Meet the Rabbits of Deer Creek Homestead
The Rabbits That Add Charm to Our Homestead
There are generally 2 ways to raise meat rabbits: in cages or in colonies. We use a hybrid of both. Because of their social nature, rabbits often thrive better when kept with other rabbits. We have a 100sq ft barn stall with ground level rabbit houses for mammas and babies to grow-out in a more natural colony setting, but we keep our males separated in cages for breeding management. We feed our rabbits a combination of hay, pellets, and garden scraps.
We raise Rex rabbits because they are an excellent, dual-purpose choice for meat production. They produce high-quality, tender meat and have velvety fur. A rabbit can produce 6lbs of meat on the same amount of feed and water that a cow uses to produce 1lb of meat, this makes meat rabbits one of the most productive domestic livestock animals on a homestead! We occasionally roast a rabbit, but most often we pressure can the meat in bone broth and substitute it for chicken in many recipes. If we choose not to tan the hides, we compost them. We donate many of our extra rabbits in the fall to the Black Hills Raptor Center (a non-profit raptor conservation and rehab center) and give away many as pets throughout the year.
Another benefit of raising rabbits is their poop! Rabbit poop is a nutrient-rich, “cold” fertilizer containing high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and beneficial micronutrients. It acts as an organic soil conditioner that improves texture, boosts microbial life, and attracts earthworms. It is twice as rich as chicken manure and four times more potent than cow or horse manure! Throughout the year we save up our “bunny berries” and mix them into our high tunnel raised beds in the fall.
Fun Facts About Rabbits:
Rabbit meat is recognized by the USDA as one of the most nutritious meats available, often described as a “superfood”. It is lean, low-fat, low in cholesterol and sodium, and high in unsaturated fatty acids, making it ideal for individuals with heart conditions or those watching their weight.
Get to Know Life at the Deer Creek Homestead
Walk the grounds, meet the animals, and see how the homestead comes to life. A visit is the best way to understand the heart of Deer Creek and the way we live here. If you have a reservation with Campfire Cabins and would like to arrange a tour, please reach out! Check out campfire-cabins.com for information and reservations.
