Author Topic: Cost of Rabbit (Read 5843 times)

Touchwood · « **on:** April 14, 2010, 02:21:25 pm »

We've recently had our first litter of table rabbits (NZ white x) and we've been asked if we would be prepared to sell some as apparently it's difficult to get hold of rabbit meat around here. We only intended rearing some for ourselves so have no idea what the going rate is should we if we decided to sell any. Has anyone any ideas please?

CameronS · « **Reply #1 on:** April 15, 2010, 06:37:04 pm »

it was something like 20/30p per lb, skinned and gutted

Touchwood · « **Reply #2 on:** April 16, 2010, 08:58:09 am »

Thanks Cameron
That gives me something to work on.

jembo · « **Reply #3 on:** April 18, 2010, 09:55:41 am »

I do farmers markets selling all types of game meat. We sell our rabbits (wild) for £4 each whole skinned and gutted. We sell out every market, and could put the price up, but I would rather have the waiting list as it gives me an excuse to work the lurchers!

clumbaboy · « **Reply #4 on:** April 20, 2010, 01:15:05 pm »

Hey thats not a bad price for wild rabbit, I get £1 each if they are gutted, and they can only be ferreted to nets or headshot with a rifle, still pays for ferret food and ammo though.

jembo · « **Reply #5 on:** April 20, 2010, 08:15:12 pm »

I really only tend to use the lurchers and occasionally the odd net, if its a big warren and the farmer wants them gone. Luckily my lurchers hand them to me alive and unmarked so I dispatch quickly. I would buy as many as you could get at a £1 each in the game season! lol

juliag · « **Reply #6 on:** April 20, 2010, 08:30:16 pm »

I buy rabbit from our local farmers market and am amazed to pay only £2.50 - £3.00 for a whole jointed rabbit ready to go straight in the pot. not much return for the work that goes in but as the customer I am not complaining!

Touchwood · « **Reply #7 on:** April 22, 2010, 11:14:42 am »

I've learnt a lot from this post so thanks to everyone for their input. I've certainly come to the conclusion that keeping rabbits to sell for meat is not a viable option and I can't say I'm sorry as it wasn't the route I wanted to go really, we just intended doing it for ourselves because we like to know where our meat comes from.

However I'm beginning to wonder if catching our own wild rabbit wouldn't make even more sense, especially as we already have a lurcher in our pack $:-\$ . My main worry would be if I caught a female that had a dependant litter that would be left to starve..sorry if I sound like a bunny hugger

.

Also do use use ferrets with a lurcher and net and what sort of gun would be best.

jembo · « **Reply #8 on:** April 22, 2010, 04:04:19 pm »

If you have a lurcher in the pack then it makes sense. You will need written permission tho if it is not your land.
I use a mixture of things as some work on some warrens and others on different situations.

There is one rule I have is never have the lurcher and gun out together, its one or the other.

I always use ferrets, bolt them for the dogs or gun. Net them, net some holes and leave some free for bolting.
I also lamp with a dog at night, but you have to be sure you are running a rabbit and not a hare or you will land yourself in trouble if caught!

Trail and error is best, and find what works for you.

Jackie · « **Reply #9 on:** April 25, 2010, 09:39:39 pm »

If you can get to Melton Mowbray Tuesday cattle market wild rabbits sell for £4 to £5 each. Still with fur on etc.
They always sell out.

Another outlet for your work?