The Origin Story
The TAMUK rabbit was developed in the mid-1980s at the Texas A&M University of Kingsville.
Dr. Steven D. Lukefahr, a retired Regents Professor of the Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, led the development of the breed. His goal was to develop a rabbit that could better withstand the summer Texas heat.
TAMUKs are considered a composite breed as they are a cross of seven different breeds: New Zealand Red, Siamese Satin, Californian, New Zealand, Dutch, Champagne d’Argent, Harlequin, and Havana. Because of the variety of breeds, composite TAMUKS (pronounced tam MOOKS) consist of various colors and weigh between 10-12 pounds once fully grown.
TAMUKs boast huge ears and thin fur coats, differing from the average meat rabbit. This allows them to tolerate the hot and humid Texas summers better than other breeds. They are a hardy and vigorous meat breed with a high production, strong feed conversion, and heat tolerance. By 11 weeks, grow outs measure 5.5-6.0 pounds, perfect for dispatching.
Honeybee Farm & Tree breeds TAMUKs because they withstand Texas heat, grow fast, and provide us with an easily sustainable source of protein. Click here to check out our current available rabbits.
