For us, it was neither. We started our homestead with a pregnant TAMUK rabbit, Phoebe, in the summer of 2022.
As it is with rabbits, that single pregnant doe quickly turned into 10 rabbits, then 30 rabbits. On our journey of raising meat pen rabbits, we found many like-minded individuals who were on their own paths of breeding quality stock and keeping their friends and family in meat. We couldn’t help but pick up unrelated TAMUKs from them to add to our own rabbitry.
Rabbit math is a thing, people.
Between the two of us, we had a bit of rabbit husbandry knowledge but definitely did our due diligence before taking possession of our first rabbit. YouTube is a gold mine of knowledge, as are Facebook groups dedicated to raising meat rabbits. We learned as much as we could before Phoebe ever entered her cage and would suggest to everyone who is thinking about homesteading to do the same.
If you are interested in homesteading, even if you currently live in the city or a suburban area, rabbits are an easy way to slide into the lifestyle without bringing much attention to yourself. Quiet, easy-going, and docile, our bunnies are the perfect “gateway animal” to becoming self-sufficient.
Check out these links to learn more about raising meat rabbits:
Raising Rabbits 101 – Aaron Webster (The author focuses on show rabbits but offers some kernels of wisdom regarding the breeding process and creating a good meat rabbit.)
YouTube Rabbit Raisers I love:
– Good Simple Living – Family of 6 living in the mountainous region of North Idaho
– Teal Stone Homestead – This gal loves her bunnies and has a lot of quality information to share
– The Rabbitry Center – Bobby has a unique set-up and is super knowledgeable about all things rabbit.