Meat Rabbit Math | How Many Do You Need?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 พ.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 673

  • @kaye7066
    @kaye7066 2 ปีที่แล้ว +52

    The rabbit scraps that you don't eat your chickens, cats, dogs (or bears if you bear hunt) might. Don't forget about bone broths too! You can also do lots of cool stuff with rabbit fur and hides. If you're creative enough and put in the time and effort there is very little waste. Even their poop can be used in the garden!

  • @ScottKeeports
    @ScottKeeports ปีที่แล้ว +42

    Very well done. The math doesn't lie and the whiteboard breeding schedule was very beneficial. I appreciate homesteaders who tell it the way it is. Keep the videos coming.

  • @aquietsojourner4683
    @aquietsojourner4683 4 ปีที่แล้ว +206

    Three harvests a year and a bit of fishing sounds like a sustainable deal. With a decent garden, of course.

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      It sure could be.

    • @matthew-ww6vs
      @matthew-ww6vs 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Still needs more fat

    • @kevymoranski3887
      @kevymoranski3887 4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      You also need a bread thrift store. Oh, and a liquor store.

    • @kevineldridge9452
      @kevineldridge9452 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@kevymoranski3887 Grow your own grains, make your own bread & booze...?!? ;^p

    • @yosephbuitrago897
      @yosephbuitrago897 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Kevin Eldridge easier said that done

  • @frafranildo
    @frafranildo 4 ปีที่แล้ว +134

    Thanks a lot for sharing. You've made it a lot easier to start, because now I know what to do and what to expect. It's people like you that make the internet awesome.

  • @itsamysticlife3500
    @itsamysticlife3500 2 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    This is a great video. Love the presentation.
    If i may add a few tips to this wonderful info.
    Bucks may go heat sterile during hot weather. In most cases it's temporary. Just realize that you may need to give your rabbits the summer off.
    I always put my young new breeder does in a cage near other bred does. They do watch what's going on, and they kinda do learn from seeing the neighbor mom doing her thing.
    When it gets time to breed, I make sure the doe can see the buck for a few days, and I add some sunflower seeds to her diet a week before breeding. This makes a big difference in success.
    I bred angoras and angora crosses for fiber, meat and pet sales.
    I had cages for 8 does and 2 bucks. All of my cages had a shelf in them so the rabbits could have a vantage point, and it gave mom a place to relax away from her kits.

  • @mekon1971
    @mekon1971 5 ปีที่แล้ว +72

    I live in Texas - it gets hot! I keep 2 bucks/4 does because I basically don't breed from end of May to End of October, which only gives me 7 breadable months. Well, technically, I do the 1/2 but have 1 set breeding and 1 set maturing to breeding age. (i.e. keep 2 does from May kindle and pick up a non-dna related buck from a "after easter" sale to replace the aging buck. I'll keep a really good mother, but generally dress them out after 1-2 breeding "seasons". We eat approximately 1 per week, so 52ish per year (empty nesters). The balance are sold/traded and the $ from selling a few pays for the feed for the rest. Feed is about $16.00/50# and supplement with grass clippings, garden scraps, kitchen scraps, and hay.

    • @mekon1971
      @mekon1971 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @Dan Segarra Not from a catch bag, but I use a weed eater and go find some overgrown areas and cut that and they love that. I don't treat my yard with any chemicals. In the wild their diet is probably 90% or more grasses.

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@mekon1971 domestic rabbits haven't been wild in over 100 years, so a "wild diet" doesn't apply. In fact, when fiber gets over 25% it actually slows down gut function and inhibits vitamin absorption.
      True wild rabbits also don't take in that high of percentage of grasses. Wilds eat a large (surprisingly so) amount of barks and woody plants. Almost HALF of their diet in fact is woody plants, not grass.

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@68Tboy you must be new around here. Never did I say anything about trusting any feed company. Watch more of our videos before you tell me what my opinions are.
      I pointed out that the comment about diets in the wild being over 90% grasses is bull. Plus that science shows a diet in domestic rabbits with more than 25% fiber sllws growth and inhibits gut function.
      I'm well aware of when feed started being manufactured. A true rabbit feed wasn't even developed until the late 70s.

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@68Tboy rabbits were domesticated in the 1400s (possibly 1300s as research is ongoing), so your "thousands of years" isn't correct either.
      As rabbits were domesticated and we changed their feeds we changed the animals themselves. That's how selection works. Animals that thrive on how we feed get used for breeding. Those who don't, die whether by nature or culling.
      Yes, you can feed rabbits a "natural" diet. Some will thrive, some won't. Regardless, it doesn't change my above comments.

    • @cellasedui6061
      @cellasedui6061 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah I don't breed my does in the winter, I live in Canada and it's COLD. The babies would die, breeders around here pause breeding from October to March unless they have indoor facilities or some sort of heating system which most breeders around here don't.

  • @jamaicaportal
    @jamaicaportal 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    In the tropics. Daylight length is not a problem, so we breed year round. Summer heat can be problematic and to overcome that, a gallon jug of frozen water is placed in the pen every afternoon to cool the air. If I plan to breed 2 does, I always start off with 3 and keep the two better ones.

  • @barrybr1
    @barrybr1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +54

    thanks, excellent info, straight talk no wasted chit-chatting

  • @Squick99
    @Squick99 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Great video! I love that you get straight into the numbers, and also balance the maximum theoretical output with what is more humane. In my mind if you need ~200 pounds finished meat and you could produce it with two does and one buck at an unsustainable rate, why not get three or four does. That gives you more resilience in case one of your does is a bad mom. And if you increase it to two bucks, you can keep a great deal of genetic diversity when you keep your next generation of does and bucks.

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      We prefer to keep more animals that don't have to work as hard.

  • @zates2272
    @zates2272 5 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    Thanks for doing my math. I have no experience, but wanna start ASAP. Thank you!

  • @nicolerobertson5764
    @nicolerobertson5764 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    For someone who is a visual learner, this video was really helpful! I appreciate all of the great tips you gave as well - this was so helpful to consider and keep in mind from an experienced homesteader with rabbitry! Thank you 🙌😊

  • @bottonsrabbitfarm570
    @bottonsrabbitfarm570 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    this is indeed a great lesson. i am a beginner with 3 bucks and 4 does but with this maths I can now calculate my production for this year.

  • @wereallmadhere9086
    @wereallmadhere9086 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you for posting this video. It is very educational for us meat rabbit newbies

  • @Sarjex27
    @Sarjex27 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Not quite ready to start bunnies... still have a lot of work to do to get my place ready for anything beyond a few chickens but this was turbo helpful in planning for the future. Thanks for being so efficient in your presentation.

  • @SemiReTired
    @SemiReTired 5 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    I breed NZW/ chinchillas, on a much less aggressive schedule, not as firm to a timestamp either. My does stay relaxed and breed well into year 4. I process at 12 weeks and my kits average 5.5 lbs bone in at that time. I tend to sell more than I get to consume due to high demand,,,lol,,, great info

    • @tonymac2178
      @tonymac2178 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Joe Bee do you have pure chinchillas? And where are you located?

    • @sweettooth5737
      @sweettooth5737 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I’m in PA. Are you anywhere nearby??? I’d like Chinchillas as well.

    • @lovemydoglive
      @lovemydoglive 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      what do you sell them for?

  • @simplemanduke7128
    @simplemanduke7128 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Thank you for your time and efforts in making these videos available to us. This one was excellent.

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You're very welcome!

    • @adventurehippie0514
      @adventurehippie0514 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@SpragueRiverHomestead Thank you so much for this information. Is there a way to make this schedule have only 3 or 4 litters a year. We do broiler chickens 2 times a round and I'm very interested in doing rabbits but 5 litters would be a but too much for our family with out broilers as well.

  • @tonycollins9874
    @tonycollins9874 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thanks for your video it was a big help to me. I am wanting to start breeding my own rabbits and was needing this question answered. You have give me just what i need to start this journey. Thanks again.

  • @foxxiangel6384
    @foxxiangel6384 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    i’m a super visual learner! i might actually draw this out for myself! i love this so much thank you!

  • @illaspero1
    @illaspero1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    I agree with you on the numbers. I am in the stages of getting ready to breed meat rabbits and I loved how you presented your information. I will be following your channel from now on....Thanks so much for the info. Anything about rabbits and I'm interested.

  • @dennism5565
    @dennism5565 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I enjoy your videos. You stay on point and make following you easy. Thanks for your non-complicated approach. I also appreciate your husband's videos - no fluff - just topic on hand- his style keeps me from skipping to the next video.

  • @christinamoneyhan5688
    @christinamoneyhan5688 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I just subbed. I like your no beating around the bush. Straight up to the point with honest figures by the been there done that method. Proof of just what to expect. Thank You. Oh, YA! I did not hear or see any Bambi syndrome.

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      We're pretty blunt on our videos. Thanks for the sub!

    • @christinamoneyhan5688
      @christinamoneyhan5688 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Just watched your video on best meat rabbits. Great! I really like your openness. Thank you.

  • @appliedauthenticity
    @appliedauthenticity 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Straight forward, and detailed, THANK YOU!

  • @frankbrunner6112
    @frankbrunner6112 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    in the deep south of Louisiana, air condition room worked well when i raised new zealands

  • @zainudinaja3194
    @zainudinaja3194 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    thank you for the knowledge and I from Indonesia will increase my knowledge of raising rabbits

  • @pistolpeds
    @pistolpeds 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    A great resource for new starters. Very well done and thank you.

  • @kenjohnson6573
    @kenjohnson6573 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I had 2 Bucks and 4 Does in a city environment in Ft. Worth, Texas. Feeding a family of 5. I staggered the breeding for a litter every 2 weeks. At 4 weeks they were weened and the kits from 2 does would go in a growing cage. The doe got a month off to recover. I fed the kits rabbit pellets and calf manna. When they were 60 days old, I harvested the young ones, and re-breed the doe. Live weight was 5 lbs. Harvest weight was right at 2 1/2 lbs. This provided us with plenty of rabbit. Additionally I only harvested in a month which had an "R" in it. It was just something my Grandfather told me he did as a kid hunting wild rabbits. I also had other sources of meat.

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      The "R" tradition is because wild rabbits have the highest rates of parasites during the growing season (March-August).

  • @rhiwlen3290
    @rhiwlen3290 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great presentation. I hadn't considered how quickly they burn out and stop producing. Still in the planning phase, but I will take your recommendations into consideration when I get started.

  • @valeriemetzger501
    @valeriemetzger501 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the visual! Definitely helps me see where i was slightly off. Getting ready to pull the trigger for starting my rabbitry. ❤

  • @johnhortons6811
    @johnhortons6811 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Just starting thanks for your support

  • @alexricard2000
    @alexricard2000 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Thank you for the breakdown from a knowledgeable viewpoint. Doing my research, you have been very helpful!

  • @JAClary
    @JAClary 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hey, I have zero interest in breeding rabbits except as an academic exercise, but I wanted to say that your handwriting was great, and you were very clear in your explanation. Great video, thank you for producing it.

  • @SuperMasterTurtle
    @SuperMasterTurtle 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I live in Arizona, so I am glad you said that about the heat.

  • @FrugalFarmerChannel
    @FrugalFarmerChannel 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Rabbits are smart because they know how to multiply.
    Thanks for sharing!

  • @annieamilaness5044
    @annieamilaness5044 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Great video, I’m just getting started with breeding rabbits and this was really helpful.

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Glad it was helpful!

    • @lydiasammy1857
      @lydiasammy1857 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@SpragueRiverHomestead George I would like to if rabbits is pregient will she still let the buck mount her

    • @lydiasammy1857
      @lydiasammy1857 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Dose rabbit go over her due date if so how long

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@lydiasammy1857 a pregnant doe will sometimes let a buck mount, but she won't lift for him (usually). They'll also make grunting noises to discourage him. A doe can go as long as 38 days, so if she looks and acts pregnant then give her some time.

  • @jonalderson1725
    @jonalderson1725 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for information and keeping to point. No fluff in video. Also thanks for noting that schedule was aggressive and may not be best for does.

  • @MLXJARIS
    @MLXJARIS 5 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    This was very informative. Could you also show the layouts of your pins? Thank you

  • @bobmoore6248
    @bobmoore6248 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have been dabbling in rabbits for several years. I agree on much. I live in a northern area. I do not breed does more than2-3X a year. Slowly learning more and growing. Kinda keep around 2 bucks and 4-6 does. Am not losing weight due to malnutrition

  • @robotron7
    @robotron7 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Back in the days, I would rebreed the doe 4 days/kit after she has her litter. So for 8 kits it would be 32 days, for 3 kits, 12 days. Breeding both at the same time allows for sharing of the kits across each nest, so each would be synchronized in rebreeding.

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm really curious as to why you used this method. Understanding rabbit physiology as I do it seems to be just an arbitrary number/method, and one I've never heard of. Can you get me some details/explanation on why the four days? Super curious. Thanks for watching and really looking forward to your response.

  • @reesejenkins4877
    @reesejenkins4877 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO; YOU REALLY BROKE EVERYTHING DOWN FOR ME.

  • @weknow.2304
    @weknow.2304 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This was one of the most informative videos I've seen on the subject so thank you!! Just subbed!! And how don't you have more subs lol, you guys are awesome and I def appreciate the help!

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Glad the info could help. We tried to build the complete series covering everything we've learned in the last 8 or so years, but we continually find better ways to explain the subject.

  • @MotoMarta
    @MotoMarta 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Thank You!! I've seen this formula before and thought it was a bit aggressive and idealistic to rely on but not knowing much about rabbits thought maybe that's just how things work with rabbits and I need to adjust my expectations. So good to see you clarify it and that my gut feeling was right, damn you ever knowing gut feeling!

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Always trust the gut. Thousands of years of evolution can't be too wrong.

  • @johncox8882
    @johncox8882 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My NZW averaged 7 kits per doe. My English lops averaged 10 kits per doe. So when the English were not raising pure bred for sale they got crossed to my California buck for a great meat rabbit. Sadly the California does only averaged 5 kits per litter. They were great confirmation and won me several ribbons as they came from a breeder that cared more about show standards than production. Thought some more real world numbers may help.

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Depends on lines for sure. My NZ averaged 9 when I had them. A friend that raises Californians averages 8. Overall, studies indicate that 8 is the average in meat breeds.
      Thanks for watching!

  • @thomasreto2997
    @thomasreto2997 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for the information. Wife and I just might make this commitment.🌈😃🤙

  • @caleberwin65
    @caleberwin65 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That’s very descriptive. Good job.

  • @ljacree5764
    @ljacree5764 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thanks for this informative video. I have 4 does and 2 bucks. I can breed only 2 does at a time because my rabbitry is small - and I can't house more than 20 kits at a time. So they can get a break by taking turns.

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It sounds like a good setup. 20 kits is plenty.

    • @saulroot1337
      @saulroot1337 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi quick question what size is your rabbitry. Height width and length .. thanks

  • @cassityart7001
    @cassityart7001 6 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Thank you for the amazing detail! Keeping good records of stock is so important.

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Cassity ART - absolutely agree! We track everything here, from goats to rabbits to birds. Thanks for watching!

  • @phyrewillow6463
    @phyrewillow6463 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Exactly the prince info I was looking for! Thanks!

  • @wesh388
    @wesh388 ปีที่แล้ว

    I got a lot of useful information from this video, thank you!

  • @BrianBetron
    @BrianBetron 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice run through of the math. First time viewer. I subscribed.

  • @miyu545
    @miyu545 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another approach if you breed the rabbits one week to 10 days after kindling, you can get about 60 or so rabbits to harvest, per doe, per year. Give or take. That's about 300 pounds of meat per doe, per year. Again, give or take a few pounds or kits here and there.

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Very few breeds will breed back that fast. It's also very unhealthy and dangerous for the doe.
      If you are harvesting your kits at 8-10 weeks they'll end up around 5#. Dress out percentage is around 60%, equating to roughly 3# per animal. You are looking at 300# live weight, with a dress out rate of 180# (meat). Also, weaning kits at 4 weeks vastly increases your odds of bloat and increases your mortality rate by nearly 25%! You'll keep your doe alive and fertile longer, have healthier kits, bigger litters and a higher survival rate if you give her time between litters.
      I've seen the numbers you're mentioning in several articles and they just aren't correct.
      Thanks for watching.

  • @MentalCatalyst
    @MentalCatalyst 6 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Americans!
    We breed year round!
    Oh, and thanks for the info! It's very helpful and much appreciated.

  • @HelenEk7
    @HelenEk7 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is such a great video! Greetings from Norway.

  • @MrZnarffy
    @MrZnarffy 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Good video. Will probably do some variant of this, but it is a good starting point at least.

  • @tropicallivingoverseas5202
    @tropicallivingoverseas5202 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I miss my meat rabbits. Used to give me 9-14 kits per kindle.
    Can't wait to be able to start up again.
    I bread my 3 girls twice a year and has plenty of meat for my needs.
    (60 rabbits)
    I had a New Zealand buck and 3 New Zealand/California mix does.

  • @wandershirefarm4281
    @wandershirefarm4281 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great content ! Keep up the good work !

  • @bonnieriehl9802
    @bonnieriehl9802 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is fantastic information. Thank you so much!

  • @tamarabaug8366
    @tamarabaug8366 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    We can't breed in summer here as it's too hot and bucks are heat sterile. This year first breeding for winter started Nov. So we will breed into spring and then done till late fall.

  • @CopperStateCustomAdmin
    @CopperStateCustomAdmin 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    cLEAR CONCISE AND TO THE POINT, VERY VERY HELPFUL. tHIS WAS THE BEST VID I've SEEN YET. wow.... caps, sry. lol

  • @larrypatterson326
    @larrypatterson326 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good clear video good information thank you very much young lady

  • @mystwolfe7791
    @mystwolfe7791 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    If they are silver fox rabbits you need as many as you can feed. 1/3 are for cuddling, 1/3 are for getting whisker kisses from, 1/3 are to listen to the cute puppy noises.

  • @leecanisx1006
    @leecanisx1006 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome explanation, thank you! Now I have a schedule I can picture when I begin breeding 1 Oct (too hot still here!)! I have two sets of does, so I'm gonna alternate them, so as not to wear them out! Love your channel!

  • @anndennis7163
    @anndennis7163 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    When do you choose replacement breeders? Or do you?

  • @nuwamanyawilbroad4245
    @nuwamanyawilbroad4245 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    An Interesting & Educative channel thanx.

  • @77gmcnut
    @77gmcnut 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you. Very helpful information.

  • @brewsterking9973
    @brewsterking9973 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I love you guys , I'm glad there's finally good info ;)

  • @nicholasbrassard3512
    @nicholasbrassard3512 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This is awesome, if only i could find such presentations for other livestock as well :)

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm working on one now for Cornish cross meat chickens. What other livestock are you looking for?

    • @nicholasbrassard3512
      @nicholasbrassard3512 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@SpragueRiverHomestead chickens and goats also, looking forward to your chicken video!

    • @TheRogZone
      @TheRogZone 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Quail seem to be much talked about in place of chicken for the urban farmer. Have you raised quail in a small setting?

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@TheRogZone we haven't done them yet but are planning to give them a go in the spring. A dear friend of mine has raised them, and says they are fabulous for urban growers.

  • @lesterrodriguez7575
    @lesterrodriguez7575 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for the awesome breakdown.

  • @barryjanis
    @barryjanis 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You are the Best !~ Thank you .

  • @debbieholmes6441
    @debbieholmes6441 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What breed did you first use when you started keeping rabbits? My husband Don raised rabbits when he was a teenager and loved it. I'm thinking about getting some to be able to put good, healthy meat on the table. What all do I need to get to get started? My husband said he doesn't want anything to do with it & it's all up to me!😳😥 I'm brand new to having rabbits. My mother's uncle raised Flemish Giant rabbits. They were so big you could almost put a saddle on them and ride them!🤣🤣🤣 He had one that won the Texas State Fair. It's weight was 45 pounds! This was when I was about 9 or 10 years old. I'm 63 now. I feel like I'm 35 and ppl tell me I look like I'm only 50!😳🤣🤣Years ago I would have thought that was an insult but now it's a compliment!🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for your time! God bless you, SCOOTER🛵

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      When we first started out we had New Zealand and New Zealand/Flemish crosses. However, if you'll be doing the raising and culling yourself I would pick a breed that's a bit smaller. 10-12# adults can be a bit of a handful.
      To get started you'll need a hutch or cage for each breeder, plus an additional 1-2 cages per doe for grow outs. I would recommend watching both our video on housing and equipment, as they give more specifics on size and what you really need to keep on hand. Also the videos where we talk about feeding, as having the correct nutrition is vital to the entire process.
      I know quite a few ladies who handle all aspects of the rabbit raising from birth to freezer, breeding, feeding and general care. You can do it!

  • @charlescanzater
    @charlescanzater 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thanks very well done.😊

  • @HalfAHandyman
    @HalfAHandyman 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I was able to convince my neighbor to join me on this rabbit quest by sending him this video. Thumbs up

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Awesome! Do you have breeds in mind already?

    • @HalfAHandyman
      @HalfAHandyman 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@SpragueRiverHomestead the Californian and chinchilla look interesting. Im going to have to build another hutch since all of my bays are currently full.

  • @Watchdog123go
    @Watchdog123go 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Very sound advice. Thank you

  • @thisguy6525
    @thisguy6525 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have had less coherent lectures in school. Great video!

  • @antoinettehimel1749
    @antoinettehimel1749 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is a fabulous video. Thank you much!

  • @splitarrowfarm
    @splitarrowfarm 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love this, we just bought 2 does and 1 buck of Californian and 1 buck of New Zealand so that we can mix and match as well as get some pure breed for sales and we are really excited to watch the rabbit math in action.

  • @jssa84
    @jssa84 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I breed Holland lops. My breeding season is from Late March to about Nov. Im in NH it got down to - 45 F here. My litter size is only 4 lol
    I have a herd of 28 bunnys.

    • @tannerkilbey10
      @tannerkilbey10 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Do you breed them as meat rabbits or show rabbits?

  • @emmbabyrocks6830
    @emmbabyrocks6830 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    So helpful seeing it explained like this

  • @gulldaw272
    @gulldaw272 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is si helpful. I want to start but i have no idea where to put/keep track off all these damn rabbits!!

  • @DigitalResurrection
    @DigitalResurrection 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Could someone have 4 does and switch between two does each breeding for 5 kindles? Would that be better?

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hello! I've actually addressed this quite a few times in other comments.
      This video was done to show what's possible with the smallest number of breeders. You can alter or expand as needed to meet your requirements.
      Thanks for watching.

  • @Gandalfmandalf
    @Gandalfmandalf 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice break down. Appreciate you

  • @GoTocco
    @GoTocco 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Rabbits can multiply but can’t add or subtract. That why you can cross foster them. A mother can raise kits birthed by another mother.

  • @robertchampion7735
    @robertchampion7735 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Helped a lot fixn to get started
    From mississippi

  • @jerrysmith372
    @jerrysmith372 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This has been so informative. I have been considering rabbits as a source of protein and am still studying the concept. I live in the city and don't have much room. I do wonder if I could manage two Bucks and four Doe's.
    Growing up we always hunted the wild cotton tails for extra food. They were plentiful where we lived. I've never tasted a farm raised rabbit. I would imagine they would be more tender and less gammy.

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Imagine replacing rabbit in anything you put meat in. We say it tastes like chicken. Not a powerful taste, but not completely bland either. We've experimented with ways to cook it and found a lot of good ways. It is a tender meat. You may have the room for a stacker unit that could hold 6 rabbits. It'll require cleaning the drop pans every 1-2 weeks, but shouldn't be too hard to manage.

    • @jerrysmith372
      @jerrysmith372 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@SpragueRiverHomestead Thank you for that information.

  • @shyloevans9241
    @shyloevans9241 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm about to start and i was going buck and 2 does and hope for 4 a year and I was estimating 120lbs a year so I'm not too off lol

  • @heatherland5466
    @heatherland5466 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    So you can hold them pack kinda like not putting heat light on for chickens. Almost get more or let them sit out not wearing them out

  • @Zvair
    @Zvair ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the great information.

  • @silentwolf9923
    @silentwolf9923 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    So would a 4 month cycle be better for the does?

  • @reneebrown2968
    @reneebrown2968 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    How hard that is on your does depends on your temperatures. We get too hot to breed during the summer. Kits tend to die and does stress too much and it's too hard to keep them alive. I will breed 3 times a year average but may be able to slide in a 4th if it's a cool year.

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Temperature is just one of many variables on how many litters you can produce in a year. The age of the doe and her diet at two others.

  • @maryannepreston4685
    @maryannepreston4685 ปีที่แล้ว

    So easy to understand- thx much!!

  • @Joshua-nt9cc
    @Joshua-nt9cc 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Math got a little wonky when adding up the total. 80 kits at 5# each is 400# LW, NOT 360. Leaving you with 240# of meat from the year of stock. Maybe you decided not to count that last litter since its not processed til mid jan??

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      You're right on both counts. I wasn't counting the litter to be processed in January because it was out of the scope of the year we were looking at, but I also made a mistake in my math. LOL

  • @Paravetje
    @Paravetje 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I've been doing research about rabbits because at some point I would like to start breeding meat rabbits. It's very confusing because everyone says different things. I've read somewhere that you shoudn't take babies away from their mother before they are 10 weeks old, other places say 8 weeks, you say to take them away and rebreed mom when the kits are 6 weeks old. You say you harvest them when they are 11 weeks, I've seen other people say to harvest when they are 12 to 16 weeks old. Also there's so many different ways of housing rabbits.

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You're going to find that things vary greatly by breeder, and breed, in every animal species. Not just rabbits.
      This video is about what you CAN do with rabbits. I do have an entire video series on how I actually do things. We wean at 8 weeks and butcher around 10 for the bigger rabbits. Feed conversion drops off after 11ish weeks, so raising them until 12-16 weeks costs more money per pound, but for smaller breeds that might be necessary to get them large enough to make processing worth it.

    • @Paravetje
      @Paravetje 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks for the reply, I'll watch the videos. @@SpragueRiverHomestead

  • @dknowles60
    @dknowles60 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    what do you feed the Rabbits

  • @ame6037
    @ame6037 ปีที่แล้ว

    i was in the process of trying to plan and figure all of this out and this video pooped up yay !

  • @wolfy1
    @wolfy1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very helpful. thank you!

  • @deniseemond9263
    @deniseemond9263 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Add some chickens for eggs and a bit of fishing and I’d be fine. And if you add two more does you can still maintain this schedule if necessary and give two does at a time some time off.

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You sure could. Adding more does is a good idea. The main point was just to should what could be done. Thank for watching!

    • @deniseemond9263
      @deniseemond9263 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You’re welcome. I have the chickens now. I’m adding the rabbits this summer. I raised them years ago with one of my children for their VoAg project. I’m ready to be more self reliant again. Love your channel. Keep up the educating. Thank you.

  • @mqiniselidlamini5520
    @mqiniselidlamini5520 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much ..I have a small concren you have skip May and October...do you have reasons?

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      We didn't skip it. Based on the breed/wean/harvest schedule we lay out here there is not activity in those months.

  • @aperson1181
    @aperson1181 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    If I live in a city and have a house. Can rabbits be kept in the garage or shed during the winter? Where to buy pre-built cages? How much? Can you recommend sources? How to keep them warm in the winter?

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Rabbits can stand sub-zero temps, so a garage or shed would be fine. Pre-built cages are available from a few companies. We usually buy from Bass Equipment or KW Cages, which are both online. Costs have fluctuated this year (and availability), so we'd suggest just hitting Google or your favorite browser to read up on cages.

  • @Mccaid
    @Mccaid 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Would it be better if we got 4 does and halved the load? I live in mississippi myself and probably wont be breeding much in the summer. Also i have pigs and chickens, and kill a few deer every fall so i dont need all of our meat to cime from rabbits.

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      For MS, that would probably be the best plan, as the Summers are just too hot for summer breeding. When we lived down there our program varied a bit, but looking back we had the best success when we finished kindling by June 1st and didn't start fall breeding until mid to late September. Just watch their feed during the summer off time to keep them from getting fat.

  • @Jimmy-nv7mn
    @Jimmy-nv7mn 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent video. Very informative

  • @MotherOfThings
    @MotherOfThings 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    How do you dispatch them? What type of rabbits do you consume? Thanks.

    • @SpragueRiverHomestead
      @SpragueRiverHomestead  5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      We use a Rabbit Wringer for cervical dislocation. Quick, easy and effective.
      We've used a variety of breeds over the years but presently have Harlequins and Americans as our main breeds.