The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Wildlife => Topic started by: escapedtothecountry on June 17, 2012, 10:25:58 pm

Title: Rabbits
Post by: escapedtothecountry on June 17, 2012, 10:25:58 pm
OK - so little over 20 minutes ago I finally got my aim in with the air rifle and got a rabbit.. Some days I have counted over 20 of the furry so and so's - so my compassion for them has diminished somewhat, the more they help themselves to everything from plants and veg to even the tops of ash trees I am growing complete with rabbit guards on.


The question I have is how long after doing the deed do you have to skin and gut a rabbit? And what should you do with it until you can?



Title: Re: Rabbits
Post by: bigchicken on June 17, 2012, 11:14:40 pm
Have ferreted for over forty years and always gut my rabbits as soon as possible the skin can be left on a bit longer usually till I get home.    Keep them protected from flies and try to keep them cool at this time of the year. If you have only one do the straight away should only take a minute.
Title: Re: Rabbits
Post by: Mammyshaz on June 17, 2012, 11:20:15 pm
I have no idea but I remember buying rabbit from the local Market hanging in stalls, full pelted.

Don't know if they had been gutted as it was over 30yrs ago I was still at school  8)  Very rarely seen here in markets now, frowned upon  ::)
Title: Re: Rabbits
Post by: HelenVF on June 18, 2012, 09:52:50 am
We always try and skin and gut them as soon as.  I have found it just makes it easier to do.

Helen
Title: Re: Rabbits
Post by: Small Farmer on June 18, 2012, 01:51:47 pm
The further away from the house the better when it comes to gutting.  Just be damn careful not to slit the guts open as you do it if you want to be welcomed home.  The first few are the hardest then it gets kinda simple to do
Title: Re: Rabbits
Post by: MAK on June 27, 2012, 10:28:41 pm
And take care not to cut the bladder or urinary tract when you have it hung up to gut. Soak in water for 2 hours befoore cooking.

Title: Re: Rabbits
Post by: Sylvia on June 28, 2012, 02:08:08 pm
I can never gut a rabbit until I'm sure the gut has stopped wriggling :o :o  Only takes a few minutes though!
Title: Re: Rabbits
Post by: SteveHants on July 04, 2012, 07:33:07 pm
I tend to empty the bladder by squeezing and gut em when I get home, or you end up fannying around in the field when you could be shooting more of em.....