The rabbit scraps that you don't eat your chickens, cats, dogs (or bears if you bear hunt) might. Don't forget about bone broths too! You can also do lots of cool stuff with rabbit fur and hides. If you're creative enough and put in the time and effort there is very little waste. Even their poop can be used in the garden!

Very well done. The math doesn't lie and the whiteboard breeding schedule was very beneficial. I appreciate homesteaders who tell it the way it is. Keep the videos coming.

Three harvests a year and a bit of fishing sounds like a sustainable deal. With a decent garden, of course.

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

It sure could be.

@matthew-ww6vs

3 жыл бұрын

Still needs more fat

@kevymoranski3887

3 жыл бұрын

You also need a bread thrift store. Oh, and a liquor store.

@kevineldridge9452

3 жыл бұрын

@@kevymoranski3887 Grow your own grains, make your own bread & booze...?!? ;^p

@yosephbuitrago897

3 жыл бұрын

Kevin Eldridge easier said that done

Thanks a lot for sharing. You've made it a lot easier to start, because now I know what to do and what to expect. It's people like you that make the internet awesome.

This is a great video. Love the presentation. If i may add a few tips to this wonderful info. Bucks may go heat sterile during hot weather. In most cases it's temporary. Just realize that you may need to give your rabbits the summer off. I always put my young new breeder does in a cage near other bred does. They do watch what's going on, and they kinda do learn from seeing the neighbor mom doing her thing. When it gets time to breed, I make sure the doe can see the buck for a few days, and I add some sunflower seeds to her diet a week before breeding. This makes a big difference in success. I bred angoras and angora crosses for fiber, meat and pet sales. I had cages for 8 does and 2 bucks. All of my cages had a shelf in them so the rabbits could have a vantage point, and it gave mom a place to relax away from her kits.

I live in Texas - it gets hot! I keep 2 bucks/4 does because I basically don't breed from end of May to End of October, which only gives me 7 breadable months. Well, technically, I do the 1/2 but have 1 set breeding and 1 set maturing to breeding age. (i.e. keep 2 does from May kindle and pick up a non-dna related buck from a "after easter" sale to replace the aging buck. I'll keep a really good mother, but generally dress them out after 1-2 breeding "seasons". We eat approximately 1 per week, so 52ish per year (empty nesters). The balance are sold/traded and the $ from selling a few pays for the feed for the rest. Feed is about $16.00/50# and supplement with grass clippings, garden scraps, kitchen scraps, and hay.

@mekon1971

3 жыл бұрын

@Dan Segarra Not from a catch bag, but I use a weed eater and go find some overgrown areas and cut that and they love that. I don't treat my yard with any chemicals. In the wild their diet is probably 90% or more grasses.

@SpragueRiverHomestead

3 жыл бұрын

@@mekon1971 domestic rabbits haven't been wild in over 100 years, so a "wild diet" doesn't apply. In fact, when fiber gets over 25% it actually slows down gut function and inhibits vitamin absorption. True wild rabbits also don't take in that high of percentage of grasses. Wilds eat a large (surprisingly so) amount of barks and woody plants. Almost HALF of their diet in fact is woody plants, not grass.

@SpragueRiverHomestead

2 жыл бұрын

@@68Tboy you must be new around here. Never did I say anything about trusting any feed company. Watch more of our videos before you tell me what my opinions are. I pointed out that the comment about diets in the wild being over 90% grasses is bull. Plus that science shows a diet in domestic rabbits with more than 25% fiber sllws growth and inhibits gut function. I'm well aware of when feed started being manufactured. A true rabbit feed wasn't even developed until the late 70s.

@SpragueRiverHomestead

2 жыл бұрын

@@68Tboy rabbits were domesticated in the 1400s (possibly 1300s as research is ongoing), so your "thousands of years" isn't correct either. As rabbits were domesticated and we changed their feeds we changed the animals themselves. That's how selection works. Animals that thrive on how we feed get used for breeding. Those who don't, die whether by nature or culling. Yes, you can feed rabbits a "natural" diet. Some will thrive, some won't. Regardless, it doesn't change my above comments.

@cellasedui6061

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I don't breed my does in the winter, I live in Canada and it's COLD. The babies would die, breeders around here pause breeding from October to March unless they have indoor facilities or some sort of heating system which most breeders around here don't.

thanks, excellent info, straight talk no wasted chit-chatting

In the tropics. Daylight length is not a problem, so we breed year round. Summer heat can be problematic and to overcome that, a gallon jug of frozen water is placed in the pen every afternoon to cool the air. If I plan to breed 2 does, I always start off with 3 and keep the two better ones.

Thanks for doing my math. I have no experience, but wanna start ASAP. Thank you!

Not quite ready to start bunnies... still have a lot of work to do to get my place ready for anything beyond a few chickens but this was turbo helpful in planning for the future. Thanks for being so efficient in your presentation.

Great video! I love that you get straight into the numbers, and also balance the maximum theoretical output with what is more humane. In my mind if you need ~200 pounds finished meat and you could produce it with two does and one buck at an unsustainable rate, why not get three or four does. That gives you more resilience in case one of your does is a bad mom. And if you increase it to two bucks, you can keep a great deal of genetic diversity when you keep your next generation of does and bucks.

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

We prefer to keep more animals that don't have to work as hard.

I breed NZW/ chinchillas, on a much less aggressive schedule, not as firm to a timestamp either. My does stay relaxed and breed well into year 4. I process at 12 weeks and my kits average 5.5 lbs bone in at that time. I tend to sell more than I get to consume due to high demand,,,lol,,, great info

@tonymac2178

4 жыл бұрын

Joe Bee do you have pure chinchillas? And where are you located?

@sweettooth5737

4 жыл бұрын

I’m in PA. Are you anywhere nearby??? I’d like Chinchillas as well.

@lovemydoglive

4 жыл бұрын

what do you sell them for?

this is indeed a great lesson. i am a beginner with 3 bucks and 4 does but with this maths I can now calculate my production for this year.

I agree with you on the numbers. I am in the stages of getting ready to breed meat rabbits and I loved how you presented your information. I will be following your channel from now on....Thanks so much for the info. Anything about rabbits and I'm interested.

@robertyoung7255

3 жыл бұрын

I totally agree, thanks!

in the deep south of Louisiana, air condition room worked well when i raised new zealands

Well done!Good information, pros and cons. 3x’s a year with good exercise, can get 4 to 5 years of good breeding.

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching 😊

Thank you for your time and efforts in making these videos available to us. This one was excellent.

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome!

Thank you for the breakdown from a knowledgeable viewpoint. Doing my research, you have been very helpful!

Very amazing break down. Good job. Just subscribed. Love the channel

I just subbed. I like your no beating around the bush. Straight up to the point with honest figures by the been there done that method. Proof of just what to expect. Thank You. Oh, YA! I did not hear or see any Bambi syndrome.

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

We're pretty blunt on our videos. Thanks for the sub!

@christinamoneyhan5688

4 жыл бұрын

Just watched your video on best meat rabbits. Great! I really like your openness. Thank you.

I enjoy your videos. You stay on point and make following you easy. Thanks for your non-complicated approach. I also appreciate your husband's videos - no fluff - just topic on hand- his style keeps me from skipping to the next video.

This was very informative. Could you also show the layouts of your pins? Thank you

A great resource for new starters. Very well done and thank you.

i’m a super visual learner! i might actually draw this out for myself! i love this so much thank you!

I love you guys , I'm glad there's finally good info ;)

THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO; YOU REALLY BROKE EVERYTHING DOWN FOR ME.

This was one of the most informative videos I've seen on the subject so thank you!! Just subbed!! And how don't you have more subs lol, you guys are awesome and I def appreciate the help!

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

Glad the info could help. We tried to build the complete series covering everything we've learned in the last 8 or so years, but we continually find better ways to explain the subject.

So helpful seeing it explained like this

Good video. Will probably do some variant of this, but it is a good starting point at least.

Thank you for the amazing detail! Keeping good records of stock is so important.

@SpragueRiverHomestead

6 жыл бұрын

Cassity ART - absolutely agree! We track everything here, from goats to rabbits to birds. Thanks for watching!

Nice run through of the math. First time viewer. I subscribed.

Thanks for the visual! Definitely helps me see where i was slightly off. Getting ready to pull the trigger for starting my rabbitry. ❤

Thank You!! I've seen this formula before and thought it was a bit aggressive and idealistic to rely on but not knowing much about rabbits thought maybe that's just how things work with rabbits and I need to adjust my expectations. So good to see you clarify it and that my gut feeling was right, damn you ever knowing gut feeling!

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

Always trust the gut. Thousands of years of evolution can't be too wrong.

I have been dabbling in rabbits for several years. I agree on much. I live in a northern area. I do not breed does more than2-3X a year. Slowly learning more and growing. Kinda keep around 2 bucks and 4-6 does. Am not losing weight due to malnutrition

This is fantastic information. Thank you so much!

Exactly the prince info I was looking for! Thanks!

@SpragueRiverHomestead

3 жыл бұрын

Hope it helped. Thanks for watching.

Very sound advice. Thank you

Thank you. Very helpful information.

Thanks for your video it was a big help to me. I am wanting to start breeding my own rabbits and was needing this question answered. You have give me just what i need to start this journey. Thanks again.

Very helpful. thank you!

Very thoughtful information well done thanks

Awesome explanation, thank you! Now I have a schedule I can picture when I begin breeding 1 Oct (too hot still here!)! I have two sets of does, so I'm gonna alternate them, so as not to wear them out! Love your channel!

Excellent video thank you for the information.

Thanks for information and keeping to point. No fluff in video. Also thanks for noting that schedule was aggressive and may not be best for does.

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Nice break down. Appreciate you

That’s very descriptive. Good job.

My NZW averaged 7 kits per doe. My English lops averaged 10 kits per doe. So when the English were not raising pure bred for sale they got crossed to my California buck for a great meat rabbit. Sadly the California does only averaged 5 kits per litter. They were great confirmation and won me several ribbons as they came from a breeder that cared more about show standards than production. Thought some more real world numbers may help.

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

Depends on lines for sure. My NZ averaged 9 when I had them. A friend that raises Californians averages 8. Overall, studies indicate that 8 is the average in meat breeds. Thanks for watching!

For someone who is a visual learner, this video was really helpful! I appreciate all of the great tips you gave as well - this was so helpful to consider and keep in mind from an experienced homesteader with rabbitry! Thank you 🙌😊

I live in Arizona, so I am glad you said that about the heat.

Thanks for this informative video. I have 4 does and 2 bucks. I can breed only 2 does at a time because my rabbitry is small - and I can't house more than 20 kits at a time. So they can get a break by taking turns.

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

It sounds like a good setup. 20 kits is plenty.

@saulroot1337

11 ай бұрын

Hi quick question what size is your rabbitry. Height width and length .. thanks

Great video, I’m just getting started with breeding rabbits and this was really helpful.

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@lydiasammy1857

4 жыл бұрын

@@SpragueRiverHomestead George I would like to if rabbits is pregient will she still let the buck mount her

@lydiasammy1857

4 жыл бұрын

Dose rabbit go over her due date if so how long

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

@@lydiasammy1857 a pregnant doe will sometimes let a buck mount, but she won't lift for him (usually). They'll also make grunting noises to discourage him. A doe can go as long as 38 days, so if she looks and acts pregnant then give her some time.

"I call bupkiss" hahahaha

Thanks for the great information.

Great video, thank you!

This is a fabulous video. Thank you much!

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

You are welcome!

Great work, thanks a lot

Very informative. Thank you.

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

We can't breed in summer here as it's too hot and bucks are heat sterile. This year first breeding for winter started Nov. So we will breed into spring and then done till late fall.

This is such a great video! Greetings from Norway.

Just starting thanks for your support

great intel, thanks

So easy to understand- thx much!!

@SpragueRiverHomestead

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

I got a lot of useful information from this video, thank you!

Rabbits are smart because they know how to multiply. Thanks for sharing!

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

That just put a smile on my face. Nice one!

Love this, we just bought 2 does and 1 buck of Californian and 1 buck of New Zealand so that we can mix and match as well as get some pure breed for sales and we are really excited to watch the rabbit math in action.

@SpragueRiverHomestead

3 жыл бұрын

That is awesome! Good luck!

Amazing video! Thank You!

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

Thank you. Very. Informative

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

An Interesting & Educative channel thanx.

Thanks for the awesome breakdown.

@SpragueRiverHomestead

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Thank you for the information. Wife and I just might make this commitment.🌈😃🤙

Great presentation. I hadn't considered how quickly they burn out and stop producing. Still in the planning phase, but I will take your recommendations into consideration when I get started.

You are the Best !~ Thank you .

Super helpful. Thank you

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Good clear video good information thank you very much young lady

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

Hey, I have zero interest in breeding rabbits except as an academic exercise, but I wanted to say that your handwriting was great, and you were very clear in your explanation. Great video, thank you for producing it.

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Wow. Very informative!

Great video, thanks!

Excellent video. Very informative

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Thanks very well done.😊

Thanks> very helpful and clear.

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Thanks :) That was a great video

Back in the days, I would rebreed the doe 4 days/kit after she has her litter. So for 8 kits it would be 32 days, for 3 kits, 12 days. Breeding both at the same time allows for sharing of the kits across each nest, so each would be synchronized in rebreeding.

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

I'm really curious as to why you used this method. Understanding rabbit physiology as I do it seems to be just an arbitrary number/method, and one I've never heard of. Can you get me some details/explanation on why the four days? Super curious. Thanks for watching and really looking forward to your response.

I breed Holland lops. My breeding season is from Late March to about Nov. Im in NH it got down to - 45 F here. My litter size is only 4 lol I have a herd of 28 bunnys.

@tannerkilbey10

4 жыл бұрын

Do you breed them as meat rabbits or show rabbits?

Very infomative

Great video!

Great advice

Fascinating info! Thanks. Now I need to find some rabbit meat to see if we like it. I really want them for the fantastic manure for my garden😁

@SpragueRiverHomestead

5 жыл бұрын

If you can't find any in your local grocery store, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's often have them. Butcher shops usually will as well. Good luck and thanks for watching!

cLEAR CONCISE AND TO THE POINT, VERY VERY HELPFUL. tHIS WAS THE BEST VID I've SEEN YET. wow.... caps, sry. lol

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

thank you for the knowledge and I from Indonesia will increase my knowledge of raising rabbits

Good job, thank you👍

Math got a little wonky when adding up the total. 80 kits at 5# each is 400# LW, NOT 360. Leaving you with 240# of meat from the year of stock. Maybe you decided not to count that last litter since its not processed til mid jan??

@SpragueRiverHomestead

5 жыл бұрын

You're right on both counts. I wasn't counting the litter to be processed in January because it was out of the scope of the year we were looking at, but I also made a mistake in my math. LOL

Helped a lot fixn to get started From mississippi

@SpragueRiverHomestead

3 жыл бұрын

Good Luck!

GOOD INFO THANKS

This is awesome, if only i could find such presentations for other livestock as well :)

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

I'm working on one now for Cornish cross meat chickens. What other livestock are you looking for?

@nicholasbrassard3512

4 жыл бұрын

@@SpragueRiverHomestead chickens and goats also, looking forward to your chicken video!

@TheRogZone

4 жыл бұрын

Quail seem to be much talked about in place of chicken for the urban farmer. Have you raised quail in a small setting?

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheRogZone we haven't done them yet but are planning to give them a go in the spring. A dear friend of mine has raised them, and says they are fabulous for urban growers.

Thank you for the vid

Thank you!

Man, that was great!

Great video thanks

@SpragueRiverHomestead

4 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

I'm about to start and i was going buck and 2 does and hope for 4 a year and I was estimating 120lbs a year so I'm not too off lol

Thanks very interesting