Not feeding them whole but this seems like the place
Sept 17, 2015 21:13:05 GMT -5
Desiree likes this
Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2015 21:13:05 GMT -5
I got started raising rabbits for a couple reasons. Originally I got Angoras so I could spin their fur, and give any babies that died to the ferrets. (they LOVE rabbit kits)
Then I decided I needed some real meat rabbits since rabbit is like, $8 a pound here. I got a breed called American Chinchillas, which, fully grown, are between 9-11 pounds, with beautiful silver fur like a chinchilla's. (they were bred as a fast growing substitute for them)
I've been putting off butcher day as I didn't think I could manage it alone. Lo and behold, I found out that a friend of mine from the rabbit shows I take my angoras to, is only 6 miles from me and willing to come help me. So, today, I finally took the plunge and butchered four rabbits, both for ferret meals and for my family. The ferrets got some of the lungs, a liver, and a heart already today, trying to decide which other pieces would be best for ferret food and what is best for people food. I know I'm using the loin for me. Ferrets will get the belly flaps, as I don't want to make jerky and that's really what those are best for.
I also saved the pelts, I'm going to attempt to tan them and make something from them. I intend to waste as little as possible. If I thought I could stomach it, I'd have given the ferrets the heads. I know brains are nutritious for them, but I just don't think I can handle it. Whole mice and rats, sure. Rabbits I raised from birth and nurtured? Not so much.
Then I decided I needed some real meat rabbits since rabbit is like, $8 a pound here. I got a breed called American Chinchillas, which, fully grown, are between 9-11 pounds, with beautiful silver fur like a chinchilla's. (they were bred as a fast growing substitute for them)
I've been putting off butcher day as I didn't think I could manage it alone. Lo and behold, I found out that a friend of mine from the rabbit shows I take my angoras to, is only 6 miles from me and willing to come help me. So, today, I finally took the plunge and butchered four rabbits, both for ferret meals and for my family. The ferrets got some of the lungs, a liver, and a heart already today, trying to decide which other pieces would be best for ferret food and what is best for people food. I know I'm using the loin for me. Ferrets will get the belly flaps, as I don't want to make jerky and that's really what those are best for.
I also saved the pelts, I'm going to attempt to tan them and make something from them. I intend to waste as little as possible. If I thought I could stomach it, I'd have given the ferrets the heads. I know brains are nutritious for them, but I just don't think I can handle it. Whole mice and rats, sure. Rabbits I raised from birth and nurtured? Not so much.