Rabbit Farming In Kenya

Rabbit meat is one of the best source of protein and healthier than other meats. As a result commercial rabbit farming in Kenya is becoming popular day by day. Rabbit meat contain more protein and less in fat than beef, turkey, pork and even chickens meat.

For a long time, commercial rabbit farming in Kenya for meat production has not been taken seriously. But now, rabbit farmers in Kenya are now raising highly meat producing rabbits for commercial production of meat and they are earning good money by doing this business.

How to Start Rabbit Farming in Kenya

Starting rabbit farming in Kenya requires very low investment. It’s very easy to set up and raising rabbits commercially. Here we are describing the steps for starting commercial rabbit farming business in Kenya.

Step 1: Learn Practically

First of all, try to learn practically about this business from an experienced farmer. Having practical knowledge is very important in commercial rabbit farming business. So, try to learn practically about this business before starting.

Step 2: Complete a Training

Completing a training is also beneficial for starting and operating this business. So, try to complete a rabbit farming training before starting. Many government organizations, colleges and universities available to learn practically.

Step 3: Make A Business Plan

Making a good and effective business plan is also very important for running a business smoothly. So, make an effective business plan and try to work according to the plan. Try to include everything in your business plan from starting to caring and marketing. You can ask for help from an expert for making the business plan, especially if you are a beginner.

Step 4: Select a Good Location

Selecting a good location for your farm is also very important. Try to select a calm and peaceful area for your rabbit farm. It will be better if you can make the farm far from residential area.

Step 5: Select The Right Rabbit Breed

Choosing suitable breeds for commercial rabbit farming in Kenya is most important. The common rabbit breeds used for commercial production in Kenya are California White, Flemish Giant, New Zealand White and some other local cross breeds. All those breeds are suitable for commercial production according to the environment and climate of Kenya. Choose breeds according to your desired production.

Step 6: Purchase Equipment

Like other livestock farming business, commercial rabbit farming also require some equipment. So, purchase the required equipment for starting and operating this business successfully. Some essential rabbit farming equipment are:

• Hutches or cages
• Feeders
• Waterers
• Nest boxes
• Grooming tools
• Medical kit
• Rabbitry tools
• Litter trays or pans
• Hay racks
• Lighting
• Ventilation
• Record keeping tools

Step 7: Purchase Rabbits

Purchasing good quality, healthy and active rabbits is also very important. You can purchase rabbits from any of your nearest farmers or breeders. Always try to purchase good quality and healthy rabbits for your farm. You can ask for help for purchasing rabbits if you are a beginner.

Step 8: Ensure Good Housing System

Making suitable rabbit housing is the most important part for rabbit farming in Kenya. Rabbits are very clean animal. They love to stay in neat and clean house with good ventilation system.

You can raise rabbits in both deep litter and cage methods. Choose the method according to your production type and investment capability.

Some important factors to consider which constructing house for commercial rabbit farming in Kenya are described below.

• Depending on the breeds, various breeds vary in their weight. Generally, an adult rabbit weights between 2-7 kg. And for commercial production 1200-1500 squire centimeter clean space is required for 1 kg weight. That means 80cm * 80cm space is required for a medium sized rabbit.
• Doe needs extra space for proper growth. 80cm * 115cm space is perfect for an adult medium sized doe.
• Keep the kids or young rabbits in a group until they reach 4 months of age. 20-30 young rabbits can be kept in each group.
• Proper ventilation system in the house is very essential. You can cover the walls, doors, roofs of a hutch with chicken wire netting or made up of bamboo or wood placed 20mm apart. This system is suitable for hot tempered areas.
• In cold tempered areas, you can easily make a house with solid wall and roof.
• Make a drain inside the house so that you can easily clean the house.
• Clean the feeding and watering equipment inside the house on a regular basis.

Step 9: Provide Nutritious Feeding

Sufficient amount of nutritious and balanced diet food keeps the rabbit healthy and productive. For commercial production, you can feed your rabbits commercially prepared supplementary feed. This type of foods are available in the market. Along with this you can add kitchen garbage, grasses, leaves of various trees etc. This will help you reducing feeding costs. Sufficient amount of clean and fresh water is also required with proper nutritious rabbit feed.

Step 10: Proper Breeding Management is Important

Rabbit grows very fast and gain maturity earlier. They become suitable for breeding within their 6 months of age. The gestation period of rabbit is less compared to other livestock animals. Generally, a doe give birth of kids after every two months. Each time one doe can give birth of 2-8 kids. Gestation period stays for 28-31 days.

Step 11: Care & Management

Take some extra care and management to your rabbits. Vaccinate them timely to keep free from all types of rabbit diseases. Never feed them polluted or expired food. Try to monitor all their activities.

Step 12: Marketing

Marketing process is most important part of rabbit farming in Kenya. Basically, there are no formal markets for selling rabbit products so far like chickens, goats or fish. But rabbit meat slaughter houses are coming up due to the high popularity and increasing demands of rabbit meat. Right now you can try the local market, restaurants and supermarkets.

Rabbit meat has a huge demand in China and some other countries. So, if you have sufficient facilities then try to export to foreign countries. Every business goes with some problems. Don’t fear about marketing your products. Formal markets are not available right now. But the rabbit meat popularity and consuming rate is increasing rapidly. And a suitable market place is coming up soon. So, for earning some extra income, start commercial rabbit farming in Kenya.

These are the steps for starting and operating a successful rabbit farming business in Kenya. Hope this guide has helped you. Good luck & may God bless you!