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

I appreciate that!

[@mountainwoodcamp1638]

Yes! My first video, and it just is so right on. No bs, no time wasted, just exactly what we need to hear.

[@KeyClavis]

Raise both. You get meat and fur from the rabbits and eggs from the chickens. When the chickens stop laying due to age, you can eat them too. Also, the feathers can be of use sometimes... like for fly tying. After all, fishing is good too.

[@DCIphanatic]

Does the age of the chicken change the taste at all? Does waiting until they're older mean tougher or different meat?

[@feliscatus5161]

​@@DCIphanatic older chickens can be used for soup or making broth!

[@hatefulcupcake460]

It's mostly older roosters you can taste a difference but I find older chicken meat to be a bit tougher.

[@WalrusWinking]

Feathers can also be used for fletching if you bow hunt. Now fletching needed for bow fishing, though.

[@DrDuckMD]

Yeah but old chickens have tougher meat. In the store they call older chickens, broilers. Younger chickens they call them fryers. Old chickens taste just fine but it’s very hard to convince somebody who has never had an older chicken, or wild game for that matter, that it’s better than a younger and more tender chicken.

[@nexusfg]

Started watching your videos a few months ago. 40 commercial cages came up for sale, with feeders, and waterers, for a total of $800. Pulled the trigger, and have turned 2 breeding does and a buck into 20 total. Continuing to grow my herd. For 3 years we have done meat birds and sheep. After having these rabbits for only 6 months, I've quickly come to the realization that rabbits beat out meat chickens, hands down. This video further confirms everything I've been ruminating on, and more! Thanks

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Glad to here it! I believe most farmers would happily switch from chickens to rabbits if there was market demand for it.

[@LemonyFresh2000]

Make sure to eat other meats as well, there's some minor vitamin that rabbits are missing that'll make you sick by not ever eating it. I think ot was like 40-60% of your meat can be rabbits if you eat varied meats for the rest iirc (could be wrong, please do your own research for your health). Good luck and have fun figuring out rabbit recipes!!

[@westmeadowrabbits]

@@LemonyFresh2000 I hope nobody is eating 100% of their diet in any one type of food!

[@yankeegonesouth4973]

​@@LemonyFresh2000rabbit meat is too lean to be a complete food, I think. Sailors used to run into trouble if their other food sources ran out and they only ate rabbits, because they weren't getting enough fat in their diets.

[@Blackpill149]

well grass fed,bugs and worms fed chickens which are an year old produce most nutricious meat within an year.Rabbit is not better than chicken meat.It just depends on the guality of meat

[@KawaiiFireMoon]

Thanks for winning my husband over for having rabbits. Also excited that they are so space and noise effective that i could keep them a secret from nosy neighbors

[@teribrant1989]

I have been raising rabbits now for almost 3 years. I started in the city (nobody knew how extensive I became) but recently moved to a rural property. A feature of rabbits that I appreciate is that you can move kits from one doe to another if one overproduces. I have one doe that will raise no more than 8 so if she produces any more than that, I move them to another doe. On the other hand, I had one that produced 13 once and raised every one to weaning. I like being able to control who breeds with whom. I love the manure. I have only just discovered your channel and look forward to making my way through your videos.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

That's a solid point! Welcome to the channel!

[@Theggman83]

Rabbits are the way to go. My wife and i started raising rabbits and chickens back in 2020. We agree. Rabbits are better and easier. We still have chickens, for the eggs and to diversify our production but we harvest way more rabbits than we do chickens. Theyve become a staple in our diet. We find that grinding up the meat works best for us. Rabbit tacos are pretty tasty.

[@anndennis7163]

I have raised both and will always have both as long as I can physically do so. Chickens give us meat and eggs and we sometimes use the fluff some breeds have on them. Rabbits give us meat and pelts. And both can be pets.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Agreed I've kept chickens for eggs as well, but the point of the video is that if you are just looking for meat, rabbits are better.

[@russelllyme4885]

Not enough fat on rabbits

[@thelxvechild3193]

​@@russelllyme4885they are meant to be a healthier alternative so less fat can be a desirable aspect of it. Depends what you're looking for

[@chrisharper1225]

Definitely need both.. need the fat the chickens give you

[@habituscraeft]

​@chrisharper1225 I think it really depends on your overall picture. I'm considering raising cuy and quail, both of which are substantially leaner than rabbit and chicken, respectively. But I'm also planning to keep lard pigs and buy beef products, so I'm not terribly worried. (Plus, a lot of the plant crops I'm already growing are decent oil producers, even if that's not my main reason for growing them.) I don't know that anyone can be reliably self-sustaining on a single food source, so it seems like a lot of pressure to put on someone who in this scenario is just starting out in animal husbandry.

[@denmar355]

Both is best for me. I use chickens to keep the ticks and other bugs under control, and don’t have to feed them corn and soy. Home mixed feeds. And they gives us eggs. We find rabbits are the best food to meat ratio if done correctly, and way easier to harvest. We also use a lot of good fats due to rabbits being so lean. Avocado oil, olive oil, ghee, tallow, avocados, flax seed, chia seed, pumpkin seed.

[@j.f.fisher5318]

That's the thing for a prepper situation, if you don't have the oil sources rabbit starvation is deadly.

[@pegsol]

@@j.f.fisher5318 Pigs give lard. Ducks have a lot of fat.

[@nou8953]

@@j.f.fisher5318 even something as minor as sunflowers or squash seeds can give you the oils to not suffer from rabbit starvation, it's a really uncommon thing for how much people talk about it. You have to literally subsist off of nothing but lean meats for it to be a danger

[@j.f.fisher5318]

@@nou8953 but if folks don't go in knowing that, they'll die. And that was never mentioned in the video or by anyone else in the comments.

[@mattjohnson9727]

What do you do for the home mixed feeds?

[@Allamericanbutcher]

Bud.... everything you said is spot on. First time I ever felt it necessary to take my hat off and say get some hard-core. You are informed, articulate, efficient, moderated and circumspect. Totally appreciate your video

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thank you! I'm glad you sound it useful, it means a lot!

[@mountainwoodcamp1638]

Exactly!

[@sallywasagoodolgal]

I raised both chickens and rabbits. I could feed my family (generously) with one rabbit. It took 2 chickens. I knew every bite my rabbits ate. They were meatier, more tender and I felt, cleaner and better for my family.

[@gnmidnight1191]

But eggs

[@N0sf3r4tuR1s3n]

@@gnmidnight1191 that's why both. Chickens primarily for eggs, and sometimes you raise extra chickens to eat, and lots of rabbits specifically for eating.

[@Blackpill149]

I wanted to eat rabbits but my mom has a big problem with it IDk why

[@Blackpill149]

Both produce same amount of meat stop the cap

[@sallywasagoodolgal]

@@Blackpill149 We butchered at 9 weeks, and the weight might be the same, but the amount of bone is different. The back of a chicken has almost no meat, but the back of a rabbit is quite meaty. I think the rabbit has a different ratio of bone to meat. I really could feed my family with 1 rabbit, and it did take 2 chickens to go as far.

[@annwilliams9633]

Thank you for staying on point an not walking around with a shaking Camara talking about other things.

[@user-cc7qg6rt7n]

I am an old farm boy and I prefer raising rabbits to chickens any day! If you want chickens, get either or both a Rhode Island Red or a Rock Island; they give brown eggs and quite often, double or triple yolks. And also, they are self sustaining, less work. But for meat, rabbits are the way to go and something that is very rarely mentioned, they give you great dreams at night. This is why Kings and Queens preferred eating them. I liked your video and you are spot on with what you said! Happy New Year to you and your's!!!

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thanks you as well!

[@keylanoslokj1806]

Reds are quite aggressive against children and pets though. They are quite territorial and wild. Don't you know any more domesticated egg layers that give big ones? (Like multiple yolks etc)

[@Self_sufficient_]

Orpingtons are by farm one of the best chicken breed options

[@Curtishardy09]

Back in the 70’s we tried raising rabbits. At 6 weeks we couldn’t tell the bucks from the does. We had small English Checker. A larger breed would be much simpler and waiting 12 weeks as well. We ended up with some very frustrated rabbits. Great vid. May have to try again.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thanks! I would definitely recommend a meat breed like New Zealands or Californians.

[@redbeard7094]

I have raised rabbits and chickens in the past, I would say the ease of processing the rabbits is reason enough. So, so much easier than chickens.

[@redrustyhill2]

Chickens taste good, rabbits don't

[@WhiteWolfeHU]

Well red beard, how are you gonna get that red on your beard if you’re not slicing bird necks but instead go around clubbing rodents….?

[@tissuepaper9962]

@@redrustyhill2 this guy can't cook

[@aarepelaa1142]

@@redrustyhill2 bro you eating them raw tf you doin?

[@BIGBigBoiNICK]

​@@WhiteWolfeHUdo you think rabbits dont have blood?

[@michaellamas1497]

Rabbits really are the best kept secret in the world of meat animals, hardly any buzz about them on the big homesteading videos but MAN are they convenient. I got fresh butchered rabbit when I visited my grandmother outside of the US and the resulting fried rabbit tasted exactly like fried chicken.

[@sasha_l]

I think your points are unbeatable! Meat, usable manure and pelts are super valuable to myself! A half dozen of $20 chicks for unlimited eggs and feed em mostly food scraps, supplemented with grain. Then simply dog food when they're too old to lay. Love the vid! Thanks for opening my eyes!

[@mrsnoopy7557]

German here. My Grandpa raised meat rabbits since i can think and i am glad someone mentions how good they are. We also were on some rabbit exhibitions in our area so i guess here it is more known although still very niche. I plan to raise them too some time in the future.

[@henrywylie8978]

Thanks for this video. I wanted to get chickens or quail but both are illegal where I live, but this makes me realize I can start raising rabbits right where I am rn instead of having to wait till I can move more rurally.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

That's the best thing about them. You can do it in stealth and get around those insane laws!

[@Joe-yo1tm]

Chickens are illegal? Where on earth are you from?

[@westmeadowrabbits]

@@Joe-yo1tm Most cities and even suburbs in the US unfortunately.

[@MageSkeleton]

part of the problem with bloat and bureaucracy, stuff like rabbits aren't listed as "illegal" because they didn't think it was an option. it's all part of finding ways to dig into your pockets for your hard earned money. But more people need to be aware of the seed business.

[@henrywylie8978]

@@Joe-yo1tm Hamilton Ontario

[@Xarcell]

While I don't have never had rabbits, and only have layer chickens, I agree with you 100%. I plan to get rabbits at some point, but I'm procrastinating because I don't like to hurt animals. However, if SHTF..., I'm gonna wish I had meat rabbits.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

A lot of my customers keep a trio as pets and have them just in case.

[@shannonp4037]

Make sure if you buy a Doe, that she is a producer for at least 1 litter. Many Does cant reproduce.

[@j.f.fisher5318]

Just make sure to have other sources of fat else rabbit starvation is a problem.

[@Ram-1231]

When I lived in Wichita KS there was so many people who had chicken coups in their yard. Very few cities allow this. It was actually very nice to see. One night my buddy invited me over for dinner and I got to eat one. Can't beat that. My buddy took much pride in his chickens and set up.

[@TexasSean]

This is one smart dude. His information delivery is eloquent. Fair assessment from multiple viewpoints, well done bro.

[@leslieclifton7625]

Thank you for the comparison. I have laying hens and meat rabbits. Frankly I eat eggs not chicken meat. I'm high desert, we had a hum doozy July, 118+. My rabbits are in a well insulated shed with TWO A/C's. They never got above 75 during July. I lost 5 chickens in 3 days the last of July. ATT, I have room for 21 cages. Will be be breeding this week, hope all my does give me kits in December. I raise American Chinchillas, 5 pds live is 3.5+ dressed. My problem is I'm too near suburbia. Have a neighbor that shuns me because I raise and (horrors) eat rabbit. Nevermind have a neighbor raises 12 head of cattle. We all have 2 ACRES with weekly irrigation rights.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

It always blows my mind that people are ok with eating cows and not rabbits.

[@howardrichburg2398]

You don't need the neighbor that dislikes you for 3ating rabbit. 6 the grocery stores c,island they can buy baloney. Don't share your rabbits with them.they can move to the city.

[@shawns0762]

You are an excellent communicator. I would add that chicken meat is almost devoid of vitamins and minerals. Red meat is a good source of iron. Albumin (egg protein) is the best protein. Whey (milk) is second best and animal proteins are third.

[@alsaunders7805]

Unfortunately I am allergic/sensitive to the protein in eggs and milk(casein). So it is mostly meat for me. 🤔🤓🍻

[@bobmoore6248]

I grew up in SE Pa. You were never out of the smell of a chicken house. My 1st job was at a company that inoculated turkey and chickens. The company was named Sexchick it is still in business today. I know a fair amount about chickens. I raise rabbit now. In theory you can get 185LBS of meat from 1 buck and 3 does. I believe that. My family eats rabbit meat 1or 2x a week. You are correct about some social issues. Some of my friends think I am a bad person for eating rabbit meat. Easy to grow no low smell inexpensive food. With My 5yo grandson can have a rabbit from live to in saltwater in less than 5 minutes with my help. Great info.

[@shelli9566]

Have raised both in my life. One thing you did not mention in life stages, is the possibility that a mother rabbit will eat her young. It happens under best conditions. Is always good to know that. Loved your comparison. Glad you pointed out the Cornish cross is genetically designed for one thong and one thing only. This is the first video of yours I have watched, looking forward to seeing others.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

In my own experience I've never had it happen, but it is a possibility. I'd weigh that against chickens eating their own eggs though and call it a wash.

[@shelli9566]

@@westmeadowrabbits I understand it is a wash, however, people who have not have either of these experiences, it is much more of a huge shock difference finding a box full of dead baby bunny heads v. a box of broken eggs. Again, great information. Have a great day.

[@redpillforrealbrasil1405]

The feed eficiency factor sold me the rabbits. Good video man. By the way, would be a good if you did a video about the best plants to grow in a small property (lets say, half to an acre) if we want to formulate a reliable source of rabbit feed

[@westmeadowrabbits]

I've got a lot on different plants, but I need to make a good overview. a lot of those videos were poorly shot and I want to redo them as well. Thanks for the suggestion, I will make it soon!

[@shannonp4037]

I've read that rabbits typically only eat what is outside of the dirt. Lettuce, leafy greens, Green beans, etc. The carrot thing is not typically what they eat since rabbits are not diggers.

[@ForestToFarm]

@@shannonp4037i had rabbits as a child. One day I filled the cage with all sorts of stuff from the garden and then green leaves for trees and also dry fallen leaves from fall. The rabbits all went after the dead dry Maple leaves until they were all gone. Then they pushed stuff around looking for more Maple leaves. I added more Maple leaves and they all went after those Maple leaves. Pretty crazy but apparently fallen fall Maple leaves are candy to rabbits. Terry

[@Ravum]

​@@ForestToFarmI had an unexpected amount of joy imagining your story. Thank you for that.

[@melindawolfUS]

I love my meat bunnies, they're delicious :) I like how quiet they are. I'm in a trailer park and can't keep anything else due to close neighbors and strict 'pet' rules. I do love the rabbit poop for my small container garden, too.

[@Belena711]

I watched this because I'm looking into alternatives to the CC. Your arguments are very compelling - great work, and great arguments. That cute, cuddly factor is very real, though. Not just for the bystanders, but for the homesteader as well when it comes time to harvest them.

[@michaelpeters6659]

Great video! I live in the country where we raise chickens for eggs and meat and we have a thriving colony of snowshoes on the property so we get meat there without almost any infrastructure. So i think like so many things in life the correct answer is BOTH cheers mate

[@FrederikGies]

Subscribed! Very nuanced view on raising chickens and rabbits. Would love more in depth videos like these, very informative, solid arguments. I always thought rabbits were more prone to disease. I've only raised meat chickens, but definitely consider raising rabbits right now. Thanks!

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thanks for subscribing! I'd say they're roughly equal in disease susceptibility. They both have things that will knock them out (RHDV for rabbits, bird flu for chickens) but I'd say they're both pretty robust with the exception of the cornish cross.

[@Valchrist1313]

The government here has ordered mass culling of chickens due to avian flu in the past, and threatened to do it again. There are also special laws with poultry specifically because of avian flu. Rabbits have no zoonotic diseases.

[@BobbyHill26]

I’m becoming more and more convinced that KZbin listens to our conversations and makes recommendations based on that, but I’m glad it does. My girlfriend (has lived her whole life in very urban areas) has not stopped talking about how much she wants to have a few cows some day and no amount of explaining to her all the downsides and requirements of cattle and also just how they are a general pain in the ass to take care of had convinced her (it helped to show her a video of calves being banded), but just last night I suggested maybe we raise rabbits when the time comes instead and she said it was an acceptable compromise. Getting her to consider harvesting them might take time, but even being in the position to buy them isn’t in the cards for the near future yet anyways, so there’s time. Anyways, thanks for a well thought out discussion, I’ll have to watch more of your videos and maybe send her a few

[@pepperpeterpiperpickled9805]

I respect that you did this in one take, zero scripting- all off the dome.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

To be fair, I did cut out a couple of stutters and ums!

[@pepperpeterpiperpickled9805]

@@westmeadowrabbits well then im reporting you bro lol

[@westmeadowrabbits]

@@pepperpeterpiperpickled9805 🤣

[@MLN-yz4ph]

Growing up my papa had a small homestead on the edge of a small town. And this hit it on the head. He keep rabbit for meat and laying hens for eggs. They would eat the hens from time to time and was mostly in something like chicken and dumplings. He grew up in the 20's and knew a hard life and raised a dozen kids so things had to work or he had nothing to do with it.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Exactly! People talk about dual use chickens and they are great for eggs! The meat is a nice treat once in a while. But if you want to have a lot of meat, every week, laying hens aren't going to cut it.

[@chrisbrownlov1]

My gosh.. I had to pause watching this on the TV to write a comment. Not even halfway through and I'm impressed...to say the least. The amount of information, how thorough you were with all the possible things you could consider in comparing.. I could almost cry. It's like my ears and brain were being gently caressed and carried on a cloud of bliss to greater depths of understanding. My soul has been touched. Instantly subscribed.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thanks! This has to be on of the best comments I've ever had!

[@joannc147]

Well done! You made some excellent points herein. Nicely presented and dang, you moved right along in your speed of delivery. Thank you!

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thanks!

[@benjaminshirley]

This was an excellent video! I come from a family of Extension Agents, and you have taught me a few things! Great job brother!

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Don-sx5xv]

Excellent presentation, I am prepping all the way and having a blast. Rabbits for some reason were distant on the radar, now I am going to bring those thoughts to the front of mind, awesome project. Thank-You

[@gwenbuchanan1]

Thank you so much.. you have shared so much valuable information. Years ago, I raised rabbits... and you have reminded me of why I did that.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

You are so welcome!

[@user-eo6ml3co1s]

Great video! Thank you so much! I have friends who raise meat rabbits, but prior to watching this video, I had never seriously considered them as an option for home-scale meat production. I am now stoked to learn more about meat rabbits, and how I might integrate them into my food security plan. Cheers - and keep up the excellent work! 🍻

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thanks! Good luck!

[@Valchrist1313]

One rabbit will fertilize nearly an acre of crop growth over the course of a year if you collect the urine also.

[@chrischafunya6589]

Dude, you have a great speaking talent. I have seen and watched a lot of farming videos here, but you have a high quality of explaining things. I'm gonna learn from you.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thanks!

[@kevtd23]

Really great content. I live in a suburban area and found this really informative and eye opening.

[@mariesheppard3750]

I m not farming now , But raise meat rabbits for years and skin and dress out in 10 mins, and the meat was so good, miss not being able to raise them any more

[@ajs4287]

Rabbits are great. You are correct that in a supply chain they ate the best homestead meat due to zero outside inputs required. You can wean chickens and pigs off of grain, not completely, over several generations. You need another meat to go with the Rabbits bc there's not enough fat. I raise blue butts, a hog with hybrid vigor, and they are at about a 2.5 -3/1 grain to meat conversion rate, but 1/3 of their diet comes from other sources like grocery store melon rinds and expired goods from food banks. The hogs also range in the woods and on pasture so this helps with grain conversion ratio. Love pigs and Rabbits and laying hens and turkeys.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

I agree! In my opinion the wining combo for a small homestead is hogs, rabbits, and laying hens. They compliment each other nicely. The main reason I advocate for rabbits is that most of my viewers are in urban/suburban contexts with less than an acre of land. They can really only do small animals for protein, and of them i think rabbits are the best.

[@TKBell1970]

Amazing video! As a brand new homesteader, I wanted chickens but now I will be raising meat rabbits! Had to subscribe because your detailed information was fantastic!!

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thank you and good luck on your journey!

[@jvsotomayor]

Thank you for the valuable info. Keep up the good work you're doing here! Best regards and a happy new year to you and your family

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thanks, you as well!

[@wilderfarmstead]

I just shared this on my Instagram. Such a great summation of thoughts I've had for a while but put together much better than I could!

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thanks!

[@theresaotteni3756]

Thanks so much for this great video - really have gotten hubby and I rethinking our plans. Currently I have a small egg business on 5 acres, last spring I hatched out 4 Bourbon Red turkeys to start a breeding program. Labor intensive, but we love our birds. In the spring we had planned on building a small run in shed for a couple of beef cows, never really thought about meat rabbits, although growing up in military bases in the 1970s, rabbit was always a staple in the meat department, and I remember it being delicious! Hubby and I will start researching rabbits for sustainability. The idea of building rabbit tractors and rotating them thru our fields is very appealing! Thank you so much :)

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Glad to hear it! 5 acres is really the ideal minimum size for self sufficiency. Sounds like you've got a good operation that rabbits would complement nicely. If you're doing tractors I'd run the turkeys behind the rabbits after a few days. The shorter grass will make it easier for them to forage bugs and seeds.

[@tracyj3402]

Thank you for the video! I have been trying to make this same argument to my husband but wasn’t able to articulate it like you did.

[@CharlieGoy]

I'm getting ready to move to a more rural location and raising hay and animals is my goal. This is the first time I've listened to a promotional video on raising meat rabbits. I must say the presenter did a great job, was very articulate, and made a great argument for raising rabbits. I have a lot to learn but I'm very curious about learning more on raising rabbits. Thank you, brother.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Best of luck!

[@CharlieGoy]

@@westmeadowrabbits Thank you, kindly. My first video on your channel and already viewed two more... excellent stuff! I lived in the Massachusetts bay area for over twenty years, beautiful state although a little too liberal for my taste. Congrats on your new location and the best of luck to you, too! Peace.

[@walto6179]

Just found your channel - It's refreshing to have informational videos from some one who obviously has years of experience with both meat breeding and a show enthusiast.

[@walto6179]

Go Red New Zealands!!

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Glad to have you here!

[@killaeffect8850]

Dude! You’re amazing!!! Thank you for a VERY comprehensive review of this subject!

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thanks for watching!

[@ChanelleDeVore]

Great information! Someone who is embarking on starting a new homestead journey, this is something I’ve never even thought about! Thank you for sharing!

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thank you and good luck!

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thank you and good luck!

[@heathclark318]

Truly awesome information, would have never considered this option as a wannabe homesteader. Trying to make plans and prepare for this adventure the best I can. Thank you for the tips! New Sub

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thank you and welcome!

[@monagriggs6352]

Thank you for this great information on the difference between meat chickens & meat rabbits, I'm glad I watched your video 🥰

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thanks for watching!

[@ares0wept]

Just moved from a subdivision to 10 acre wooded lot and I have no idea where to start. Thanks for all the information.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

That's awesome, have fun!

[@Trentofredwall]

Don't worry about longer videos. It's quite nice and people often have a stretch of time to invest in such a good informational video.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thanks. I always laugh because in my studio there's a comment right next to yours of people yelling at me for taking to long.

[@mountainwoodcamp1638]

I found this video, because today marks the end of my year of raising chickens and the beginning of my year raising rabbits.

[@fezii9043]

Excellent video man. Well-informed, VERY well-spoken, and well-presented. Thank you and good job!

[@fezii9043]

Some more visuals and more interesting visuals that relate to what you're saying would be nice though.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thanks! Unfortunately this isn't my full time job and editing videos takes a long time!

[@fezii9043]

@@westmeadowrabbits absolutely understandable, great job either way!

[@Kanoist]

This video is one of the best comparisons of chickens and rabbits. Well done......👏👏👏

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thanks!

[@janinecobb]

Great video, you made some excellent points. I had not considered geese before, but I am looking at them in a new light.

[@tommyluck19]

I'm so glad to find You! Great video ,Brother. Thank you

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thanks for watching!

[@timoblake5689]

NASA in the 1960-70's was working out meat for their space stations in the Lagrange points and the results from their studies showed that rabbits were the most efficient animal per pound for launching into space.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

That's really cool!

[@loghomebuilder407]

You are very well-spoken. I think you have a very firm grasp of this topic. Thanks.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thank you!

[@foresthomesteadidaho]

Appreciate your viewpoints. We already have chickens and have been considering rabbits.

[@victorhatter5490]

I raise both, one thing you can’t get from rabbits… eggs which have many more uses. However rabbits also provide fur. If you can do both I would recommend it

[@PuReWiReZ]

You should consider raising Cadbury Bunnies.

[@Maplenr]

Great video, my wife and I are wanting to get into more sustainable food practices once we move out of the city more, having this as an option IN the city is fantastic

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Yea that's the great thing about rabbits, you can do them almost anywhere!

[@josephspruill1212]

You can substitute up to 50% of chickens food with comfrey. You can attract black flys for snacks. Chickens can clean bugs out the gardens and help break down compost. You can grow rice and corn mixes to help. I’ve seen ppl that don’t use any feed from the story at all for their chickens. I think they all have their own place. You can’t eat rabbit all the time just like you can’t eat chicken all the time. A good mix of chicken duck quail and rabbits make a good combo for a small farm. If we was goin to take one out then let’s take chicken out for duck. More meat and bigger eggs. The only thing a rabbit would have an advantage is breeding. They breed like crazy!

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Broadly speaking I agree. For those with enough land chickens can be fed totally off the pellet. My winning combination is heritage laying hens+rooster (breed them and east the culls and extra roosters), hogs, and rabbits. For people who don't have the land however, I recommend rabbits over chickens.

[@loserorangeorvoremonster8047]

You need so much more specific things for ducks, chickens don’t need as much and are at least more simple

[@HolyPineCone]

Do you have a link or such to any videos of people not buying any chicken feed? I would really like to get a few pointers.

[@josephspruill1212]

@@HolyPineCone google or KZbin videos on comfrey and chickens. Not to be a smart ass. They are so many to choose from. Each one has at least one thing you can get from it. My son raises chickens is why I know! He told me the same thing, google it dad lmfao!

[@johnnywriight]

@@loserorangeorvoremonster8047yeah ducks are wayy more work

[@Unbreakable1986]

Thanks for recording this, it wasn't anything I'd considered before because rabbit meat is almost nonexistent in South Australia outside of the Chinese markets in Adelaide

[@Veltrosstho]

Wild considering you guys have a rabbit problem. But it might be a law issue.

[@AlexShiro]

No supermarkets there carry it? I found rabbit in the Meat - Game section in a few in NSW when I lived there?

[@NorAlb_Chainsaw_Carver]

Very well done video! I have ducks, laying hens and rabbits and most of your points I agree with. The only issues I see are the fact that rabbit has a stronger taste for most people and different nutrient levels (some people think of protein poisoning when they think of rabbit meat). That said I didn't think of the whole being "dependant on grain producers" angle before because that is an issue for poultry especially in winter. I did see a video of a farmer that used massive compost piles to feed his hens. Didn't spend a dime on feed. Lots to think about I guess. Appreciate your take

[@YoureRightAndrea]

Thanks for making this video, I really appreciate all the information. I can't wait to raise my own meat rabbits, hopefully not in the too distant future.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thanks for watching!

[@katrinagarland5219]

I am so glad I found your channel... learned so much from watching it. You make a lot of sense and I agree with you. I inherently knew that rabbits were easier and more productive than chickens. Will be starting my own herd shortly. Thanks so much!

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Your welcome! Good luck!

[@katrinagarland5219]

@@westmeadowrabbits You're (not your) welcome... sorry, Mom was an English teacher. :)

[@shaunhall6834]

Yosemite Sam approves this video. I'm here in Colorado and I'm definitely going to look into raising rabbits for myself.

[@jamesjustice1395]

Great information, concise, and VERY THOROUGH! Great reminders of much I already knew, but the comparison makes things easy to decision!

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thanks! Glad I could help!

[@miriammigliacci9427]

Thank you so much for expanding my mind. I had never considered eating rabbit meat. I have lots of experience with chickens for eggs and manure. I am looking into farming (hobby backyard) in retirement, three years from now.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Congrats on retirement!

[@swatson1190]

We mostly eat eggs.Chicken is saved until they stop laying. As far as pigs , here in Arkansas there are truckloads of feral hogs and we kill a few a year to eat. We have also raised rabbits but we have far more wild rabbits than tame. I like rabbit meat and would probably raise them again.

[@heavenly-dreamsdairygoats]

Hello New subscriber from Michigan. We are a small farm that is wooded on just over 10 acres. We bought our farm in June of 2020. And it's been a working process since. We raise California and New Zealand meat rabbits, dairy goats which kidding season just started yesterday with 29lbs and 8oz worth of kids as a set of huge triplets. We do raise our own food and grow it for our needs also. This was a good video. Thank you for sharing. Till next time God Bless.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thanks! I'm moving to a bigger farm and looking to add goats. What breed do you raise?

[@heavenly-dreamsdairygoats]

@@westmeadowrabbits Alpine's

[@LeoTheYuty]

Good video! I'm not entirely sold, but you've definitely given a lot of good points on why rabbits are awesome.

[@rachaelmcculley712]

You murdered this video!!! There was not 1 moment of dull or useless information in what you said. Wow! Well done having an absolute plethora of knowledge on this topic and for being so articulate in addressing this subject from so many angles.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thanks! I try to cover all the angles so people don't yell at me for missing something lol.

[@spoolsandbobbins]

We raise both. Rabbits are easier hands down. Hubby prefers the fat and taste of chicken. Raise both if you can! Diversity!!

[@Anonymous-vr9hp]

Strip as much fat as you can from the rabbit and save chicken fat,pork fat, BACON GREASE ❤ for cooking the rabbit.

[@mikedavidson1970]

Long videos are better. Nobody wants a four minute video with little to no info. And no retention. Great video thank you 😁

[@westmeadowrabbits]

I appreciate it! Unfortunately you can't please everyone on here but I try my best.

[@andykumar4103]

I am planning to grow my own food once I purchase few acres and livestock weren't on my list until I saw this video. I am going to raise rabbits along with vegetables. Thanks for the video and I subscribed. I 'll follow next videos from here on.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thank you! Best of luck!

[@arkanism5965]

Great video - I'm trying to educate myself more and more on becoming less reliant on industrial complexes of society. I've always wondered why we don't use ducks and geese more in industry farming, I would appreciate a video of your take on that. I think you've convinced me and many other guys in this comment section that rabbits are superior for meat... Step 2 is us convincing our girlfriends or wives 🤣

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Ducks and geese are better for the individual and the planet, but not for factory farming, I'll add it to the topic list. As for the girlfriends and wives...that's the really hard part.

[@BasedZoomer]

​@@westmeadowrabbits Thankfully in my case I'm the wife 😂 The tough part will be the daughter, for us lol!

[@westmeadowrabbits]

@@BasedZoomer Yea you've got your work cut out for you!

[@westmeadowrabbits]

@@BasedZoomer Yea you've got your work cut out for you!

[@traceydurant817]

Great information, thank you. We have been considering raising meat rabbits as dog food as well as human food.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

My dog absolutely loves rabbit meat/organs.

[@matthewd445]

Great video, you have a refreshing balanced take. Thanks

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thanks!

[@RedFox04190]

We had lived in an urban neighborhood and had never looked at what the max amount of animals we could have and had close to 20 egg laying chickens if I remember correctly. Don’t know why I never thought of raising rabbits🤯. Thanks for the info👍🏻.

[@lythnookwemin]

As someone who has raised both, I found rabbits to be superior to chickens. When I get to have a homestead, I plan to have rabbits and a few milking goats. If I need eggs I will get ducks. You covered a few of the reasons already in the video. I might even get into rabbit where I am at, once I own it fully.

[@MichaelEllis1]

Never considered raising rabbits myself for meat. I looked into chickens but found my town prohibits them. Now I'm really going to look into rabbits as a possibility and I'll be watching the rest of your videos. Thanks for the great content.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

You're welcome! Good Luck!

[@Yes-hf6cw]

What the fuck? How can town prohibit raising chickens? Even in communist countries you can raise animals for meat and eggs

[@guestguide2544]

Just happened to have this come up, great information, will inform and be valuable for lots of people.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sheepdoglogic]

Had Chickens on/off my whole life but have always had the drive to raise Rabbits when I was at a Cousins house years ago and they were raising Rabbits and I LOVE Rabbit meat! New Subscriber... HOOAH!!! BTW, a small profit can be made growing Worms, from Rabbit poo. You put the worm bed under the rabbit cage and that is all I know, my cousin had that set up.

[@LightofJoshua]

Definitely considering this once my wife and I secure our land

[@CR03_Outdoor_Adventures]

Very interesting idea. I think you have inspired me to give it a try once I acquire my land. I’m absolutely open to eating just about anything. I’ve had snake and alligator before which aren’t typically eaten here. I’ve never had rabbit before but it sounds like it would be good in a stew.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

It's can also be subbed in for chicken in most things, especially if you are growing and harvesting fryers (under 12 weeks old).

[@nathanpieper4634]

I've yet to eat domestic rabbits but wild cottontails are very good. Dry rub bbq on the smoker grill! I thought I was open to eating just about anything too, then I grilled a few raccoons this past 4th if July, they were terrible.

[@JamesKing2understandinglife]

Wow! You have so much excellent knowledge.Thank you for sharing with us.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

My pleasure!

[@OffRampTourist]

Appreciate your detailed analysis. Don't plan to ever keep chickens or ducks or geese again except perhaps muscovy. You make a good case for rabbits.

[@coast_into_retirement]

I liked your video and subscribed. I have raised both and also prefer rabbits over chickens. But I will always have chickens running around the yard.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Heck yea!

[@kathleenpimentel9218]

My uncle had two long rows of rabbit cages in his backyard. This was in the suburb of SF. Raised a large family.

[@danemmerich6775]

Wow, did I learn a lot!!! So informative. Great video. I like Rabbit meat and eggs. Buying eggs is cheap in the store.