Buyer question
Is a New Zealand rabbit good for beginners?
Yes: our Animal Library rates the New Zealand rabbit 4 out of 5 for beginners (good first meat rabbit).
Source: the New Zealand rabbit page in the Everybarn Animal Library. New Zealand rabbit in the Animal Library
The detail
New Zealand rabbits were developed in the US, despite the name, and are the most common meat rabbit. They are large, fast growing and calm, white is the most common color, and they are a staple of 4-H meat pens.
- Temperament
- Calm, docile
- Best fit
- Meat, homesteads, 4-H
- Docility
- 4 out of 5 (Calm)
- Grooming load
- 1 out of 5 (Low grooming)
- Hardiness
- 4 out of 5 (Sturdy)
What to weigh
New Zealands are large and need space and feed. Meat rabbits are often raised on wire, which can cause sore hocks.