I just learned about this forum through Countryside, and as the kids and I are getting interested in rabbits again, I figured I'd ask the obvious question: what's the going rate for live rabbits and processed meat these days? At this point, I'm in the research phase, to see if I could make it commercially. I always liked raising rabbits, but I was never sure about the marketing part. I can see that you folks have developed varied markets, but I'm looking for some kind of average to come up with some preliminary numbers. Are we talking $2 or $5 per or....? And how common is it to find someone who will take 20, 30, 50 or more a week? I just met a man this past week who has someone who will take 50 from him weekly, so I know that this could be viable if the prices are right.

Thanks for your help.

-- Fran (on MD's Eastern Shore) (simpleplesurzfrm@dmv.com), April 01, 2002

Answers

Welcome Fran, If you are selling to a proccessor live the going rate is about .95 a lb, usually 4 -5 1/2 lbs is when they want them. I am getting $1.25 lb live weight selling to reptile breeders. Dresses rabbit really depends on where you live. I am in PA and USDA inspected meat for human consumption goes for $4.95 lb.The BARF market[dog food] I am getting $2.25 lb. Hope that helps some. If you talked with the guy that is selling 50 a week find out who he is selling to, probably a runner. Someone that picks up and takes to the processor for you. They usually pay .10 less then the processor. That covers there time and gas. Tracy

-- tracy (murfette@stargate.net), April 02, 2002.