How to Start a Profitable Rabbit Farming Business

Do you want to start a profitable rabbit farm? Find here a rabbit farming business plan sample checklist for beginners.

As a matter of fact, rabbit farming is a low-cost livestock business. Additionally, raising the rabbit is one of the best options for small or landless farmers. Rabbits are very small animals. And they occupy a very small space.

The scientific name of the rabbit is Oryctolagus cuniculus. You can raise rabbits in backyards and even at home. Also, it is a great way of earning some extra money for housewives, stay-at-home parents, and students.

Benefits of Rabbit Farming

Rabbit farming is a profitable business. Additionally, it ensures good revenue for farmers and entrepreneurs. Find here 5 great advantages of the rabbit farming business.

First of all, rabbits are small-sized animals. So, they require less space, feed, care, and management. Rabbits can eat waste materials, and they are efficient at extracting protein from forage. Hence, it allows you to initiate a rabbit farm in your backyard, terrace, and even at home.

Secondly, raising rabbits demands a very small startup capital investment compared to other livestock businesses. However, it demands investment for preparing to house, procuring breeds, feeds, equipment, etc.

Thirdly, rabbits have a rabid growth ratio. It gains maturity very fast like broiler chickens. They become suitable for slaughtering purposes within 4 to 5 months. Hence, it ensures quick ROI.

Fourthly, rabbit meat is very nutritious and tasty. It is lower in cholesterol and fat and higher in protein. People of different ages can consume rabbit meat as a healthy animal protein option. Apart from meat, you can sell rabbit wool, skin, and as breeding stock.

Finally, the rabbit has a very high reproduction capacity. One female rabbit can give birth to kids every 30 days and 2 to 8 kids per delivery.

Is Rabbit Farming Business Profitable?

First of all, you can raise rabbits for many different uses. And they can play an important role in a small sustainable farming operation. Definitely, the most common use of rabbits is meat. However, you can also raise rabbits for pelts, manure, show, and laboratory use.

Rabbit meat is high in protein and low in fat, calories, and cholesterol when compared to most of the meats eaten in the United States. On the international market, European countries account for the majority of rabbit production. And China ranks second. However, rabbit production has recently gained attention as an effective means of alleviating poverty in developing countries too.

7 Steps to Start Rabbit Farming Business

Broadly, you can start this business in two ways. One is a commercial rabbit farm and another is at home. In both cases, you must craft a business plan before commencing the business. And your rabbit farming business plan must include a detailed financial projection too. Additionally, include your business objective and marketing policy.

1. Market Research

Before starting this business, you must conduct a market survey. Check the demand for the specific variety of rabbits in your locality. Additionally, identify the local farms that are already raising rabbits. Identify their marketing policy. Additionally, check the demand for the rabbit as a pet and for meat purposes.

2. Licensing

Before getting into this business, check the licensing issues of your state. In the USA, rabbits are protected under the Animal Welfare Act. Hence, it requires that all individuals or businesses dealing with rabbits must be licensed or registered with APHIS.

Rabbits may also be commercially slaughtered in accordance with state, county, or municipal guidelines. A limited number of commercial slaughter facilities exist across the United States. Small-species mobile processing facilities may help fill the need for producing fresh rabbit meat in sufficient quantities for a limited market.

3. Breeds for Rabbit Farming

There are several numbers of breeds available throughout the world. However, you must select the breed according to your specific requirement and the agro-climatic condition of your area. Here, we have provided a list of the most productive breeds that you can consider for your rabbit farm.

• White Giant
• Grey Giant
• Angora
• American Chinchilla
• Checkered Giant
• Silver Marten
• Rex
• Champagne d’ Argent
• English Spot
• Flemish Giant
• Newzealand White
• Newzealand Red
• Californian
• Duch
• Siviet Chinchilla

4. Farming Method & Housing

Broadly, you can raise rabbits in two ways. One is a deep litter system and another is the cage system. However, in both cases, you will need to provide good housing. Because, you have to protect rabbits from weather conditions, rain, sun, and various types of predators like dogs or cats, etc.

You must provide ventilation, cooling, heating, and lighting systems in the rabbit housing. You must take additional care in the winter season. On the other hand, you can use insulated roofs to reduce excessive heat in the summer season and winter condensation.

Additionally, maintain a sanitary system regularly. Actually, proper sanitation helps to protect your farm from different diseases and pest attacks. Ensure that there are enough lights inside the house.  Moderate light management helps the rabbit to grow well and it is essential for their breeding.

5. Feeding

First of all, you must provide good and healthy food for your rabbits. Actually, the right food ensures good health and proper growth. Generally, rabbits can eat and consume all types of grains, legumes, and green fodders like Lucerne, Agathi, Desmanthus, and various types of kitchen wastes including carrots, cabbage leaves, and other vegetable wastes.

If you want to provide pallet foods then also provide some green fodder. Additionally, provide sufficient drinking water to the rabbits.

6. Breeding, Care & Management

Rabbits become eligible for breeding within 5 to 6 months of age. However, use the male rabbits for breeding purposes at 1 year of age to get quality young rabbits. Always use healthy rabbits for breeding with proper age and body weight.

Take extra care of the male rabbit used for breeding purposes and take good care of pregnant rabbits. Proper care and farm management ensure higher productivity. Additionally, it helps to prevent disease and pest attacks too.

Also Read: How to Start a Ornamental Fish Farming Business

7. Promote Your Rabbit Farming Business

Apart from the regular meat rabbit, there is a potential demand for organic rabbits. You can get more prices for organically raised rabbits.

You must tap the local market first. Additionally, you will need to establish the institutional clients also. Furthermore, meat processing units are also your potential buyer. Some producers slaughter their own rabbits for direct sales. Rabbits may also be commercially slaughtered in accordance with state, county, or municipal guidelines.

Also, consider selling rabbits as pets or show animals. Basically, there are thousands of ways you can promote your rabbit farming business in the local market.