Rabbit Farming in Nigeria is one of the aspects of successful agricultural business that anyone can involve in.
Rabbit farming can turn into your full day business if you can be consistent and patience in your dealings.
Rearing and selling of rabbits is another source of income.
THINGS TO KNOW WHILE GOING INTO RABBIT BUSINESS.
1) RISK: When we talk of business and what can be made from it , we should’t fail to talk about the risks that are attach to it.
Not telling people the risks of rearing rabbit in Nigeria is one the reasons why people do get disappointed after putting in their money. Just like the way disease can wipe out a whole poultry, occurrences like that can’t be overlook in rabbit farming.
If you really want to grow, be prepared for risk.
2) GETTING THE RIGHT BREEDING STOCK: It is of utmost importance to get the right rabbit breed that will suite your needs, Ask yourself questions: Am i rearing them for meat? will they be for fur production?
Give yourself an honest reply then get a reliable and trustworthy rabbit farmer to get your breeding stock. The common breeds of rabbit in Nigeria are New Zealand, California, Angora, Hyla, Chinchilla, English Spotted, Dutch.
3) MATERIALS AND RESOURCES YOU WILL NEED: The underlisted are the materials to be put in place.
A) Cage: I am sure you won’t be putting them outside the house, you should make sure your cage must be of adequate size. You can make use of the land at the back of your house
if you have a good space management skills. The living area should not be too hot or cold and must also be safe from intruders attack.
B) Access to good water supply : clean source of water is the next thing after setting up your rabbit hutches.
Their water should not be joked with in no account.
C) Feeds: having healthy Rabbits goes beyond housing them in a nice structure. You need to understand their basic feed requirement. Your feed should be 70% greens and 30% concentrate if you're to have a good d healthy Rabbits.
D) Knowledge: Knowledge is power, you need every little knowledge you can gain. Do not hesitate to learn from people who are more ẹ experience than you in this field, learn new method of creating feeds that will fit your needs, learn more on how to market your
rabbit using both offline and online strategy, attend seminars that will benefits you.
4) You will spend money: do not be deceive if anyone tells you no amount is required. You will spend money even though it might be little. Be ready to spend for an unforseen circumstance.
5) Medication: you really need to ask yourself are you going into organic rabbit farming system or otherwise. There are natural ways to prevent and treat disease outbreak in rabbits, but if you're not the patient type, do not hesitate to get the necessary drugs when necessary.
Ensure you have at least one vet doctor close by in case situations out of hand.