I started raising rabbits this year, and I’m in love. I really didn’t realize how much they have to offer.

Raising rabbits is a fantastic decision, whether you’re doing it for an endless supply of plant food, sustainable meat production, fiber, or to support a hobby or income source. I know it’s not common to think of rabbits as meat animals in some areas, but they’re incredibly high in protein and delicious (they’re served in some nice restaurants out here in California, and the flavor is amazing). You don’t have to be a chef, though: You can substitute rabbit for chicken in basically any recipe with great results.

But how do you get started? This guide walks you through the basics of raising rabbits, covering everything from choosing the right breed to housing, feeding, and health care.

Why should I raise rabbits?

Are you looking for incredible plant food? A sustainable source of delicious meat? Rabbits are incredibly lovely, they’re a space-efficient, easy-to-raise source of meat, and they’re constantly pooping this phenomenal plant food that you can use immediately. They can also adapt well to a variety of environments and can be perfectly content in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Here are the top reasons raising rabbits is a smart move:

1. They’re wonderful pets

Rabbits make affectionate, gentle, and low-maintenance pets. They’re quiet, they’re surprisingly clean, and they can even be litter-trained, which is pretty amazing. They’re so soft and peaceful!

2. They’re delicious

This may not be what you’re into, but rabbit meat is lean, incredibly high in protein, and it’s considered one of the most sustainable meat sources. Rabbits reproduce quickly and have a high feed-to-meat conversion rate, making them an eco-friendly option for homesteads or small farms looking to raise their own meat. I haven’t done the math, but there are a number of people out there who argue that raising rabbits for meat is actually cheaper than chickens in the long run because they reproduce readily and can rear their young. Chickens, on the other hand, are a meat source you need to purchase and raise each time you want to have chickens to butcher.

3. Garden gold

Rabbit manure is nutrient-rich and excellent for gardening. Unlike most other types of animal manure, rabbit droppings can be added directly to your soil without composting them first, which is unbelievably valuable. I was shocked when I started using rabbit poop in my garden. My plants were larger and more productive than ever before, and I swear I could see the difference it made within hours of adding it!

4. Do you craft?

If you’re the crafting sort or interested in adding an income source, rabbit pelts are great to work with. Plus, certain breeds like Angoras produce wool that can be spun into luxurious yarn. Raising rabbits for fiber can be an excellent decision if you’re interested in sewing, handcrafts, knitting, and more.

Choosing the right rabbit breed

There are a lot of rabbit breeds to choose from, and the right one for you depends on your goals. Rabbits can vary widely in size and temperament, and each breed has specific traits that make them more suitable for pets, meat production, or fur use. People often want smaller breeds for pets, but if you’re taking the time and energy to raise livestock for food, you’re going to want a bigger animal. If you want them for a specific craft, you’ll be looking at some very specific breeds and characteristics.

There are a lot of breeds out there, but these are some of the most popular breeds for each purpose:

Pet breeds

Holland Lop: Small and friendly, Holland Lops are one of the most popular pet rabbit breeds. They have floppy ears and a gentle demeanor, making them ideal companions.

Mini Rex: Known for their velvety-soft fur, Mini Rex rabbits are small, easy to handle, and have a calm temperament.

Lionhead: These rabbits are known for their unique mane of fur around their heads, giving them a distinct, lion-like appearance. They’re small, active, and friendly.

Meat breeds

New Zealand: One of the most common meat rabbit breeds, New Zealand rabbits are large, fast-growing, and known for their excellent meat-to-bone ratio.

Californian: Another popular meat breed, Californians are hardy and easy to raise. They grow quickly and produce high-quality meat.

Flemish Giant: As one of the largest rabbit breeds, Flemish Giants are sometimes raised for meat, though they are also popular as pets due to their docile nature.

Fiber breeds

Angora: Angora rabbits are prized for their wool, which can be spun into yarn. They require regular grooming to maintain the quality of their fur.

Satin Angora: These rabbits have fine, silky wool that is highly sought after by fiber enthusiasts. Like all Angora breeds, they require frequent grooming and shearing.

How do I set up a home for rabbits?

Creating a safe, comfortable, and clean environment is essential for raising healthy rabbits. Depending on whether you are keeping rabbits as indoor pets or in an outdoor rabbitry, their housing needs will vary.

Indoor housing

Rabbits can be perfectly content indoors, either exclusively in cages or with free-range access to a rabbit-proofed area of your home. Here are some key necessities for indoor housing:

Cage or playpen: If your rabbit will be living in a cage, it should be spacious enough for them to move around freely, with enough room to stretch and stand on their hind legs. A good rule of thumb is that the cage should be at least four times the size of your rabbit. Many people opt for an exercise pen or “x-pen” to give their rabbits more room to hop around.

Litter box: Rabbits can be litter-trained quite easily. Provide a litter box filled with rabbit-safe litter (such as paper-based or wood pellet litter) in the corner of their enclosure. Avoid using clay-based or clumping cat litter, as it can be harmful if ingested.

Bunny-proofing: If your rabbit will be roaming freely in your home, bunny-proof any areas they have access to. Cover electrical cords, block off dangerous spaces, and ensure that they cannot chew on furniture or household items.

Outdoor housing

Whether you want to raise them in individual cages for better control or in a colony setting where they can run around together (or some combination of both options), outdoor rabbits need shelter from the elements and protection from predators. Here’s how to set up the perfect outdoor environment:

Hutch: A rabbit hutch should be spacious, secure, and weatherproof. The hutch should have an enclosed area where your rabbits can sleep and feel safe. It needs to have an open area for eating and moving around. If the hutch is elevated off the ground, it will protect your rabbits against moisture, cold, and even some pests and diseases.

Run or exercise pen: Rabbits need space to exercise daily. If you’re keeping your rabbits outdoors, provide them with a secure run or enclosed exercise pen. Make sure the pen is protected from predators and has a roof/cover to protect your bunnies from birds of prey.

Weather protection: Outdoor rabbits need protection from both extreme heat and cold. In hot weather, ensure their hutch is placed in a shaded area and provide plenty of fresh water. Rabbits don’t deal well with heat, so if it’s a hot day, make sure there’s plenty of air movement and consider adding a frozen water bottle to their cages so they have the option of cooling off. In cold weather, add extra bedding for warmth and make sure their water does not freeze.

What should I feed my rabbits?

Proper nutrition is absolutely critical for raising healthy rabbits. Their diet should primarily consist of water and hay, supplemented with an appropriate quantity of pellets and some fresh leafy greens or vegetables.

1. Hay: Hay should make up a good portion of your rabbit’s diet. It provides essential fiber that aids in digestion and helps wear down their continuously growing teeth. Offer your rabbits high-quality hay, like Timothy hay, orchard grass, or meadow hay. Young rabbits and nursing mothers can also have alfalfa hay, which is higher in calcium and protein, but it should be phased out. Too much calcium can cause health problems in rabbits.
2. Water: Rabbits need constant access to fresh, clean water. I have this on the list because it’s so important that they have clean water. Use a water bottle attached to the side of their cage or a heavy, tip-proof bowl. Make sure to check their water daily and replace it frequently.
3. Pellets: Pellets are a good source of concentrated nutrition for your rabbits. Choose high-quality rabbit pellets that are high in fiber (at least 18%) and low in protein and calcium. Avoid pellets that contain seeds, dried fruits, or colored pieces: They’re unhealthy and can lead to obesity.
4. Fresh greens: Fresh greens, herbs and vegetables can provide additional nutrients for your rabbits. Leafy greens and herbs like spinach, parsley, oregano, and kale are excellent choices. You can also offer non-leafy vegetables like carrots (in moderation), bell peppers, and zucchini. Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems, so you don’t want to give too many fresh vegetables. Avoid feeding rabbits iceberg lettuce – it doesn’t have much nutritional value, and it can upset their digestive system.
5. Treats: Rabbits love treats, but they should be given sparingly. Small amounts of fruit can be offered occasionally, but you don’t want to offer them very often. Avoid giving rabbits sugary treats, processed foods, or human snacks because they can lead to obesity and digestive problems.

How do you take care of rabbits?

Rabbits are generally healthy animals, but they need regular grooming and health checks to keep them in top condition.

Grooming

Your rabbits do need regular grooming. If you remember to always provide them with materials to wear down their nails and teeth, you can save yourself a lot of time and trouble.

Brushing: Regular brushing helps keep your rabbit’s coat clean and reduces the risk of hairballs. Long-haired breeds like Angoras need frequent grooming to prevent their fur from matting. Short-haired rabbits only need brushing about once a week, but during shedding seasons, more frequent grooming may be necessary.

Nail trimming: Your rabbit’s nails should be trimmed every 4-6 weeks. If their nails become too long, they can cause discomfort or even lead to injury. You can use small animal nail clippers or ask your vet to show you how to trim them safely.

Dental care: Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously throughout their lives, so it’s important to provide plenty of hay and chew toys (this can include branches from apple, pear, and mulberry trees) to help wear them down naturally. Check their teeth regularly for signs of overgrowth, which can cause pain and eating difficulties.

Health checks

There are a number of health concerns that you can run into, but before you go too deeply down that rabbit hole (see what I did there?), keep these ideas in mind:

Gastrointestinal stasis (GI stasis): This is a serious condition where a rabbit’s digestive system slows down or stops, often due to stress, dehydration, or an improper diet. If your rabbit stops eating or pooping, seek veterinary care immediately, as GI stasis can be fatal.

Parasites: Rabbits, particularly outdoor rabbits, can be prone to fleas, mites, and worms. Check your rabbit’s coat and skin regularly for signs of parasites, and consult your vet if you notice any symptoms like excessive scratching, hair loss, or skin irritation.

Vaccinations: In some regions, rabbits may need vaccinations to protect them against diseases like Myxomatosis and Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD). Check with your vet about any necessary vaccinations for your rabbits.

How to raise happy, healthy rabbits

Raising rabbits is a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires dedication and proper care. Whether you’re raising rabbits as pets or livestock, providing them with a safe environment, a balanced diet, and regular health checks will ensure they live healthy, comfortable lives.

Raising rabbits is a fantastic option for homesteaders and anyone interested in greater self-sufficiency. Whether you’re looking for a sustainable source of high-quality meat, a natural fertilizer for your garden, luxurious fiber for crafting, or a gentle and affectionate friend, rabbits deliver on all fronts. Their low-maintenance nature, ability to thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments, and their minimal environmental impact make them one of the most versatile and rewarding animals to raise.

Enjoy those bunnies. You’re going to love them!

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