Believe it or not McKinley's first attempt at a word was....Chicken. She enjoys them, loves feeding them all by herself, and when they take dust baths she thinks it's funny to try too. This was a fun moment to watch and nothing a good bath can't fix. And, playing in the dirt builds a good immune system! The only thing missing was her t shirt that states..."I make dirt look good"
The rabbits at our farm are well loved. The cages are big enough that McKinley can actually fit inside them easily to play with them. She rounds them gently into the corner and lays her head down on them. I'm sure they are traumatized by such things, but they take it well.
Rabbits are a part of my family history much like dairy cows. My father had approximately 90 breeding does at one time and his grandfather grew up on a huge rabbitry and chicken farm before they got into the dairy business. I never understood why I loved having rabbits so much, until I realized it's bred into me. I always had a couple as pets as a kid but am now really enjoying the small rabbitry we have going.
We currently have 5 New Zealand does and one Buck. I rotate the breeding program so I have a new litter born each month. Yes, this large rabbit breed is for eating, primarily. I have sold numerous for pets and to help others get started in there own rabbit raising programs. You can raise them to 5lbs easily in 4-5 months and then they are freezer meat. What does rabbit taste like you say? I think it easily compares to dark meat chicken with NO fat. We like it. A lot of people in this part of the country like it.
We respect and love our animals, and in return they nourish us. We don't take this concept lightly. It's a blessing to be able to raise your own food.
