Raising Rabbits

Other Livestock

Rabbits are one of the most approachable animals for new small-farm and homestead owners because they are quiet, compact, and do not need much land. People in the US raise them for meat, fiber, show, breeding stock, or simply as productive backyard animals. They suit homesteaders, hobbyists, families, and small farms that want a low-footprint project they can manage in limited space.

Getting started

Before you bring rabbits home, check your local zoning and any homeowners or city rules, since some areas limit or regulate keeping rabbits and other livestock. Rabbits are a daily commitment, needing feeding, fresh water, and a quick check every day, plus regular cleaning and handling. Plan to buy healthy animals from a reputable local breeder, a 4-H or FFA connection, or a county fair, and ask to see how the parent stock is kept. Your local Cooperative Extension office is an excellent free resource for beginner classes, regional advice, and answers on rules in your area.

Housing & protection

Rabbits do best in clean, dry, well-ventilated housing that keeps them out of wind, rain, and direct sun while still allowing good airflow. Many keepers use raised wire-floor hutches or cages with a resting mat, while others use secure floor pens with solid bedding; either way the housing must protect against predators such as dogs, raccoons, and hawks. Provide shade and airflow in hot weather and a wind break and dry bedding in cold weather, since rabbits tolerate cold better than heat. Each doe that is raising young needs a nest box, and separate housing is needed for bucks and for growing animals.

Feeding & water

A basic rabbit diet is built around good-quality grass hay available at all times, plus a measured amount of plain pelleted rabbit feed sized to the animal. Many keepers also offer small amounts of clean leafy greens, and clean fresh water must be available at all times from a bottle or crock that you check and refill daily. Make any feed changes slowly over several days rather than all at once, and keep feed dry and free of mold. For questions about specific rations, body condition, or any feed additive, talk with your local Cooperative Extension or a licensed veterinarian rather than guessing.

Space & daily care

A single rabbit needs enough cage or pen room to stretch out, turn around, and sit upright comfortably, with larger breeds needing proportionally more space and does with litters needing room for a nest box. Daily care includes fresh water, feed, and a short health-and-safety check, plus regular cleaning of the housing to keep it dry and odor-free. Handling your rabbits often keeps them calm and makes routine care easier.

Common breeds & types

• New Zealand
• Californian
• American Chinchilla
• Rex
• Flemish Giant
• Silver Fox
• Mini Lop
• Netherland Dwarf

Things to consider

Rabbits have low startup costs compared with larger livestock, but you should budget for housing, feeders and water bottles, hay and pellets, nest boxes, and predator-proofing before you buy animals. Common beginner challenges include heat stress in summer, keeping housing clean and dry, managing breeding and growing stock, and preventing escapes or predator losses. Rabbits can hide signs of illness, so watch for any change in eating, drinking, activity, or droppings, and contact a licensed veterinarian promptly for anything that concerns you. For health, disease, and any local rules or permits, work with a licensed veterinarian and your local Cooperative Extension office, which can give guidance specific to your region.

← All livestock guides

Page updated Aug 4, 2026.