Processing rabbits
#7675732
09/21/22 08:00 AM
09/21/22 08:00 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,140 So. IL
pintail_drake04
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,140
So. IL
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Its been a busy season for us, between work, side job, farming, garden, etc. Just seems like I don't have enough hours in the day. I finally made time to process around 30 rabbits. We typically process at 12 weeks or 5 lb live weight. However, I decided to let these 2 batches go to 16 weeks to check form and quality. A couple had potential, and were kept back or sold. Others reaffirmed my suspicion, and were sent to the cull cage. Either way, they make great freezer fillers. Good quality fur, and decent form. We kept the best, and culled the rest. Sometimes, both parents pass on their worst traits. This litter was born 2 days after the litter above, from parents that showed potential. Sometimes, a pair isn't a good match. This is why we keep detailed records. 16 week processed rex. Again, genetics will affect growth rate too. This 2nd litter pictured, same age as the litter above.
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Re: Processing rabbits
[Re: k snow]
#7675760
09/21/22 08:25 AM
09/21/22 08:25 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,140 So. IL
pintail_drake04
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,140
So. IL
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Can you share wholesale-retail prices? I don't sell, they are for my freezer. However, locally they can be found for $6/lb. I do trade with my neighbor for beef though. Nice work. I've always been curious about raising rabbits for meat. I recommend it. They are quiet and clean. I think they are easier than chickens, and the fertilizer really is garden gold!
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Re: Processing rabbits
[Re: DaveP]
#7675771
09/21/22 08:46 AM
09/21/22 08:46 AM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,403 east central WI
k snow
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,403
east central WI
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Been raising them for years, but your packaging is WAY beyond mine! Vacuum sealed? I believe he uses heat shrink bags from Texas Poultry Bags. We use them for our chickens. They are great. Simple to use and a great, clean appearance.
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Re: Processing rabbits
[Re: pintail_drake04]
#7675772
09/21/22 08:51 AM
09/21/22 08:51 AM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,409 NC
bowhunter27295
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,409
NC
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I have been told rabbits need to have certain glands removed to prevent bad flavor. Is this true? If so, where are the glands and how are they removed?
How many lies will people believe before they realize their own idiocy?
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Re: Processing rabbits
[Re: bowhunter27295]
#7675810
09/21/22 10:13 AM
09/21/22 10:13 AM
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Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 8,944 Indiana
Providence Farm
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 8,944
Indiana
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I have been told rabbits need to have certain glands removed to prevent bad flavor. Is this true? If so, where are the glands and how are they removed? I never heard this or had a problem. Kill, skin, and gut. Daughter has been raising rabbits for 11 years.
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Re: Processing rabbits
[Re: pintail_drake04]
#7675831
09/21/22 10:38 AM
09/21/22 10:38 AM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,491 Montana ,Rocky Mtns.
Sharon
"American Honey"
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"American Honey"
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,491
Montana ,Rocky Mtns.
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Love rabbit meat. I have one female rabbit who found my place from somewhere-stayed, and now I have two little black half grown youngsters and a brand new litter I just found in a hole on my place yesterday. I think there's four or five in there! I had no idea they reproduce that fast. So, I'm seeing this as meat on the paw, for future. Though I've made the female, Diva, a bit of a pet that I feed and pet from my porch. I have no idea what kind she is, or where the male is at that she obviously visits. They aren't Rex , though, with that velvety fur. Diva might be four pounds. Not sure. I wanted a meat source to have rabbit , I guess it found me ! " Then I will live in Montana. And drive a pick up truck....and raise rabbits" ..... Thank you for your info.
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Re: Processing rabbits
[Re: bowhunter27295]
#7675832
09/21/22 10:40 AM
09/21/22 10:40 AM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,146 NC
Buzzard
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,146
NC
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I have been told rabbits need to have certain glands removed to prevent bad flavor. Is this true? If so, where are the glands and how are they removed? Never heard that with rabbits, I do know ground hogs have glands under their armpits that need to be removed
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Re: Processing rabbits
[Re: pintail_drake04]
#7675849
09/21/22 11:32 AM
09/21/22 11:32 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 21,028 St. Louis Co, Mo
BigBob
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 21,028
St. Louis Co, Mo
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Just don't cook them in Nyquil!!
Every kid needs a Dog and a Curmudgeon.
Remember Bowe Bergdahl, the traitor.
Beware! Jill Pudlewski, Ron Oates and Keven Begesse are liars and thiefs!
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Re: Processing rabbits
[Re: pintail_drake04]
#7675928
09/21/22 01:04 PM
09/21/22 01:04 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,508 Louisiana
AirportTrapper
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,508
Louisiana
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I just got 9 . Been a few years since I've had any. I prefer hanging cages and automatic water. Hopefully I will have a couple litters October 5.
If it makes a track on this earth , I can catch it.
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Re: Processing rabbits
[Re: pintail_drake04]
#7675990
09/21/22 02:33 PM
09/21/22 02:33 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,005 MD
DaveP
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,005
MD
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PD04, What size bags do.you.use, what is the process? Thanks We used to.can a lot as well.
Last edited by DaveP; 09/21/22 02:35 PM.
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