I have had many questions recently regarding my rabbit setup and how I process. There will be more thorough posts coming soon, but here is the brief overview that I have been typing in emails!
My rabbits are raised in group cages so they have interaction with other rabbits. They have unlimited access to pelleted feed and water, additionally are given greens from the garden or given time in large pens on grass. Two to three does are generally housed together, one bred at a time. The kits are raised with the does until they are about 6 weeks old, then moved into growout pens. The kits are processed between 10-12 weeks old (between 5-6 pounds). The process is very quick, and hopefully pain free. I use the cervical dislocation method, I feel that this method gives me the most control of the animal no matter their size and assures me of a quick end. Once the neck is broken the heads are immediately removed and they are bled out into a waste bin; hides are removed whole for later use; internal organs and feet are then removed to the waste bin. The whole rabbit is then rinsed and soaked in cold water. Once the whole batch of rabbits are processed they are each washed thoroughly packaged, weighed, and refrigerated.
There's the super quick start to finish - more to come soon with pictures!
My rabbits are raised in group cages so they have interaction with other rabbits. They have unlimited access to pelleted feed and water, additionally are given greens from the garden or given time in large pens on grass. Two to three does are generally housed together, one bred at a time. The kits are raised with the does until they are about 6 weeks old, then moved into growout pens. The kits are processed between 10-12 weeks old (between 5-6 pounds). The process is very quick, and hopefully pain free. I use the cervical dislocation method, I feel that this method gives me the most control of the animal no matter their size and assures me of a quick end. Once the neck is broken the heads are immediately removed and they are bled out into a waste bin; hides are removed whole for later use; internal organs and feet are then removed to the waste bin. The whole rabbit is then rinsed and soaked in cold water. Once the whole batch of rabbits are processed they are each washed thoroughly packaged, weighed, and refrigerated.
There's the super quick start to finish - more to come soon with pictures!