09/14/2026
Meat Rabbit experiment
Here will be the parameters for the experiment going forward.
● Kits will be weaned as near to 7 weeks as I can manage.
● Where the number of kits in a litter allow, an equal number of kits will be placed in each of the Groups 1-3. If there is not enough kits to equally fill each group, Group 2 will get the lesser number of kits. If there is an excess number, Group 2 will get the excess kit.
● Different litters weaned at the same time will be housed together (after dividing into groups). I will not mix kits if they are weaned at different times. Note: This is to eliminate any additional stress of established/older rabbits in a cage picking on newly introduced rabbits.
● Deciding which rabbits will go into which Groups will be totally random. I would like to keep male and female separated, but for the sake of this experiment, I may be keeping them together. I expect growout times to be slightly longer so I really don't want them breeding. 《☆☆☆Suggestions welcome on how to handle this during the experiment. I currently have limited rabbit tractor space.☆☆☆》
● All rabbits will be weighed at weaning and then every 5 days thereafter until processing. Last weights will be taken immediately before and after processing.
● To be open, some rabbits may not be processed, these may be retained for breeding stock. These rabbits will have a final live weight taken the day their Group-mates are processed.
● Processing age and timing is to be determined yet. I do plan to process depending on weight, not age. I haven't decided what that weight will be. 《☆☆☆Suggestions as to what weight I should shoot for are welcome!!☆☆☆》
● All rabbits are permanently marked with tattoos to keep track.
● All rabbits will be kept in tractors. They will have full access to grass and minor w**ds through these tractors. They will have fresh water available at all times. They will also have a second level in each tractor to be able to get up and off the ground. Each tractor will be covered as protection from sun and rain, and a shelter will be available inside each one. Besides what is listed here, see the next section of individual Group feeding guidelines.
■Group 1: Free feeding a 15% pellet and access to some hay and/or forage I pick. Tractor will be moved at least 1X daily. I will do my best to keep track of what they are consuming daily in pellets.
■Group 2: Measured feeding of a 15% pellet. 3/4 cup per rabbit per day, this is approximately 3oz, but I will be measuring by volume not weight. Access to a large portion of forage. Forage goal weight is 1-1/2 # of forage per rabbit per day. This amount may change depending on how much old forage I end up cleaning out of the tractor each day or if they eat more than expected. The goal is to have fresh forage available most of the time. The tractor will be moved at least 3X per day.
■Group 3: Measured feeding of 1/4 cup per rabbit of a 15% pellet. I would like to eliminate pellets fully, but I'm hoping this small amount will help balance any vitamin or mineral needed with the primarily forage diet. 《☆☆☆Feel free to offer opinions on whether any pellets are even necessary here. ☆☆☆》 Forage goal weight is 2-1/2 # of forage per rabbit. This amount may change depending on how much old forage I end up cleaning out of the tractor each morning or if they eat more than expected. I may also have to adjust as they grow The goal is to have fresh forage available all of the time. I will weigh and keep track of daily forage given and keep notes on waste. Depending on my schedule hay may be substituted for forage, but rarely. Tractor will be moved at least 4X a day.
●Collected forage will include (but not be limited to)the following:
Jerusalem artichoke (aerial parts)
Comfrey
Mallow
Wormwood
Catnip
Lemon balm
Grass
Smart w**d (lady's thumb)
Lamb's quarters
Raspberry leaves
Dandelion
Plantain
Mulberry leaves
Chicory
Clover (red and white)
Mint
Queen Anne's Lace
Stinging nettle
Autumn olive
Grape leaves
Pinecones, apple branches, Mulberry branches and similar will be given to chew on.
Note: Jerusalem artichoke, Comfrey, Mallow and grass will most likely be the bulk of the forage. Amounts of any plants offered will vary daily.
If I forgot any aspect of this experiment that I should be considering, please let me know. Feedback is always welcome. If you read everything, thanks! I look forward to sharing this journey with you.
