Digest

This episode of the Pantry Chat Food for Thought podcast features Daniel Salatin of Polyface Farms, discussing the ins and outs of raising meat rabbits. Daniel emphasizes the ease of raising rabbits, highlighting their low capital infrastructure requirements, minimal time commitment, and flexibility in breeding and processing. He debunks the misconception that rabbits can survive solely on grass, advocating for the use of alfalfa pellets as a primary feed source. Daniel also provides insights into rabbit meat, its mild flavor, and the importance of keeping it moist during cooking. The episode delves into housing options, emphasizing the importance of individual space for does, and recommends a 30-inch by 30-inch by 18-inch tall wire mesh cage with a slotted floor for pasture access. Daniel recommends a breeding trio as a good starting point for rabbit raising, and discusses the importance of genetic diversity and cycling out bucks after 18 to 24 months of breeding. He also provides guidance on breed selection, emphasizing the importance of choosing a meat breed that is climatized to the local area. The episode concludes with a discussion on startup costs, suggesting that a breeding trio, cages, feed, and automatic waterers can be acquired for under $500. Daniel highlights the potential for a significant return on investment, with a breeding trio capable of producing over 100 pounds of meat in a single season.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Homesteading Family Magazine Flash Sale

This Chapter introduces Carolyn from Homesteading Family and announces a flash sale on their magazine, "In the Homestead Kitchen." The magazine is transitioning to a print format in January 2025 and the offer provides a chance to lock in a low price before the price increase.

00:01:34

Raising Meat Rabbits with Daniel Salatin of Polyface Farms

This Chapter introduces Josh from Homesteading Family and welcomes Daniel Salatin of Polyface Farms to discuss raising meat rabbits. Daniel shares his experience growing up on Polyface Farms and his lifelong involvement in raising rabbits, starting his first entrepreneurial venture with pastured rabbits at the age of seven. He currently runs the day-to-day operations of Polyface Farms, overseeing animal movements, scheduling tasks, and apprentice training.

00:03:52

Ease of Raising Rabbits

This Chapter explores the ease of raising rabbits, highlighting their low capital infrastructure requirements, minimal time commitment, and flexibility in breeding and processing. Daniel shares his personal experience starting rabbits at the age of eight and emphasizes the simplicity of their care compared to other livestock.

00:21:25

Feeding Rabbits

This Chapter addresses the misconception that rabbits can survive solely on grass. Daniel explains that while rabbits can graze, they require additional nutrients for optimal health and reproduction. He recommends using alfalfa pellets as a primary feed source, allowing rabbits to self-medicate based on their individual needs. Daniel also discusses the importance of securing feeders and waterers to prevent rabbits from chewing or flipping them over.

00:34:28

Processing and Butchering Rabbits

This Chapter explores the process of butchering rabbits, highlighting its simplicity compared to other livestock. Daniel emphasizes the ease of skinning and gutting rabbits, requiring minimal equipment and time. He also discusses the importance of aging rabbit meat for 24 to 48 hours before consumption to enhance flavor.

00:39:47

Housing Rabbits

This Chapter focuses on housing rabbits, emphasizing the importance of individual space for does. Daniel recommends a 30-inch by 30-inch by 18-inch tall wire mesh cage with a slotted floor for pasture access. He explains the benefits of a slotted floor, allowing rabbits to graze naturally, and discusses the challenges of using colony systems.

00:46:01

Getting Started with Rabbit Raising

This Chapter provides guidance on getting started with rabbit raising. Daniel recommends a breeding trio (two does and a buck) as a good starting point. He discusses the importance of genetic diversity and cycling out bucks after 18 to 24 months of breeding. He also explains how to maintain a closed system for breeding and producing your own stock.

00:52:57

Rabbit Breeds and Startup Costs

This Chapter explores rabbit breeds suitable for meat production. Daniel recommends choosing a meat breed that is climatized to the local area, emphasizing the importance of selecting animals that are genetically adapted to the environment. He also provides a ballpark estimate for startup costs, suggesting that a breeding trio, cages, feed, and automatic waterers can be acquired for under $500.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are the benefits of raising meat rabbits?

  Meat rabbits are easy to care for, require minimal space and investment, and offer a quick turnaround time for meat production. They are also a good source of lean, white meat that is versatile in cooking.

• Can rabbits survive solely on grass?

  While rabbits can graze, they require additional nutrients for optimal health and reproduction. Alfalfa pellets are recommended as a primary feed source, providing a balanced source of nutrients and allowing rabbits to self-medicate.

• What is the best way to house rabbits?

  Individual cages are recommended for does, providing them with their own space and reducing the risk of sterilization from dominant does. A 30-inch by 30-inch by 18-inch tall wire mesh cage with a slotted floor is a good option, allowing for pasture access and natural grazing.

• How many rabbits should I start with?

  A breeding trio (two does and a buck) is a good starting point for rabbit raising. This provides a foundation for breeding and producing offspring, ensuring a consistent supply of rabbits for meat production.

• What are some good meat rabbit breeds?

  Californians, Silver Foxes, and some Chinchilla breeds are good choices for meat production. However, the most important factor is to choose a breed that is climatized to your local area.

• What are the typical startup costs for raising rabbits?

  You can expect to spend under $500 to get started with a breeding trio, cages, feed, and automatic waterers. The cages are a long-term investment and can last for many years.

• How do I process and butcher rabbits?

  Butchering rabbits is relatively simple, requiring minimal equipment. You can hang the rabbits by their feet, skin them, and gut them. The process is quick and efficient, making it a good option for those new to processing livestock.

• What are some tips for feeding rabbits?

  Provide alfalfa pellets as a primary feed source and supplement with fresh greens, herbs, and vegetables. Secure feeders and waterers to prevent rabbits from chewing or flipping them over.

• What is the gestation period for rabbits?

  The gestation period for rabbits is approximately 28 to 32 days.

• How do I maintain genetic diversity in my rabbit herd?

  Cycle out bucks after 18 to 24 months of breeding and introduce new bucks to maintain genetic diversity. You can also save does from different litters to prevent inbreeding.

Show Notes