Rabbit farming (cuniculture)...Any information in Ireland?

tack365 · 17-05-2011 08:12PM #1

Hi,

I was wondering if anybody has any information about rabbit farming (meat) in Ireland.

It seems a quite well established sector in France and other continental countries but I have failed to find and info/regulations about rabbit farming in Ireland specifically.

I have seen ads for buying breeding pairs, mostly New Zealand and Californian Whites, but don't have any experience with rabbits. I know a wild one is quite nice in a curry so was thinking of trying to breed some myself.

Does anyone currently buy rabbit from butchers or would people if it were available?

Any info/feedback would be appreciated.

capall1 · 18-05-2011 12:38PM

check out the rearing of rabbits in the US, TheHamish people, rear some in conjuction with their cattle ......... all are indoors

Fish Bloke · 18-05-2011 01:57PM

I actually came here today looking for the exact same info. I've been keeping chickens for eggs and meat for a while now, and I've been trying to find info on raising rabbits for meat, for personal use for both the family and the dogs. The practice seems extremely uncommon here, which is a shame, because nothing beats home grown produce, in terms of price, taste and ethics!

I'm wondering what that legalities are, does anyone know if licences are required? I'd like to do everything above board and avoid a visit from the well-meaning ISPCA, who might think I'm murdering family pets!

CJhaughey · 18-05-2011 01:59PM

I know there was a rabbit farm by me, its closed down a long time ago but I will see and find out what the story was?

PucaMama · 01-11-2013 01:27PM

I no this is an old thread but just wanted to no how to people breeding rabbits for meat get them processed? Do butchers kill and skin them? Or is there people that would do it? E.g. if I breed mini rex could I get someone to kill and skin and butcher them in a way I could keep the coat and the meat?

enricoh · 01-11-2013 02:23PM

my uncle was at them in the 90's but there was no dough in it. i think it was one of these next big thing jobs - ostrich, alpacas etc.
dunno where the meat was going but with all the new nationalities in ireland might be more demand here now

PucaMama · 01-11-2013 03:52PM

enricoh wrote: »

my uncle was at them in the 90's but there was no dough in it. i think it was one of these next big thing jobs - ostrich, alpacas etc.
dunno where the meat was going but with all the new nationalities in ireland might be more demand here now

i was thinking of breeding for our own table

tack365 · 03-11-2013 11:52AM

I had them for a year. I just killed and butchered them myself. Lots of stuff up on youtube if you need a "how to" video.
I ended up just using them at home. I contacted some restaurants and butchers if they had any demend for rabbit but they didn't. Its nice meat and easy to butcher.

running dogs · 12-01-2014 11:45PM

Would anyone be able to point me in the right direction to purchase a pair of new zealand whites? Ive tried done deal and the only breeder is quite a distance away and was hoping for something closer. Cheers

Rabbit farming (cuniculture)...Any information in Ireland?

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