7 STEPS How to Start a Rabbit Farming Business In AFRICA
Like 1 Dislike 0 Published on 16 Jul 2020
1. Select a Space For Your Rabbitry
One good thing about rabbitry is that it can be done at home if you have enough space to accommodate it, it does not require large acres of land even if you are going into commercial farming. Rabbits can be raised by the free-range method but it is most preferable to keep them in a house or cage.The majority of the rabbit breeders prefer an outdoor living quarter to allow them to experience fresh air as well as sunshine at all times but the atmosphere may not be conducive for them at times to stay outdoors. Agricultural farmers who are experts in the field advise that it is necessary rabbits benefit more from being indoors than outdoors. This is true because they are safer in the cages than been outdoors on the free-range methods where they can easily be trapped by predators like snakes, dogs, and pests which can harm them.
2. Get a Mentor
You need a rabbit mentor that will provide you with a guide and basic education to ensure that a successful farming process is guaranteed. Lack of knowledge on this farming can cause incorrect handling of rabbit which can lead to their death or health challenge.As one who has an interest in farming rabbits, you should know the whys and wherefores involved in it which you can get from an experienced farmer who has been into the business. Before building your rabbit cages or buying breed stock, ensure that you already have a mentor so that you understand everything including how to feed. A mentor is someone who has the knowledge of what you are about to step into and so you can always turn to him or her if you face any problem along the line. You can easily find a mentor is by joining a rabbit club or employ a rabbit farmer to help you. By so doing, you can also get the best breeding stock of rabbits from breeders who belong to these clubs.
3. Know The Breeds of Rabbit
Rabbits have numerous breeds. Studies have shown that there are over 305 breeds of domesticated in more than 70 countries worldwide. Some of the domestic rabbit breeds are European rabbit, grand chinchilla, lionhead rabbit, English Angora, mini lop, English lop, English Spot, jersey woolly, silver fox, New Zealand white, harlequin, beveran rabbits, a continental giant rabbit and lots more.
You have to get a suitably sized cage for your rabbit because overcrowding can impose health risks on them and cause stress as well.
One thing about rabbits is that they need to stretch their bodies well after eating to get rid of gas traps formed in their intestine while eating and during the time while they are were at rest.
The actual stocking density of this animal depends on the type of housing available and the breed.
People normally ask this question “how many rabbits can be raised in a cage?
Putting two or more rabbits together in one cage requires a large conducive cage that can accommodate a proper space allocation per rabbit.
They can be raised in a cage that is good for sustenance farming or the deep litter method which is better for commercial farming as it will provide them with an opportunity to roam freely and also have access to grass which is their main source of food as well.
5. Feeding Of Rabbits
Feeding of rabbits is not that tasking and won’t cost you a lot. Since they are herbivores animals, the grass is okay for them though you can feed them also with rabbit pellets and supplement which can complement their daily diet.
Rabbits on premixed feed are said to get to slaughter stage earlier than those feeding on herbs and hay alone.
Premixed feed rabbit is due for slaughter between 10 to 14 weeks whereas the other can take up to 30 or 30 weeks to reach slaughter age.
Conversely, the fur of rabbits that feed on hay and vegetables will be mature and far better that of the ones that were feed on premixed ration.
Therefore, vegetables and scraps are preferred to be used in feeding the rabbits than pellets. Ensure that you have adequate quantity and quality hay available.
Avoid using certain foods such as avocados because they can be toxic to the health of the rabbits. Make proper research to see the list of foodstuffs that are dangerous to rabbits and the one that suits them best.
6. Rabbits Need Fresh Water Daily
We all know that every living creature needs water to earn survival and rabbits are not exempted. The feeding of the rabbit is not incomplete without freshwater.
Get clean plastic or metal bowl that will be used in putting water for these pets. You need to change the water your rabbits drink on a daily basis to avoid bacteria development.
Always bear in mind that rabbits get dehydrated easily. Supply them with neat water on a daily basis using the water container that works best for them.