Cute and Fluffy - An Overview of Raising Rabbits

Raising rabbits is an incredibly rewarding experience — whether you're raising them for companionship, meat, fiber, or simply for the joy of watching their antics. These gentle creatures are easy to care for, quick to multiply (pun intended!), and can be a wonderful addition to your farm or backyard setup.
At Choose Joy Farm, we've had our fair share of experience with rabbits and are excited to share some helpful tips and lessons we've learned along the way.

Why Raise Rabbits?Rabbits are incredibly versatile animals. They’re a sustainable meat source, wonderful fiber producers (especially breeds like the Angora), and they make excellent pets with their curious personalities. Plus, rabbit manure is one of the best fertilizers for gardens — it’s rich, nutrient-dense, and can be applied directly without composting.
Fun fact: Rabbit manure is often called “gardeners’ gold” because it doesn’t burn plants like other animal manures!

Choosing the Right Rabbit BreedDifferent breeds fit different purposes, so it’s important to know your goals.
Here’s a quick breakdown:

• New Zealand: Popular for meat production.
  
• Californian: Another top meat breed, known for rapid growth.
  
• Angora: Raised for their luxurious wool.
  
• Holland Lop: Small, adorable, and perfect as a pet.
  
• Rex: Known for their incredibly soft, velvety fur.
  

Fun fact: Angora rabbits produce about 1 pound of wool per year!

Rabbit Housing: Cozy and CleanRabbits are relatively easy to house but do best in clean, dry, and well-ventilated areas. They need protection from predators, rain, and extreme heat or cold. Many people choose between two options: hutches or colonies.

• Hutches: Individual cages, often elevated, easy for cleaning and monitoring.
  
• Colonies: Larger spaces where multiple rabbits live together (requires careful management).
  

Each rabbit needs about 12 square feet of space.
Fun fact: Rabbits love to dig — if you raise them on the ground, be sure to secure your fencing underground!

Feeding Your RabbitsRabbits require a steady diet of hay (like timothy or orchard grass), a small amount of pellets, and occasional fresh vegetables like leafy greens.

• Hay: Should make up the bulk of their diet.
  
• Pellets: Chosen carefully for quality; not too much, or obesity can become an issue.
  
• Fresh Water: Always available, preferably changed daily.
  

Fun fact: A rabbit’s teeth never stop growing! Chewing hay helps naturally wear them down.

Breeding RabbitsRabbits have a reputation for multiplying quickly — and it’s well-earned!
A few things to know:

• Gestation is only about 30 days.
  
• A doe (female rabbit) can give birth to a litter of 4–12 kits.
  
• Rabbits can breed year-round but prefer cooler temperatures.
  

If you plan to breed rabbits, be prepared for rapid population growth and have homes or plans ready for the new kits!
Fun fact: Rabbits can become pregnant again within 24 hours of giving birth!

Daily Care and MaintenanceTaking care of rabbits includes:

• Checking their water and food daily
  
• Spot cleaning cages or bedding
  
• Regular grooming (especially Angoras)
  
• Handling them gently and often to maintain socialization
  

Rabbits are quiet creatures, but they thrive on routine, care, and gentle attention.
Fun fact: A happy rabbit will sometimes “binky” — leaping into the air and twisting its body in joy!

Raising rabbits is a simple but deeply rewarding adventure. Whether you're looking to improve your garden, add a gentle pet to your home, or start a sustainable project, rabbits are a wonderful choice for farmers and families alike.