Rabbits vs chickens

[DebFred]

The Hubster and I are trying to get more self sufficient. I grew up in Kentucky, and love rabbit and chicken, squirrel,venison, pork, the list goes on. Anyway, we are kicking around raising rabbits or chickens for meat. At this point, the research I've done is leaning towards rabbits. We live in southern Ohio. Cincinnati area. We live on 1/2 an acre. Not city, but not true country. The people around us have chickens, grow gardens, etc. So won't be a problem zoning wise. We have a small house on a slab, no garage or attic. But the Hubster has a huge shed. It has a concrete floor, lighting, 220 and 110 wiring, and a woodburner in it. I want the chickens to have an area to get out and peck and scratch. They would have to be contained so they don't get hit on the road. Any input would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Mickey328]

The two aren't mutually exclusive...why not both? We currently have chickens for eggs. We're only allowed 6 so raising meaties is out of the question for us, although we'll stew up the girls as they cease production. Toward the first of the new year, our tiny little rabbitry should be ready; we're going to start with 2 does and a buck. Conservative estimate of about 400 lbs of meat per year. Since it's just the 2 of us, it should help supplement our protein very nicely. If our zoning weren't so restrictive, I'd raise a lot of chickens for meat as well.

 

[BarredBuff]

I love for mine to free range but we live in rural countryside. The more room the better! Give them the most possible. Use sturdy fencing to keep them in and varmits out.

 

[SSDreamin]

Since your neighbors have chickens, I would pick their brains on their set ups, choice of chickens, zoning restrictions on number of animals, etc. Good way to get some advice and get to know the neighbors better too. We have chickens here, that we keep penned (lots of dogs, mtn lions & bear in this area, unfortunately). We want rabbits, for dog & people food, but have to put that off until we rebuild the falling down shed they'd go in. I like the idea of rabbits - they're quiet, give superb fertilizer, and are prolific breeders. I agree with Mickey, why not both? Try them both out, see which one you like best - or keep both. A small flock/a few rabbits would be easy keepers.

 

[BarredBuff]

I don't think I was all here when I answered this

I like what SSDreamin said, check with your neighbors on the chickens. I'd get both actually, because they can compliment one another. You can hang rabbit cages in your chicken house so the chickens can scratch in any spilled feed, manure, hay, etc.

 

[SSDreamin]

I don't think I was all here when I answered this

I like what SSDreamin said, check with your neighbors on the chickens. I'd get both actually, because they can compliment one another. You can hang rabbit cages in your chicken house so the chickens can scratch in any spilled feed, manure, hay, etc.

What a interesting idea BB! I'm gonna plant a bug in DH's ear about trying that!

 

[Denim Deb]

If I was able to have both where I live, I would. I'd have them together-just like BB said.

 

[the funny farm6]

make sure you cover your rabbit feeders if you keep the 2 together, so the chickens cant poop in the feed and water.

 

[Corn Woman]

I have both and I keep the rabbits on the back side of the chicken yard. I also don't have any problem with manure flies because the chickens take care of it.

 

[pinkfox]

if its one or the other, go rabbits, youll have meat, pelt and fertilizer on less feed cost

50lbs of good rabbit food here is about $12 50lbs of an ok none medicated chicken feed is almost $16...
both can get most of their nutritional needs on garden findings in growing months but over the winter rabbits would cost you less to feed.

however id go with both. a good dual breed chicken and a small group of rabbits.