One industry that has seen a recent surge in popularity is rabbit farming. It’s a great industry for people who want to grow something, but don’t have a lot of space or time to spend on raising larger cattle. But before you go out and start shopping for rabbits, ask yourself these questions to know that you are ready and able to start a rabbit farm.
Is it legal to raise rabbits where I live? If not, you will not be able to start raising rabbits at this time. Most cities do not define rabbits as farm animals and have no limits on the number you can have, but some do, so you will need to do your research before you begin. Depending on what you plan to sell your rabbits will also determine if you have the proper space requirements.
Will I be able to sell rabbit products? There are many products that come from the rabbit, mainly meat and skins. And live rabbits can be sold as pets, show animals, breeders, and even laboratory animals. Make sure there is a market for what you plan to sell. This is especially important if you live in a city, where there may not be as many opportunities to market your rabbit products.
Do I understand the needs of rabbits? Rabbits require more than just water and pellets and are very sensitive to temperature, so it is important to understand how to care for them so that you can get the most out of them. A well-cared for doe can easily produce 50 kits in a year, but a poorly cared for doe may not be able to produce any.
Do I understand rabbit breeds and breeding techniques? Understanding what types of breeds are used for which market will go a long way to helping you make a profit. You will also need to have a well thought out breeding plan that will optimize your rabbits’ normal breeding cycles and allow them to rest between litters. If you don’t understand them, be sure to do your research first.
While the internet can be a great source to help you understand the ins and outs of rabbit farms, the best way to really find out if this is right for you is to visit a few rabbit farms near you. This will give you a chance to see what rabbit farming will be like on a daily basis, and these rabbit breeders will be able to give you insider information on markets, breeds, and breeding programs.