Help starting a meat rabbitry in Iowa!!

[christinascritters]

Hey, all! It looks as though I am going to be staying at home with the girls now and would like to start making a little money at home and have always wanted to do this, raising rabbits for meat. I need help! A mentor, something to get me going. Does anyone in Iowa have advice for the newbie? I've done research on hutches and seem to have an idea on what I want for our house, I think, but being in town, and not sure where we would do it, I need a butcher or whatever you call it and someone to buy the meat, we'd like to keep some ourselves, though, too. What do start up costs look like? What does profit look like? Not that I'm too worried, happiness is more the key here, and I would love to use the meat, fur, and pellets/poop. Okay, leaving it to you all for help. Thanks!

 

[elevan]

Welcome to the forum @christinascritters ! No idea on set up for a rabbitry, but I'm sure one of our experienced members will be along shortly

 

[Hens and Roos]

Welcome to BYH. We raise Cali but our rabbits are inside our shop. I know VickieB has rabbits in town, hopefully she can provide some info that will help you.

 

[christinascritters]

Thanks, I hope so!

 

[SA Farm]

I've seen some youtube clips with some pretty interesting backyard and even garage setups (not recommended due to fumes!) for meat rabbits. My main advice would be to start small. Usually a trio (1 buck 2 does) is a good place to start.

 

[christinascritters]

That's the plan. Can't decide between NZ and Cali. Hmm...

 

[christinascritters]

Also, I will only put them in the garage when it gets bitterly cold, beyond that, they will be outside where I can manage the poopies.

 

[Livestock lover]