Post by Jelly on Jun 16, 2006 1:29:00 GMT -5
I got a lot of questions most of them I think I know the answer to but rather make sure before I act on my "knowledge." I am thinking about breeding rabbits since I will have the time and most of the resources(already) to keep them happy already this coming fall. I was thinking I would use them for hawk food along with some other foods. I was just really thinking it would be more cost effective than having to buy them occasionally. I have horses so I will already have shavings for the "bedding" and I will already have oats and alfalfa and Coastal hays. I am going to pay for the rabbit's food but since we are buying in bulk it will work for the both. Also we will have a garden with veggies, that might not be grown up yet but it will help later when I actually start breeding then. Also my mom used to breed show rabbits when she was in high school. She says she might help in the beginning but after that I have to lie in the bed I made.
First questions:
Is this a good idea or are there reasons it is better not to?
Are there any health risks of feeding the hawk home raised rabbits? ( I won't poison the rabbits)
Anything else?
The next part is that my friend had 3 rabbits at one time and had cages for each one so I maybe able to buy them off her. The thing is I won't be asking her for any advice on raising since all hers died in about 4 months - 6 months because of obesity or choking. I am reading that a small about of pellets and 24/7 hay is what is desired in the diet along with a cup or two of veggies. I keep reading that the better pellets are timothy pellets. Which is a bit weird why can't they just give Timothy hay then? I would think it is better for their teeth anyways.
I will have probably a buck or two at a time ( I am definitely starting with only one) and maybe 2 or 3 does once I get the hang of how things will work. I am thinking also that if it goes smoothly that I possibly might sell some of the rabbits as hawk food to the local. But I still have a lot to learn before then.
How does the age affect the quality of meat?
About what age/weight should I kill the rabbit to be fed?
What is the best way to kill it?
then the business ones:
Would you buy rabbits from a home bred source?
What would you be expecting?
About how much rabbit do your feed?
If it were cheaper would you feed more?
Does it make a goof thing to feed or is it too rich and should be feed only once or twice a month?
That is about all I can think of I am sure there are more questions though. Thanks in advance that is a long post to read. Any additional information is greatly appreciated as well.
First questions:
Is this a good idea or are there reasons it is better not to?
Are there any health risks of feeding the hawk home raised rabbits? ( I won't poison the rabbits)
Anything else?
The next part is that my friend had 3 rabbits at one time and had cages for each one so I maybe able to buy them off her. The thing is I won't be asking her for any advice on raising since all hers died in about 4 months - 6 months because of obesity or choking. I am reading that a small about of pellets and 24/7 hay is what is desired in the diet along with a cup or two of veggies. I keep reading that the better pellets are timothy pellets. Which is a bit weird why can't they just give Timothy hay then? I would think it is better for their teeth anyways.
I will have probably a buck or two at a time ( I am definitely starting with only one) and maybe 2 or 3 does once I get the hang of how things will work. I am thinking also that if it goes smoothly that I possibly might sell some of the rabbits as hawk food to the local. But I still have a lot to learn before then.
How does the age affect the quality of meat?
About what age/weight should I kill the rabbit to be fed?
What is the best way to kill it?
then the business ones:
Would you buy rabbits from a home bred source?
What would you be expecting?
About how much rabbit do your feed?
If it were cheaper would you feed more?
Does it make a goof thing to feed or is it too rich and should be feed only once or twice a month?
That is about all I can think of I am sure there are more questions though. Thanks in advance that is a long post to read. Any additional information is greatly appreciated as well.