Rabbit farming in South Africa involves the breeding of rabbits for the meat industry as well as for the use of fur and wool. This is done at large commercial concerns on as well as on subsistence farming level.
South Africa Online ® is offering content written by a rabbit farming specialist in all 11 South Africa languages to empower subsistence farmers to improve their farming methods in a humane and sustainable manner.
Cleaning Equipment for Rabbit Farmers
Therefore it is important to have the right equipment to clean the rabbit area, inside or outside, the cages and the equipment used in the c...moreCleaning of Rabbit Cages
Doors to the cages must be big enough to be able to take the rabbit out easily and to ensure that cleaning can easily be achieved....moreDiseases in Rabbits
South Africa is one of the few countries in the world free of two major rabbit diseases that can kill large numbers of rabbits very quickly....moreEquipment - Rabbit Boxes
Most farmers choose to use wooden boxes, either placed in the cage or clipped onto the outside of the cage with a hole in the cage for the d...moreEquipment Needed for Starting Rabbit Farming
This include feed containers, a water system, hay ricks, storage bins for feed, cleaning equipment, nest and transport cages, and a first ai...moreGlossary of Rabbit Breeding Terms
Here is a list of terms used in rabbit farming and an explanation for each of them....moreHerbs for Rabbits and Their Uses
Herbs are fed to rabbits either fresh or dry, but dried herbs can cause problems unless it’s mixed into food....moreHistory of the South African Rabbit industry
Rabbits were one of the few types of meat available during the war in Europe and returning servicemen saw a huge potential....moreHousing for Rabbits
Before buying rabbits it is important to decide on their housing – the type of cage, size and position....moreHow to Cook Rabbit Meat
It is all but fat-free, with the only fat on the carcass being around the kidneys and thin strips on the shoulders....moreHow to Handle a Rabbit
When approaching your rabbitry, talk to the rabbits to let them know that you are coming and that you are not a predator....moreIntroduction to Sustainable Rabbit Farming
Before a family or community can look at rabbits as a food resource, a number of things need to be in place. Vegetable garden is required. I...moreMedium-sized Dual-purpose Breeds
The pelt from a mature rabbit gives the highest possible quality; therefore the highest price when either sold or used to produce a quality ...moreMentoring of New Rabbit Farmers
It is very important for new rabbit farmers to have guidance on how to handle any problems that might occur and to have an understanding of ...moreRabbit Baby Management
Rabbit baby management is vital if your business is going to succeed, every baby lost is a youngster that will never be seen as profit....moreRabbit Baby Management: Weaning
In high-level commercial rabbitries, all babies are weaned at four weeks because their mothers will have been re-mated within a couple of da...moreRabbit Breeding
The closer you stock is to the breed standards for that breed, the better chance you will have to produce a top quality product....moreRabbit Breeding: Bucks and Does
The bucks in your herd are the most valuable animals you have and should be of the highest possible quality....moreRabbit Cages
Most rabbit cages are made from galvanised chicken wire as wire cages are easy to clean but these cages it must be placed either in a build...moreRabbit Farming for Food Security
Rabbits could be the answer to the food security needs of Africa’s rural and suburban areas where a large sector of unemployed and underfe...moreRabbit Feeding
Whatever style of feeding your rabbits you decide to follow, it is important that it is consistent. Feed at the same time every day, but it ...moreRabbit Skinning and Eviscerating
After slaughtering, the rabbit carcass should be hung head down so that the stomach, just below the genitals, is at eye level....moreRecord Keeping in Rabbit Farming
Even for a rabbit business that has only four or five does (female rabbit), a basic system of record keeping is essential....moreSlaughter of Rabbits And The Law
Before starting to breed rabbits commercially (and not just for home consumption) it is important to establish a market for your product....moreTypes of Meat Rabbits
Breeds are created for a specific purpose and the closer the rabbit is to its breed standard the better the end product will be so it is imp...moreWelfare of Rabbits
Rabbits for rabbit farming must be kept in cages to be successful breeders, for protection and to preserve the environment....more