MANAGEMENT OF MARKET RABBITS. 



BY J. R. TERRY, CHIEF POULTRY INSTRUCTOR. 



T has been proved that the production of rabbits for the table, when 

 properly managed, can be made one of the most profitable branches of 

 small-stock farming. The industry in this Province is in its infancy, 

 and during the past two or three years has made rapid growth. There 

 is a largo and ever-increasing demand springing up for rabbit-meat, 

 and owing to the enhanced prices charged for all forms of meat this 

 is likely to continue. The presence of a large population here of Old Country birth 

 helps to popularize the consumption of rabbit-flesh. In European countries, particu- 

 larly the northern portions, millions of rabbits are annually produced (mainly by 

 owners of small farms). Great Britain alone imported during 1915 no less than 

 003,659 cw r t. of fresh and frozen rabbits. Besides this, British rabbit-breeders 

 annually rear in excess of 30,000,000 rabbits for the table. Rabbit-flesh is classed 

 with fowls and fish for invalids in hospitals and sanataria, being specially recom- 

 mended for " gassed " wounded soldiers. 



Rabbit-skins, especially of the White varieties, such as Angora and Himilayan, 

 and also the Black Siberian, command fairly good prices at the present time. The 

 writer lias been informed that rabbit-skins have been put to a variety of uses by our 

 soldiers in France during the winter months. Rabbit-skin insoles for boots are 

 greatly in demand. 



SUITABLE BREEDS. 



The most profitable breeds for table purposes are the Flemish Giant, Belgian 

 Hare, and New Zealand Red. For fur and table purposes, the Black Siberian Hare, 

 Albinos, the Angora, and English Silver Grey are best. The latter two breeds, 

 however, are much smaller in size, longer in reaching maturity, and less hardy. 



L 



A utility Flemish (liant doe. 



Tin- Flemish <;i.-m1. Belgian Hare, and New Zealand Red breeds are the largest of 

 the rabbit family, all combining quirk maturity with prolificacy. 



The Flemish Giants, as will be seen by the following standard, is the largest 

 breed. The standard is that in use by the American Fur Fanciers' Association, and 

 whilst, for market purposes, not much attention need be given to exact colouring of 

 fur, the remainder of the standard conforms to good sound utility requirements. 



