RABBIT FARMING FOR PROFIT.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 301, 19 December 1931, Page 23 (Supplement)

RABBIT FARMING FOR PROFIT.

(BY I 1 -=

“LAPIN.")

Small Outlay. There are still quite a number of people who do not appreciate the moneymaking possibilities of rabbits, but. as a spare time occupation, or side-line along with other branches of small husbandry, or as a whole-time occupation, rabbit-keeping can without doubt be made a profitable enterprise, provided a few essential points are taken into consideration. One great advantage to the beginner is that a rabbitkeeping venture can be started and made to pay with less initial capital than is necessary in the case of any other small stock. Money must, of course, be spent in the first place, but the man with £5 to spend stands just as good a chance of making good and building up a successful business as one whose capital runs into three figures, though, of course, in the former case progress must necessarily be slower. Profit, in the case of rabbits, may be derived from wool, fur and flesh and, as in order to obtain the fur, a rabbit must be killed, fur and flesh may be taken as dependant one upon the other. Thus the choice falls between the Angora, which is the only wool-bearing rabbit, and one of the fur breeds. There is a market for good pelts at a figure which, added to the sum realised by the sale of th-e carcase, shows quite a good profit per rabbit for the producer. But it cannot be stated too emphatically that the pelts produced must be good. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance with rabbits, as in all branches of stock-keeping, that the foundation stock should be well bred. Choice of Breed. When it comes to choice of a breed, the beginner mu?t bear in mind that his enterprise has a double purpose. If one of the fur breeds is chosen the novice must take care to choose a breed which yields a pelt which is uniformly popular and not too much subject to the ups and downs of fashion, unless he can afford to purchase more than one breed. If his choice falls on the Angora he should be very careful to purchase only from a reputable rabbitry if he wishes to obtain the best results with his wool. A start may be made with a stud comprising any number up to eight does and one buck or, if it is wished to begin in a very small way, one mated doe may be purchased. But whatever the extent of the initial stock, the stock itself must be the best of its kind if reasonable profit is to be made. Decide which breed or breeds you wish to keep: purchase the best stock you can obtain, and use common sense in the management of your animals. Learn all you can and rabbit management in general and pay special attention to all minute Notes. The Canterbury Rabbit Breeders’ Association's first annual picriic will be held at the Ouruhia Fruit, Fur and Feather Farm on Boxing Day, Cars will leave from outside the Caledonian Hall, Kilmore Street, at 10.30 a.m. Hot water and milk will be provided, and those wishing to play tennis are advised to bring their racquets and shoes. An interesting programme has been arranged. and it is hoped that there will be a large attendance of members and An enjoyable social was held on Tuesday evening at the C.R.FT.A. rooms. Credit is due to Mrs T. Lewis for her fine work in organising this event in conjunction with the N.Z. Cat Club.

“ Lapin ” extends to all breeders his sincere wishes for a very happy ChristAnswers to Correspondents. J.B.—lt is not usual to clip the bead of an Angora rabbit. The head is the most beautiful part, and the amount or wool obtained is too small to be of great value. A.D.—Meadow hay is quite all right for rabbits provided it is clean, and free from poisonous weeds. N.P.—Bare patches on your rabbits coats may be due to dry and heating diet. Give your rabbits plenty of green food, artichokes, and plenty of drinking water. Most breeders find that the hutch-bred rabbit requires drinking water. Massage the affected parts of your rabbits with dry flowers of sulphur.