Why rabbits?

The latest addition to the Hoskins Homestead is the inclusion of rabbits to our roster of meat animals. Several factors influenced this unusual meat choice, including feed cost, new housing conditions, and the intricacy of slaughter. Additionally, we considered the unique benefits that rabbits provide beyond meat, such as manure and pelts, which other animals do not offer.  We learned, rabbits are like the Swiss Army knives of the animal kingdom! They give you dinner, fertilizer for your garden, and a stylish new winter coat—all while being adorably fluffy! Who knew that behind those big ears and twitchy noses lay the secret to a homestead renaissance?

Rabbits raised for meat are among the most efficient animals, providing the highest calorie yield of meat relative to the calories of grain they consume. With affordable feed, they can be one of the most cost-effective options for meat production. However, these animals are very time consuming to take care of. Requiring lots of protection from predators and slaughtering many smaller animals takes much more time than cleaning one big one. This balance of cost to time works for us because of our family owned business gives us lots of time at the farm.

Harvesting meat from rabbits is much simpler than dealing with animals of a similar size, like chickens. The most challenging aspect is the emotional attachment, as they are quite adorable, but the process itself is straightforward. Additionally, their pelts are not only attractive but also useful for making mitten and boot liners during winter. Another significant advantage is their manure. Rabbit manure is among the best available, as their digestive system breaks down all the seeds in plants, preventing unwanted weeds the following year. Unlike pigs or other farm animals, whose manure is rich in digestive enzymes that can harm plants if not further decomposed, rabbit feces can be applied directly to the garden.

All of theses aspects developed our choice for the new animal on our farm. Meet the meat rabbit: the furry little dynamo that requires minimal investment but offers substantial benefits. It is a very helpful and productive creature that cost little and gives lots. This was a thoroughly thought out idea before we started the actual farming. I would suggest meat rabbits to anyone on a farm although considerable research should be done before getting your own.