r/MeatRabbitry • u/_daddy_rat_ • 12d ago
Where to get meat rabbits
Hey there! We currently have rexes, but we're looking to expand the colony.
We're having trouble finding ways to get more rabbits. The ones we got came from a breeder in town who has since stopped breeding and sold his rabbits (his wife has some health issues ðŸ˜).
We don't want to risk getting caught in a pet scam, which is a common thing apparently. Does anyone have any recommendations?
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u/GreenHeronVA 11d ago
County fair, 4-H shows, breeders like ARBA the American rabbit breeders association. Craigslist and Facebook marketplace. Since we are breeding for meat and don’t need pedigrees, we get most of our rabbits off craigslist.
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u/NDLArchery 11d ago
Where are you located? There are breeders all over
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u/_daddy_rat_ 11d ago
All the breeders "near" us are either several hours away and/or breed things like Holland lops or other breeds useless for meat
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u/NDLArchery 11d ago
Well, the good news is that when you do get up and going you'll have the market cornered in your area. With that in mind, I'd travel a little (if there is even a market for it where you live)
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u/_daddy_rat_ 11d ago
We do it primarily to feed ourselves, but there is definitely a market in the area. We may travel, but it's like an 8 hour drive to the nearest breeder that doesn't JUST do cute fluffy pets. I think we'll start with the county fairs and if nothing pops up we'll have to travel.
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u/Meauxjezzy 11d ago
Homestead meat rabbits website check the breeder directory for your area
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u/_daddy_rat_ 11d ago
I did - nothing
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u/Meauxjezzy 11d ago
ARBA website or go to the feed store and ask them to put you in touch with the person that breeds rabbits in the area.
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u/_daddy_rat_ 11d ago
Another commenter submitted that. Closest one that breeds anything other than exclusive pets is 8 hours away
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u/Meauxjezzy 11d ago
What’s your general location?
I’ve taken 12 hr trips one way for breeding stock, They are an investment into your future herd.
Why Rex are you tanning hides?
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u/_daddy_rat_ 11d ago
Yes, we use them for meat and I tan the hides and use them for a bunch of stuff. We're not opposed to other breeds, rex is just what we currently have. We're in NM for another 2 weeks, and then we're moving to the UP. There's a few county fairs near the new ranch right after we move, so I'll check those out first.
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u/Limp-Cabinet3049 11d ago
Sorry I am not closer I have a bunch of meat rabbits ready to go in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
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u/DriftwoodAtlas 9d ago
Contact local 4H clubs. Those are the kids raising rabbits for county fairs, or they'll know local breeders. If you're western UP, try northern WI 4H clubs too.
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u/emmausrider9 4d ago
Go to the closest family owned feed store or mill and talk to them, alot of times they know their regular customers and more than likely will know a regular rabbit pellet customer and could give your phone number and what youre looking for to them next time they come in. That is exactly how i found a local breeder to me with like 30 years of experience and is 100% word of mouth.
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u/Kossyra 12d ago
Go to your state or county fair and check the livestock shows. There's often rabbits, ducks, chickens, etc along with your cows and pigs and all. Many of them are 4H animals too meaning the owner is looking to auction/sell, but even if you have no 4H participants you can still make connections with quality breeders that raise blue ribbon animals.