Before you get your rabbits there are a few points you need to consider: (1) What breed or type of rabbit do you like?
(2) Where are you going to keep your rabbits?, and (3) What are you going to do with surplus rabbits?

(1) You need to raise a breed of rabbit you like. There are close to 50 different breeds of rabbits and many, many varieties. If you don't like rabbits with red eyes, don't get New Zealand whites.

(2) If you are going to have to keep your rabbits in your basement or garage, the smaller breeds of rabbits will be easier to raise. They also tend to have smaller litters. It you are keeping your rabbits outside, be sure to consider your neighbors and your neighborhood laws. If you have close neighbors, you will probably have trouble if you try to start a commercial rabbitry. You do not want to buy rabbits and cages, and then find you have to get rid of them or move.

(3) If you successfully raise your rabbits, you will have more bunnies born than you can possibly keep. You need to think about what you are going to do with your surplus, non show quality rabbits. Can you eat rabbit? It is a very healthy all-white meat. And it is a very mild meat that can be used in any chicken recipe. It is also heart friendly, good for heart patients.

Can you sell your rabbits to be used for meat, either to a processor or to local people for their own use or for BARF. If you have a good meat demand, you might want to consider one of the meaty commercial breeds to raise.

If you cannot eat your rabbits or sell them to be eaten, you will need to consider other methods for culling rabbits you do not need for your breeding program or for showing. The smaller breeds will sell better for the pet markets. If selling for show stock, you will need to have very good rabbits and have made a name for yourself with successful showing. Just be a responsible breeder and see that your culls are taken care of.

Once you have an idea about what you are looking for, go to a rabbit show and see what the actual animals look like. You can also see what is grown locally. Not all breeds will be avaible at all shows. There are several breeds that are rare and will only be found in a few locations around the US. I would suggest you find something you like that is raised locally. Shipping is expensive. So find out if you like raising and showing rabbits before trying to get rabbits shipped to you.

Also you can see if you are alergic. I have several alergies, and although I can handle the regular rabbits and fur, I had to finally sell all my beloved Angora Rabbits due to alergies. After ten years of raising them, I was just having too many health problems being around them.

Having others in your area showing your breed also makes showing more interesting. You form friendships with fellow breeders. And it is much more fun to win when you have real competition.

Finding a Rabbit Show: If you have no idea about where shows are located, the first place to look is the ARBA web site. It also lists all local clubs that are chartered with it. All shows that are sanctioned by the ARBA are also listed by states and dates of shows. Below is a link to the ARBA Web Site. Go enjoy.

There are also occassionly unsanctioned shows associated with fairs. If you have a fair in your area, you might want to ask if they have a rabbit show. Some will just have a general pet show. You might check with local 4-H or Future Farmers Associations and asking them about local shows or youth involved in rabbits.

Visit the ARBA site for clubs and shows information.

Enter supporting content here