Rocky Hill Rabbits
Breeds of Rabbits
Currently, there are 48 breeds recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). There are all different types and sizes of rabbits and rabbits used for different purposes. If you are thinking about getting into raising rabbits for meat there are several breeds commonly bred for that purpose; Flemish Giants, New Zealands, Californians, Rex,Silver Fox, to name a few. If you are wanting one to keep as a pet there are many smaller ones to choose from. If you click on each breed you will be taken to that breed's association website where you can find other info.
American Giant Angora Silver Marten
American Chinchilla Giant Chinchilla Standard Chinchilla
American Fuzzy Lop Harlequin Tan
American Sable Havana Thrianta
Creme D'Argent Netherland Dwarf
Breeds commonly used for meat
American: They come in blue and white, and at least 3 breeds were used to create them. They are used for meat and fur. Noted for a sweet nature and good mothering abilities. They are also on the threatened list for becoming extinct.
American Chinchilla: They have a beautiful grey coat and were developed to be used for their meat and fur. They are listed as critically endangered. They are hardy and gentle. Bucks weigh 9-11 lbs and does weigh 10-12 lbs. Does are known for producing large litters and having good mothering abilities. Kits reach market weight quickly.
American Sable: They are essentially the same as the American Chinchilla, just a different color. They were developed for meat and fur. Bucks reach 7-9 lbs, does reach 8-10 lbs.
Blanc De Hotot: dual purpose; meat and pet. Bucks weigh 8-10 lbs, does 9-11 lbs.They are active, hardy, with good sized litters and quick growth rates.
Cinnamon: a solid bodied commercial breed bred for meat. It was accidentally created in 1962 when a Chinchilla was bred to a New Zealand buck and a buck from that litter was then bred to a Checkered Giant doe and a Californian cross doe. Each litter there appeared a rusty colored kit. In 1972 it became an ARBA recognized breed. They are said to be gentle, calm, hardy, and laid back. They reach 8-11 lbs.
Californian: The breed was developed by breeding Himalayan rabbits to standard Chinchilla rabbits, then breeding the offspring of those to New Zealand Whites. The intention was to create a rabbit with good meat and good pelt quality. Today Californians are the second favorite meat breed...New Zealands are #1. They are white with darker points(ears, nose, feet, tail) and have pink or red eyes. They are 8-10 1/2 lbs.
Champagne D' Argent: This is a very old breed that goes as far back as 1631! They have a beautiful silky coat and the kits are born solid black and then the color gradually changes to the silvery color. They are not well known in the U.S despite having excellent meat and pelt qualities. Adults weigh about 8 lbs on average at adult size.
Creme D'Argent: They are a bit larger than the Champagne D' Argent, weighing up to 11 lbs for does. They are an attractive looking large breed of rabbit.Does are known to be good mothers, with litters averaging 8 kits.
Flemish Giant: These are truly giants, with some reaching weights beyond 20 lbs. There is some debate as to whether they are one of the better meat breeds. Their adult size is larger than other meat breeds, however, they eat more, take longer to reach mature weight and due to their size they have more bone than the lighter meat breeds and Flemish Giant fryers at 7-9 weeks weigh the same as the lighter breeds that are the same age. They are known for being gentle. They come in 7 different colors; black, blue, fawn, sandy, steel, white, and light grey.
French Angora: While they are used most for their beautiful fiber they may also be used for meat. They reach 10 lbs and require less grooming than some other Angora breeds. They are a great dual purpose rabbit that can be used for fiber and meat.
New Zealand: They are one of the most popular and most common meat rabbits. They are highly productive, generally are great mothers with decent sized litters. They come in White, Red, Black, and you can also get broken and Blue. They reach fryer weight (5 lbs) at around 10-12 weeks of age and weigh 9-12 lbs when fully mature.
