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wayland · Joined: 14 Dec 2006 Posts: 1171 Location: Campile. Wexford

We are going to get back into breeding Rabbits for the pot. We kept a number of NZ Whites in the past which produced many fine meat rabbits. Ideal if land is in short supply. I read in a book somewhere that they will eat silage. So with this in mind I thought I would try and make some with lawn clippings!!! I have half an acre of lawn to cut Crying or Very sad

So. Using fertilizer bags I kept some clippings to see what happends. Six months later I have been left with the most sweet smelling greeny brown silage I have seen. Just a thought for those who may want to take Self Surriciency to the enth degree Wink

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GB · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 317 Location: Ireland

Pigs can eat silage too so it would be a nice free feed Cool

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David · Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 180 Location: Co. Clare

Hi again Wayland, did you have any luck with the rabbits?

Thinking of getting some as the family are forcing me to "off" all the geese this year... rabbits look like a good option as replacement cos they taste great and don't try to bit you on the arse every time you turn your back on them (like the geese!). I also think they'd be way easier to process than geese.

Any idea where I'd get breeding stock? Could you recommend a good book? Are they easy to kill humanely?

I've been off the forum due to work/building the house/smallholding...back again now!

David

wayland · Joined: 14 Dec 2006 Posts: 1171 Location: Campile. Wexford

Hi David. We are in the same boat with the building work. Its all the finnishing stuff that takes the time me thinks. We will be keeping rabbits next year when all is finnished. The best book that I have read on rabbit keeping is called "Backyard Rabbit Keeping". One of the backyard series. I would send you my old copy but it is in a box somewhere Confused

. I am of the opinion that breeding stock will have to be got from the UK. I am surprised that more smallholders dont keep rabbits. They take no room and taste good. Good Luck.
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David · Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 180 Location: Co. Clare

I know what you're saying about finishing...I've been on skirtings and architraves for ages...

thanks for the advice...I got the idea of rabbits from a German neighbour...they are very common amongst smallholders there apparently.

What's the best way of killing them? It's the only bit of smallholding i don't enjoy, though I've managed to dispatch chickens, ducks, geese & goats so far...is it easy to dislocate their necks, as i've seen in books? I'm very interested in killing them quickly and humanely.

I've heard that NZ whites are good for meat but can be kept as pets, and i'm wondering if they could be sourced through a pet shop. though probably best not to let on my true intentions...

David

bref · Joined: 16 Dec 2006 Posts: 136 Location: South Dublin

Offing the bunnies.
A a young fella I was mad into ferreting snaring etc and always used the grab the back legs in one had and stretch and bend back the neck in the other hand. I always thought this was far too much effort and it turns out I was right.
I have a book which I got a few years ago about long netting and the method they use was grabbing the rabbit by the neck in a firm grip and with the other hand pushing sharply upward under the rabbits chin with the heel of the hand.
I had the opportunity to try it about a month back..it was so quick and easy I didnt actually believe the rabbit was dead (you know shook him around a bit to see if he'd move...poked him in the eye a couple of times).. he was a gonner very quick, very humane..

David · Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 180 Location: Co. Clare

Thanks Bref... that sounds like it would snap the neck pretty quick.

I found a youtube video clip of an American dude using his patented "rabbit wringer"...my god, looked pretty traumatic to me...clamps the rabbits head and you pull like hell on his legs till it snaps...

probably no worse than what i'm about to do to our geese though!

D

blowin · Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 1:14 am Post subject:

Been out of touch for a while . Is anyone actually breeding bunnies for the pot ? Would appreciate any comments on practical experience . Thanks Wink

tractorpunk · Joined: 02 Jul 2009 Posts: 37 Location: east Galway

i've finally found someone selling nz whites if anyone's interested, check http://irishgiantbreedrabbits.yolasite.com/. trouble is they seem to have lots of orders, i asked for a breeding trio and ended up on a waiting list for one doe and use of their buck when she's ready to mate. seems lots of people have the same idea, not suprising, it seems like a lot of meat for such a small amount of space, feed etc.

wayland · Joined: 14 Dec 2006 Posts: 1171 Location: Campile. Wexford

I shall be buying some breading stock next year and will probably get them from the UK. Wink

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