RABBITS
WHY (NOT) RABBIT?
While rabbit isn’t commonly eaten in North America (anymore), the real question is why not!?
The meat from domestic rabbit is mild in taste, high in protein, and nutrient dense. It lends itself well to a number of cooking styles, can be substituted for chicken in many dishes, and, being a very lean protein, is good for your heart and doesn’t contribute to high cholesterol or heart disease. Moreover, from an ecological perspective, rabbits have an incredibly small footprint. They are quick to raise, produce an incredibly soil and plant friendly manure, and have a low consumption vs output ratio.
It’s time more people tried this fantastic, and all too often overlooked, meat!
Return to Earth’s rabbits are pastured whenever possible and, like all of our animals, are raised without the use of antibiotics, steroids, or growth hormones.
Our rabbits are sold whole.
If unsure of where to start and in need of some good recipes or cooking guidance, let us know! We’re happy to provide recipes and advice.
RAISING OUR RABBITS
Return to Earth’s rabbits are born on location within our own Rabbitry.
We’ve maintained a breeding stock comprising Flemish Giant, Californian, and New Zealand bloodlines since 2016. By blending the best attributes from each of these breeds we get what is, in our opinion, a near-perfect meat rabbit.
During the summer months, our rabbits live on pasture in specially designed covered cages with slatted floors. This provides access to fresh greens growing up between the slats while also providing shelter from the elements, preventing escape, and keeping the rabbits safe from predators.
As we run our own breeding program, we keep our breeding stock year-round. During the winter months our breeding rabbits reside in generously sized cages within our light filled Racken house. There they are joined by our laying hens who turn over the ground bedding in search of insect larvae and any dropped rabbit feed. Basically, the hens are the helpful roommates who keep everything clean and sanitary.