Hobby Farmer's Handbook to Raising Rabbits for Meat: Sustainable Rabbit Farming for the Homestead, from Hutch to Harvest

"I think the biggest thing a person needs to consider before getting into raising meat rabbits is, 'Are you really going to do it?' Cages can be built and reconfigured easily enough. Rabbit breeds can be decided upon, tried, and then changed if necessary. But do you really want to dedicate the time every day, no matter what the weather's like, to care for them? Are you prepared to face possible failures, keep learning, and most importantly, are you ready to actually butcher and eat the rabbits?" Rachel Heaton - Hardly Simple Farming Raising meat rabbits demands more than just selecting the right breed or building a sturdy cage, it's a commitment that requires daily attention, resilience in the face of setbacks, and facing the reality of butchering. But where do you begin, and what about the concerns you haven't even considered yet? In the Hobby Farmer's Handbook to Raising Rabbits for Meat, you'll find the answers to the questions on your mind, and discover the answers to questions you didn't even know to ask. Backed by decades of experience and interviews with 37 seasoned meat rabbit breeders, this book equips you with the know-how, confidence, and support you need to see your rabbitry through from its very first hutch to that all-important, and difficult, first harvest. If you're ready for an honest, step-by-step guide that prepares you for every aspect of raising meat rabbits, you've come to the right place. Inside, you'll learn about: Setting Up Your Rabbitry - Compare hutches, cages, and colony pens to find the housing solution that suits your space and climate. Discover step-by-step building methods, predator-proofing tactics, and smart layouts to keep your operation organized and efficient. Choosing and Breeding Stock - Uncover which breeds excel in meat production, how to identify high-quality breeding pairs, and the techniques that increase litter size while minimizing stress on your does. Daily Care and Maintenance - Master the essentials of feeding, watering, and manure management so you can transform waste into nutrient-rich compost. Adopt a straightforward routine that keeps your rabbits thriving, without demanding every minute of your day. Preventative Health and Medical Care - Learn to spot early signs of common illnesses, administer first-aid, and establish effective health protocols to keep your rabbits disease-free. Stay a step ahead with expert-backed strategies that reduce the need for costly vet visits. Processing and Marketing - Understand humane butchering methods, proper packaging, and crucial food safety standards. Then, explore insider tips on labeling, pricing, and promoting your rabbits if you choose to sell your meat or pelts. In these pages, you'll find straightforward lessons, checklists, and real-life stories gleaned from decades of raising rabbits. This guide is designed to help you avoid the common stumbling blocks, from picking healthy breeding stock to ensuring every rabbit is processed with care and respect. Whether the goal is putting fresh meat on the family table or sharing with neighbors, this handbook offers a solid starting point. Readers will gain practical know-how, a sense of confidence, and a clear path through each stage of rabbit raising, without feeling overwhelmed or lost in the details.