RAISING MARKET RABBITS

WHAT DO I NEED TO PURCHASE TO GET STARTED?

Cages - At least 2

Water Bowls

Feeders

Feed

Scales (A small kitchen scale that weighs in pounds and ounces)

***IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU PURCHASE A GOOD SET OF SCALES THAT WEIGH IN OUNCES, UP TO AT LEAST 5 LBS.  FOR MOST MARKET RABBIT SHOWS, THE WEIGHT LIMIT FOR MEAT PENS IS 5 LBS PER BUNNY.****

BREEDS

 The best breeds for market rabbits are Californians or New Zealands. Other breeds are also acceptable as long as they are an ARBA recognized meat breed. 

Always make sure that you buy from a reputable breeder. Do not buy from a feed store. They are typically breeder culls. 

HOUSING

You can build your own cages or you can purchase them. Your cage needs to be no less than 33-36 inches wide and 24" deep. It should be made of 1"X 2" Galvanized Wire.  

The floor of the cage needs to be double dipped, galvanized wire 1/2" X 1" squares. 

Wooden framed cages are not acceptable. Rabbits will chew on the wood instead of eating their food. They will also urinate on the wood creating the potential for coat stains. 

*****NO HAY IN THE CAGES******ONLY IN NEST BOXES WHEN KINDLING***.    

***IT IS BEST TO HAVE EXTRA CAGES TO SEPARATE BUNNIES CLOSER TO SHOW DATE.*** 

WATERERS

It is recommended that you use water bowls instead of bottles. 

FEEDERS

Metal feeders that hang on the side of the cage should be fine. 

HERE’S THE MIXTURE FOR THE“SEEDS”: (Do not start feeding without directive from ag teacher)

1 LB. BLACK OIL SUNFLOWER SEEDS                     1 LB BARLEY

1 LB. CHEAP OAT MEAL                                        1 LB CRIMPED OATS

2 LBS. SHOW BLOOM