Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is there anyone here who has experience raising their own rabbits? I have a few questions for those with answers... Just how prolific are rabbits in comparison to rats? What is the healthiest/economical way to keep a colony of rabbits? How long does it take for a rabbit to grow to adult size? Is it even worth raising these animals, or are you better off just buying in bulk?

I am building a sizeable collection of large constrictors (boas and retics). Any helpful input would be greatly appreciated. THANK YOU.

>>Is there anyone here who has experience raising their own rabbits? I have a few questions for those with answers... Just how prolific are rabbits in comparison to rats? What is the healthiest/economical way to keep a colony of rabbits? How long does it take for a rabbit to grow to adult size? Is it even worth raising these animals, or are you better off just buying in bulk?
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>>I am building a sizeable collection of large constrictors (boas and retics). Any helpful input would be greatly appreciated. THANK YOU.

Bunnys are one of those beasties that, obviously, take up SPACE for one thing and that have to live alone. Breeding a rabbit means taking her to the males cage, putting her in and being ready to grab her out if she attacks him or to hold her rump up if he is a numb nuts and can't figure out 'exactly' how to get her.
Prolific, size and growth will all depend on the breed of rabbit you start with and so I would highly recommend that you get a couple of "Raising rabbits for profit" sorts of books from the library and read and memorize them.
They aren't as simple as setting up a colony and waiting. Whether or not it is worth it is something I am out of touch with. I raised rabbits and sold the meat to friends with exotic tastes willing to pay $5/lb and thus pay for my animal hobby back in the dark ages. Okay, so it was just the 70s. Same diff.
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Sonya

Haven't we warned you about tampering with the structure of a chaotic system?
Mrs. Neutron

I have tried and it just was not worth it. If you already have all the cages, an unlimited amount of space,extra time and a good source for good cheap food, it may be worth it. In the amount of area it takes to keep 3 rabbits you can breed over 1000 rats in a year. If you enjoy it do it. If not look around, you can find rabbits very cheap if you find the right person. Just my experience.

>>I have tried and it just was not worth it. If you already have all the cages, an unlimited amount of space,extra time and a good source for good cheap food, it may be worth it. In the amount of area it takes to keep 3 rabbits you can breed over 1000 rats in a year. If you enjoy it do it. If not look around, you can find rabbits very cheap if you find the right person. Just my experience.

Bad as it sounds I can get rabbits for $5 ea at the flea market all the time. I got a couple does I was gonna breed, they were mixes and got BIG. So, it is a good idea to KNOW what breed and size you want.
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Sonya

Haven't we warned you about tampering with the structure of a chaotic system?
Mrs. Neutron

I am in Michigan, and I can usually find live for about 2 bucks ea. Frozen even cheaper

Granted it is cheaper to buy them at the pet store, flea market etc... What you won't get by breeding your own is intestinal parasites. 99% of what you get is infested with coccidia which in turn is transferred to your snake. I currently breed my own rats for this reason. Honestly it's a pain in the ass, but the benefits outweigh the work. My rats were quarintined and treated for intestinal parasites and eat a high quality diet. The result is a high quality feed for my snakes. I started doing this because the rats I was getting locally were emaciated, covered in mites and had pinworms.
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Miami Hurricanes #1
NATIONAL CHAMPS 83,87,89,91,01

Unless you are rich and have plenty of space dont try it. My daughters and I bred show stock Newzeland Reds. 6 months for a showable sized rabbit. If you are determined to persue it then go online to the ARBA(.com) American Rabbit Breeders Assoc. and try to link up with some one who can sell you some T-1 and Altec commercial bloodlines. Prolific and the fastest growing rabbits in the world. Still you are only looking at 4 litters a year and 10 to 14 kits in a litter.
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Always be safe.
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