Starting Rabbitry with $10 Mini Rexs?

[DellaMyDarling]

Craigslist special!
Haven't gotten all details yet, that could ruin the deal.
In theory, could one begin a Rabbitry with Mini Rex rabbits?
I'm thinking small scale, one big hutch divided into two (I'll have to get you pics) plus some daytime tractors.
We want some freezer meats for us and the dog, selling excess meats would be awesome. I hear Rex is awesome pelt not that I yet know what to do with it, and who doesn't like quality manure?!

Google is conflicting. Rex makes a large dress out weight rabbit but takes longer for rabbit to reach harvest age. Mini Rex seems split opinion, some say very worth it, others prefer other faster growing breeds...thoughts?

 

[HuffleClaw]

I LOVE my 2 mini rex bunnies! It sounds like you’re prepared pretty well for them... So I say go for it

 

[DellaMyDarling]

Awww, handsome fur faces!
The challenge for me will be...harvesting...
I see this as a very practical homestead adventure. Taking such a life, however...

The cute factor. Bunnies are cuter than dusty dirty hens. And I like my hens quite a bit.

 

[cottontail farm]

I've had both a mini rex and a full rex as house pets. I adore bunnies and find them just as smart and personable as small dogs.
Yes, their fur is absolutely spectacular, there is nothing softer in the world. But if you're looking for a meat rabbit I'm not sure they're the way to go. My mini rex was pretty tiny. I would liken a mini rex to rasing banty chickens for meat - yes, ok, meat is meat but it doesn't really seem like it would be worth the effort if that were your goal.
My standard rex was a big guy but lanky and tall (again, yes - meat - but not a TON).
The biggest house rabbit I had was just a regular mixed breed doe. she was a big, fat butterball and had a more stocky "meaty" shape.
If you love the mini Rexes (or find a market for pelts) the Craigslist deal could be the way to go. I'm just not sure how much meat you're going to get off of a mini rex.... dinner for 1? 2 people, maybe?
As far as butchering, knowing how personable they are, I would have a hard time doing it myself, BUT - I know that the little mom and pop place that butchers my poultry will do them for customers. if you have a local butcher perhaps they would be willing to teach you.

 

[cassie]

I know nothing about mini Rex rabbits, but I do know something about meat rabbits and livestock in general. It costs just as much to feed poor quality stock as it does to feed good ones. If you want a small meat rabbit, look into the Florida White. They are small, but they are very dense and meaty and the dressing percentage is very high.

 

[cassie]

Keep in mind that each mature rabbit should have its own cage. As Bunnylady has pointed out, rabbits get along just fine together until they don't. Then it can get pretty bloody. You might want to get the book Storey's Guide to Raising Rabbits by Bob Bennett. It covers all phases of rabbit care and it has a very helpful section on processing. It is available on amazon. That is where I got mine.

 

[Sara L]

I'm not certain mini Rex would be worth it for meat. If you are already having trouble facing the cuteness factor, do you really want to have to butcher 2-3 times the number of rabbits for the same amount of meat as an actual meat breed?

I would keep searching CL for other bunnies, or even post a 'wanted' ad on CL. The CL near me has rabbits posted at least once a month and usually the typical meat mixes of NZ, Californian, etc that grow out fairly quickly to a decent size. I found standard size Rex on CL and paid $40-$50 for the ones I picked, pedigree included. If you really want Rex, look to see if there's a breeder near you.

 

[CoturnixComplex]

I agree, I would not keep mini rex as meat animals. That'd be as poor a death:meat ratio as my little quailies! You will get maybe 1-2 lbs of meat per animal at fryer age as opposed to the 4-6 lbs of proper meat animals.

If you want the soft fur, find the biggest you can find (8-10lbs). Not minis. They're harder to find but they're around!

 

[DellaMyDarling]

Thanks all. Found a breeder not too far off. $50 for a breeding trio of New Zealand's. Was willing to answer a bunch of my questions. They'll be available in a few weeks so I best get working on fixing the "coop".
Anyone experimented with rabbit tractors? I've seen plenty of designs I don't like. The more stuff I can repurpose the better, which can limit design as well.

 

[cottontail farm]

oh, new zelands would be great for your meat neets. I was honestly just thinking if you're in love with the mini rexes mine was a trii-color and he seemed like a really rare coloration. you could always breed them for pattern (to sell) and cull the rest for the freezer. $10 Is very tempting.