Rex rabbit for meat Although these breeds can be made good pets because of their calm and friendly nature, they are also used for meat purposes. The Rex rabbit breeds’ fur have the highest pelt demand and hence are considered to have one of the best pelts worldwide.
What is the best rabbit breed for meat?
Here’s a list of the best rabbit breeds for meat: Breed Name Weight (lbs) Note New Zealand 10-12 Most common breed for meat Excellent mea ... American 9-12 Good mothering traits Californian 10-12 Good meat to bone ratio Florida White 4-6 Good feed to meat ratio Good meat to bon ... 8 more rows ...
What kind of rabbit is a rex rabbit?
A Rex rabbit is one of nine breeds of domestic rabbits that is recognized by both the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) and the British Rabbit Council (BRC). The Rex (Latin for “king”) is a European breed that originated in France in the early 20th century and was later imported into the US in 1924.
What is rex fur used for?
The Rex Rabbit exhibits the standard rex fur and is the number one fur rabbit used for garments and other items that require their velvety type fur. As fur in the USA, today is a by-product of the meat industry the standard of it is usually not of very good quality.
Do rex rabbits need to be groomed?
Thanks to their unique gene the Rex Rabbit breed has the standard rex fur gene which makes it short neat hair have a soft velvety feel about it. Despite having a unique coat quality they do not require any special or extra coat grooming. In fact, their coat is rather low maintenance compared to other breeds.
What age do you butcher a Rex rabbit?
We have found that the age of 4-6 months is the best butcher age for our Rex line, costing us on average 32¢ per lb of meat. After age 6 months, the cost of feeding (especially the larger breeds) increases higher than your actual return on meat.
How much meat do you get from a Rex rabbit?
Choosing Meat Rabbit BreedsBreed NameWeight (lbs)NoteSilver Fox9-12Rare Breed Good meat to bone ratioStandard Rex7.5-10.5Most common breed for furPalomino8-12Fast growthChampagne D' Argent8High pelt value8 more rows
Which rabbit is best for meat?
Answer: Two medium-size breeds, the New Zealand White (NZW) and the Californian, are the most important for meat production. They have white fur that is difficult to see if a few pieces are stuck to the carcass, and they have higher meat-to-bone ratios.
What are rex rabbits good for?
As of 2019, according to the American Rabbit Breeders Association, Rex Rabbit fur is an important breeding purpose for Rexes, although most of them bred in the US are used for meat.
Is raising rabbits for meat worth it?
Backyard Meat Rabbits Are Prolific Producers And their grow out time is short. In about 12 weeks you'll have a large quantity of healthy, lean meat to feed yourself and your family. A trio of rabbits can produce upwards of 600 pounds of meat in a year which is more than a dressed one year old steer.
At what age do you butcher rabbits?
Although companion rabbits are capable of living 10 to 15 years, the vast majority of “meat” rabbits are killed at three months of age. Referred to as “fryers,” these baby rabbits weigh only 1.5 – 3.5 pounds. A small percentage are slaughtered at 8 months old or 4 pounds; they are known in the industry as “roasters.”
Which rabbit is best for farming?
Breeds of Rabbit - suitable for farming in India (according to the weather) are White Giant, Grey Giant, Flemish Giant, New Zealand White, New Zealand Red, Californian, Dutch and Soviet Chinchilla. Methods of Rabbit Farming - Rabbits can be raised in any of the two systems, deep litter system or cage system.
Can you eat any kind of rabbit?
Few game species can match the eastern cottontail for fine eating, but before you put that rabbit on the stove, take a minute to inspect it to make sure it's healthy. Tularemia is a disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis.
What is the largest meat rabbit?
Flemish Giants Their mature weight can range from 13 - 20 pounds or more, making them significantly larger than most breeds. Despite the high weight, this doesn't necessarily mean they will be one of the best rabbit breeds for meat. They have large bones as well and require a lot more feed than smaller breeds.
How much does a Rex rabbit cost?
How much is a Rex rabbit? The price can vary greatly depending on the breeder. What is this? Expect to pay between $20 and $60 for a rabbit.
Are mini rex meat rabbits?
Mini Rex are pet and hobby rabbits and don't make very good meat rabbits. Rex (sometimes incorrectly referred to as Standard Rex) is a meat and pelt breed and is a much larger breed than Mini Rex. There are five general body types in rabbits with variations within these types.
What is the difference between a Rex and a mini rex rabbit?
The mini rex rabbit is a smaller version of the rex rabbit, a breed known for its plush, velvety fur. Where an adult rex rabbit weighs around 10 pounds, a mini rex only weighs around 4 pounds. The mini rex has a compact, rounded body and comes in many different colors.
What is a Rex rabbit?
A Rex rabbit is one of nine breeds of domestic rabbits that is recognized by both the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) and the British Rabbit Council (BRC). The Rex (Latin for “king”) is a European breed that originated in France in the early 20th century and was later imported into the US in 1924.
What makes a Rex rabbit so cute?
One of the things that makes Rex rabbits so interesting is their floppy ears. They have these really cute, long ears that are set at an angle and hang down to mid-back level. While many people find them irresistibly adorable, they can also be a disadvantage it blocks vision when predators approach from behind.
Why do rex rabbits need insulation?
A Rex doesn’t need as much winter insulation since it has more muscle mass than most other rabbit breeds.
What is the biggest breed of rabbit?
Rex Rabbits, fondly known as the “King of Rabbits”, have a unique fur coat, unlike most other breeds. These adorable bunnies are considered to be the largest breed of domestic rabbit in the world. You can easily spot them by characteristic shortened, velvety fur, and long ears which they use to listen for predators in the wild.
How big are Rex rabbits?
The Rex Rabbit is the largest of the domestic rabbit breeds. They are considered to be a rare breed in the United States. Their average weight is three pounds, and their fur is typically short but may vary depending on coloration. Rex Rabbits have long faces with round ears that can either be erect or floppy.
What are the characteristics of a Rex rabbit?
Other specific characteristics of Rex Rabbits include their ear fur and coat color, as well as the type of tail they might have . Rex Rabbits are typically bred with other rabbits who also have a Rex gene – this is to ensure that offspring will not only be rex but will also inherit those characteristics from their parents.
What are the colors of Rex rabbits?
The most common colors seen among Rex Rabbits are white and brown/gray. According to ARBA, the organization recognizes up to 16 colors and color combinations of Rex bunnies: Amber. Black.
Rex rabbits breed information
Rex bunny is a medium sized breed using a commercial, solid-looking round body. Compared to other bunny breeds, the Rex rabbit has proportionally toes, a slightly broader head, and proportionate upright ears.
Rex rabbits benefits
Usually, the Rex rabbit is largely increased as a series rabbit or as pets.
History
The breed is named after the rex gene responsible for its type of fur. Normal bunny fur is composed of an undercoat, interspersed with longer guard hairs.
How much does a Rex weigh?
REX- are another commercial breed weighing 8-9 lbs. They are raised primarily for their awsome fur and meat is the byproduct. SABLES- weigh 8-10 lbs and are the Siamese cat of rabbits. SATINS- are raised primarily for their fur, but do well as a commercial meat breed, weighing 9-10 lbs.
What is silverfox rabbit?
SILVER FOX- Are a great fanciers breed as their numbers are low. However they make an excellent dual purpose animal (meat, fur, pet) weighing 9-12 lbs. They have a great temperament and high dress out percentage.A great homestead rabbit. I always recommend looking at what breeds are available to you locally.
What is the difference between a sable rabbit and a chinchilla rabbit?
Its body type has a desirable meat style, with a deep loin and broad shoulders. AMERICAN SABLE- American Sable rabbits are basically the same rabbit as American Chinchilla rabbits, except for the difference in coloring.
How much does a New Zealand rabbit weigh?
Adult New Zealand’s can be more aggressive than other breeds although not all are aggressive. Weighing 9-12 lbs.
What are the colors of the American rabbit?
The American rabbit is a multi-purpose animal developed for meat and fur. They come in two colors of blue and white.
Is cinnamon a commercial rabbit?
They again bred the Checkered was mated to the same buck and another rusty colored rabbit appeared so the Cinnamon was born! They are considered a commercial breed. CALIFORNIAN- This breed is a cross of New Zealand Whites bred to a Chinchilla-colored cross-bred buck.
Is New Zealand white good for meat?
Others, like New Zealand Whites, are excellent for meat or show. It’s also a good idea to get a breed that’s fairly common in your area, but not one that’s too common. If the kind you’re considering is too popular, you may have a hard time selling the offspring.
The 9 Best Meat Rabbits For Raising & Eating
Whilst there are lots of rabbit breeds perfect for eating, there seems to be absolutely no contest when it comes to the fan-favorite, The New Zealand White rabbit.
3 Things When About Raising Meat Rabbits
If you’re just getting started, you might be thinking, is raising rabbits for meat worth it?
Conclusion
Meat rabbits are fairly inexpensive to buy, breed, house, and feed. They also don’t take particularly long to reach an age and size at which they can be eaten.
Where did the Rex rabbit originate?
The Rex Rabbit originated in 1919 in France and was developed from a litter of wild gray rabbits. Over the years the breed has been developed by rabbit breeders/fanciers and the fur industry into the standard it is today.#N#Their fur is plush and is described as having a velvety texture to it which made it quite valuable for the fur industry at the time.
Do rabbits have good mothers?
They have a decent sized litter and the females make very good mothers. Most rabbits have good maternal instincts and some breeds can be a bit testy and protective when they have young. They can also be uncharacteristically moody during mating season.
What breed of rabbits are good for meat?
Less common meat breeds are: American, American Chinchilla, American Sable, Champagne D’Argent, Cinnamon, Creme D’Argent, Harlequin, Hotot, Lilac, Palomino, Rex, Silver Fox and Silver Marten. Since I have decided to get back into raising meat rabbits, ...
What is the best rabbit breed for meat production?
New Zealand rabbits are the top breed for meat production. They produce well in a commercial setting and are the most popular rabbit around the world. New Zealands are an easy choice for anyone looking to get into raising meat rabbits.
What is the most popular rabbit breed?
New Zealand rabbits are popular. This Ruby Eyed New Zealand White is one of my daughter’s rabbits. Known for: New Zealand rabbits are a meaty and very productive rabbit. New Zealand rabbits are the top breed for meat production. They produce well in a commercial setting and are the most popular rabbit around the world.
What is cinnamon rabbit?
Known for: Cinnamon rabbits are known for their brown tipped coloration. Cinnamons are a much less common rabbit than many of the other on the list. Cinnamons are tan with brown points, like a Siamese cat. This is a relatively new breed that is located in pockets of breeders scattered through out the county.
What is a Creme d'Argent rabbit?
Creme D’Argent are one of the colorings of the the Argent rabbits, like the Champagne D’Argents. The Cremes are a lighter rabbit with the same “frosted” coloring as the rest of the Argents. Currently, the Cremes are a little less popular than the Champagnes, but have many of the same attributes.
How much does a lilac bunny weigh?
Mature weight: 8 pounds. Known for: Lilac’s are friendly, mid size rabbits that are great for kids. The Lilac is a bit smaller of a breed than some of the others on the list. If you are looking for a meat rabbit with a bit less size as an adult, the Lilac may be just what you are looking for.
How much does a Californian rabbit weigh?
Mature weight: 10.5 pounds. Known for: Californian rabbits are meaty and have a white body with black points. Californian rabbits are the second most popular meat rabbit. They have the same meaty white body you have come to associate with a meat rabbit, but with a twist, black points!
Good Rabbit Breeds for Meat
Rabbit meat is consumed worldwide in stews, soups, barbecue, and several other dishes. They are considered white meat, with low cholesterol content and have less sodium with a high metabolism.
12 Best Rabbit Breeds for Meat (Pictures, Traits, & Facts)
Looking for the perfect fluff ball that is the perfect household pet? Or perhaps known after its fur and meat? We’ve got you covered!
How Long Does It Take for Raising Meat Rabbits?
People say that good things take time, well this is true, but not so far for rabbits. Did you know that it only takes about 10 weeks to raise a meat rabbit for profit?
Wrapping Up
Homesteading rabbits are both a fun and rewarding job. They’re low-maintenance and surely worth every expense for their highly sought-out wool, and slowly becoming popular meat around the world.
What is the best feed for rabbits?
Fodder, hay, and vegetables are more natural feed options if you prefer organic meat. Fodder is sprouted wheatgrass. It is extremely inexpensive to raise and provides all of the nutrients your rabbits will need. Learn more about growing fodder which can provide the nutrients needed, affordably.
How much meat can a rabbit give?
They may seem small, but because they reproduce so quickly one rabbit can give anywhere from 125-250 pounds of meat per year (depending on how frequently the doe is bred and how many kits per litter.) There is much to learn about raising rabbits for meat, but they are a perfect fit for any size homestead.
How to treat ear mites in rabbits?
If your rabbits get ear mites, one way to treat their ears is with 2-3 drops of oil in the infected ear every other day for 30 days. Then clean their hutches out with a diluted bleach mixture to ensure all mites are exterminated. 2. Hygiene. Secondly, you must clean your rabbits’ hutches weekly.
What do rabbits need for shelter?
Rabbits require a hutch for shelter. A rabbit hutch is basically a wooden box divided into two sections. One section has wire mesh on all sides, and the other section is closed in with wooden sides with only the bottom being mesh wire.
What is the best bedding for bunnies?
The easiest bedding for your rabbits is paper. Old, shredded paper . When you go through your filing cabinet, receive junk mail, or when you toss the morning paper don’t discard that waste, invest in a shredder, and shred it! Then fill your rabbits’ rabbit holes with shredded paper.
How long does it take for a rabbit to have a baby?
If you are raising meat rabbits, learning about rabbits’ birthing habits is one of the most important aspects. A rabbit’s gestation period is only 30 days. This means you can have a new litter of baby bunnies in a month’s time. It will usually take a rabbit 1-2 pregnancies to figure out how to keep her babies alive.
How old do rabbits need to be to butcher?
It is important to know that when raising rabbits for meat that the older the rabbit gets, the tougher the meat becomes. The perfect butchering age is around 8 weeks of age. This means you will need a larger breed so it will be a decent size by the 8-week mark.
