Turn your backyard into a steady source of sustainable, homegrown meat — no farm required. Learn how to raise rabbits confidently for food, profit, and self-reliance with expert guidance from America's leading heritage-breed rabbit farmers. Discover the most efficient, ethical way to produce your own meat. If you've ever wondered how to raise rabbits for meat—whether to feed your family or build a small-farm business—this trusted guide gives you the confidence, systems, and know-how to succeed. Written by Eric and Callene Rapp, founders of Rare Hare Barn—the largest heritage-breed meat-rabbit enterprise in the US—this book blends time-tested methods with modern insight to help you raise rabbits humanely, profitably, and sustainably. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Start and manage your own productive rabbitry Raise rabbits for meat on a homestead, small farm, or even a backyard setup with minimal space and cost. Choose the right breeds for success Focus on hardy, heritage meat breeds that thrive in diverse climates and produce high-quality, lean protein. Design efficient housing and feeding systems Keep your animals healthy and your operation simple with practical designs that minimize waste and stress. Breed, care for, and harvest ethically Step-by-step guidance on humane handling, processing, and storage — everything you need to raise rabbits responsibly, from litter to harvest. Build resilience, income, and food security Create a sustainable supply of fresh meat for your family or explore small-scale marketing opportunities in your community. WHY THIS BOOK MATTERS Rabbits are one of the most sustainable and space-efficient livestock species, producing lean, high-quality meat with minimal resources. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced farmer, Raising Rabbits for Meat gives you the knowledge, confidence, and systems designs to build a thriving, ethical rabbitry that supports your family and local food systems. ABOUT THE AUTHORS With over 50 years of combined experience, Eric and Callene Rapp are trusted voices in sustainable animal husbandry. As owners of Rare Hare Barn, they've been featured in Grit Magazine and recognized by the Livestock Conservancy for leadership in rare-breed preservation. Build your self-sufficient future — one hutch at a time. Start your rabbit-raising journey today and discover how simple, humane, and rewarding it can be to raise your own sustainable meat source. "As our culture moves toward more honest sources of meat, the rabbit continues to be one of the most efficient and nutritious options. Eric and Callene Rapp have a wealth of experience which they share in this detailed and personable guide. The Rapp's dedication to breed integrity and to rabbit health are exceptional, and this book will be essential for anyone interested in raising rabbits — from the homesteader to the commercial farmer." — Meredith Leigh, author, The Ethical Meat Handbook and Pure Charcuterie "So you think you want to raise rabbits?!? Everything you need to know to do it successfully and enjoyably is contained in Raising Rabbits for Meat , co-authored by the most comprehensive rabbit-rearing couple of our time, Eric and Callene Rapp. Readers will not only receive information gleaned from decades of experience but they will become engrossed in the Rapps' engaging delivery. Raising Rabbits is destined to become the single authority on all aspects of creating and maintaining a successful meat rabbit business and should be on the bookshelf of every livestock farmer out there and those who aspire to raise rabbits, poultry, or other stock as a business." — Hank Will, Editorial Director, Ogden Publications "You may have noticed that I've never written about raising rabbits. That's because it was a complete disaster when we tried — with three different breeds! If only I'd had this book back then, we might have been enjoying homegrown rabbit all these years. The Rapps tell you everything you need to know, from setting up your rabbitry to buying your first rabbits, and from breeding and kindling to harvesting." — Deborah Niemann, ThriftyHomesteader.com, author, Homegrown and Handmade , Ecothrifty , and Raising Goats Naturally "Kudos for Raising Rabbits for Meat . It is a useful tool that is fully loaded with the knowledge that newcomers will need for success in building a rabbitry from the ground up. The common-sense practical advice coupled with the Rapp's notorious wit make the book a delightful read." — Jeannette Beranger, Senior Program Manager, The Livestock Conservancy " Raising Rabbits for Meat is very well written and covers everything from having a plan when you start out; to housing, cages, feeding and watering; selecting breeding stock; kindling and processing, etc. Even after raising heritage breed rabbits for years there are still many ideas in the book that I can use to improve my management practices. I'm looking forward to adding it to my reference library." — Donal