rabbit breed question

[Dawgus]

I'm looking at taking one more step on food production here at home, and have my mind set on rabbits. I've read quite a bit online, and all suggest different breeds. I just want everyones opinion on what would be the best breed to raise.
Plus I have another somewhat silly question. Will rabbits climb a ramp? I thought of making a hutch with acess to the ground/grass. We've had "pet" rabbits in the past, but they were always in plain ole cages. Or is it just too dangerous with the risk of young ones falling off?
Any answers would be greatly appreciated.
Dawgus

[Deberosa]

I just went with a friend to pick up some meat rabbits at a breeder. She went for the Rex breed. That is because they are dual purpose - meat and fur. Their fur is very thick and soft not silky like some rabbits.

Guess it depends on if you want the fur or not.

Not sure about the ramps.

[homesteadingnky]

If you intend to kill the rabbit and eat it you probably don't want to get the cute colorful ones if you're the least bit soft. I'd strongly recommend New Zealand Whites. They are the ideal meat rabbit and their feed to meat conversion rate is better than the rest. Just mho.

[Dawgus]

Thanks, thats what I'm hearing/reading most of, either the NZ or californians. I'm hoping to get this rolling by early to mid summer, I've been slowly gathering materials for hutches. I have someone that wants to give me a 8x12 wooden kids playhouse, REALLY well built. Her kids have outgrown it and she thought we could use it for either chickens or the rabbits, who knows, that might be my rabbit house or a henhouse....can't beat a good freebie!

[homesteadingnky]

I agree!! I have a 10'x12' playhouse/storage bldg. that I have considered turning into a chicken house. It was a freebie. I doubt I will though. I'll probably build a chicken house from the lumber I have found and will find from dumpster diving in construction site dumpsters. Amazing what you can find there.

I have rabbits now. They are a Rex-cross, great temperment for the girls and I have butchered one and we ate it. It was really good. However, the girls think they are all too cute to kill and eat. So, I have 6 pets. Well, they are good for garden fertilizer so they to help earn there keep that way. We are looking for New Zealand Whites for that reason as well.

Good luck with your rabbits!!
Homesteading Dad