Black Gold for the Garden: Collecting and Using Rabbit Manure on the Homestead

At 2 Otters Homestead, we work hard to "close the loop" by putting back exactly what we harvest. This cycle isn't just more economical and sustainable; it naturally provides essential nutrients to our soil without the need for harsh chemicals.

In this post, we’re diving into our feeding methods for meat rabbits and how we harvest their "black gold" to keep our garden thriving.

Feeding for Health and Output

As with any homestead animal, balance is key. A healthy diet keeps your rabbits disease-free and ensures they have the energy needed to reproduce.

• Pellets: We recommend a high-quality, non-GMO pellet with 16% protein. We’ve had fantastic success with Tucker Milling and Kalmbach feeds.

• Portions: We offer no more than 1 cup of feed per day. Interestingly, when their diet is properly balanced with forage, they rarely eat the full amount.

The Importance of Quality Hay

Rabbits need a constant supply of long-stem fiber. We ensure there is always a generous amount of fresh hay in every hutch. Not only is it vital for their digestion, but they also seem to love chewing on it to pass the time!

We source our hay from local farmers to ensure it was cut during the current season. If it’s old or dusty, we won't use it. While Alfalfa is the gold standard for meat rabbits, any high-quality, fresh hay will be happily accepted. We promise!

Fresh Greens and Supplements

Rabbits love their greens! To supplement the pellets, we provide a small handful of fresh greens every morning.

• Favorites: Cabbage, lettuce (avoid iceberg), and spinach.

• Moderation is Key: Don't overdo the greens or rely on them exclusively, as this can lead to GI issues.

• The Carrot Myth: While rabbits do love carrots, they are very high in sugar. Think of them as "rabbit candy"—feed them very sparingly!

Why Rabbit Manure is "Black Gold"

One of the biggest "secret weapons" of the homestead is rabbit manure. These small animals are prolific producers! The best part? Rabbit manure is a "cold" manure.

Unlike chicken or cow manure, which is "hot" and will burn your plants if applied fresh, rabbit manure can be moved directly from the hutch to the garden bed. It provides a slow-release burst of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. We regularly turn it right into the soil as a fantastic organic amendment while our other compost piles are still curing.

Closing the Loop

Meat rabbits are a perfect fit for almost any homestead. They require very little space, provide high-quality protein for your table, and offer the best fertilizer nature has to offer.

Do you have questions about getting started with meat rabbits? We’d love to help! Feel free to reach out anytime.