How to Be a Commercial Rabbit Processor

The demand for commercially raised meat rabbits is increasing, according to the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). The growth in demand is due to promoting rabbit meat as an alternative in many African and Latin American Countries. Rabbit meat is fairly inexpensive, does not hold religious constraints and is a good source of lean meat. Investing in a commercial rabbitry is a low-cost venture. Two people can easily handle a rabbitry of 1,000 rabbits as a full-time job. Managing a rabbitry requires a vast knowledge in rabbit health, a consistent market and equipment for disposing waste.

Things You'll Need

  • Rabbits
  • Pens
  • Feed
  • Feeders
  • Water containers
  • Manure handling equipment
  • Processor
  • Market
  • Small animal vet
  • Nest boxes
  • Calendar
  • Medicine
  • Straw or wood shavings
  • Mineral blocks
  • Resting board
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Instructions

  1. Starting a Commercial Rabbitry

    • 1

      Contact a rabbit meat processor and discuss prices, trucking and contracts. Many rabbit processors require a minimum number for processing. Set up a contract with the processor for buying the meat or research local grocers and restaurants for marketing your meat.

    • 2

      Locate a small animal vet who will make calls to the rabbitry. In addition, study common diseases and illness and their symptoms to diagnose ill rabbits.

    • 3

      Purchase supplies. Buy double the amount of cages for the number of rabbits. Place the pens in a barn or shed that is well-insulated and has electricity for lighting and fans. Purchase a nest box for each doe and several extras in case you increase your breeding stock. Insert resting boards into the pens for breeding does and bucks to alleviate their weight on the wire flooring.

    • 4

      Locate a feed company to buy bulk rabbit pellets. Keep hay on hand for kindling and also purchase straw for bedding nest boxes. Many feed stores also sell mineral blocks for rabbits. Purchase enough mineral blocks to supply all your bred does. Research different water and feed containers that will attach to the side of the pens to prevent spilling.

    • 5

      Research the ideal breed for raising commercial meat rabbits, for example, Californian or New Zealand rabbits.

    • 6

      Purchase the needed amount of rabbits. Make sure you have at least one buck for every eight does and replacements for sterile bucks. Starting out with a small rabbitry limits your financial risk and is easy to increase. Two people can handle 1,000 rabbits, however hired help is needed for larger operations.