Growing Your Own Meat Rabbits Naturally
When it comes to raising rabbits for meat, one of the biggest expenses can be purchasing commercial feed. But did you know you can grow healthy, productive rabbits without ever setting foot in a feed store?
By taking advantage of resources you already have on your homestead, you can cut costs while providing your rabbits with a natural, balanced diet.
Rabbit Feed Doesn’t Need to Come From a Bag
Many homesteaders are surprised to learn that rabbits don’t actually need pelleted feed or commercial mixes. In the wild, rabbits forage on an array of grasses, weeds, leaves, and bark.
On your homestead, you have access to many of the same nutrient-rich plants that rabbits thrive on in their natural habitat.
Some of the best “rabbit feed” you can grow yourself include:
- Alfalfa: High in protein and calcium, alfalfa is one of the best options for rabbits. Grow your own or purchase local hay.
- Grass clippings are free and readily available in the spring, summer, and fall. Be sure to only use pesticide-free clippings.
- Weeds: dandelions, plantains, chickweed—rabbits love them all. Let some weeds grow just for your buns!
- Vegetable scraps: carrot tops, lettuce leaves, and melon rinds. Feed sparingly to avoid digestive upset.
- Tree leaves and branches: maple, oak, and fruit tree prunings are rabbit delicacies in autumn.
By planting a small rabbit forage patch or simply utilizing what’s already growing around your property, you have the makings of an all-natural, low-cost rabbit diet. Supplement this with a small amount of pelleted feed or whole oats for fiber and nutrients.
Beyond Bagged Feed
There are other ways to supplement a homegrown rabbit diet without store-bought mixes. Consider raising chickens and using their manure as a natural protein source for rabbits.
Grow your own grains like oats, barley, or wheat; rabbits love these as occasional treats. Forage for wild edibles like dandelion, plantains, or mulberries in spring and summer.
Final Thoughts
With some creativity and observation of your land’s resources, you’ll find you have many natural options to nourish meat rabbits. Not only will your buns thrive on a varied, all-natural diet, but you’ll save significantly on feed costs each month. Homegrown is best for both you and your rabbits!
Related Articles
- 4 Things to Consider before Getting Meat Rabbits
- 12 Things You Need to Know About Caring for Ducklings (Homesteading)
- Raising Cows: A Beginner’s Guide for Homesteading