When you are first thinking of getting into raising meat rabbit, you’ll find that their are several different breeds of meat rabbits to choose from. As far as choosing one, it really comes down to availability in your area, as well as personal preference and what your looking for in a meat rabbit.
For instance I chose to go with Rex Rabbits. They come in a variety of colors and have very soft velvet coats. The only downside is they are a little on the smaller side and take a little bit longer to reach market weight. But that was okay with us as we raise rabbit more as a hobby.
Here’s a quick rundown of each breed and some of their characteristics . . .
New Zealand
Size: 9-12 lbs
Colors: White, Red, Black, Blue, and Broken
Temperament: Easy going, docile, easy to handle
Health: Hardy, not susceptible to a lot of health problems.
Description: One of the most popular meat rabbits out there. These rabbits mature and are ready for processing very quickly at 8-12 weeks old.
Californian
Size: 8-12 lbs
Colors: White w/ Dark Markings
Temperament: Mellow, Gentle, Docile
Health: Hardy, not susceptible to a lot of health problems.
Description: A cross between Chinchilla rabbits and New Zealand Whites, Californians are the second most popular meat rabbit. Their mellow dispositions make them easy to raise. Coat is dense and coarse, not soft like some other breeds.
Standard Rex
Size: 7.5-10.5 lbs
Colors: Blue, Black, Amber, Chocolate, Lilac, Sable, Opal, Red, Seal, Linx, White, Broken, Californian, Castor, Chinchilla, and Otter
Temperament: Docile, Maternal, Intelligent
Health: Hardy, not susceptible to a lot of health problems.
Description: A little on the smaller side for meat rabbits, rex rabbits have unique velvet fur coats. Their docile temperaments make them great pets and excellent mothers. With so many colors to choose from, there’s something for everybody.
American Chinchilla
Size: 9-12 lbs
Colors: Chinchilla
Temperament: Docile, Gentle, Friendly
Health: Hardy, not susceptible to a lot of health problems.
Description: Popular for meat and fur, but this breed is more uncommon and difficult to find.
Silver Fox
Size: 9-12 lbs
Colors: Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, and White
Temperament: Friendly, Docile, Calm
Health: Hardy, not susceptible to a lot of health problems.
Description: More of a rare breed, only the black color can be shown. Popular with homesteaders.
Champagne D’ Argent
Size: 9-12 lbs
Colors: Black with Silver
Temperament: Gentle, Calm, Curious
Health: Hardy, not susceptible to a lot of health problems.
Description: Great tasting meat with a good meat to bone ratio.
Cinnamon
Size: 9-11 lbs
Colors: Light brown (cinnamon-like) color with smoky gray shading around the ears, snout and paws.
Temperament: Docile, Calm, Friendly
Health: Hardy, not susceptible to a lot of health problems.
Description: A cross between New Zealand White and American Chinchilla, this breed can be difficult to find.
Satin
Size: 8.5-12 lbs
Colors: White, Black, Blue, Siamese, Californian, Chinchilla, Copper, Chocolate, Copper, Red, Otter, Broken
Temperament: Docile, Calm, Friendly
Health: Hardy, not susceptible to a lot of health problems.
Description: Cold hardy with great temperaments and beautiful silky coats.
Palomino
Size: 8-11lbs
Colors: Golden, Lynx
Temperament: Docile, Sweet, Maternal
Health: Hardy, not susceptible to a lot of health problems.
Description: Slower growing compared to other breeds.
Florida White
Size: 4-8 lbs
Colors: White
Temperament: Relaxed, Quiet, Friendly
Health: Hardy, not susceptible to a lot of health problems.
Description: On the smaller side for a meat rabbit. This breed was originally developed in Florida for laboratory purposes. They have an excellent feed to meat conversion ratio.
BONUS: Flemish Giant
Size: 9-14 lbs (some up to 22 lbs)
Colors: Black, Blue, Steel Gray, Light Grey, Sandy, Fawn, White
Temperament: Docile, Sweet, Intelligent
Health: Hardy, not susceptible to a lot of health problems though care needs to be taken to prevent sore hocks.
Description: Though these rabbits reach large sizes, these gentle giants are not the best breed for meat production. They grow slower and are bigger boned. Therefore, they have a poor feed to meat conversion ratio.
And there you have it! There’re so many wonderful breeds to choose from. It’s just finding what works best for you.
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Photos From Pixabay: New Zealand, Californian, American Chinchilla, Silver Fox, Champagne D’ Argent, Cinnamon, Satin, Palomino, Florida White, Flemish Giant, Florida White
Resources:
https://www. petguide.com/breeds/rabbit/californian-rabbit/
https:// petkeen.com/best-meat-rabbit-breeds/
