A new journey into homesteading "pic heavy"

I keep toying with the idea of raising some rabbit. That may be a possibility for when hubby and I retire. He's so NOT-A farmer. So, if we did rabbits, it would be an other venture added to my plate. Not sure if I want to take that on any time soon. Sure would love those berries, though!
 
One thing that puts me off is: it appears that they each need separate cage to grow out? Then, there's the processing. I know that once the head is off, it's just meat, and I'm guessing that rabbit is easier to process than chicken. But, it would take me a bit of time to mentally move past the "Oh look at the cute widdle bunny." stage... to the "hurry up and get this meat processed so I can get it into the fridge or into the crock pot" stage. I've not tasted rabbit for more than 35 years. And that was when hubby shot a rabbit and it was FULL of bird shot. My memory fails me re: whether I enjoyed the flavor/texture. Of course, that rabbit was a bit crunchy! How's the feed conversion rate compare to chicken?

Aside from that, I think it would be great to raise meat rabbits. I might even get into tanning and using hides. I'd have to re-work my garden/chicken space areas, and most likely would want to put up an electric perimeter fence.
 
No. Only one grow out pen is needed because they are not mature at slaughter.
 
WELL, now. That's a bit of a different game plan. So, tell me... what would a breeding and grow out set up look like for say 1 - 2 does and 1 buck. Do I have my terminology correct? And how often does a doe breed, once she starts? and what are the approx ages, and processing weights? And, what's a good breed of rabbit to raise?
 
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Spring is near!
 
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